Dinosaurs Before Dark

Jack and Annie are just regular kids who get transported back to the prehistoric era by a mysterious tree house in the first book of the #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time, trusted by kids, parents, and educators alike!

“Mary Pope Osborne’s best-selling Magic Tree House series [has turned] more kids into readers than just about any other series you can name.”—The New York Times

The tree house started to spin. It spun faster and faster. Then everything was still. Absolutely still.

Where did the tree house come from?

Before Jack and his sister, Annie, can find out, the mysterious tree house in the woods whisks them to the prehistoric past, where they encounter a Pteranodon, Anatosaurus, Triceratops, and the notorious T-Rex. Now, they must figure out how to get home safe and sound. Can they do it before dark…or will they become a dinosaur’s dinner?

The Magic Tree House series has been beloved by children, parents, and educators for generations. Packed with fascinating facts and detailed black-and-white illustrations, each unique Magic Tree House adventure is sure to inspire a love of reading—and adventure—in every kid who joins Jack and Annie!

Jack and Annie return to the magic tree house in Book #2: The Knight at Dawn! And don’t miss the graphic novel adaptation of Dinosaurs Before Dark, available now!

Did you know that there’s a Magic Tree House book for every kid?

• Magic Tree House: Where the adventure begins! Start with the original 28 books featuring Jack and Annie that are perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books.
• Magic Tree House Graphic Novels: Jack and Annie's original adventures come to life with full-color and vibrant art, perfect for graphic novel fans.
• Merlin Missions: Jack and Annie return in these 25 more challenging adventures for the experienced reader.
• Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions that go more in-depth on your favorite Magic Tree House adventures.
• History’s Heroes: Jack and Annie find historical figures from all over the world to save the Magic Tree House in these extended full-color adventures.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs