Mary Pope Osborne

Mary Pope Osborne

Meet Mary Pope Osborne

Mary Pope Osborne is a beloved American author, cherished by young readers worldwide for her enchanting stories. She is best known as the brilliant mind behind the immensely popular Magic Tree House series, which has captivated millions with its blend of adventure, history, and imagination. Her books inspire a lifelong love of reading and discovery.

The Story Behind the Stories

Born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Mary Pope Osborne's childhood was a tapestry of constant movement, living in various states and even Austria due to her father's military career. This early exposure to diverse environments fostered a vivid imagination and a deep curiosity about the world. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, she embarked on an extensive journey through Europe and Asia, an experience she credits with planting the "seeds of imagination" that directly led to her writing career. She spontaneously began writing in 1982, channeling her rich background into stories that transport readers.

A Life in Books

Mary Pope Osborne's literary journey began with her first book, "Run, Run As Fast As You Can," published in 1982. However, it was the launch of the Magic Tree House series in 1992, starting with "Dinosaurs Before Dark," that cemented her place in children's literature. This groundbreaking series, alongside its longer "Merlin Missions" and companion "Fact Trackers" (often co-authored with her husband, Will Osborne, or sister, Natalie Pope Boyce), has sold over 134 million copies globally. Her dedication to literacy is evident through her two terms as president of the Authors Guild and numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from the University of North Carolina in 2013 and the Ludington Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2005.

Did You Know?

  • Mary Pope Osborne lived in 13 different houses and attended eight different schools by the time she was 15, due to her father's military career.
  • After college, she embarked on an extensive journey, living in a cave on the island of Crete for six weeks and traveling overland through 11 countries across Asia.
  • Before becoming a full-time author, she held a variety of interesting jobs, including a medical assistant, travel agent, drama teacher, and even a bartender.
  • Her husband, Will Osborne, is an actor and playwright, and they famously met when she saw him perform in a musical about the outlaw Jesse James.

Why Readers Love Mary Pope Osborne

Mary Pope Osborne's books resonate deeply because they skillfully weave exciting narratives with educational content, making history and science accessible and thrilling. Her legacy lies in fostering a love for reading and learning in generations of children, encouraging them to explore the vast wonders of the world through the power of stories. We invite you to discover the magic for yourself and browse her wonderful collection at BookClub.com.mt.

24 books available

Latest News

What's new with Mary Pope Osborne

It's been a truly exciting few months for fans of the beloved Mary Pope Osborne! We were absolutely delighted to catch up with her in a couple of fantastic recent interviews. Just this July, Mary shared wonderful insights into the enduring magic of the *Magic Tree House* series on "Book Lounge by Libby," discussing everything from the initial spark of an idea to her experience narrating over sixty-five audiobooks. Prior to that, in early July, she also appeared on RIF.org's "The Power of Story" podcast, reflecting on a life of adventure and her deep commitment to children's literacy.

Adding to the buzz, Mary Pope Osborne has also been previewing her newest literary venture, the *History Heroes* series. This exciting new collection promises to introduce young readers to incredible real-world figures, with the first installment featuring the remarkable story of Mary Anning, "The Greatest Fossil Finder." It's a beautiful reminder that reading truly is a doorway to anywhere, bringing history to life for a new generation.

And for those who dream of seeing Jack and Annie's adventures leap off the page, there's thrilling news on the horizon! An animated series based on the internationally bestselling *Magic Tree House* books is officially in development. Mary Pope Osborne herself is deeply involved as an executive producer and creative partner, ensuring that the spirit and magic of her stories are faithfully brought to the screen. This adaptation, a long-held dream for the author, promises to introduce the beloved siblings to even more young explorers.

It's clear that Mary Pope Osborne continues to inspire and enchant readers of all ages with her boundless imagination and dedication to literacy. Her work consistently reminds us of the power of stories to transport, educate, and connect us.

Have a look through their collection below — there is always something worth discovering.

Last updated July 2026.