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Magic Tree House "Merlin Missions" #16
A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time
Japanese edition of MAGIC TREE HOUSE 44: A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time by Mary Pope Osborne. Jack and Annie are together again to inspire an Irish girl to bring the legends of her land to life and regain their country's pride. In Japanese. Annotation copyright Tsai Fong Books, Inc. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.
128 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2010
382 people are currently reading
2254 people want to read
About the author
Mary Pope Osborne
531 books2,665 followersMary 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
January 27, 2023
Loved the story around Charles Dickens!!
December 24, 2024
A very enjoyable read. Jack and Annie go back in time on a Merlin Mission. They have to find and help Charles Dickens. I bought the companion research book, Rags to Riches, which brought a lot of context to the setting and time for the MTH book. I also added the book, Who was Charles Dickens? I recommend using all three to teach from A Ghost Tale. I use the Merlin Missions with higher level kids. They are longer and more complex. The vocabulary is more challenging as well. Students still love these books today and I enjoy them as well. It’s an excellent tool to teach reading while crossing curriculum with the kids going back in time to historical events.
December 24, 2012
This a good book to read. The simple plot is amazing and so are the ideas. It is also cool for I read this at December 24 in my time. :) I'm really hyped up on the Christmas Holidays! I might read A Christmas Carol soon. :)
Plot Summary:
Jack and Annie are back for another mission for Merlin- to bring happiness to others by helping four creative people give their special gifts to the world. They already helped three people- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Moonlight on the Magic Flute, Louis Armstrong in A Good Night for Ghosts, and Lady Augusta Greggory in Leprechaun in Late Winter. And now they're prepared for the last person, Charles Dickens.
What I Love:
[_] The plot. I love how simple and yet informative it is! This is the reason why I love reading Children's Books, they're all light and not that heavy. :)
[_] I love how I learned more things about Charles Dickens, one of my favorite authors of all time! It was amazing!
[_] The illustrations inside the book are really cool to look at. We have an idea what Charles Dickens looks like, the cobblestoned streets, the events that were happening and a lot more. Mr. Sal is a great artist!
[_] The Holiday stickers. The copy I bought was an international edition, published around September 2012 and with free stickers! They're amazing! :) The free stickers are: Jack, Annie, the Ghost of Christmas Present, the Ghost of Christmas Future and a mistletoe.
[_} The values I learned. Sure, I already know some of them but I never did realize how it can apply to the world- even if it's just in a fictional world. Just take a look at this:
"Oh, man," said Jack. "Everyone was nice to us when we looked rich. Now it feels like the whole world's against us."
Here's another:
"Charles is going to be fine," said Annie.
"Yep," said Jack with a smile. "He never even knew that it was us who helped him."
"That's the best way to help someone, I think," said Annie.
"Why?" asked Jack.
"Then you know you're not helping them just to get a lot of credit," said Annie. "You're helping because it's the right thing to do."
Such words of wisdom from a children's book! :) I'm so glad I bought a copy!
What I Dislike:
I didn't find anything I dislike. :) I love everything in this book!
Conclusion:
[book:Ghost tale for Christmas time|13414557] by Mary Pope Osborne is a book with a great plot, illustrations and values you'll learn while reading this. The free holiday stickers is also a bonus!
I love how it is very informative and light to read, you'll finish it in 15 minutes or lesser- if you're not doing anything else. I didn't find anything I dislike.
5 stars! :)
Plot Summary:
Jack and Annie are back for another mission for Merlin- to bring happiness to others by helping four creative people give their special gifts to the world. They already helped three people- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Moonlight on the Magic Flute, Louis Armstrong in A Good Night for Ghosts, and Lady Augusta Greggory in Leprechaun in Late Winter. And now they're prepared for the last person, Charles Dickens.
What I Love:
[_] The plot. I love how simple and yet informative it is! This is the reason why I love reading Children's Books, they're all light and not that heavy. :)
[_] I love how I learned more things about Charles Dickens, one of my favorite authors of all time! It was amazing!
[_] The illustrations inside the book are really cool to look at. We have an idea what Charles Dickens looks like, the cobblestoned streets, the events that were happening and a lot more. Mr. Sal is a great artist!
[_] The Holiday stickers. The copy I bought was an international edition, published around September 2012 and with free stickers! They're amazing! :) The free stickers are: Jack, Annie, the Ghost of Christmas Present, the Ghost of Christmas Future and a mistletoe.
[_} The values I learned. Sure, I already know some of them but I never did realize how it can apply to the world- even if it's just in a fictional world. Just take a look at this:
"Oh, man," said Jack. "Everyone was nice to us when we looked rich. Now it feels like the whole world's against us."
Here's another:
"Charles is going to be fine," said Annie.
"Yep," said Jack with a smile. "He never even knew that it was us who helped him."
"That's the best way to help someone, I think," said Annie.
"Why?" asked Jack.
"Then you know you're not helping them just to get a lot of credit," said Annie. "You're helping because it's the right thing to do."
Such words of wisdom from a children's book! :) I'm so glad I bought a copy!
What I Dislike:
I didn't find anything I dislike. :) I love everything in this book!
Conclusion:
[book:Ghost tale for Christmas time|13414557] by Mary Pope Osborne is a book with a great plot, illustrations and values you'll learn while reading this. The free holiday stickers is also a bonus!
I love how it is very informative and light to read, you'll finish it in 15 minutes or lesser- if you're not doing anything else. I didn't find anything I dislike.
5 stars! :)
November 14, 2013
They meet Dickens! I love being able to share this story with my son! My 6 yr old is becoming a voracious reader and his teacher recommended this series so I picked up a few from the library. My son loves it. Magic and fun and adventure rolled into a chapter book that's easy to read, yet challenging enough that he's not bored. Many of these are educational as well, focusing on a particular point in history such as a president's reign, or a location, like Ireland in this one, which goes really well with his geography and history lessons. He's loving it, and already has said these are the books he wants to read for the challenge. Overall a great step into chapter books for the advanced reader.
September 20, 2010
These are for younger readers but the cover is gorgeous! I loved the book and would recommend it to early readers. My children have loved the series. I just may read some more!
July 20, 2015
I read this during a car ride and finished it in 20 minutes out of pure boredom and a desire to read after a week of not being anywhere close to a book. It was an ok read for a kid I guess, but I don't like how these kind of histories gloss over very important details, like the fact Queen Victoria may have been Britain's "glorious" 100 year gem, but that didn't stop her from colonizing India and allowing colonization across the world. Yes, I know it's not something children may understand or have the capacity to comprehend, but teaching them from a young age in these effectually informative young reader's novels that history was so simple is very, very wrong.
I did really enjoy the idea that an author has the power to change the world. It was touching in that sense.
I did really enjoy the idea that an author has the power to change the world. It was touching in that sense.
December 11, 2010
This is the fourth of a particular set of missions of Jack and Annie which introduce them to famous creative people in history. These are a continuation of the Treehouse series aimed at the middle grade elementary reader. They are very readable, and although fairly shallow, the do introduce of lot of history, science, societies, and historical figures. Don't forget the Research Guides that accompany many of the regular volumes in the series.
Here in A Ghost Tale, Jack and Annie meet Charles Dickens and inspire him to continue his writing. Through the help of the young brother and sister, Dickens encounters his own Christmastime ghosts exactly in the fashion of those in his most famous novel A Christmas Carol.
Here in A Ghost Tale, Jack and Annie meet Charles Dickens and inspire him to continue his writing. Through the help of the young brother and sister, Dickens encounters his own Christmastime ghosts exactly in the fashion of those in his most famous novel A Christmas Carol.
April 26, 2020
I liked the illustrations especially the picture of the third ghost of the future.
October 27, 2017
The book A Ghost tale for Christmas Time is a time traveling book where jack and Annie went back in time to help out a historical author by the name of Charles dickens. They run in to the law and trade their riches for poor all just to get in to contact to talk to Charles, But Charles saves them from going to jail and later they talk a lot about what they came back to the 1800s for.
I think the book was very magical (pun intended), historical and very memorable. The author made the book very inform-able and it informed us about how it was back then and if formed us about Charles dickens and how creative he was with his books. The author writing was very powerful and it was really good to find out about how the Christmas carol came to be. Overall the book was very good and magical and a 10/10.
I think the book was very magical (pun intended), historical and very memorable. The author made the book very inform-able and it informed us about how it was back then and if formed us about Charles dickens and how creative he was with his books. The author writing was very powerful and it was really good to find out about how the Christmas carol came to be. Overall the book was very good and magical and a 10/10.
April 25, 2019
I believe my grandchildren will enjoy this and as a Dickens fan, I want to introduce them to Dickens.
December 21, 2025
2.5 for scared faces look
Annie and Jack go to Victorian England and meet Charles Dickens. Their task is to give him the nudge to write A Christmas Carol. I just listened to A Christmas Carol days ago so this was perfect timing.
Annie is kind, generous, and has a can do attitude throughout as usual. Need to fake your way at being chimney sweeps? Not a problem. As usual, Jack is more practical and cautious. I am a Jack, but always wanted to be a fearless Annie as a child. I guess that is why I loved the bold, fearless Nancy Drew.
Annie and Jack go to Victorian England and meet Charles Dickens. Their task is to give him the nudge to write A Christmas Carol. I just listened to A Christmas Carol days ago so this was perfect timing.
Annie is kind, generous, and has a can do attitude throughout as usual. Need to fake your way at being chimney sweeps? Not a problem. As usual, Jack is more practical and cautious. I am a Jack, but always wanted to be a fearless Annie as a child. I guess that is why I loved the bold, fearless Nancy Drew.
December 26, 2019
touches on quite a few topics
memorable intro to Dickens (poverty in childhood, married, has son also named CD)
focuses on A Christmas Carol
memorable intro to Dickens (poverty in childhood, married, has son also named CD)
focuses on A Christmas Carol
June 6, 2025
I enjoyed this book. However, it was a little too real for my 5 year old with the bullies and the call back to Oliver.
Read
October 13, 2016 "A Ghost tale for Christmas time" by Mary Pope Osborne. The magic tree house came back one day and Jack and Annie were going to it. They found Teddy and Kathleen were in there. All of them were excited to see each other again. Jack and Annie mission was to help famous people give their gifts to the world, Jack and Annie helped by playing an instrument. They got three out of four. Now, today they are doing the fourth one and they have to go to England. Jack and Annie gave the whistle to Teddy and Kathleen. The whistle spin in the air and turned into a violin. Jake and Annie went back in time to England, Jack's backpack turned into a green satchel, they had some money in their pockets. Jake told Annie to hide her pink tails, to make her look like a boy. They found a carriage and ask the gentleman to take them to this address. He said, ”Yes” and got on, they read the book to find out what they are supposed to do. They were at the place they are supposed to go. The ask if this was enough and gave him a big gold coin. He said,” Thank you and I will come back to pick you up when I see you.” Jake and Annie stopped and saw a boy named Charles. They did some math just to make sure it is him. In that time he is 31 years old, they rang the doorbell and the maid comes out and Jake and Annie ask if they could see Charles Dickens. The maid said,” Sorry, he is very busy with his next book.” she left. They saw two chimney sweepers and they went to them and ask if we could switch places. They switched and found out that Annie is a girl. Jake and Annie went up and rang the doorbell again and the maid this time was very mean this time. They started sweeping the chimney and some ashes fell into Jake's eyes. Mr.Dickens was home and saw them and ran out. The maid figure out that it wasn’t the usual cleaners and asked what happen to them when she got them out of the house. Jake and Annie said,” They are sick.” they found the carriage they were in, but the driver did not recognize them. Jake and Annie ran after him, then two boys stole their bag, then blame it on Jake and Annie and the two boys said,” It is are bag.” Jake and Annie said the same. A police officer came to arrest Jake and Annie for stealing a bag which is their bag. Then, Mr.Dickens came and told the police officer that they had that bag when he saw them cleaning the chimney. The officer set them free and everyone looked down and Mr.Dickens said, ” You need to get the full evidence to prove it.” and everyone left. Jake and Annie thanked Mr.Dickens, Mr.Dickens said,” call me Charles and let me take you two gentlemen to dinner.” , but Annie said,” I am not a boy, I am a girl.” Charles was surprised. They went to dinner and Annie saw a man and a child out the window, she went out and gave them some food and the owner came out and told the guy to go away and not to steal food. They guy said,” thank you” to Annie. Charles told them to go home and they follow him, they found him staring at a shoe shining place. Charles said that he used to work their, his dad lost his job and got arrested for not paying the bills, his mother went to go live with his father in jail.
I like that it has a little history lesson in it, because it is good to have that that knowledge to get the theme of the book. I dislike that the driver or the maid didn’t recognized them. It's because that it is very easy to see that out, even with the disguises on. I would like to change in the book, to tell the chimney sweepers ages. It's because without tell their age would make nonsense in the story and that means that the would be out of the story.
People who enjoy Christmas and the Christmas Carol. Also, reading books and likes music and history would enjoy this book. It's because this book has all of these themes in it to make it like this. Also, history is always been a part of our lives and we got to learn it to discover the secrets of the world and maybe we will find our family's history. I enjoyed this book and hope you will too.
I like that it has a little history lesson in it, because it is good to have that that knowledge to get the theme of the book. I dislike that the driver or the maid didn’t recognized them. It's because that it is very easy to see that out, even with the disguises on. I would like to change in the book, to tell the chimney sweepers ages. It's because without tell their age would make nonsense in the story and that means that the would be out of the story.
People who enjoy Christmas and the Christmas Carol. Also, reading books and likes music and history would enjoy this book. It's because this book has all of these themes in it to make it like this. Also, history is always been a part of our lives and we got to learn it to discover the secrets of the world and maybe we will find our family's history. I enjoyed this book and hope you will too.
August 5, 2016
This book was a lot of fun to read, I'm really glad to have read it. Jack and Annie's adventure is exciting as always, and even had some surprises!
What I really loved about the story was how they met Charles Dickens, and that Jack PLAYED A MAGIC VIOLIN. A MAGIC. VIOLIN. ADSJFBHKJDSFHDSJFHDSAHSKADBHS///////////// *dies* (No spoilers there.)
There's also a lot good morals to learn from this book, like doing what is right, be kind to others who are less fortunate than you, not judge people by how they look, and so on.
There's only one thing about the story that I didn't understand, but it didn't make it bad. Still, even if it didn't make any sense to me, it was a really good read! Hahaha!
I definitely recommend this book for all families.~
What I really loved about the story was how they met Charles Dickens, and that Jack PLAYED A MAGIC VIOLIN. A MAGIC. VIOLIN. ADSJFBHKJDSFHDSJFHDSAHSKADBHS///////////// *dies* (No spoilers there.)
There's also a lot good morals to learn from this book, like doing what is right, be kind to others who are less fortunate than you, not judge people by how they look, and so on.
There's only one thing about the story that I didn't understand, but it didn't make it bad. Still, even if it didn't make any sense to me, it was a really good read! Hahaha!
I definitely recommend this book for all families.~
December 10, 2020
The Christmas spirit is summoning me....
4.5. It has been 3 years since I started rereading this book because of the holidays, It became my tradition to summon the Christmas spirit, I'm always thankful that I got this book from my mom when I was 8 and only when I was 12 did I understood the story truly.
4.5. It has been 3 years since I started rereading this book because of the holidays, It became my tradition to summon the Christmas spirit, I'm always thankful that I got this book from my mom when I was 8 and only when I was 12 did I understood the story truly.
March 12, 2017
Fantastic!
I love the books by Charles Dickens, and what a great way to introduce his works through this Magic Tree House story. My grandsons loves these stories and he is learning so much from them!
I love the books by Charles Dickens, and what a great way to introduce his works through this Magic Tree House story. My grandsons loves these stories and he is learning so much from them!
May 24, 2019
The setting of these books is always so rich. Probably because I remember them exactly like my elementary self did. This was a great addition to the series. 😊
April 10, 2020
In the magic treehouse series, not only in Merlin Missions, Jack and Annie found 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 to go there the magic treehouse just magically transports them there! They soon learned that the treehouse belongs to Morgan Le Fay from Camelot. Jack and Annie have helped Morgan with a humongous amount of 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 these missions. It is Merlin, a fantastic magician. During Merlin Missions, Jack and Annie make two friends named Teddy and Kathleen. They soon completed four missions that showed they could properly handle magic. On those missions, they were given a book of ten magic rhymes to use on four missions. Each rhyme can only be used once. Since they succeeded in those four missions, they were given the Wand of Dianthus. A magic wand that could create magic. Soon Merlin was not well, and not cheerful at all. Jack and Annie found four secrets of happiness for him, and now he is happy again. However the biggest thing that cheered him up was a little penguin Jack and Annie had gotten from their last mission to find the last secret of happiness for Merlin. That mission had taken place in Antarctica. So far they had also helped a girl named Augusta, Mozart, and Louis Armstrong. On this mission they are going to help Charles Dickens.
In this book Jack and Annie visit the magic treehouse to go on a mission because they saw a streak of light shining towards the woods. They soon realize the magic treehouse is back, and so is their friends Teddy and Kathleen! They greeted each other warmly. Then Teddy and Kathleen handed them a research book named Victorian London for their mission. Soon Kathleen tossed the magic whistle they used from their last mission and tossed it up. In its place was a violin and bow. Then Teddy and Kathleen said that when danger arrives somebody had to play the guitar and whatever the other sings it will come true. Annie realized that she had to pretend to be a boy but she didn’t mind. Then Jack and Annie pointed at the research and made a wish. They appeared exactly where their mission was going to take place. Teddy and Kathleen had left leaving Jack and Annie with a research book and a magic violin. They realized they had money! Great! They didn’t like being poor on their missions. They soon decided they would take a carriage to find Charles Dickens, the person they were supposed to help. They had lots of money and they had nice velvet clothes on so a man was delighted to take them in his carriage. When they were there Jack accidentally overpaid him. However the man was so happy! He said that he wouldn’t mind taking Jack and Annie anytime. Then they knocked on the door of Charles Dickens house. Nobody let them in. They said Charles was busy. Soon came two sweepers. They were sweeping Charles Dickens house. Since they were allowed in the house Jack and Annie decided to give them a lot of money and switch clothes. Actually, it was Annie’s idea, however Jack disagreed. Finally, he followed along with Annie’s idea. However Annie’s idea was a mistake. When they went in to sweep they saw Charles Dickens but then he went outside, annoyed, because of Jack and Annie. Soon Jack and Annie were kicked out of the house. They decided to take the man with the carriage that they overpaid, however then the man didn’t let them because he thought they were poor without their money and velvet clothes. He didn’t even recognize them! Because of Annie’s idea they had gone from riches to rags! Now it’s harder to complete their mission! Soon they had mean-looking boys chasing after them, and calling them thief when they actually stole Jack’s bag. Soon a dozen people began joining the boys and calling Jack and Annie thief when they are not. The baddest part is that Charles Dickens has everything he wants, and so far Jack and Annie are not a help to him at all! The truth is he is helping Jack and Annie! Soon Jack and Annie discover his worries. However it is useless! They don’t know what to do to help Charles Dickens! This is an impossible mission! Will they complete it? What will they do if they don’t?
In this book Jack and Annie visit the magic treehouse to go on a mission because they saw a streak of light shining towards the woods. They soon realize the magic treehouse is back, and so is their friends Teddy and Kathleen! They greeted each other warmly. Then Teddy and Kathleen handed them a research book named Victorian London for their mission. Soon Kathleen tossed the magic whistle they used from their last mission and tossed it up. In its place was a violin and bow. Then Teddy and Kathleen said that when danger arrives somebody had to play the guitar and whatever the other sings it will come true. Annie realized that she had to pretend to be a boy but she didn’t mind. Then Jack and Annie pointed at the research and made a wish. They appeared exactly where their mission was going to take place. Teddy and Kathleen had left leaving Jack and Annie with a research book and a magic violin. They realized they had money! Great! They didn’t like being poor on their missions. They soon decided they would take a carriage to find Charles Dickens, the person they were supposed to help. They had lots of money and they had nice velvet clothes on so a man was delighted to take them in his carriage. When they were there Jack accidentally overpaid him. However the man was so happy! He said that he wouldn’t mind taking Jack and Annie anytime. Then they knocked on the door of Charles Dickens house. Nobody let them in. They said Charles was busy. Soon came two sweepers. They were sweeping Charles Dickens house. Since they were allowed in the house Jack and Annie decided to give them a lot of money and switch clothes. Actually, it was Annie’s idea, however Jack disagreed. Finally, he followed along with Annie’s idea. However Annie’s idea was a mistake. When they went in to sweep they saw Charles Dickens but then he went outside, annoyed, because of Jack and Annie. Soon Jack and Annie were kicked out of the house. They decided to take the man with the carriage that they overpaid, however then the man didn’t let them because he thought they were poor without their money and velvet clothes. He didn’t even recognize them! Because of Annie’s idea they had gone from riches to rags! Now it’s harder to complete their mission! Soon they had mean-looking boys chasing after them, and calling them thief when they actually stole Jack’s bag. Soon a dozen people began joining the boys and calling Jack and Annie thief when they are not. The baddest part is that Charles Dickens has everything he wants, and so far Jack and Annie are not a help to him at all! The truth is he is helping Jack and Annie! Soon Jack and Annie discover his worries. However it is useless! They don’t know what to do to help Charles Dickens! This is an impossible mission! Will they complete it? What will they do if they don’t?
March 12, 2020
Jack and Annie were walking home from school when suddenly they saw a flash of light coming from the woods, They ran in to the Frog Creek woods to the tallest tree and climbed up a rope ladder into a treehouse.
That treehouse was magical and their magician friends were there Teddy and Kathleen. They told Jack and Annie that they were sending them to help Charles Dickens in England.
Teddy took a small flute out of a bag and threw it in to the air is twirled and transformed into a violin and bow. He said “Here this should help.”he gave it to Jack.
They got a book with England on the cover Annie pointed to it and said “I wish we could go there” then the treehouse started spinning and spinning then everything was still.
They looked out the window they were in England. They asked a driver if he could bring them to Charles Dickens house. He said yes. At the house Jack and Annie rang the bell. The house wife opened the door.
Jack asked if they could have a few minutes with Charles Dickens the house wife said no and that Charles was writing a book.
Then after that the chimney sweeps came by and told them that they were gonna ring the bell. Then Annie had an idea she told the sweeps to give them their coat’s,boots and hats.
Annie and Jack took their coats,boots and hats off and gave them to the sweeps. They put the sweeps coats, boots and hats on. Jack couldn’t believe it they had just gone from riches to rags in one minute.
They rang the doorbell and the house wife thought it was the sweeps so she let them in. They looked around the house wife told them to do the usual. They were looking for Charles when they found a room with lots of books.
At the end Charles Dickens says he should stop writing because it doesn’t help anyone. Then Jack takes out the violin and bow and plays it while Annie sings the first verse she sang brought a ghost to him a ghost of Christmas past.
The ghost showed him of a boy reading a book in rags. The second verse was the ghost of Christmas present and it said “don’t want to write any more isn’t that what you said?”
The third verse brought the ghost of Christmas future and it showed him of a woman weeping next to his grave and said “it was a shame that Charles stopped writing”
The End
That treehouse was magical and their magician friends were there Teddy and Kathleen. They told Jack and Annie that they were sending them to help Charles Dickens in England.
Teddy took a small flute out of a bag and threw it in to the air is twirled and transformed into a violin and bow. He said “Here this should help.”he gave it to Jack.
They got a book with England on the cover Annie pointed to it and said “I wish we could go there” then the treehouse started spinning and spinning then everything was still.
They looked out the window they were in England. They asked a driver if he could bring them to Charles Dickens house. He said yes. At the house Jack and Annie rang the bell. The house wife opened the door.
Jack asked if they could have a few minutes with Charles Dickens the house wife said no and that Charles was writing a book.
Then after that the chimney sweeps came by and told them that they were gonna ring the bell. Then Annie had an idea she told the sweeps to give them their coat’s,boots and hats.
Annie and Jack took their coats,boots and hats off and gave them to the sweeps. They put the sweeps coats, boots and hats on. Jack couldn’t believe it they had just gone from riches to rags in one minute.
They rang the doorbell and the house wife thought it was the sweeps so she let them in. They looked around the house wife told them to do the usual. They were looking for Charles when they found a room with lots of books.
At the end Charles Dickens says he should stop writing because it doesn’t help anyone. Then Jack takes out the violin and bow and plays it while Annie sings the first verse she sang brought a ghost to him a ghost of Christmas past.
The ghost showed him of a boy reading a book in rags. The second verse was the ghost of Christmas present and it said “don’t want to write any more isn’t that what you said?”
The third verse brought the ghost of Christmas future and it showed him of a woman weeping next to his grave and said “it was a shame that Charles stopped writing”
The End
August 11, 2023
Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time, and I can't wait to tell you all about it! This book is one of those super cool Merlin Mission adventures.
So, Jack and Annie, those brave time-travelers, head back to Victorian England, a really long time ago. And guess what? They're there to help Charles Dickens, who's a famous writer. But here's the surprise – he seems to have everything he needs! He's got a happy family, fans, and a cozy home. It's like a dream life.
But hold on, things get tricky. The police capture Jack and Annie, and guess who saves them? Charles Dickens himself! And that's when they discover that Charles Dickens has some sad memories haunting him. It's like a mystery they need to solve.
Now, here's where it gets super interesting. Jack and Annie need the help of three ghosts – past, present, and future – to help Charles Dickens change his life's story. It's like going on a spooky and important quest to make sure he doesn't ruin his own future.
I know what you're thinking – what happens next? Well, I'm not telling! You'll have to read the book to find out. But I can tell you that there's a really cool instrument in the story. It's a violin, and it's Jack and Annie's magical item that helps them with their adventures. It's like having a special power!
This book taught me something really important – never give up, no matter what! For example, let's say you're trying to draw something or write a story, and it's not turning out the way you want. Don't give up! Keep trying, just like how Jack and Annie keep going on their adventures even when things get tough.
I had so much fun reading "A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time." It's like a mix of mystery, time travel, and holiday magic. If you like solving puzzles, going on adventures, and believing in yourself, you should totally check out this Magic Tree House book. It's like a present full of lessons and fun waiting for you to unwrap!
Check out my full review of this book on my YouTube channel. It's got everything you need to know about this amazing read.
https://youtu.be/T0EI9trclTk
So, Jack and Annie, those brave time-travelers, head back to Victorian England, a really long time ago. And guess what? They're there to help Charles Dickens, who's a famous writer. But here's the surprise – he seems to have everything he needs! He's got a happy family, fans, and a cozy home. It's like a dream life.
But hold on, things get tricky. The police capture Jack and Annie, and guess who saves them? Charles Dickens himself! And that's when they discover that Charles Dickens has some sad memories haunting him. It's like a mystery they need to solve.
Now, here's where it gets super interesting. Jack and Annie need the help of three ghosts – past, present, and future – to help Charles Dickens change his life's story. It's like going on a spooky and important quest to make sure he doesn't ruin his own future.
I know what you're thinking – what happens next? Well, I'm not telling! You'll have to read the book to find out. But I can tell you that there's a really cool instrument in the story. It's a violin, and it's Jack and Annie's magical item that helps them with their adventures. It's like having a special power!
This book taught me something really important – never give up, no matter what! For example, let's say you're trying to draw something or write a story, and it's not turning out the way you want. Don't give up! Keep trying, just like how Jack and Annie keep going on their adventures even when things get tough.
I had so much fun reading "A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time." It's like a mix of mystery, time travel, and holiday magic. If you like solving puzzles, going on adventures, and believing in yourself, you should totally check out this Magic Tree House book. It's like a present full of lessons and fun waiting for you to unwrap!
Check out my full review of this book on my YouTube channel. It's got everything you need to know about this amazing read.
https://youtu.be/T0EI9trclTk
July 16, 2024
A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time from the Magic Treehouse Merlin Missions series is an enjoyable children’s story with a fun and engaging plot. The book carries a solid message of selflessness and generosity, which is always a positive takeaway for young readers.
However, while it’s tailored for children, at times the simplicity felt a bit too pronounced. The story starts off strong, capturing my interest from the beginning and maintaining it through the middle. Yet, towards the end, the narrative lost some of its complexity, leaving me wishing for a bit more depth.
The prose itself is straightforward, bordering on basic. While there were a couple of moments towards the end where the writing style shone with a touch of beauty, these instances were rare. The narrative leaned towards being didactic, especially as it concluded, which might feel a bit heavy-handed for some readers.
One aspect I found slightly unoriginal was the reliance on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Jack and Annie travel back in time to meet and interact with Dickens, and while this is fitting given the story’s context, it felt like a bit of a narrative shortcut. This approach made the plot resolution seem less creative and more predictable than I would have liked.
Additionally, the book attempts to explore deeper themes towards the end, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The story’s efforts to be profound come across as simplistic, lacking the nuance that could engage young readers in more complex and critical thinking.
Moreover, characters like Morgan le Fay and Merlin, who appear towards the end, could have added more depth and wisdom to the story. However, their presence felt underutilized, missing a chance to enhance the narrative’s complexity.
In summary, A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time is an entertaining read with a positive message, perfect for its intended young audience. However, it lacks the complexity and originality that could elevate it to a more memorable status. It’s a good book, but it didn’t quite leave a lasting impression.
However, while it’s tailored for children, at times the simplicity felt a bit too pronounced. The story starts off strong, capturing my interest from the beginning and maintaining it through the middle. Yet, towards the end, the narrative lost some of its complexity, leaving me wishing for a bit more depth.
The prose itself is straightforward, bordering on basic. While there were a couple of moments towards the end where the writing style shone with a touch of beauty, these instances were rare. The narrative leaned towards being didactic, especially as it concluded, which might feel a bit heavy-handed for some readers.
One aspect I found slightly unoriginal was the reliance on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Jack and Annie travel back in time to meet and interact with Dickens, and while this is fitting given the story’s context, it felt like a bit of a narrative shortcut. This approach made the plot resolution seem less creative and more predictable than I would have liked.
Additionally, the book attempts to explore deeper themes towards the end, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The story’s efforts to be profound come across as simplistic, lacking the nuance that could engage young readers in more complex and critical thinking.
Moreover, characters like Morgan le Fay and Merlin, who appear towards the end, could have added more depth and wisdom to the story. However, their presence felt underutilized, missing a chance to enhance the narrative’s complexity.
In summary, A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time is an entertaining read with a positive message, perfect for its intended young audience. However, it lacks the complexity and originality that could elevate it to a more memorable status. It’s a good book, but it didn’t quite leave a lasting impression.
February 26, 2019
This one was bad . . .
We seemed to completely miss the point of Victorian Literature, white-washed anything with Christ away from Christmas, and perpetuated socialist ideology through misunderstanding history.
Not to mention it was boring, didn't make any sense, and completely random.
It certainly didn't help that I'm trying to read this with a kid who has never even heard of a Christmas Carol, let alone Charles Dickens, and then reduces everything to the point of shock and feeling sorry for poor kids! Those kids were still loved by their parents, were not put in dangerous situations, and were far, far, better off then kids would have been even two generations before them. Good luck explaining any of that when she doesn't understand the "Ghost of Christmas Present."
This was the worst of the Tree House books so far, and it will probably be the last one we read for a long time.
We seemed to completely miss the point of Victorian Literature, white-washed anything with Christ away from Christmas, and perpetuated socialist ideology through misunderstanding history.
Not to mention it was boring, didn't make any sense, and completely random.
It certainly didn't help that I'm trying to read this with a kid who has never even heard of a Christmas Carol, let alone Charles Dickens, and then reduces everything to the point of shock and feeling sorry for poor kids! Those kids were still loved by their parents, were not put in dangerous situations, and were far, far, better off then kids would have been even two generations before them. Good luck explaining any of that when she doesn't understand the "Ghost of Christmas Present."
This was the worst of the Tree House books so far, and it will probably be the last one we read for a long time.
December 14, 2025
A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time by Mary Pope Osborne takes us on a journey back in time to Victorian England. Main characters Jack and Annie are on a mission to help Charles Dickens rediscover his passion for writing so that he can complete one of the most famous literary works of all time, “A Christmas Carol.”
— “He never even knew that it was us who helped him.”
— “That’s the best way to help someone, I think,” said Annie.
— “Why?“ asked Jack.
— “Then you know you’re not helping them just to get a lot of credit,” said Annie. “You’re helping because it’s the right thing to do.”
I thought this book was a nice, quick read to get kids into the holiday spirit (pun intended). It’s a cute spin on A Christmas Carol’s inception. It did spend some time referencing past books in the series, so if you have the time you should read those first!
— “He never even knew that it was us who helped him.”
— “That’s the best way to help someone, I think,” said Annie.
— “Why?“ asked Jack.
— “Then you know you’re not helping them just to get a lot of credit,” said Annie. “You’re helping because it’s the right thing to do.”
I thought this book was a nice, quick read to get kids into the holiday spirit (pun intended). It’s a cute spin on A Christmas Carol’s inception. It did spend some time referencing past books in the series, so if you have the time you should read those first!
December 24, 2017
There is a reason that so many children's libraries carry this entire voluminous series. Having, basic fiction that recommends itself for those 1st-3rd grade students who are just starting chapter books is a godsend. The fact that students learn about the past is also a plus.
This is only the second one I've read so I can't comment on the series as a whole, but the two I have read were both fine, basic stories.
A Ghost Tale for Christmas time was good, even if we waited until 1/2 way through the book to figure out the Christmas connection. Even then, the part with the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, was very short, even if integral to the part.
This is only the second one I've read so I can't comment on the series as a whole, but the two I have read were both fine, basic stories.
A Ghost Tale for Christmas time was good, even if we waited until 1/2 way through the book to figure out the Christmas connection. Even then, the part with the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, was very short, even if integral to the part.
July 8, 2021
This is the final book in the quartet in which Jack and Annie must inspire a famous creative person to share their gifts with the world. In this one, they inspire Charles Dickens with the help of a magic violin. This shows how hard things were for the poor in victorian times, as well as showing a bit about Charles Dickens past. The companion fact Tracker is Rags and Riches: Kids in the Time of Charles Dickens
December 30, 2021
Cute book. I needed a quick book with "Christmas" in the title to finish an end-of-year challenge, so I grabbed this on audio. I've been meaning to read one from this series anyway for quite some time since it's so popular with kids at my library. Win-win.
I can see why kids like this series. Time-travel, adventure, a bit of mild peril, kids saving the day - all good stuff. And as an adult, I appreciated seeing the positive sibling relationship and the fact that kids are learning a bit of history. In this one, Jack and Annie even had to use a bit of math at the beginning, as well as context clues, to figure out what year they had landed in. Nice!
I can see why kids like this series. Time-travel, adventure, a bit of mild peril, kids saving the day - all good stuff. And as an adult, I appreciated seeing the positive sibling relationship and the fact that kids are learning a bit of history. In this one, Jack and Annie even had to use a bit of math at the beginning, as well as context clues, to figure out what year they had landed in. Nice!
December 3, 2021
Neal, age 5. Read Oct 2021
**SPOILERS**
Setting: London in the 1830's
Characters: Charles Dickens, the two ghosts, Jack, and Annie.
Beginning: They were in Frog Creek, PA. They found the magic treehouse. They went to Charles's life.
Middle: Jack and Annie disguised as chimney guys to get into Charles's house. Then they became friends with him.
End: They used a magic violin to encourage the ghosts to change Charles Dicken's life. Then they went home in the magic treehouse.
I kind of liked the book.
**SPOILERS**
Setting: London in the 1830's
Characters: Charles Dickens, the two ghosts, Jack, and Annie.
Beginning: They were in Frog Creek, PA. They found the magic treehouse. They went to Charles's life.
Middle: Jack and Annie disguised as chimney guys to get into Charles's house. Then they became friends with him.
End: They used a magic violin to encourage the ghosts to change Charles Dicken's life. Then they went home in the magic treehouse.
I kind of liked the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2025
Oh the nostalgia! The best thing about these books are the lessons on how to be a good human. The Magic Treehouse novels have to be one the biggest reason’s my kiddo has turned out so well. These were my son’s favorite books. I miss when he was little, even if I know I’m internally romanticizing it.
This particular story was teaching empathy for others, what it looks like, how to help, and recognizing/admitting your own privilege. It also gets you familiar with historic figures, so that you’ll want to keep learning as you get older. More adults should read children’s books for themselves. I love Jack and Annie!
“Oh man,” said Jack. “Everyone was nice to us when we looked rich. Now it feels like the whole world’s against us.” (Ch. 5)
It wasn’t really about Christmas, it was introducing us to Charles Dickens and teaching us how to critically think about his works. While A Christmas Carol isn’t my favorite, I’m glad Jack and Annie saved it.
This particular story was teaching empathy for others, what it looks like, how to help, and recognizing/admitting your own privilege. It also gets you familiar with historic figures, so that you’ll want to keep learning as you get older. More adults should read children’s books for themselves. I love Jack and Annie!
“Oh man,” said Jack. “Everyone was nice to us when we looked rich. Now it feels like the whole world’s against us.” (Ch. 5)
It wasn’t really about Christmas, it was introducing us to Charles Dickens and teaching us how to critically think about his works. While A Christmas Carol isn’t my favorite, I’m glad Jack and Annie saved it.
December 31, 2025
☆3
This merlin mission helping Charles Dickens was a fun one, but I felt the resolution wasn't the best. I think it would have been cooler if Osborn wrote the resolution based on what actually prompted Dickens to write a Christmas carol rather than Jack and Annie practically handing the idea to him.
Other than that pretty ok book
☆3 ▪︎ 111 pages
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Short December Reads" is a shelf dedicated to short books read after my reading goal for the year has been reached in order to be able to read these books without them counting toward my goal.
This merlin mission helping Charles Dickens was a fun one, but I felt the resolution wasn't the best. I think it would have been cooler if Osborn wrote the resolution based on what actually prompted Dickens to write a Christmas carol rather than Jack and Annie practically handing the idea to him.
Other than that pretty ok book
☆3 ▪︎ 111 pages
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Short December Reads" is a shelf dedicated to short books read after my reading goal for the year has been reached in order to be able to read these books without them counting toward my goal.
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