Mummies in the Morning

Jack, one of the novel’s two main characters, is eight years old and brother to Annie. Osborne’s decision to make him a modern-day elementary school student helps to make him a relatable protagonist for her young audience. Jack is methodical, and his accessories fit with his academic, detail-oriented personality: His glasses help him read, and he carries his books and notebook around in his ever-present red backpack. Because the third-person narration follows Jack’s point of view, his apprehensive perspective enhances the story’s suspense from the opening chapter: “Was the mysterious M person watching him now? Maybe M wanted the gold medallion back” (2). Jack’s caution also makes him protective of his impetuous little sister, such as when he pulls Annie out of the tomb raider’s path in Chapter 4. Notably, Jack’s curiosity is even stronger than his caution, and his love of learning leads him to embark on another trip through time despite the dangers he has encountered on his previous journeys in the magic tree house.

Jack’s arc aligns with Osborne’s goals to teach young readers about different historical eras and values.