Tormenta de nieve en luna azul

Magic Tree House "Merlin Missions" #8

by Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator), Lectorum Publications (Editor)

In this exciting new Merlin Mission, Jack and Annie go back in time to New York City, during one of the darkest periods in the city's history--the Great Depression. Even worse, the city is in the grip of a terrible snowstorm. To stop the blizzard, Jack and Annie must save a mysterious unicorn. But will that be enough to help a city that faces so many troubles?

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Chapter Books, Middle Grade

164 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Mary Pope Osborne is an American author of children's books and audiobook narrator. She is best known as the author of the Magic Tree House series, which as of 2017 sold more than 134 million copies worldwide. Both the series and Osborne have won awards, including for Osborne's charitable efforts at promoting children's literacy. One of four children, Osborne moved around in her childhood before attending the University of North Carolina. Following college, Osborne traveled before moving to New York City. She somewhat spontaneously began to write, and her first book was published in 1982. She went on to write a variety of other children's and young adult books before starting the Magic Tree House series in 1992. Osborne's sister Natalie Pope Boyce has written several compendium books to the Magic Tree House series, sometimes with Osborne's husband Will Osborne.

Reviews

[sabrina ✨]

I'm crying in the club this book was my fave part of my childhood

[Vivaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it's about magic and mystery. My favourite character in this book is Dianthus. I liked the part where the wizard give Annie and Jack the wand of Dianthus because they did a great job in finding the unicorn. They had amazing rhymes and it seemed like it was almost real. It reminds me of the dreams I have, and they are as wonderful as this. The mysterious painting, the people were nice. I really would like to read many books from this series as it seems mysterious and detailed. I also can learn about various things from the book.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book club book. It was the second Magic Tree House book that I've read. It has been my favorite so far. It is my favorite because it takes place in New York and is about a Unicorn. My favorite part was when Jack and Annie turned Baylor and Grinda into ducks. They did it by using one of their riddles. The Unicorn is smart and cute. Annie loves the Unicorn. I love the Unicorn too.

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word. Favorite. This is one of my favorites from the MTH series! So awesome and the wand of Dianthus! Ah!

[Book2Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this gem in a sidewalk library in my neighborhood. Had to take it home because it had Unicorn in the title. I loved this book. It was an absolute pleasure to read, and I am hooked now. There is an entire series of more than 37 books; and history is woven in. There are also challenges at the end to encourage learning (as fun). Teachers and parents say their kids learned to love reading and improved in school by reading these books. I can see why.
No need to read them in order. It is a tale of 2 children who are given missions to historic times from classic, literary figures. Just enough suspense to make it fun. Wonderful illustrations. Highly recommended.

[sarah eli]

"we're having seriously rotten luck, and i think i'm starting to get frostbite"

cheers i'll drink to that bro

[Maya Orama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing ! This story was About a boy and girl that are brother and sister. Their names are Jack and Annie. Morgan and Merlin gave Jack and Annie a mission to complete so they can be master librarians. Jack and and Annie woke up early in the morning. Jack went downstairs with Annie and saw their saw their dad downstairs as well. He gave them hot chocolate. When they finished drinking it, they said goodbye to their dad and went outside in frog creek woods to the tree house. Morgan left a note on the floor. It said that they need to find a unicorn book in the city of New York. They both wished that they can. Go there. The tree house spun and spun until it stopped. They perched upon a oak tree. Hey both went in to a library, and fond the book. It was called unicorns. But, on the back of the note that Morgan gave them, she said to go to a museum and look for a unicorn dummy. So, they both went into the museum and asked a man if he knows where a unicorn dummy is. He led them to where the fake unicorn was. So, Teddy appeared out of no where. He said that he will turn the unicorn real with his magic. He turned the fame into a real unicorn! Jack and Annie we're excited, and asked to ride on it. Teddy said ok. So Teddy, Annie, and Jack where riding on the unicorn. Jack and Annie needed to go home soon, so Teddy dropped them off at the oak tree. Annie and Jack put the unicorn book that they collected into their collection of objects that they found on other missions. They went in the tree house, then went home. THE END

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well - my grandson struck again. He read this book on one day and then re-read it the next day. Then he told me to read it. So of course I did -- for several reasons. First he asked me to do so. Second, I support any child's desire to read and do so without any reservation. Third, I seem to remember getting two books for Christmas the year before I went to first grade - Heidi and Five Little Peppers and How They Grew. I read both immediately and then read them again and again. Thus started a lifetime of reading as much as I could whenever I could. Seems as though the gene has not died out and that we have another reader in the family. I certainly support that!
P.S. I enjoyed the book, too.

[Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read this book I went on to Google and looked up the A train and saw the different lines and that it had stops by Central Park. Then I looked up the Cloisters and saw a picture of the captured unicorn.
It was a great book! The cover of the book is cool too! Oh, I also learned what a blue moon means :)

[Alicia Samson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. It was nice to read a book that I liked as a kid. In this book Jack and
Annie are sent on a mission to find a unicorn that is disguised in public. The unicorn is in New York city during the Great Depression. Their mission is made complicated by a blizzard that comes into New York. I would recommend this book to chilren and adults.

[Isabella]

I think this book is pretty good. The author Mary Pope Osborne added a lot of small details which I thought was really nice to read. The first time I read this book (3 years ago) I thought is was really adventurous. I would recommend this book to year 3 or 4.

[Amieer Ayyad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about these two kids named Jack and Annie and they have this magic tree house that takes them to a whole anther. I like this book because it good and funny.I recommend this book to my mom because she likes adventure books.

[Els · Rating 2 out of 5]

My little cousins had me read this to them... *cringe*

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack & Annie visit New York City during the Great Depression (1938) to find . . . a unicorn? In a blizzard? During a full moon? Sure, that tracks, I guess.

[Precious Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blizzard of the Blue Moon is one of the many books by Mary Pope Osborne from her top-selling chapter book series, Magic Tree House. This book, however, is part of the Magic Tree House Merlin Mission book series, which means that it is quite long compared to Osborne’s other books and involves a more challenging adventure for its main characters, Jack and Annie Smith. The book has 116 pages and was published on September 26, 2006.

Just like other Magic Tree House books, the story starts with Jack and Annie realizing that the magical treehouse is back in the forest, which means that they are going on another adventure. This time, they go to New York City during the Great Depression of the 1930s to save a unicorn named Dianthus who is trapped inside a tapestry after being placed under a spell. Using the poem given to them by Merlin the magician, they have to learn where to find Dianthus as well as how to save him from being trapped forever and losing his magic. Due to a series of events, they find themselves at The Cloisters, where they not only find Dianthus but also apprentices of the Dark Wizard named Balor and Grinda who are also looking for Dianthus in order to keep the unicorn’s magic for themselves. Thus, Jack and Annie try to find a way to save Dianthus from the apprentices.

One of the things that I have realized from reading this book is that our struggles are for a good purpose and will be worth it in the end. When Jack and Annie first arrived in New York, they were already faced with unwelcoming snow. On top of that, they arrived at Central Park which is one of the largest parks in the city. It becomes no surprise that they were going around in circles with the unpleasant weather and endless park. As they found their way out of the park, they were aiming to go to the Bronx Zoo, as this was where they believed Dianthus the unicorn would be. However, they discovered that they had to take a subway to get there, and this led to them stopping at the wrong place after a woman misled them to do so. Thus, they decided to take a taxi instead, but this taxi became stuck in the snow. Therefore, the taxi driver told them to get off of the cab if they since the taxi would not be moving any time soon. Nevertheless, all of these seemingly unfortunate events combined led them to The Cloisters, which was where they should have been all along.

As we discover this, we realize that Jack and Annie's struggles were all for a good purpose. Towards the end of the book, we learn that the woman who misled them at the subway and the taxi driver who told them to get off of the cab were Kathleen and Teddy, the two young sorcerers who were tasked to help Jack and Annie on their journey. Their struggles were also worth it in the end because they were able to save Dianthus from being trapped and losing his magic forever. They also prevented the Dark Wizard’s apprentices from stealing Dianthus and his magic.

Additionally, one of the parts that struck me the most was when Dianthus was passing through the roads and was using his horn to make the snowfall calmer. As he passed by, the people who watched him were noticeably livelier and happier despite it being the Great Depression. This showed me that maybe all the people needed during that time was a sign of hope and a little “magic” so that they could overcome their struggles at that time.

Reading books like Blizzard of the Blue Moon allows one to combine fictional events with reality and to enhance one’s imagination. Magic Tree House books have always sparked my interest in reading, as they helped me understand real-life events from a unique perspective. However, this book leaned more towards the fictional side of things by focusing on the main characters trying to save a unicorn rather than that of the Great Depression. Thus, I rated the book a 4 because I was hoping to read more about the severity of the situation of people as part of the story instead of it being stated as “additional facts” or extra information. However, if you love to read fictional books that have a pinch of real-life history, I would definitely recommend this book.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book by one of my congregants recently after I took the youth group to the Met Cloisters which features prominently in this book.

I remember reading parts of this series when I was younger and they are pretty much made for a kid like me who was really interested in history. Essentially these two kids are enabled, via a magic tree house empowered by Morgan La Fey and Merlin, to travel through time to solve mysteries or go on adventures. In this one they are sent back to Depression Era New York to rescue the unicorn from the famous tapestry in the Cloisters before time ran out. Standard story, very kid-dialogue heavy, for an adult it can be fun, but gets grating. But it isn't for adults, so that's okay.

From a kid's perspective it is enjoyable, but the narrative was a little meandering and I can imagine kids having trouble tracking the narrative, because they move throughout most of Midtown and Uptown Manhattan here. And if kids aren't familiar, which most of them won't be, it might confuse them. But the story is engaging enough that they probably won't care because they will just want to see the cool unicorn on the cover (the cover of the copy I was given is holographic, awesome.)

Overall, cute kids story, but probably not the best this series has.

[agnes ୨୧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

im definitely biased but this was my fave book in the series when i was younger and i still love it too this day 💗 kind of crazy how short of a book this is though, it felt way longer when i was like 8

[Michelle Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this series taught me empathy when I was little

[Aneesa]

Mama always has another library book up her sleeve.

[Emma Barge · Rating 3 out of 5]

lol read this with my kids at school but it counts!

[Logan Beltzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was good, havent read one of these since i was little

[Davy · Rating 5 out of 5]

SSR Project

By: Davy Boyd

In the past I never like to read and now I like it a little more now. I not like it because I have better thing to do like homework, and other thing to. What I like to read Magic treehouse, and Diary of a Wimpy Kids because they’re funny. I picked this book because I like funny books and adventure books. I expected to be a adventure, mystery, funny book. It was all of these thing. What I most enjoyed about the book was when Jack and Anna returned Dianthus to Merlin. Because they had to solve a rhyme and find the unicorn and free him before the bad people get to him first.

Even though I liked most of the book I really disliked the pictures were not in colors. Every ten pages there were pictures and it would have being better in color. I think it would be better because it would be better to see the clothes in color. Another thing I disliked was hint for the unicorn’s name was a little hard to get. The hint was old latin for Dianthus. This made the book worse because Jack and Anna didn’t get the hint and were going to the wrong place but eventually got back on track. Those things didn’t change my opinion because I like the book series.

Something I liked is funny. An example of this is the bad people were turned in to ducks and flew south for the winter. This made the book better because it is so serious and the little things of funness to relieve seriousness. Something I liked is the adventure. An example of this is the search for for a lost pet unicorn. This made the book better because it draws a attention and to make it more exciting. Overall these things made me feel the book another good book in the series.

Another reason I liked the book was realistic. It had to do with new york during the Great Depression. All the shops were closed and there were people stand around a fire barrel. Another reason I liked the book was main characters. It had to do with Jack: A smart kid and likes to read and going on adventures. Anna: a girl who loves animals and her brother and going on adventures. The main characters are in all the books and I enjoy the main characters in the book is funny.

People who have a short attention span. It is a short read for people and it is easy for reading. Because if they like to read a adventure book they should read this book series. Thats why is it is a good book series.

[Brandalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8 year old son gives this book 5 stars! He loved it.

Here are his thoughts about this book:

"This book is mostly about how Jack and Annie go back in time to fix something. The main problem was finding the unicorn because they needed the unicorn horn."

"This story takes place in New York. This is probably my favorite Magic Treehouse book. I liked this book from the very beginning. I really like that they used the last of their spells and that they got a new magic wand and that they turned the bad spies in to ducks."

"My favorite part is when Jack and Annie found out the bad guys were NOT the good guys. I liked their reaction."

"Jack is kind of a sensitive boy. He really cares about his sister. He is really nice and he is not good at poems"

"Annie is a lot like Jack. Annie is crafty, good at poems, and good at solving mysteries."

"There are two villains in this book. They are evil spies."

"I would maybe like to be a character in this story. I would like to be Jack or Merlin."

"Some of the problems of this book were solved but not all of them. I think that any of the problems that were not solved in this book might be solved in another book."

"If I were the author of this book I would change one thing. I would reveal who the taxi driver is. It would be cool to know."

"What I learned from this book is that Jack and Annie are good teammates and get along a lot. It is good because if they don't get along then basically the story is ruined and the problems don't get solved. "

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Annie are about to begin another adventure. This time, Merlin wants them to prove they can use their magic wisely. He is going to send them to real times and real places in history. They always get help from two young sorcerers Teddy and Kathleen. Jack and Annie love climbing into their tree house and getting their next mission. But they must wait for the magical tree house to appear. They hope it’s somewhere fun! Annie rushes in and tells Jack the tree house is back! Jack grabs his backpack and the Magic Rhymes book and off they go. It’s a cold November night rush to the tree house. There they find a book and scroll of parchment paper with a note and poem on it. Jack and Annie must decipher the poem in order to accomplish their mission. Using their book of magical rhymes to help them along the way, they discover many sights. They are transported to New York in 1938 during the depression. Jack and Annie must save the Unicorn that is in captivity before the evil Gilda and Balor take him back to their evil wizard. Throughout their adventure in New York, Annie and Jack visit Central Park on a cold snowy night, the Belvedere Castle, the Bronx Zoo, and the Cloisters of the Metropolitan Museum. They must learn to navigate the streets of New York where people and businesses are suffering during the Depression. Using their rhyme book and working together, Jack and Annie defeat Gilda and Balor and save the unicorn.

[Rick Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a surprise this turned out to be! For the first time in this series (36 books in!) we've got a pair of recurring villains! And an actual fight scene! No, really. Okay, so no punches are thrown, but Jack and Annie actually get into a brawl of sorts with a pair of evil wizard apprentices.

This was on top of what was already a really interesting mission, sending the kids to New York City in the 1930s to free a unicorn from a spell in the midst of a raging blizzard. The New York landmarks are lovingly described (and beautifully illustrated by artist Sal Murdocca).

A number of plotlines spanning the previous three books are resolved, and there is a really tender scene involving Jack choosing to use one of their magical rhymes.

The unicorn is loads of fun too, and a few plot items that seemed a bit too convenient get nicely wrapped up in a final twist.

Best book I've read in this series so far. My only word of caution would be that this is probably not the best starting point. I'd at least recommend reading a couple of the books that lead directly up to this one (I'd read #'s 33 and 35, plus lots of the earlier ones).

The Kiddo really enjoyed this one too, especially the payoff on a magic rhyme that had been teased through this whole story arc.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic series. My daughter LOVES these. It combines adventure with real events in history. The series is about a brother and sister team - 8 year old Annie and 9 year old Jack - that discover a magic treehouse that transports them to different places around the globe during different times in history where they have adventures while trying to solve a mystery or find a clue for the owner of the treehouse. They are a lot of fun, and teach some history at the same time.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

We LOVE Magic Treehouse books! This is the FIRST MT one I read out loud to Levi....

[Edie P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book! I have read it at least 5 times! I know, you might think I'm crazy. I usually give MTH 4 stars but this time 5. I hope whoever reads this report reads the book and likes it! It was such a good book!

[Robbie Bashore]

We started reading this, then misplaced it. Will be interesting to see how long it takes to find it again!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the magic treehouse series, not only in Merlin Missions, Jack and Annie find a magic treehouse. They soon discovered that in the magic treehouse there were lots of books and when they point to a picture in the book and make a wish the magic treehouse magically just transports them there! They soon learned that this magic treehouse belongs to Morgan Le Fay from Camelot. Jack and Annie have helped Morgan with a humongous amount of things by going on missions in all places and time periods with the help of the magic treehouse. However in Merlin Missions it is not however Morgan that sends them on the missions. It is Merlin. A fantastic magician. During Merlin Missions Jack and Annie make two friends named Teddy and Kathleen. On these four missions however their friends are not going to be with them because Merlin wants to know if they can properly handle magic. Teddy and Kathleen gave them a book with ten magic rhymes inside to use on four missions. Each rhyme can only be used once. They already went on three missions and used seven rhymes. This is their last mission to prove they can handle magic, and they have three magic rhymes left to use.

In this book as usual they visit the magic treehouse, and discover it is back. Jack and Annie climb into the treehouse ready for another mission. This mission says that they must find a unicorn hidden very well in New York City! Jack and Annie were excited to visit New York City so they made a wish and appeared in New York City. The place their mission is to taking place. At first, they didn’t know what to do. They decided to ask someone if there was a unicorn on display somewhere. However they didn’t find anyone until they came to a man named Mr. Perks. He said that the only place would be the zoo. He also said that there was going to be a terrible blizzard! What if Jack and Annie get caught in the blizzard? Anyway when Jack and Annie were walking they also saw a boy and a girl following them. They were assuming they were Teddy and Kathleen. Their friends were not allowed to be with them in their mission but they were allowed to secretly help them in disguises. After a little help from random people Jack and Annie managed to get on a subway car to the zoo. They told a young girl their stop and the young girl soon told them it was their turn to get off the stop. They soon figured out that the young girl gave them the wrong stop! They need to get to the zoo though! Jack and Annie decided to catch a taxi to the zoo. But then the taxi got stuck because of the warning of the blizzard. The thing they didn’t know was that they had to find the unicorn fast and the unicorn was not in the zoo. They had to find the unicorn fast because the boy and girl that were following them earlier are not their friends, Teddy and Kathleen. In fact they are also after the unicorn for the Dark Wizard. He is very evil. How are Jack and Annie going to find a unicorn before them in big New York City? To make things worse, it is hidden very well. To make things even worse, as you know the two kids are also after the unicorn and it is possible that they might have a big fight on who’s going to keep the unicorn! If the boy and the girl keep it, it will belong to the Dark Wizard, but if Jack and Annie keep it, it will belong to Merlin which is where it is supposed to belong. Will Jack and Annie complete the mission and prove they can use magic wisely? Will they even survive the blizzard coming?