Welcome to our guide for what to read after Magic Tree House. If you or your young reader loved the adventure, history, and mystery found in Mary Pope Osborne’s beloved series, you might be looking for what to dive into next. The purpose of this blog post is to explore a variety of books and series that capture similar themes and offer new horizons for eager young minds.
Whether your preference lies in mystery, fantasy, history, science, or simply grand adventure, this guide is here to help you discover your next literary journey.
Similar Series for Young Readers
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Boxcar Children is a classic children’s series that follows the adventures of four orphaned children who create a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar. While not journeying through time and space like the Magic Tree House series, The Boxcar Children similarly invites young readers into a world of mystery and self-reliance. Children who appreciated the sibling dynamics of Jack and Annie will enjoy the larger sibling ensemble here.
A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy
If you enjoyed the mystery elements of Magic Tree House, A to Z Mysteries could be your next go-to. This series features three young detectives solving intriguing mysteries in their small town. Each book focuses on a case starting with a different letter of the alphabet, adding an educational element that mirrors Magic Tree House’s educational twist.
Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew by Carolyn Keene
For children captivated by the strong, curious character of Annie in Magic Tree House, Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew offers a group of quick-witted girls solving mysteries in their community. While the Clue Crew’s adventures don’t involve time travel, the series nurtures the same spirit of curiosity and problem-solving found in Magic Tree House.
Books that Expand on the Adventure Theme
My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
My Father’s Dragon is a charming tale that follows the journey of a young boy who ventures to Wild Island to rescue a captive baby dragon. If the aspect of adventure and the element of fantasy in Magic Tree House series resonated with you, then this book will delight with its imaginative world and engaging narrative.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
If you’re ready to take a step into larger fantasy realms, The Hobbit might be your next stop. This precursor to the Lord of the Rings trilogy introduces readers to a world filled with wizards, dwarves, and hobbits. It offers a more advanced narrative structure and complex vocabulary than the Magic Tree House, making it an ideal transition for readers wanting a bit more of a challenge.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
For those who savored the whimsy and excitement of the Magic Tree House series, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory offers a uniquely imaginative adventure. The story of Charlie Bucket’s journey through Willy Wonka’s marvelous chocolate factory is filled with enchantment and unpredictability, providing a fresh context for adventure.
Books that Delve into History and Science
The Magic School Bus series by Joanna Cole
For young readers who have enjoyed the historical and scientific elements present in the Magic Tree House series, The Magic School Bus is a great next step. The series revolves around Ms. Frizzle and her class, who take field trips in their magical school bus to a variety of educational destinations, from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space.
Horrible Histories series by Terry Deary
Horrible Histories is a series of engaging and humorous books that teach children about different periods in world history. The series takes a light-hearted approach to historical learning, much like Magic Tree House does with its time-traveling adventures, making it an excellent choice for those interested in history.
The Story of the World series by Susan Wise Bauer
If the way Magic Tree House brings history to life fascinated your young reader, they might enjoy The Story of the World series. It provides a kid-friendly, engaging narrative of world history. Each book in the series covers a different era, and like Magic Tree House, it blends education and storytelling in a way that keeps young readers absorbed.
Graphic Novels for a Different Format
Hilo series by Judd Winick
For those who might enjoy a visual storytelling format, the Hilo series offers an energetic and engaging graphic novel experience. The story follows a boy named Hilo who crashes to Earth with no memory of who he is or where he came from, and his friends who help him navigate this strange new world. It’s a fun sci-fi adventure that pairs well with the fantastical elements in Magic Tree House.
Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey
If the humorous and playful tone of the Magic Tree House series was appealing, the Dog Man series might be a hit. These graphic novels follow the adventures of Dog Man, a hero who is part dog, part policeman. The series features Pilkey’s signature humor and playful art style, offering a different but equally fun reading experience.
Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi
For fans of the Magic Tree House series who are ready to dive into a more complex storyline with a richly imagined world, the Amulet series is a great choice. This graphic novel series features magic, mystery, and adventure in a beautifully illustrated format, providing a more visually engaging journey for readers.
Additional Recommendations
The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew series)
This is the first book in the long-standing Nancy Drew series. It follows the titular character as she solves mysteries. The series, much like Magic Tree House, encourages problem-solving, curiosity, and bravery.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia)
An iconic fantasy series that introduces readers to the magical world of Narnia, filled with talking animals, mythical creatures, and grand adventures. This series was chosen for its fantastical elements that will resonate with Magic Tree House readers.
Geronimo Stilton series by Geronimo Stilton
This series features a mouse journalist who goes on various fun-filled adventures. With its unique blend of humor, adventure, and education, this series mirrors many aspects that made Magic Tree House popular.
Time Warp Trio series by Jon Scieszka
This series revolves around three boys who travel through time and space, encountering various historical and fictional characters. The time-traveling element and the historical context make it a great pick for Magic Tree House fans.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
This standalone novel tells the story of Ivan, a gorilla living in a mall, from his own perspective. It’s a touching story of friendship and courage, chosen for its depth of character development and emotional resonance.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
This series, presented in a diary format with drawings, revolves around the life of Greg Heffley, a middle-school student. Its humor and accessible format make it a popular choice for young readers looking for something a bit different.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
This is a charming tale about a brave mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Its elements of fantasy and heroism make it a worthy recommendation for fans of the Magic Tree House series.
Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park
This series follows the adventures of a spirited girl named Junie B. Jones. Its fun and easy-to-read narrative, coupled with relatable school and family scenarios, make it a hit with young readers.
Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine
For those who enjoyed the occasional spooky elements in the Magic Tree House series, the Goosebumps series could be a thrilling next step. Each book in the series features different child characters facing eerie and supernatural situations.
Warriors series by Erin Hunter
The series is about four clans of wild cats living in a forest. It was chosen for its gripping narrative, detailed world-building, and themes of loyalty and survival, offering a more complex read for those ready to venture beyond Magic Tree House.
Conclusion
We’ve explored a range of books and series that can be great follow-ups to the Magic Tree House series. From the mystery and adventure in series like The Boxcar Children and A to Z Mysteries to the more fantastical journeys in books like My Father’s Dragon and The Hobbit. We’ve also considered books that delve into history and science, like The Magic School Bus series and The Story of the World series. And finally, for a different format that is visually engaging, we’ve looked at graphic novels like the Hilo series, Dog Man, and Amulet series.
The most important part of this journey is to continue fostering the love for reading. Every reader is unique, so it’s all about finding the next book or series that will captivate their imagination, just like Magic Tree House did. We hope this guide has been helpful, and happy reading!
