Camp Time in California

Magic Tree House #35

by Mary Pope Osborne, A.G. Ford (Illustrator)

The #1 bestselling Magic Tree House series is ready to whisk you away through time with Jack and Annie--this time to the Yosemite National Park!

Jack and his sister, Annie, must go to California! They must look at nature! They must save the wilderness!

Save it from what, exactly? That's what Jack and Annie must find out when the magic tree house lands in the tallest tree on earth. The nature around them is so grand and peaceful--is it really in danger? Two travelers, two sketchbooks, and one grizzly bear will show Jack and Annie that danger isn't always seen with the eyes. Sometimes it's felt with the heart.

Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid?
Magic Tree Perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books
Merlin More challenging adventures for the experienced reader
Fact Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures

If you're looking for Merlin Mission #35: Night of the New Magicians , it was renumbered as part of the rebrand in 2017 as Merlin Mission #7.

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

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

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

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join Jack and Annie in Yosemite National Park as they meet naturalist John Muir. The book is a beautiful tribute to the wonders of nature and the importance of preserving it. The descriptive writing transports readers to the stunning landscapes of California. This book is perfect for young readers who love nature and outdoor adventures. -Teen Volunteer Adhyyan R.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've read some of the Magic Tree House books and, honestly, I don't think most of them are that well written, though they obvious have big-time appeal and I applaud the educational and entertainment value they've provided to so many children. My oldest son enjoys them. I must say, I feel that this latest installment is the most well written I've encountered. It really captures the essence of Yosemite and you feel very much a part of the historic camping trip with Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir that led Roosevelt to declare Yosemite as a National Park. There's also a strong environmental message and this might be a bit much for sensitive youngsters (it mentions "slaughtering" birds for their feathers, animals caught in steel traps, and a very poignant scene where Muir talks about a 1400 year old tree that was cut down for lumber and Annie cries about it because it affects her so deeply). There's also a somewhat scary scene when the children stumble upon a grizzly bear, but fortunately by the end there was a more peaceful scene with the bear where the child come to understand and appreciate it rather than fear it. I'd give this four stars as superior to others in the series that I've read, but it still bothers me greatly that there is no source material provided and I feel this is a huge shortcoming for the entire series. (Indeed, the author includes some direct quotes from Roosevelt and Muir but children would never know this was anything other than the rest of the dialogue in the book! It is important for children to know what is quoted material and what is fictional dialogue created by the author.)

I recommend pairing this with the excellent picture book The Camping Trip That Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Our National Parks.

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish these books had been around when I was a kid. I would have loved them. Actually I still love them.

[Jenny Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this one, Jack and Annie travel back to Yosemite just before it was made a national park and protect a grizzly bear and convince Teddy Roosevelt to make it a national park. There is no fact tracker ascribed to this book, but one for a Merlin Mission does have John Muir, who is also present in this book as Teddy's guide. That one is Heroes for All Times and is actually ascribed to High Time for Heroes

[Shankar B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked when they met Theodore Roosevelt because he helped them go through Yosemite.

[laura]

good stuff

[em]

annie walked so greta thunberg could run

[Gretchen Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do I find a magic treehouse to take me back in time so I can go camping with Teddy Roosevelt?

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good grief! How does author Mary Pope Osborne keep coming up with ideas for this time-traveling series? However she does it, she continues to do it well while covering important moments in history. In this, the thirty-fifth book in the Magic Tree House series--yes, that's 35!--Jack and Annie travel to Yosemite before it became a national park. There they meet naturalist John Muir and President Teddy Roosevelt as they travel through the area. Annie in particular is moved when Muir describes the destruction of a 1,400-year-old tree. The youngsters also have two encounters with a grizzly and are present when Teddy announces protection for the Yosemite area. Young readers and fans of this series will marvel at the idea of landing in a tree as enormous as the one the siblings land in when they travel from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania to Yosemite and back again. The black-and-white drawings effectively capture the children's personalities as well as the natural beauty and enormousness of Yosemite. This one makes an engaging read aloud while also planting seeds of awareness about the human impact on the environment in youngsters.

[The History Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of the Magic Treehouse books! This newest one is perfect for learning more about Yosemite and its history. It's a must read for children before traveling to the national park!

[Pam Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack and Annie are sent to Yosemite in 1903 with an assignment to help save the wilderness. They each have a sketchbook and pencil. When they arrive, each starts drawing - a butterfly, mushroom, squirrel, and a giant sequoia. They also meet two men named John and Teddy who are on a camping trip. They invite Jack and Annie to join them and are impressed by their drawings. At the end of the trip they wonder why a huge crowd is at the hotel. Just who are Teddy and John? There is always fun in learning something during Jack and Annie's adventures; this time it's about national parks.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

91 pgs. Great adventures for Jack and Annie begin in the forest. This time they travel magically to Yosemite National Forest in California. They meet some famous people and enjoy time sketching nature scenes. Great story for Grades 3-5. Highly recommended.

[Mystic DreamClouds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another installment, another adventure!

Jack and Annie travel back in time to Yosemite National Park in California. They are given magical drawing materials to observe and capture nature while saving the wilderness. There they meet many living things including two travelers, who they end up accompanying until their journey is complete.

This was an interesting read with many roller coaster emotions. During Jack and Annie’s adventure throughout the wilderness it’s no mystery they learn about many new things while facing new obstacles. However, while learning about the wilderness they also learn the horrible and sad things causing Annie to cry. And while facing new obstacles we see Jack strongly losing hope while admiring his sister for being so strong. Yet, Jack and Annie have each other and they are able to overcome these times. This may have been one of the few instances where we see different emotions from both Jack and Annie.

The story itself was written well. Through the siblings’ eyes we get to experience the wilderness they see. I enjoyed how they focused not just on the big things but also on the smaller beauties found in the wilderness such as a butterfly or rocks. I also liked how the story gave an example of how the tallest tree is related to the squirrel in the ecosystem with both supporting each other. There was no major action but it was informative yet simple enough to understand and enjoy.

Although the books are getting better I think they are starting to lack a purpose. In the earlier installments, Jack and Annie’s adventures to previous time periods and places had a purpose. With the current installments that seems to be lacking and Morgan’s poem instruction approach seems unfitting as Jack and Annie are barely referencing back to it. The books are starting to lose their charm.

Overall, this was a good addition to the series. There were certain aspects I enjoyed, such as the simplistic view on nature’s beauty and mystery, or the emotions displayed by Jack and Annie during this journey. I wish there was more purpose to these books similar to earlier installments, however I’m conflicted as that was becoming repetitive too.

I’m looking forward to the next book to see where our adventure takes us next!

Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Tree House Camp Time in California, and it was so much fun! Jack and Annie are on another magical adventure, and this time, they need to get some slime for more jam. How cool is that?

They follow a mysterious rhyme that leads them into a forest through sunshine and snow. The rhyme tells them to call themselves artists and help others for free. But Jack is not good at drawing, and they were confused about what to do until they got a special gift – a magical pencil! With that pencil, they can draw anything super fast and perfectly. It's like magic!

Guess what? They meet John of the mountains, who knows everything about nature. And you won't believe this, but they've been camping with the President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, the whole time! Teddy is awesome!

The rhyme also says they need to save the Wild West by Sunday noon's hour. It's a bit tricky, but they learn a valuable lesson about looking closely at nature's beauty. When Jack tries to sketch a squirrel, he realizes it's not just an ordinary one – it's an extraordinary one! Nature has so many beauties, and you have to pay attention to see them.

That's the coolest part of the book! I learned that you should always look closely and pay attention to nature because it's like a beautiful song. The birds singing, the trees swishing – it's like a magical melody if you listen carefully.

So, if you love adventure, magic, and learning about nature's wonders, you should definitely read Magic Tree House Camp Time in California. Happy reading!

If you're a fan of this book, you won't want to miss my full review on my YouTube channel.
https://youtu.be/8aQHZlMv1Gk

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since my eldest is only a few years away from being able to read independently, I thought I'd give the Magic Tree House series a go to see whether it would be good for him. And I picked this one about Yosemite because my small local library actually had it available and because I'm desperate to read about warm sunny places during this grey, damp winter.

I liked it. It was well, but simply-written, and appears likely to instill a sense of adventure and conservation in children. I loved the part where the tree house lands in a Giant Sequoia, and Jack and Annie are confused about why they have to keep climbing the ladder down...and down...and down.

Minus one-star because of the kooky Grizzly bear sending Annie telepathic messages, and because I firmly believe that where Grizzlies are concerned, the message should ALWAYS be DANGER DANGER DANGER (and not, you know, sit and draw the Grizzly until you aren't scared of it anymore, and then the Grizzly ESPs you that she's a peaceful creature, and leaving so people won't be scared of her anymore).

[Phillip Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I missed this book so much, and diving back into it felt like returning to one of my happiest childhood places. There’s just something magical about a good outdoor adventure—crisp air, campfires, and the thrill of exploring the unknown—and Mary Pope Osborne captures that feeling perfectly here.

Jack and Annie heading into a California campsite adventure already had me hooked, but adding Teddy and the Rough Riders into the mix? That made it feel like classic, nostalgic Magic Tree House magic. It’s the kind of story that reminds you why these books stick with you for life.

No-spoiler tip: Pay close attention to the unexpected friend they meet early on—it becomes a much bigger part of the adventure than you’d think!

A warm, adventurous, heart-tugging return to the series. Loved every bit.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Magic Tree House books are a MUST READ collection for all children. Unlike many other series for young readers, the Magic Tree House should be read in chronological order to best appreciate Jack and Annie's travels through time as they go on various missions; which are typically completed in four parts. Parents and educators will enjoy going along for the ride as much as their students!

I don't know how to describe what I feel has been lost from the essence of this series, but the last few books have lost a bit of their charm the earlier additions had. Jack and Annie's missions come across as pointless at times.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“‘Yoze-might?’”
-
I’m confused because I thought the author stopped writing Magic Treehouse books (the shorter ones, not the Merlin Missions) ages ago, stopping at High Tide in Hawaii. I saw this one at the California State Capitol gift shop and knew I didn’t read it. Anyways, this was kind of fun to read - I forgot about all the Morgan le Fay stuff. Jack and Annie are transported to Yosemite and gain the sudden ability to draw really well. They hang out with John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Annie are transported to California as artists to sketch nature at Yosemite National Park. It wasn't a national park then, only after spending time with Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir "John of the Mountains", did they help persuade Teddy to save the wilderness from being destroyed.

While sketching with their magic pencils Jack and Annie learn about nature; observing trees, animals, butterflies, rocks and the night sky.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few times a year I pick out a book for my granddaughter and I to read. I read it first, then send it to her so she can read it. Afterward, we either video chat, talk on the phone or if possible meet to discuss the story, the characters and how we liked the story. This was my first selection for 2022, and the first Magic Treehouse series book we have shared. I believe she will enjoy reading it as much as I did. :)

[Cherish Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4☆ Would recommend)
I learned about this series from my 6-year-old son. He loves these books. I liked how the books aren't super long, so emergent readers & younger kids can enjoy them. I liked how the personalities of Jack & Annie are so different. I really enjoyed how the story encompasses books & learning. I liked how the book started where the last one ended. I really enjoyed this book. I'm excited to read the rest of the series. Would recommend.

[Cat Denmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really good book. I liked learning about the huge trees, the friendly people in the book, and figuring out that John Muir and Teddy were real historic people. -9yo

The illustrations in this book added to the story. We are going to learn more about naturalist John Muir President Roosevelt and his establishment of our National Parks.

[Elina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. It follows 2 siblings Jack and Annie who own a magic tree house which whisks them to places to help someone there. In this book they travel to California and have to persuade President Theodore to protect the nature there. They complete it Wohoo. This book teaches us about nature and it’s lovely magic.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adventure deals with the National Park system. I am truly grateful for the preservation of all these beautiful places across the country. This adventure does a great job of showing why nature is worth preserving.

[Gil-or (readingbooksinisrael) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the scenes with John Muir and Jack discovering that he is, in fact, brave, but the book felt disconnected to me. I didn't really understand what was happening even during the explanation at the end.

Highly recommend listening to books read by kids, though.

[Kathryn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in our Theodore Roosevelt project! Our family is headed west to visit several national parks and we’d like to learn more about Teddy Roosevelt and the conservation of the US national parks.

[Aryanna Tunstall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading these books in modern time can be bitter sweet at times especially this one. The great red oaks are sacred and should be protected. It is so sad that man is ruining the environment for their own selfish gain.

[Ryleigh🔮🧿 Maynard · Rating 3 out of 5]

These were my favorite books to read as a child, but I don’t quite remember them being this slow. It was still interesting to read and I’ll forever have a special place in my heart for the magic treehouse series.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun listen! It was narrated by the author, Mary Pope Osborne, and she did a fantastic job making it fun and animated.

I think I read this one when I was a kid, but I can't remember. I do remember loving this series, though.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute, enjoyed the plot, couldn't get over the fact that they kept saying the sequoias have leaves though I guess per google you can call the needles that