The Magic Tree House Series
A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time
on Goodreads (3,338)
What’s inside...
Jack and Annie are off on another Merlin Mission. This time, Merlin has sent them to rescue a beautiful magical creature—the unicorn. Their journey leads them to meet Charles Dickens, whom they assist in understanding the hardship of the poor, leading to the creation of his classic holiday tale, 'A Christmas Carol'.
Series reading
Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Jack and Annie’s encounter with Charles Dickens help them understand the importance of compassion and kindness?
What lessons did the characters learn about helping others during their adventure?
In what ways did the setting of Victorian England contribute to the story’s mood and messages?
How did the ghost in the story help or hinder the characters' journey?
What do you think you would have done if you were in Jack and Annie's place during their adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to relate the historical context of the book to present-day scenarios by asking them how people show compassion today. Discuss the characters’ motivations and actions, and how these impact other characters in the story. Highlight the moral lessons conveyed in the ghost’s tale, and ask your child how those lessons could be applied in their own life. Finally, share your own insights and let your child express their feelings and thoughts openly, fostering a deeper understanding and connection to the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time', protagonists Jack and Annie travel back to Victorian England and meet Charles Dickens, who is grappling with personal and social issues. The children help Dickens to recognize the hardships of others and the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering kindness and cooperation in school and at home.
Example Lesson: The Power of Positivity
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, Jack and Annie maintain a positive outlook despite challenges. Their optimism helps them to encourage Dickens to continue his writing, which ultimately brings joy to many.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply positivity in their own lives by focusing on solutions rather than problems, which can lead to better outcomes in school tasks and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: The story educates young readers about the life and times of Charles Dickens and the Victorian era, giving them a glimpse into the historical and social context of that time.
Real-World Application: Understanding history helps children appreciate their own circumstances and fosters an interest in learning more about different eras and cultures.
Example Lesson: Importance of Literature
Explanation: The book shows how Dickens' works touched the lives of many and highlighted social issues, teaching about the impact of literature.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of reading and how literature can influence and illuminate real world issues, encouraging them to explore more books and form their own ideas.