It was a staple at Scholastic book fairs with its eye-catching borders and enticing illustrations. Reading the Magic Tree House books in order was also a gateway for many young readers into the fantasy genre.
There is an irresistible pull of magic and myth, history and mystery in this series. With Jack and Annie’s global adventures, and celestial, it may have also inspired a generation of travelers.
Whether you’re looking to pass on this tradition to the next generation, or take a walk down memory lane yourself, keep reading to find out more about all the Magic Tree House books in order.
About the Magic Tree House
If you first read these books in the 1990s and 2000s, the series may look a little bit different now. That’s because in 2017 it underwent a rebrand that involved dividing the Magic Tree House books.
This rebrand separated what is now the Merlin Missions into an independent series. This series begins with Christmas in Camelot, although obviously you may find old editions with the original numbering. Merlin Missions targets a higher reading level with the books being longer and having a smaller print than the Magic Tree House main series.
The intention has always been for the characters and world to grow with readers as they age and find themselves looking for more challenging chapter books.
The Magic Tree House books have sold more than 134 million copies and are available in more than 30 countries in a variety of translations. In addition to being fun adventures involving magic, the books also contain fascinating history and facts on a variety of subjects. Further to this point is the Fact Checker non-fiction complimentary series.
The series itself is very family-oriented with siblings Jack and Annie discovering the Magic Tree House and their ensuing adventures through space and time, but the creation of the series is also a family affair.
Author Mary Pope Osborne works closely with both her husband and sister. Mary Pope Osborne and her sister, Natalie Pope Boyce, acquired their sense of adventure throughout their childhood, which involved many moves due to their father’s job. The places they lived and visited have heavily impacted their books.
While Mary Pope Osborne wrote with her husband Will Osborne for the first eight Fact Tracker books, her sister then joined her and has co-written the subsequent books in the series. The illustrators for the books are Sal Murdocca and AG Ford.
Magic Tree House Books in Order
Primary Magic Tree House Books
It is relatively easy to read the Magic Tree House books in order as the series is numbered, although you may run into some issues if you find older editions from before the rebrand. While it is not necessary to read the books in order, doing so does create a special connection with the books and characters.
Each book does contain a standalone adventure, but it is highly recommended to begin with the first novel of the series: Dinosaurs Before Dark. That is because this book includes the memorable scene when Jack and Annie first discover the Magic Tree House.
Finally, there are different titles for some of the books, depending on the country of publication. Where this is applicable the titles are alongside one another.
- Dinosaurs Before Dark / Valley of the Dinosaurs (1992)
- The Knight at Dawn / Castle of Mystery (1993)
- Mummies in the Morning / Secret of the Pyramid (1993)
- Pirates Past Noon / Pirates’ Treasure! (1994)
- Night of the Ninjas (1995)
- Afternoon on the Amazon (1995)
- Sunset of the Sabertooth / Mammoth to the Rescue (1996)
- Midnight on the Moon / Moon Mission! (1996)
- Dolphins at Daybreak (1996)
- Ghost Town at Sundown / A Wild West Ride (1997)
- Lions at Lunchtime / Lions on the Loose (1998)
- Polar Bears Past Bedtime / Icy Escape! (1998)
- Vacation Under the Volcano / Racing with Gladiators (1998)
- Day of the Dragon King / Palace of the Dragon King (1998)
- Viking Ships at Sunrise / Voyage of the Vikings (1998)
- Hour of the Olympics (1998)
- Tonight on the Titanic (1999)
- Buffalo Before Breakfast (1999)
- Tigers at Twilight (1999)
- Dingoes at Dinnertime (2000)
- Civil War on Sunday (2000)
- Revolutionary War on Wednesday (2000)
- Twister on Tuesday (2001)
- Earthquake in the Early Morning (2001)
- Stage Fright on a Summer Night (2002)
- Good Morning, Gorillas (2002)
- Thanksgiving on Thursday (2002)
- High Tide in Hawaii (2003)
- A Big Day for Baseball (2017)
- Hurricane Heroes in Texas (2018)
- Warriors in Winter (2019)
- To the Future, Ben Franklin! (2019)
- Narwhal on a Sunny Night (2020)
- Late Lunch with Llamas (2020)
- Camp Time in California (2021)
- Sunlight on the Snow Leopard (2022)
- Rhinos at Recess (2023)
- Time of the Turtle King (2023)
- Windy Night with Wild Horses (Expected: May 7, 2024)
Magic Tree House Merlin Missions Books
Again, if you first read these books 20 or 30 years ago, you may remember Christmas in Camelot being part of the main series. As part of the rebrand in 2017, this book then became the first book in a “new” series: Merlin Missions.
These books are everything you know and love from the original series, but have more challenging adventures for an experienced reader. The novels are longer chapter books that are perfect for a reader looking to take the next step with their reading difficulty level.
- Christmas in Camelot (2001)
- Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve (2003)
- Summer of the Sea Serpent (2004)
- Winter of the Ice Wizard (2004)
- Carnival at Candlelight (2004)
- Seasons of the Sandstorms (2005)
- Night of the New Magicians (2006)
- Blizzard of the Blue Moon (2006)
- Dragon of the Red Dawn (2007)
- Monday with a Mad Genius (2007)
- Dark Day in the Deep Sea (2008)
- Eve of the Emperor Penguin (2008)
- Moonlight on the Magic Flute (2009)
- A Good Night for Ghosts (2009)
- Leprechaun in Late Winter (2010)
- A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time (2010)
- A Crazy Day with Cobras (2010)
- Dogs in the Dead of Night (2011)
- Abe Lincoln At Last! (2011)
- A Perfect Time for Pandas (2012)
- Stallion by Starlight (2013)
- Hurry Up, Houdini! (2013)
- High Time for Heroes (2014)
- Soccer on Sunday (2014)
- Shadow of the Shark (2015)
- Balto of the Blue Dawn (2016)
- Night of the Ninth Dragon (2016)
Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Books
Next in our list of Magic Tree House books in order is the Fact Tracker books. You may better recognize this series by its previous name: Research Guides. These are non-fiction supplemental guides that compliment the setting and scenery of the Magic Tree House and Merlin Missions books.
Will Osborne and Mary Pope Osborne co-wrote the first eight books in the series, then Natalie Pope Boyce joined her sister for the publication of the ninth and all subsequent books.
Natalie Pope Boyce has said that writing Dolphins and Sharks reminded her heavily of their childhood home on the ocean in Virginia where they could see the dolphins in the water.
- Dinosaurs (2000)
- Knights and Castles (2000)
- Mummies and Pyramids (2001)
- Pirates (2001)
- Rain Forests (2001)
- Space (2002)
- Titanic (2002)
- Twisters and Other Terrible Storms (2003)
- Dolphins and Sharks (2003)
- Ancient Greece and the Olympics (2004)
- American Revolution (2004)
- Sabertooths and the Ice Age (2005)
- Pilgrims (2005)
- Ancient Rome and Pompeii (2006)
- Tsunamis and Other Natural Disasters (2007)
- Polar Bears and the Arctic (2007)
- Sea Monsters (2008)
- Penguins and Antarctica (2008)
- Leonardo da Vinci (2009)
- Ghosts (2009)
- Leprechauns and Irish Folklore (2010)
- Rags and Riches: Kids in the Time of Charles Dickens (2010)
- Snakes and Other Reptiles (2011)
- Dog Heroes (2011)
- Abraham Lincoln (2011)
- Pandas and Other Endangered Species (2012)
- Horse Heroes (2013)
- Heroes for All Times (2013)
- Soccer (2014)
- Ninjas and Samurai (2014)
- China: Land of the Emperor’s Great Wall (2014)
- Sharks and Other Predators (2015)
- Vikings (2015)
- Dogsledding and Extreme Sports (2016)
- Dragons and Mythical Creatures (2016)
- World War II (2017)
- Baseball (2017)
- Wild West (2018)
- Texas (2018)
- Warriors (2019)
- Benjamin Franklin (2019)
- Narwhals and Other Whales (2020)
- Llamas and the Andes (2020)
Magic Tree House Super Edition
There is only one Magic Tree House Super Edition book and it takes place during the Second World War. It is described as Jack and Annie’s most dangerous mission as they attempt to make a difference during one of the darkest times in history: They find themselves behind enemy lines on June 5, 1944. It is also a longer story with additional facts and photographs.
Magic Tree House Non-Fiction Books
This list of half a dozen titles is perfect for any Magic Tree House super fan. The books are all non-fiction supplemental books that are immersive and complimentary to the world, while offering interactive activities for readers.
- Games and Puzzles from the Tree House (2010)
- Magic Tricks from the Tree House (2013)
- My Magic Tree House Journal (2014)
- Magic Tree House Survival Guide (2014)
- Animal Games and Puzzles (2015)
- Magic Tree House Incredible Fact Book (2016)
Magic Tree House Graphic Novels
Finally, the most recent new venture for the Magic Tree House series is graphic novels. The first three books have already been adapted for this new format, with the next installment forthcoming.
- Dinosaurs Before Dark (2021)
- The Knight at Dawn (2021)
- Mummies in the Morning (2022)
- Pirates Past Noon (2022)
- Night of the Ninjas (2023)
- Afternoon on the Amazon (Expected: March 26, 2024)
- Sunset of the Sabertooth (Expected: September 3, 2024)
A Summary of the Magic Tree House Books in Order
While you don’t have to read the Magic Tree House books in order, it is a very easy way to ensure you are joining Jack and Annie for each and every adventure. For that reason, below you will find summaries for the first 15 Magic Tree House books.
1. Dinosaurs Before Dark
Where do you start but at the very beginning? Reading the Magic Tree House books in order is no different.
Where did the tree house come from?
Before Jack and Annie can find out, the mysterious tree house whisks them to the prehistoric past. Now they have to figure out how to get home. Can they do it before dark…or will they become a dinosaur’s dinner?
Dinosaurs Before Dark also is published as Valley of the Dinosaurs.
2. The Knight at Dawn
A castle with a secret passage! That’s what Jack and Annie find when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the Middle Ages for another wild adventure. In the Great Hall of the castle, a feast is under way. But Jack and Annie aren’t exactly welcome guests!
The Knight at Dawn is also published as Castle of Mystery.
3. Mummies in the Morning
Jack and Annie don’t need another mummy. But that’s what they get when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to ancient Egypt.
There they meet a long-dead queen who needs their help. But will Jack and Annie be able to solve the puzzle, or will they end up as mummies themselves?
Mummies in the Morning is also published as Secret of the Pyramid.
4. Pirates Past Noon
It’s a treasure trove of trouble! Jack and Annie are in for a high-seas adventure when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the days of deserted islands, secret maps — and ruthless pirates!
But will they discover a buried treasure? Or will they be forced to walk the plank?
Pirates Past Noon is also published as Pirates’ Treasure!
5. Night of the Ninjas
Have you ever met a real live ninja? Jack and Annie do when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to ancient Japan, where they find themselves in the cave of a ninja master.
While there will they learn the secrets of the ninja? Or will the evil samurai warriors get them first?
6. Afternoon on the Amazon
Vampire bats and killer ants? That’s what Jack and Annie are about to run into when the Magic Tree House whisks them away to the Amazon River.
It’s not long before they get hopelessly lost. So, will they be able to find their way back to the tree house? Or are Jack and Annie stuck forever in the rain forest?
7. Sunset of the Sabertooth
The Ice Age is very cool…for two kids in bathing suits! Jack and Annie nearly freeze when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the time of cave people and woolly mammoths. But nothing can stop them from having another wild adventure — not even a saber-toothed tiger!
Sunset of the Sabertooth also is published as Mammoth to the Rescue.
8. Midnight on the Moon
Three…two…one…BLAST OFF!
The Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie off to the moon — and the future. Their mission? To find the last “M” thing that will free Morgan from the spell.
Can they do it before the air in their oxygen tank runs out? Will the mysterious moon man help them? And why is Peanut the mouse acting so strange?
Midnight on the Moon is also published as Moon Mission!
9. Dolphins at Daybreak
It’s sink or swim for Jack and Annie when the Magic Tree House whisks them off to the middle of the ocean. Luckily, they find a mini-submarine on a coral reef. But unluckily, they are about to meet a giant octopus and one very hungry shark.
So, will the dolphins save the day? Or are Jack and Annie doomed to be dinner?
10. Ghost Town at Sundown
Is this town haunted? Jack and Annie wonder when the Magic Tree House whisks them to the Wild West. But before they can say “Boo!” they rush headlong into an adventure filled with horse thieves, a lost colt, rattlesnakes, and a cowboy named Slim.
Will Jack and Annie have time to solve the next Tree House Riddle? The answer may depend on a ghost!
Ghost Town at Sundown is also published as A Wild West Ride.
Don’t miss this exciting story during your read through of the Magic Tree House books in order.
11. Lions at Lunchtime
“Where are the lions?” Jack wonders when the Magic Tree House whisks him and his sister to the vast plains of Africa. Before he can find out, Annie starts to help hundreds of wildebeests cross a rushing river.
Then, they follow a honey of a bird and meet an awesome Masai warrior. Jack hopes any lions will just stay away. But Jack is about to be very disappointed…
Lions at Lunchtime also is published as Lions on the Loose.
12. Polar Bears Past Bedtime
It’s icicle city…when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie to the frozen Arctic. Luckily, a seal hunter on a dogsled lends them warm clothes. But unluckily, they then get stuck on cracking ice.
Will the giant polar bear save them? Or will Jack and Annie become frozen dinners?
Polar Bears Past Bedtime is also published as Ice Escape!
13. Vacation Under the Volcano
Who wants to vacation next to a volcano? Jack and Annie are about to find out when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the days of the Roman Empire.
They arrive in Pompeii and soon discover that it is the very day the city will be destroyed. Now Jack and Annie must race against time to find an ancient library before it is buried in ash!
Vacation Under the Volcano also is published as Racing with Gladiators.
14. Day of the Dragon King
Who would burn books? Jack and Annie find out when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to ancient China.
That is because there, a powerful emperor called the Dragon King has ordered that all books be burned. Will Jack and Annie be able to save at least one book? Or will they be captured by the emperor’s soldiers?
Day of the Dragon King is also published as Palace of the Dragon King.
15. Viking Ships at Sunrise
“Beware of Vikings!” warns Morgan. Then Jack and Annie are whisked back to ancient Ireland. They land on a cliff on a misty island.
But how will they find the story they are looking for? It will take a Viking invasion, the help of a jolly monk, and a lot of courage for Jack and Annie to succeed.
Viking Ships at Sunrise is also published as Voyage of the Vikings.
Conclusion
These books are children’s classics that have withstood the test of time for the last 30 years. Reading the Magic Tree House books in order is a magical adventure that will transport readers from the pages of a book to locations around the world and throughout time. So, join Jack and Annie on an adventure to experience the magic and mystery for yourself.
Looking for more books in order?
Check out this list of the Chronicles of Narnia books in order.
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how much books as of 2023?