Christmas in Camelot

Review by Booklist Review

Gr. 2-5. Although not a numbered volume in the Magic Tree House series, this adventure features young Annie and Jack on a return trip to Camelot. There they journey into the Otherworld to save Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, and Sir Percival and to lift Mordred's evil spell from the kingdom. Osborne introduces young readers to two of the most venerable conventions of fantasy: a rhyming riddle that must be solved and magical objects (whose legendary origins are described in a fine author's note) that help the children complete their quest. Despite a series of trials, the children's triumph seems to come easily. The print is fairly large, the text lively, and appealing illustrations appear every few pages. This is longer than the early Magic Tree House books, but children who have read the entire series are probably ready for somewhat longer chapter books by now. --Carolyn Phelan

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

What could be more exciting than a Christmas Eve quest back in the time of King Arthur? Young listeners are swept into historical fantasy as author Mary Pope Osborne reads her own bestselling works on the audiobook Christmas in Camelot, which includes the Magic Tree House titles Christmas in Camelot and Magic Tree House Research Guide #2: Knights and Castles. ( Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Review by School Library Journal Review

Gr 2-4-Fans of the popular series will revel in this adventure that sends Jack and Annie back to the court of King Arthur at a very subdued holiday feast, where they eagerly accept a quest to protect the kingdom from an evil spell, proving once again that children can save the day. © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Review by Horn Book Review

When the magic tree house takes them to Camelot, Jack and Annie find a downtrodden King Arthur and a joyless court. In an attempt to save the realm, the two children accept a quest to journey to the Otherworld to find the Water of Memory and Imagination. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with this story, which is illustrated with black-and-white artwork and filled with magic and adventure. From HORN BOOK Spring 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Sunlight had faded from the late-afternoon sky. Puffy snow clouds were moving in. "Let's hurry. I'm cold," said Jack. He and Annie were walking home from school. Their Christmas vacation was just beginning. Cooo-cooo. "Wait, " said Annie. "Look." She pointed to a white bird sitting on a bare tree branch at the edge of the woods. The bird was staring straight at them. "It's a dove," said Jack. "It's a messenger," said Annie, "from Morgan." "No," Jack said, afraid to get his hopes up. They hadn't seen Morgan le Fay in a long time. He really missed her. "Yes, " said Annie. "She has a mission for us. I can feel it." In the hush of the cold twilight, the dove spread its wings and flew into the Frog Creek woods. backl" "Come on!" said Annie. "The tree house is "You're just hoping!" said Jack. "I'm knowing!" said Annie. She ran into the woods, following the white dove. "Oh, brother," said Jack. But he took off after Annie. Even in the growing darkness, they easily found their way. They zigzagged between the bare trees and ran over the frozen ground until they came to the tallest oak in the woods. "See?" said Annie', pointing to the top of the tree. "Yeah, " whispered Jack. There it was: the magic tree house. "Morgan!" shouted Annie. Jack held his breath, waiting to see the enchantress at the tree house window. But Morgan did not appear. Annie grabbed the rope ladder and started up. Jack followed. When they climbed inside the tree house, Jack saw something lying on the floor. It was a scroll, rolled up and tied with a red velvet ribbon. Jack picked up the scroll and unrolled it. The thick, yellowed paper shimmered with large gold writing. "Wow, Morgan sent us a really fancy note," said Annie. "It's an invitation, " said Jack. "Listen." "Christmas in Camelot!" said Annie. "I don't believe it!" "Cool" whispered Jack. He pictured a beautiful, glowing castle lit with candles and filled with knights and ladies feasting and singing. "We're going to celebrate Christmas with Morgan and King Arthur!" said Annie. "And Queen Guinevere!" "Yeah, said Jack. "And the Knights of the Round Table, like Sir Lancelot!" "Let's go!" said Annie. "Where's the book?" She and Jack looked around the tree house for a book about Camelot. The only book they saw was the Pennsylvania book that always brought them home. "That's strange," said Jack. "Morgan didn't send a book about Camelot with the Royal Invitation. How does she expect us to get there?" "I don't know, " said Annie. "Maybe she forgot." Jack picked up the invitation. He read it again. He turned it over, hoping to find more information. The back of the scroll was blank. He handed the invitation to Annie. "She must have forgotten," he said. "Darn," said Annie, staring at the gold writing. "I really wish we could go to Camelot." The tree branches rustled. The wind began to blow. "What's happening?" said Jack. "I don't know-" said Annie. "Wait a minute," said Jack. "You were holding the invitation, and you made a wish. The wind blew harder. "That must have made the magic work!" cried Annie. Jack felt a surge of joy. "We're going to Camelot!" he said. The tree house started to spin. It spun faster and faster. Then everything was still. Absolutely still. Excerpted from Christmas in Camelot by Mary Pope Osborne All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

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