Books like Tonight on the Titanic

The Kiddo (age 6) brought this home from his school library and I read it out loud to him. He has an interest in the story of the Titanic. This was my first introduction to Mary Pope Osbourne's Magic Tree House series, and I have to say I was impressed.The main characters, Jack and Annie (ages 8 and 7) are "Master Librarians" for a magical treehouse library run by Morgan Le Fey (No, really.). The books in the treehouse allow the kids to travel through time with a few basic anti-paradox rules in place. No bringing anyone back with them, and no changing history. The structure of the series has the kids going on quests that span several books. This volume was the start of one such quest.When Jack and Annie find a puppy (who they name Teddy) in the treehouse, they also find a message from Morgan Le Fey informing them that the puppy is under a spell and several items are needed to break the enchantment. First on the list: A gift from a ship lost a sea.One trip through the space-time continuum later, and Jack and Annie find themselves aboard a luxurious ocean liner. The bad news, of course, is that it's the Titanic.Once things get going, this book is non-stop fun. Osborne manages to keep the level of excitement and imperilment high without even needing a villain. Just a whole lot of mayhem as the minutes tick away and the kids try to find some way to help, even if they can't prevent the inevitable sinking of the ship.In an introductory message to the readers, Osborne discusses her decision to set a story aboard the Titanic. It was frequently requested by readers, but she was at first reluctant because it was such a tragic story. In the end, she crafted a story that was exciting, but didn't shy away from the sadness of the event.I'm looking forward to my son bringing home more books in this series.