Night of the Ninjas

Mary Pope Osborne (author)

Sal Murdocca (Illustrations)

Scholastic, USA: 1995; 69pp

ISBN: 0590965433

Genres: adventure, fantasy

Issues: friendship

Jack and Annie have been waiting for weeks for the Magic Tree House to reappear in the woods near their house. Every time they have climbed into its leafy branches they have been whisked off on marvellous adventures with the ageless Morgan le Fey; adventures that have taken them from the time of the dinosaurs to a pirate ship.

 So when it does finally appear, the children are most disappointed - and a little worried - that Morgan is not there to greet them. Instead she has left them a mysterious note that tells them she is under a spell and in need of their help. Following the clues they find in the tree house, Jack and Annie travel to Ancient Japan and the time of the Ninjas. Will the Ninjas help them? Or will they hand them over to the merciless Samurai warriors? And how will any of this help Morgan le Fay?

This, like the others in the series, is a page-turning adventure with a touch of magic that will appeal to younger readers who like plenty of action. Although the characters are very superficial, and Jack's tendency to exclaim, "Oh, man," all the time becomes quite irritating, there is a certain innocence to the adventure that many children will enjoy. Short chapters end on a ‘high note' to maintain interest, and while there is sufficient danger to build excitement, it is resolved quickly enough to allow more sensitive readers to feel secure.

Book 5 in the Magic Tree House series.