Customer Reviews

Magic Tree House Boxed Set, Books 1-28

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The Magic Tree House series turned my unenthusiastic grandson into a book lover. Having trouble finding books he'd actually sit down and read, I bought a couple of these titles at his school's book fair. He picked one up that afternoon, and didn't come out of his room until dinner time, and then went back in his room to finish the book. Read a whole book in one day. Now, he does it all the time! He loves this series, and it has made him a fan of many other types of books, as well. He now loves to read. He even picks up the encyclopedia and reads it!

My preschooler loved Books 1-4 which I read aloud to her [sound effects and all!], and I decided getting the boxed set of Magic Tree House Vols 1-28 would be a worthwhile investment, as I can envision her 'growing' with this series and hopefully reading the books by herself someday. The books should preferably be read in order so getting the boxed set precludes having to hunt around for the various titles in the series. I love the fold-out poster that comes with this boxed set which consists of a timeline describing Jack and Annie, our intrepid explorer siblings' adventures through the ages, and a map of the world. These books are not just a fun way of inculcating a love for reading in children, but also a love for history!

A must-have for any child who wants to read the Magic Tree House Series in order (and there is a serial element to the books, so it's indeed helpful). The value is amazing, but the absolute best part is the fold-out poster that's included. On one side is a timeline to follow the historical periods of Jack and Annie's adventures; the other side is a world map where the setting of each book is labelled.My seven-year-old has not only gained a love of reading from these books, but she's also learned about historical events all over the globe.

We gave Magic Tree House every opportunity to win us over. I even had a dedicated shelf for MTH in my kids' room. We stuck it out for about a year, but nobody really liked these books. Not even me. Some negatives:


o The books are uninteresting. Very little happens in the way of plot.
o The books (particularly the higher-numbered books) seem to serve as a vehicle for eat-your-vegetables-save-the-planet-live-in-harmony-with-the-zodiac type sermons to kids. Blah.
o There's too much narration in the books.
o Jack and Annie aren't beloved (or belovable) characters.

Worst of all -- It is a torment to read them out loud because of the back and forth conversational doldrums. Jack said... Annie said... Jack said... Then Annie said... Jack said... Annie asked... Jack said... Annie said... (yawn yawnitty yawn)

These books are valuable in one sense -- they are informative about other times and places -- the settings are interesting. But the settings alone don't make up for the dippy story lines and poor story telling.

Magic Tree House gets pushed hard by some kindergarten and first-grade teachers as good books for boys. Bookstore clerks also take the easy way out and push Magic Tree House. In my opinion (as a reader and a Mom of boys), there are better ways to bridge your child from step books to chapter books.

Try Roscoe Riley Rules or Geronimo Stilton -- both are much more entertaining.

This came exactly as pictured, it is a boxed set of books. My kid LOVES this series! It has short chapters, and is easy to read. He is only 5 1/2 and can read 90% of the book. Anything that makes my son WANT to read is a good buy, and since there are 28 books in this box, he is going to be reading for awhile! Thanks.

My 5 year old boy loves these books and we continue to purchase the set. He looks forward to reading 4 chapters with me every night (we can only read that many chapters because of all the questions he asks about the topics covered in the books!) We have just purchased some of the research books as well....a great series for little ones.

Can't believe the price for what you get! Better than scholastic book pricing. My children (ages 5 to 10 boys and girls) all love them! I enjoyed listening to the audio CD as a family. Definately reccomend.

My 6 year old daughter LOVES these books and buying them in a set is far more cost-effective than buying them one by one. It also helps keep the books together and she shows them off to all her friends. I recommend the box set if you have an avid reader.

My daughter is 5 and we read the books together. She loves the adventures and is looking forward to being able to read these herself. I will definately purchase the next set of books in the series.

Great purchase! My grandsons look forward to hearing a chapter every night before bedtime.