Christmas In Camelot

“Jack and Annie soon discovered that the tree house was magic. It could take them to the places they read about in the books. All they had to do was point to a picture and wish to go there.”

The prologue explains the plot mechanism of the magic tree house that gives the series its title and premise. Osborne’s children’s books blend the genres of fantasy and historical fiction. She sends her characters back in time to various periods and “places they read about in the books,” and the books combine magical elements with historical details to offer her young readers educational information as well as entertainment. In addition, the sense of wonder and excitement evoked in this passage is one of the hallmarks of Osborne’s writing.

“‘Come on!’ said Annie. ‘The tree house is back!’ ‘You’re just hoping!’ said Jack. ‘I’m knowing!’ said Annie. She ran into the woods, following the white dove. ‘Oh, brother,’ said Jack. But he took off after Annie.”

The siblings’ reactions to the dove illustrate the differences between their personalities. Jack, the older sibling, is more cautious and reserved. He misses Morgan Le Fay and the tree house, and he tries to protect himself from further disappointment by not getting his hopes up. On the other hand, Annie is outgoing and hopeful, eager to believe that the bird has a message from their friend. This scene helps to establish the theme of The Significance of Hope and Imagination because Annie’s hopeful decision to follow the dove allows the adventure to take place.