Dogs in the Dead of Night
#18 of 27 in Magic Tree House (R) Merlin Mission Series
What’s inside...
Jack and Annie experience thrilling adventures through the Magic Tree House, traveling back to the 1600s in Italy during the Renaissance, where they meet the Duke of Bologna and save a dog named Mimi, and to the Swiss Alps to discover a monastery with monks and Saint Bernard dogs, including a wild young dog named Barry. Throughout their journeys, they encounter challenges that require them to use magic to overcome obstacles. The fan-favorite chapter-book series whisks Jack and Annie back in time to the Swiss Alps in search of a rare flower. When they find a monastery where monks and St. Bernards live, Annie offers to train a young dog named Barry. Then Barry runs away, and Jack and Annie have a new task to find Barry! Will he lead them to the mysterious flower? Or into danger? Mary Pope Osborne brings together just the right combination of history, magic, and fast-paced adventure to satisfy kids, parents, teachers, and librarians all over the world with her New York Times bestselling series.
Discussion points
How do you think Jack and Annie felt when they met the Saint Bernard dogs? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What would you have done if you were on a mission like Jack and Annie? Would you make the same choices or different ones?
What did you learn about Saint Bernards and how they help during rescues?
Why is teamwork important in challenging situations? Can you think of a time when you had to work as a team?
How do you think the tools from the magic tree house helped Jack and Annie in their adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book, relating their personal experiences to the story.
Discuss the historical and geographic setting of the book to enhance understanding of the story's context.
Ask your child to predict future events in the story or how they would have adapted the story differently.
Praise your child’s responses and insights. This affirmation helps deepen their engagement and analysis of the story.
Connect the themes of bravery and helping others to real-life examples, reinforcing the moral lessons of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Dogs in the Dead of Night,' Jack and Annie work together to rescue a dog in the Swiss Alps, showcasing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating and valuing each other’s strengths to achieve common goals, useful in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The characters face harsh conditions and challenges bravely, demonstrating courage throughout their adventure.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to face their fears and challenges boldly, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, standing up for what’s right, or facing a difficult test.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jack and Annie must think creatively to navigate through obstacles, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and devise solutions in varied situations, from resolving conflicts with peers to overcoming daily life hurdles.
Example Lesson: Compassion and Empathy
Explanation: The protagonists show great care and empathy towards the animals they strive to save, teaching kindness.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to be considerate and empathetic towards both animals and people, cultivating a more compassionate approach in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Jack and Annie persist in their quest, highlighting the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to keep trying and not give up easily in the face of adversity, relevant to their academics, personal projects, or relationships.