When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #18: Dogs in the Dead of Night, they had lots of questions. How do St. Bernard dogs help people? What is the history of the Great St. Bernard Pass? What is a hospice? Dog Heroes: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #18: Dogs in the Dead of Night answers these questions and more!
This book is part of the Magic Tree House Fact Tracker series, which combines the magic of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fiction series with the fun and fascination of nonfiction. This volume explores the history and science behind one of Jack and Annie’s most exciting adventures. Readers will learn about St. Bernards, mountain passes, hospices, avalanches, and more!
The book begins with an introduction to St. Bernards—the breed that has become synonymous with rescue work in mountain passes like the Great St. Bernard Pass—and their role as rescuers since ancient times. It then dives into a detailed exploration of how these heroic dogs are trained for rescue work, including their diet, exercise routine, and specialized equipment they use while on duty.
Next up is a look at what life was like in medieval Europe when monks first began using St. Bernards to help travelers cross treacherous mountain passes like the Great St. Bernard Pass between Italy and Switzerland. Readers will learn about how hospices were established along these routes to provide shelter for travelers as well as medical care for those who needed it most urgently—including those rescued by St. Bernards!
The book also covers topics such as avalanche safety (including tips on what to do if you find yourself caught in an avalanche), mountaineering techniques used by modern adventurers who traverse difficult terrain like that found around the Great St. Bernard Pass, and even some fun facts about other breeds that have been used for rescue work over time (such as Newfoundlands).
Finally, Dog Heroes: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #18: Dogs in the Dead of Night includes a section on how readers can get involved with animal rescue organizations or even become certified search-and-rescue volunteers themselves!
Overall, this book provides an engaging look at one of Jack and Annie’s most exciting adventures while also teaching readers valuable lessons about animal rescue work and avalanche safety that they can use both now and in years to come!
