Jack and Annie arrive on the one continent they haven’t visited before: Antarctica! What can they hope to learn about happiness in such a barren place? Only the penguins know for sure…Jack and Annie are about to find out! Did you know that there’s a Magic Tree House book for every kid? Magic Tree House: Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader Super Edition: A longer and more dangerous adventure Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures Have more fun with Jack and Annie at MagicTreeHouse.com MARY POPE OSBORNE is the author of the New York Times number one bestselling Magic Tree House series. She and her husband, writer Will Osborne (author of Magic Tree House: The Musical ), live in northwestern Connecticut with their three dogs. Ms. Osborne is also the coauthor of the companion Magic Tree House Fact Trackers series with Will, and with her sister, Natalie Pope Boyce. SAL MURDOCCA has illustrated more than 200 children's trade and text books. He is also a librettist for children's opera, a video artist, an avid runner, hiker, and bicyclist, and a teacher of children's illustration at the Parsons School of Design. Sal lives and works in New York with his wife, Nancy. CHAPTER SIX, All Fall Down Nancy put away her radio and looked at Jack and Annie. “I don’t know how you two got past me.” “We’re sorry,” said Annie. “This is unbelievable!” said Nancy. Jack couldn’t believe it, either. How did they mess up so badly? “I’m so sorry I brought you here,” said Nancy. “No, no, it’s our fault,” Jack said again. “It’s mine, all mine, oh . . . ,” said Nancy. She seemed near tears. “You’re just little kids.” Not so little! thought Jack again. Gee! A snowmobile rumbled outside, its engine warming up. “Oh, dear,” said Nancy. “I’ve got to lead the group up a safe route to the crater, or they’ll be in trouble. But Pete should be back here in just a few minutes. Will you be okay by yourselves till then?” “We’ll be fine, don’t worry,” said Annie. “Good,” said Nancy. “Here, sweeties.” She poured some water into two cups and gave them to Jack and Annie. “Drink.” While they drank the water, Nancy spread a blanket on the floor and turned on the small heater. “Lie down here,” she said. “Just rest.” She patted the blanket. Jack and Annie lay down. Nancy covered them with another blanket. “If you get thirsty, drink more water,” she said. “Thanks,” said Annie. Jack was too embarrassed to say anything. He felt like a preschool kid being put down for a nap. “Okay!” Nancy said with a big sigh. “You kids nearly gave me a heart attack,” she repeated half to herself as she left the hut. “Sorry,” said Jack. But Nancy was gone. Soon the roar and rumble of the snowmobiles filled the air as Nancy led the scientists and journalists up the mountain. “We really messed up our mission this time,” said Jack, lying under the blanket. “And we were doing so well, too,” said Annie. She sat up. “Can I see Morgan’s rhyme, please?” Jack pulled the rhyme out of his pocket and handed it to Annie. “Okay,” said Annie. She read aloud: . . . then all fall down, Till you come to the Cave of the Ancient Crown. “I wonder if this counts as falling down?” said Annie. She put the rhyme into her pocket. “I don’t think so,” said Jack. “I don’t know what that means. And there’s no ‘Ancient Crown’ in Antarctica. It’s all science and research and rules and helicopters and snowmobiles. . . . It’s the real world. . . . His voice trailed off. “Well, I know one thing: I don’t want to waste time lying around here,” said Annie. She threw off the blanket and stood up. “At least I can take a few pictures while we wait for Pete.” “You really feel like doing that?” said Jack. “Not really, but I’m going to try,” said Annie. “I don’t think you should,” said Jack. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon,” said Annie. “Maybe I’ll see an ancient crown.” “Yeah, sure,” said Jack. Annie put on her goggles and ski mask and headed outside. Jack reached into his pack and pulled out their book. He took off his glove and looked up ancient crown in the index. He wasn’t surprised to find it wasn’t there. Jack put the book back in his pack and took out his notebook. He read over his notes: Go slow! Stay with others! Cracks in ice! Never touch wildlife! Jack’s hand was cold, so he put his glove back on. He put away his notebook, and then laid his head back down and closed his eyes. He just wanted to sleep. The heat from the small heater felt good. The sound of the snowmobiles was fading into the distance. As he started to fall asleep, his notes ran through his mind: Stay with others! Cracks in the ice! Oh, no! thought Jack. He sat straight up. He tossed off the blanket. He threw on his pack and rushed out of the hut. The wind was blowing the snow into icy clouds. Jack pulled up his ski mask and lowered his goggles. “An