Dark Day in the Deep Sea (Magic Tree House (R) Merlin Mission) (U)

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Books in a tree house give kids the magic to travel to far away places and time periods.Children's LiteratureAnnie and Jack are back with another "Magic Tree House" adventure back in time this time finding themselves aboard the HMS Challenger, a British ship embarked on a voyage of scientific discovery during the 1870s. Fans of the series will certainly enjoy this new adventure, full of rough weather, a giant octopus, and superstitious sailors, and many young readers will be intrigued to learn how much scientists did not know in the 19th Century. As with all book in this series, however, this new entry will appeal much more to children who prefer to read nonfiction, than to those who prefer strong character development and the exploration of relationships. This book is part of a sub-set of the "Magic Tree House" series; it is a "Merlin Mission" book, a little longer than the original books, with more complex vocabulary, meant for young readers who are ready to graduate up from beginning chapter books. This "Stepping Stone Book" story seems a bit more contrived than some in the series, particularly the personification of the octopus, but it is still a good choice for youngsters who enjoy taking in facts with their fiction. Reviewer: Barbara Carroll Roberts