Random House Books for Young Readers sent me a hardcover copy of this book along with the a trade paperback of Magic Tree House Research Guide #23: Snakes and Other Reptiles for review (thank you). They will be available in your local bookstore next week. A Crazy Day with Cobras is also available as an audiobook or an ebook.
I, personally, don't like snakes. They frighten me. So I'm thinking "Cobras? Oh no!" I did enjoy reading the story. Ms. Osborne always writes stories that are full of action and challenges and history. Children learn facts about life in other countries as well as about the animals in the story. These are a very useful tool for a teacher or homeschooler or a parent that wants to encourage learning.
Merlin's beloved penguin, Penny, has been turned to stone by accident. Jack and Annie must go to India to get the objects necessary to break the spell. They had no idea at the time they agreed that they would be dealing with wild elephants and cobras on the journey!
The nonfiction companion book that goes with this adventure is the best part of the set. It is full of facts about snakes, has lots of photos and illustrations and teaches children which snakes are dangerous and which ones are not. It's presented in an interesting form and, after reading the book, they'll want to know more about snakes.
Don't forget to visit the new website they have created with games, trivia, lesson plans, activities, teacher chat forum, author event listings and etc. It's at http://www.magictreehouse.com/ . It looks impressive, too, I've checked it out.
The Magic Tree House is an old favorite of mine and I love how it now has even stronger educational side, as well as the original adventure.
I highly recommend this series. Visit your local bookstore and look over the other books in the series, too. I bet you come home with more than one...
Happy reading!
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