Magic Tree House Books in Order: The Complete Reading Guide

Magic Tree House Books in Order: The Complete Reading Guide

The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne is one of the most popular early chapter book series for children. Combining adventure, history, and imagination, these books have introduced millions of young readers to the joy of reading.

If you're wondering what order to read the Magic Tree House books, this guide will walk you through the full series and help you get started.


Magic Tree House Books in Order (Publication Order)

The best way to read the Magic Tree House series is in publication order:

  1. Dinosaurs Before Dark (1992)

  2. The Knight at Dawn (1993)

  3. Mummies in the Morning (1993)

  4. Pirates Past Noon (1994)

  5. Night of the Ninjas (1995)

  6. Afternoon on the Amazon (1995)

  7. Sunset of the Sabertooth (1996)

  8. Midnight on the Moon (1996)

  9. Dolphins at Daybreak (1997)

  10. Ghost Town at Sundown (1997)

  11. Lions at Lunchtime (1998)

  12. Polar Bears Past Bedtime (1998)

  13. Vacation Under the Volcano (1998)

  14. Day of the Dragon King (1998)

  15. Viking Ships at Sunrise (1998)

  16. Hour of the Olympics (1998)

  17. Tonight on the Titanic (1999)

  18. Buffalo Before Breakfast (1999)

  19. Tigers at Twilight (1999)

  20. Dingoes at Dinnertime (1999)

  21. Civil War on Sunday (2000)

  22. Revolutionary War on Wednesday (2000)

  23. Twister on Tuesday (2001)

  24. Earthquake in the Early Morning (2001)

  25. Stage Fright on a Summer Night (2002)

  26. Good Morning, Gorillas (2002)

  27. Thanksgiving on Thursday (2002)

  28. High Tide in Hawaii (2003)


Merlin Missions (Advanced Magic Tree House Books)

After book 28, the series continues with longer and slightly more advanced stories often called the Merlin Missions:

  1. Christmas in Camelot

  2. Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve

  3. Summer of the Sea Serpent

  4. Winter of the Ice Wizard

  5. Carnival at Candlelight

  6. Season of the Sandstorms

  7. Night of the New Magicians

  8. Blizzard of the Blue Moon

  9. Dragon of the Red Dawn

  10. Monday with a Mad Genius

  11. Dark Day in the Deep Sea

  12. Eve of the Emperor Penguin
    …and more continuing entries in the series.


What Is the First Magic Tree House Book?

The first book in the series is:

Dinosaurs Before Dark

This story introduces siblings Jack and Annie, who discover a magical tree house that takes them on adventures through time.


Best Way to Read Magic Tree House

👉 Start with Book 1 and read in order

The books are short and easy to follow, making them perfect for early readers and read-aloud sessions.


Why Magic Tree House Is So Popular

The series remains popular because it:

  • Combines history with adventure

  • Uses simple, engaging language

  • Encourages curiosity and learning

Many families use these books as part of homeschool history lessons.


Is Magic Tree House Good for Kids?

Yes — it is ideal for:

  • Early readers (ages 6–10)

  • Homeschool families

  • Read-aloud sessions

The books are educational while still being fun and engaging.


Related Book Series to Explore

If you enjoy Magic Tree House, you may also enjoy:

  • The Boxcar Children

  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid

  • Junie B. Jones

  • The Hardy Boys

These series help build reading confidence and interest.


Building a Home Library

The Magic Tree House series is a great addition to any home library, especially for younger readers just starting chapter books.

Be sure to check out tens of thousands of used books on our website!

Back to blog