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.

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Latest News

What's new with Mary Pope Osborne

Hello, fellow book lovers! We’ve got some delightful news to share about the wonderful Mary Pope Osborne, whose captivating *Magic Tree House* series has enchanted so many of us. It’s always a treat to hear directly from beloved authors, and Mary Pope Osborne recently sat down for a brand new interview on "Book Lounge by Libby" in July. She shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, from how she first dreamt up Jack and Annie, to her experience narrating over sixty-five audiobooks, and even insights into adapting her cherished series into graphic novels and animated projects.

Speaking of graphic novels, fans will be thrilled to know that the *Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic* made its debut in June, offering a visually engaging way to explore the historical facts behind one of Jack and Annie’s most memorable adventures. And for those already looking ahead, keep an eye out for the *Christmas in Camelot Graphic Novel* slated for release in October, promising more exciting journeys.

It’s clear that Mary Pope Osborne continues to connect with her readers in new and exciting ways. Her official YouTube channel recently shared a heartfelt video titled "To Everyone Who Grew Up Reading Magic Tree House," which is a lovely testament to the lasting impact her stories have had across generations. Her dedication to inspiring a love of reading and discovery truly shines through in all her work.

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

Last updated September 2026.

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