Late Lunch with Llamas

Magic Tree House #34

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 South America!

When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie to a mountainside, they are surprised to find farmers nearby. Then they learn that the farmer's baby llama has been stolen, and Jack and Annie vow to bring the little animal back to its owners. But the journey is treacherous--they must climb to the peak of Machu Picchu and climb back down in order to complete this mission. Jack and Annie have been on many dangerous travels, but can they survive this one?

Track the facts with Jack and Annie in the nonfiction companion to this Llamas and the Andes .

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 #34: Season of the Sandstorms , it was renumbered as part of the rebrand in 2017 as Merlin Mission #6.

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

112 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2020

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]

Travel to the Andes Mountains and meet the Incan people with Jack and Annie. The adventure is filled with cultural insights and thrilling moments, making it an educational yet entertaining read. The story highlights the importance of friendship and bravery. Ideal for young readers interested in different cultures and adventurous tales.

-Teen Volunteer Adhyyan R.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was, hands down, Mary Pope Osborne’s best Magic Treehouse Adventure to date! We are at sea today and I listened to this as I did laps on the promenade deck - hoping to balance my indulgence with fresh air and exercise.

This is my third audiobook and I’m definitely hooked. I think what made this one spectacular was that the author narrated it.

Synopsis:
When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie to a mountainside, they are surprised to find farmers nearby. Then they learn that the farmer's baby llama has been stolen, and Jack and Annie vow to bring the little animal back to its owners. But the journey is treacherous--they must climb to the peak of Machu Picchu and climb back down in order to complete this mission. Jack and Annie have been on many dangerous travels, but can they survive this one?

I loved how the focus was on facing their fears and helping the locals. Cria, the baby silver-coated llama, pulled at my heartstrings and I loved reading about it being reunited with Topa, a little Incan boy.

The mini-history lesson was unobtrusive and the information regarding Macchu Picchu was exceptional. I can’t wait to share this one with my niece and nephew.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful children's book!

[Kelly Hohenstern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this with my youngest daughter. Learned new things about Machu Picchu and the Incan. I always love sharing all the Magic Tree house stories with my daughter.

[Mari Johnston]

Read with Elliott

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay the tomato sandwiches were a blast from the past I loved this so much and learned so much 10/10

[Siena Hesselink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the story took place in Peru. The book took place 1471. The llamas 'fur was Sliver and Jack and Annies ponchos were so cute. Also, the llamas name was Cria!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Noe · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this at the library bc I was bored and wanted a short fun read! these books never disappoint 🫡

[Mystic DreamClouds · Rating 3 out of 5]

The siblings, Jack and Annie are on another adventure and this time it’s to Machu Picchu, Peru. Although the setting of this book was wonderful there was much to explore and flesh out with the setting provided.

If the story followed the original layout it has been so far in previous installments and kept the setting simple, then I probably would have liked this book more. However, Machu Picchu has a lot of history behind it and that’s difficult to escape in any story. When added to Jack and Annie’s adventure, the details were teased without completion making the experience feel incomplete.

The main plot was executed well but there wasn’t any real action which is common in this series. However, I felt this installment was calmer than usual and the interaction with the locals was shorter. The conflict was resolved quicker and the adventure was short. I understand Jack and Annie are kids but I think they’ve been on enough adventures now to run into a bit of trouble now. It would really make the stories more interesting.

I enjoy how these recent installments have Jack and Annie interacting with other kids. It’s heartwarming to see them interacting with kids around their age but their personalities leave much to be liked. Sometimes I find the story tries too hard to make Jack and Annie well mannered and kind, causing them to lose their child-like personality.

Additionally, I like how the book has poems in these recent installments. The poem’s are supposed to guide Jack and Annie on their adventures while also helping them complete an end goal. I find this is a unique concept however to be honest, I don’t think the poem resonant with the story at most times. Jack and Annie are usually not even referencing the poem as they go about their adventure and are only connecting to the poem once the event has occurred.

Overall, I enjoyed this book but coming so far in this series I am hoping for more now. The character growth, information provided and even the adventure seems either limited or nonexistent. The reason or goal of each four set of adventures is also getting blurrier with no specific reason that would makes sense to the overall story.

Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of the pandemic, I started reading this series over FaceTime to my 4 1/2 year old niece who lives 400+ miles away from us. My own girls (now 10, 13 and 15) had loved them when they were younger and I had kept an almost complete set of books on one of their bookshelves. So when libraries were closed, it was perfect. My niece absolutely LOVED Jack and Annie and honestly it was one bright spot each day for me to read them to her. We got through every book (I think there were 61!) and this latest one we just finished. I’ve given her the physical books now and her parents are now rereading them to her at bedtime. So I couldn’t recommend this series more. I put it up there on my list of amazing series with Harry Potter. It’s incredible that Mary Pope Osborne is still writing new books for it. Love so much.

[Shelli · Rating 2 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!

This is the lowest rating I have ever given a book in this series. It just was o.k. The use of just "believing" the animals to be able to talk or provide safe passage annoyed me. This is a collection that allows for magic, Mary Pope Osborne could have easily included magical objects to make these things happen. This edition was also rushed, as was the previous one.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud with my 5-year old. She’s a bit less engaged with the series at this point. I appreciated the location in the Andes and visiting Machu Picchu. Magical realism prevails as they travel time and location in a treehouse. I’ve never questioned Jack and Annie’s ability to communicate with various civilizations despite the language barrier, and I’ve even entertained Annie’s special connection to animals. I found myself rolling my eyes a bit at the talking animals and heavy handed moral on bravery. Still, this is a better-than-average early chapter book so we’ll keep chipping away at the series.

[Jenny Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one of my favorites, along with the last one, since I love llamas (and narwhals from the previous) In this one, they go back to Incan times and save a baby llama while meeting the Incan emperor Pachacuti. The fact tracker is Llamas and the Andes: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #34: Late Lunch with Llamas

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided it's time to read books aloud that students can also read. I'm hoping it will entice more of my kids who don't quite love reading yet to try some. This one fit well with our Peru unit as well. Bonus: It only takes a week to read a Magic Treehouse book aloud! I can't say it's riveting like some of our other read alouds, but I think it was well worth it.

I gave it five stars because for me, five stars means I'd definitely read it again. I'd definitely read it aloud again!

[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.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, I'm trying to collect new books to recommend - I appreciate the setting, Peru and the time, when Machu Picchu was thriving - but wish for a little more meat so the book could be a stronger introduction to the country and give children more to hook their interests on. Kids love animals - but they are also interested in place and people.

[Assortedtrashprincess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like this series but this book wasn't my favorite. I'm glad its labeled as part of the original series and not the merlin mission because merlin missions have a connected story and actual ending. This series ended years ago this book feels like an after thought to me. If you enjoyed it that's great.

[Lukasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Czekając na rozpoczęcie się koncertu świątecznego akurat nic innego nie miałem do czytania jak tą książkę, dlatego postanowiłem ją rzutem na taśmę przeczytać. Historia opowiada o przygodzie dzieci, które przenoszą się w czasie i przestrzeni a ich wehikułem jest domek na drzewie. Tym razem podróżują do Ameryki Południowej i odwiedzają górskie miasteczko Machu Pichu.

[Alicia McCallum]

Just had to dip back into this series again to read this one to the girls because it’s based in Peru. I actually really enjoyed it! I cannot read the first 8 books of this series ever again in my lifetime, I’ve just read them way too many times. But I want to read more of the later books to the girls after finishing this one!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skyler read aloud!

While learning about Peru for geography we went on a story adventure with Jack and Annie! Reading these books is really helping to bring to life all these locations around the world. She’s learned to connect Peru, Machu Pichu, and llamas thanks to this novel.

If there’s a magic tree house book for a location we’re learning about - we’re reading it!

[Phillip Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Tree House #34: Late Lunch with Llamas by Mary Pope Osborne is another classic adventure that reminded me why I love this series so much. The story is fun, heartwarming, and full of that signature Magic Tree House charm. I really enjoyed the journey Jack and Annie went on—simple, sweet, and wonderfully magical. A delightful read that definitely earns all five stars.

[Matt Dietzenbach · Rating 2 out of 5]

This by far was one of the worse ones in the entire series. I thought the location was a great choice but the reason or theme behind it was sub-par. Could have been way more creative than the storyline than this one.

[Sandy Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my favorite of the grade school age books I've read from which to introduce kids to Peru. I would have loved to have read it to Lily and Eli, but It didn't happen and now we're on to other country. I'll encourage the kids to pick it up on their own to read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Annie travel to them country of Peru during the age if Incas. While there they help rescue a baby silver coated llama from an Inca leader. They face their fears, believe in ancient folklore, and enjoy the company with a small family.

[Gil-or (readingbooksinisrael) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hm, this wasn't one of my favorites. I prefer the books where there are less people and in this one there were a lot. It takes away from the adventure, in my opinion. The llama magic was not great either, not that I think of it.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the setting and characters, but felt a bit rushed. I like the plot and characters. Feels to me that the lasted books in the series feel rushed. Not sure if its just me or something has changed in the way these are written.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Mary T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good audiobook! I like hearing the author read her books!

[Jessica F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, especially liked the part when Cria talked.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story about an Incan orphan and his love for his llama.