Tag Archives: Mary Pope Osborne

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #22 Hurry Up Houdini!

Hurry Up Houdini!

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL P; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie continue their journey as they find the second key to greatness under the direction and assistance of Merlin,  They get to meet the Great Houdini at the amusement park on Coney Island and even get to perform on the same stage as the great illusionist.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. What two things did Merlin give Jack and Annie to help them during their quest? A gold ring (Ring of Truth) and a tiny bottle of Merlin’s magic mist p.7
  2. Where did Merlin want them to go for this mission?  Coney Island, NY  p.8
  3. Who were Jack and Annie going to visit for this adventure? The Great Houdini p.8
  4. What do you know about the Great Houdini?  A magician, performer

Chapter 2

  1. After the tree house landed in New York, Annie thought they had arrived at the time of the Middle Ages.  What made her come to that conclusion?  She saw spires, towers, turrets, domes  p.10
  2. Back in 1908, how much was a penny worth if compared to a coin in our time?  A quarter p.11
  3. What ride did Jack and Annie go on before buying their tickets for Houdini’s show? A water roller coaster; Shoot the Chutes p.21
  4. Why do you think Jack wanted to buy the tickets to Houdini’s show before eating the hot dog, ice cream and going on Shoot the Chutes?  It might be sold out; they might miss it  p.22

Chapter 3

  1. How did Jack like the Shoot the Chutes ride he and Annie went on?  He didn’t like it; it made him queasy p.23
  2. What’s the definition of “coincidence”?   an occurrence of events happening by chance  p.27
  3. Give an example of onomatopoeia in this chapter.   Ah-OO-ga! Ah-OO-ga!  p.29
  4. Why was Mr. Dewey so upset when Jack and Annie tried to buy tickets for the Great Houdini’s show?  The opening act, the Bambini Brothers ran off stealing from the box office, now the Great Houdini’s show doesn’t have an opening act and it will start late  p.32

Chapter 4

  1. How did Jack and Annie help solve Mr. Dewey’s problem of not having an opening act for the Great Houdini?  Jack and Annie used the magic mist to become great performers and do the opening act p.36
  2. What was the name of Jack and Annie’s act for the performance? Jolly Jack and the Amazing Annie p.38
  3. How did Jack feel about performing in the opening act of the Great Houdini? He didn’t like it  p.39&44
  4. What’s the definition of a “horde”? a large group of people  p.40

Chapter 5

  1. Why did Jack turn around and go back to the theater, especially when he was so angry at Annie? She was going to use the magic mist to become a great performer, but he realized he had the mist p.46
  2. How did Jack sneak into the theater? He climbed onto a garbage can and crate to reach the window of Annie’s dressing room p.49-50
  3. How did Jack feel about performing after he inhaled the mist? The crowd wasn’t so scary, he couldn’t wait to get on stage and show them what he could do  p.54

Chapter 6

  1. What are illusionists?  Magicians  p.59
  2. Tell me three magic tricks Jack and Annie did during their act.  Pulled rabbits and doves from their hats, made cards appear from thin air, made wands appear, connecting three solid rings  p.62-67
  3. Tell me the definition of “flourish”. To make dramatic, sweeping gestures  p.69

Chapter 7

  1. Why did Jack and Annie go back on stage and perform a second time?  The Great Houdini hadn’t shown up to do the show  p.71
  2. Why did the audience “boo” Jack when the curtain lifted for the second performance? They wanted the Great Houdini p.76
  3. Why was the Great Houdini late for his performance?  He and Bess got trapped on the Trip to the Moon ride p.81

Chapter 8

  1. What was one of the Great Houdini’s nicknames? The Master of Escape  p.88
  2. Describe to me the Great Houdini’s most thrilling and dangerous escape he performed that night? He escaped a huge locked milk can full of water with three pairs of handcuffs around his wrists p.89
  3. What magic trick did the Great Houdini do that included his wife Bess? He tied her arms behind her back, she stepped into a large bag that Houdini tied at the top, she was placed in a trunk that was inside a cabinet, then the cabinet was locked with padlocks. She escaped and opened the trunk and bag and the Great Houdini jumped out p.94

Chapter 9

  1. How did Harry and Bess leave the theater after the show? Through a secret exit out of their dressing room p.97
  2. Where did Jack and Annie find Harry and Bess? On a bench eating ice cream cones p.101
  3. Why do Harry and Bess wear such big hats? So fans won’t recognize them p.101
  4. What did Bess say to Jack and Annie that made the Ring of Truth glow?  Anyone would have to work hard to be truly great at something p.105

Chapter 10

  1. Why did Jack and Annie want to walk with Harry and Bess to the Japanese Tea Garden? That’s where the magic tree house was p. 107
  2. When Jack and Annie were telling their new friends about the magic tree house, how did Harry and Bess respond? They didn’t believe them, they winked at each other, went along with Jack and Annie p.109
  3. Why did Jack and Annie tell Harry and Bess their secret about the tree house? Harry mentioned he would be happy to just once see a bit of magic he could never do or never explain p.107&112
  4. What was Jack and Annie’s new secret of greatness? Hard work  p.112

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #21 Stallion by Starlight

Stallion by Starlight

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts: 2.0

Time-traveling brother-and-sister team Jack and Annie must find four secrets of greatness for Merlin the magician. To start, they travel back in time to meet Alexander the Great. He should know all about greatness, right? But young Alexander is bossy, vain, and not great at all! How can they learn from him? It’s going to take a wild black stallion, magic from Merlin, and a lot of bravery to succeed. Are Jack and Annie clever and bold enough to complete their mission?

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

  1. In the first chapter, how did Jack and Annie know the tree house was back?  Penny was standing on the sidewalk  p.5
  2. Who did Jack and Annie find in the tree house when they first climbed in?  Merlin p.6
  3. What question did Merlin struggle to find an answer to? What makes a person great  p.9
  4. What three objects did Merlin give Jack and Annie to help them on their next four missions?  The Ring of Truth, magical silver mist in a tiny glass bottle, research book on Macedonia p.10-12

Chapter 2

  1. How did King Phillip II get his army to become the best fighting machine in the world? He drilled his men night and day p.18
  2. Why did the boys scowl at Annie when she asked them if King Phillip and Alexander the Great live up on the hill? They’re a fierce and warlike people/not friendly  p.20
  3. Why did the blacksmiths glare and follow Jack and Annie when they tried to sneak away? They thought they were stealing military secrets when they saw Jack writing down what they were doing p. 21

Chapter 3

  1. How did Annie “defy” the teacher that was teaching about the universe? She went against what he was saying p.24-25
  2. What was the teacher’s name? Aristotle p.26
  3. Why is Aristotle in Macedonia? To tutor the prince, Alexander, when he turns 13 p.31
  4. Why did Jack and Annie wait outside while Aristotle went into the Royal House? Aristotle needed to get permission for his guests, Jack and Annie to enter into the House with him p. 34

Chapter 4

  1. What is a mural?  A large picture painted or affixed onto a wall or ceiling  p.36
  2. Describe Prince Alexander’s appearance and behavior when he first arrived and entered the hall everyone was gathered and eating in.  fair haired, muscular, purple cloak over his tunic, strode to the center of the room, tossed back his cloak, bowed p.39
  3. What is a word that describes Alexander? Pompous, arrogant, egotistical, full of himself, stuck-up p. 41

Chapter 5

  1. Why was Jack nervous to go alone with Alexander? He was worried Alexander would challenge him to mounting a moving chariot, hunt a lion p.46
  2. What did Alexander want Jack to write about, when he took him and Annie to the covered porch behind the house?  Alexander  p.47
  3. Instead of writing down what Alexander was saying about himself, what did Jack write?  Alexander is a raving nut, a show off, could never have friends, he should be locked up  p.48-50
  4. Why didn’t Jack use Merlin’s magic to become the greatest athlete in the world to beat Alexander? Jack didn’t want to waste it on an arrogant bully  p.55

Chapter 6

  1. Why does Alexander want to make others look like fools? Because he so greatly fears looking like a fool himself/ he wants to equal his father’s power and strength p.58
  2. What is the definition of “haggle”?  to try make a deal  p.60
  3. When Bucephalus neighed and bucked wildly, who felt they could tame him?  Alexander p.64
  4. Why did Annie want to restart their friendship with Alexander? She felt sorry for him, his dad’s mean to him, they showed off to the king and his men, they were mean to him p.66

Chapter 7

  1. When Jack and Annie sniffed the magic mist to become great horse trainers, what were they able to do with the Bucephalus?  Listen to his thoughts/understand him and have him understand them p.78
  2. What nickname did Annie call Bucephalus?  Buddy p.76
  3. After explaining what had happened to his master, what helped Buddy feel better? That whatever happened to his master wasn’t his fault  p.80

Chapter 8

  1. What does “balk” mean?    to stop short and refuse to go on  P.81
  2. What are some examples from the book to describe how Jack felt when they were riding the horse? Like they were dancing together and they had become one with the horse  p.83
  3. What helped Buddy let other riders ride him? He knows he doesn’t have to wait for his master anymore p.87

Chapter 9

  1. What was the secret of greatness Merlin wanted them to discover on this mission? Humility p.94
  2. What is the definition of humility?  put others before yourself; have a modest opinion about yourself P.94
  3. When Alexander truly listened to Buddy, what did the horse tell him? He was scared of the shadows p.97
  4. What helped Alexander look and act like a different person? Thinking about the horse instead of himself p.97

Chapter 10

  1. Who wanted Jack and Annie to stay and help with Alexander’s education? Aristotle p.101
  2. How did Alexander’s father feel about him after seeing him ride Bucephalus? Happy; proud of him; The king told Alexander he had better find a larger kingdom, since the king’s kingdom was not big enough for him p.104
  3. Explain the Ring of Truth.  It was given to Jack and Annie from Merlin to wear on their journeys. It will glow when they discover a true secret of greatness  p.10
  4. What does dappled mean?  having spots of a different shade, tone, or color from the background p.108

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #19 Abe Lincoln at Last!

Abe Lincoln at Last!

By Mary Pope Osborne

Comprehension Questions

Grades 2-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts: 2.0

Chapter 1

  1. Who were Jack and Annie going to visit in this adventure?  Abe Lincoln  p. 5
  2. What were they needing to find on this mission?  A feather  p. 7
  3. What would the potion in the tiny bottle do for Jack and Annie?  Grant a wish for one thing p. 7

Chapter 2

  1. What building did the tree house land near?  The White House   p. 12
  2. Name the two boys that saw the tree house?  Tad and Willie  p. 14
  3. Why did Tad think the tree house belonged to them?  It was on the property of the White House and the White House belonged to everyone in America   p. 15
  4. Who wanted to take Jack and Annie to meet the President?  Tad   p. 18

Chapter 3

  1. How is the White House different back in President Lincoln’s day then it is now?  People could just walk into the White House and see the president   p. 12
  2. What did Tad say he’d do, if Jack didn’t go with him to find the president? Scream  p.26
  3. What room did Tad take Jack into?  The president’s bedroom   p. 28
  4. Where did Tad and Jack hide when President Lincoln came into the room? Under the bed  p. 28

Chapter 4

  1. How did Tad know President Lincoln?  The president was his father   p. 31
  2. How did President Lincoln respond when Tad told him about Jack and Annie? Strangely, like he might know them  p. 32
  3. Who did Annie meet while Jack was hiding under the bed?  Tad and Willie’s mom   p. 35

Chapter 5

  1. Why wouldn’t Jack and Annie get to meet with the president?  He had too many meetings  p. 43
  2. When President Lincoln had a free moment, what would he most likely do?  Go for a horseback ride into the country  p. 44
  3. What did Jack and Annie do to make it so they would have a private meeting with President Lincoln?  Make a wish with their potion from the little bottle   p. 48

Chapter 6

  1. After taking the potion, where did Jack and Annie end up?  In the country   p. 49
  2. Who came riding up to Jack and Annie?  Sam  p. 53
  3. Where was Sam going?  To grind his corn at the mill   p. 53
  4. Why did the horse get scared when the wind blew?  She doesn’t hear well   p. 54

Chapter 7

  1. What did Sam’s home look like?  log cabin with a shed, has a bear skin for a door and no windows   p. 63
  2. Where was Sam’s bed?  In the loft   p. 64
  3. Where was Sarah, Sam’s sister?  At school   p. 66
  4. Where’s Sam’s father?  Kentucky   p. 66

Chapter 8

  1. Why did Sam want to get his chores done?  To help his sister   p. 68
  2. Why couldn’t Jack and Annie split the wood?They couldn’t get the axe out of the log  p. 71
  3. Why didn’t they milk the cow?  They didn’t know how   p. 72

Chapter 9

  1. Why didn’t Jack and Annie get the water from the spring?  They heard growling  p. 78
  2. Who was splitting wood when Jack and Annie got back to the cabin?  Sam   p. 79
  3. Who built Sam’s cabin?  Sam and his dad   p. 84

Chapter 10

  1. How does Sam feel about reading and writing?  Loves it   p. 89
  2. Who arrived while Sam, Jack and Annie were doing schoolwork?  Sam’s dad   p. 90
  3. Who did his dad have with him?  a new wife and mother for Sam and Sarah and three new siblings  p. 91
  4. What did Sam give Jack and Annie to say thank you for helping him?  A feather from a goose and ink from blackberries   p. 96

Chapter 11

  1. Why didn’t Jack and Annie get to hear what Sam was going to tell them?  They were sent back to the White House before he could tell them   p. 98
  2. Why did President Lincoln pretend to be Sam?  He loved to do pranks on people   p. 103
  3. What did Jack and Annie scribble down for President Lincoln?  A message of hope and that everything would be all right   p. 105

Chapter 12

  1. How would Willie die?  Typhoid fever  p. 110
  2. How did Jack wish he’d treated Tad when he found out about the things Tad would be facing?  Nicer   p. 111
  3. How many more things do Jack and Annie need to find to help Penny?  One  p. 112

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #20 A Perfect Time for Pandas

A Perfect Time for Pandas

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-5; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie go to China looking for the last object needed to help break Penny’s spell.  They get to help at a giant panda reserve and get caught in a huge earthquake. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #16 A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time

A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie visit Charles Dickens and help him understand the importance of his writing.

Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #18 Dogs in the Dead of Night

Dogs in the Dead of Night

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-5; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL M; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie are on a quest to help save Penny the penguin.  Teddy and Kathleen send them to the Swiss Alps as they look for a white and yellow flower. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #17 A Crazy Day with Cobras

A Crazy Day with Cobras

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-5; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie go to India to find a jewel called the emerald rose.  They give the Great Mogul their stories filled with their tree house adventures and beautiful pictures. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #14 A Good Night for Ghosts

A Good Night for Ghosts

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-5; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie travel to New Orleans to help Louis Armstrong see the importance of sharing his musical gifts with the world. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions- Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #12 Eve of the Emperor Penguin

 Eve of the Emperor Penguin

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 2-4; Genre - Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie visit Antarctica looking for the fourth secret of happiness to help Merlin feel better.  They get to meet some magical penguins and one even volunteers to go back to Merlin with Jack and Annie. Continue reading →

Comprehension Questions – Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #9 Dragon of the Red Dawn

Dragon of the Red Dawn

By Mary Pope Osborne

Grades 3-5; Genre - Historical Fiction with Fantastical Elements; GRL N; AR pts: 2.0

Jack and Annie visit old Japan to find a secret of happiness for Merlin.  They meet a master poet and help save the village from a fire. Continue reading →