Mary pope osborne author biography

PERSONAL: Born Could 20, 1949, in Fort Sill, OK; daughter of William P. (a colonel in the U.S. Army) and Barnette (a homemaker; maiden name, Dickens) Pope; married Will Osborne (an actor, novelist, playwright, and theater director), May 16, 1976. Education: University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, B.A., 1971. Hobbies and conquer interests: Reading, gardening, traveling, taking make do drives, making bread and soup, acting with her Norfolk terrier Bailey.

ADDRESSES: Dwellingplace and office—Northwest Connecticut. Agent—c/o Author Body armour, Random House, 1745 Broadway, New Dynasty, NY 10019.

CAREER: Author, editor, and academic. Scholastic News Trails magazine, New Dynasty, NY, assistant editor, 1973-79. Worked multifariously as a medical assistant in Town, CA; as a window dresser unappealing Carmel, CA; as a travel representative in Washington, DC, and New Royalty, NY; as an acting teacher fake the Bronx, NY; and as topping bartender and waitress in New Royalty, NY.

MEMBER: Authors Guild (elected council member; chairman of Children's Book Committee; kingpin, 1993-97 and 1997-2001), Authors Guild Base (elected president and vice-president), Authors Friend Fund (board of directors), Authors Record office (founding director), Authors League of Earth, PEN International.

AWARDS, HONORS: Annual Award, Chemist Park School (Brooklyn, NY), and Novice Choice selection, International Reading Association/Children's Publication Council (IRA/CBC), both 1983, and Governing Popular Children's Novel of the Polar Territory of Australia citation, 1986, put the last touches to for Run, Run, As Fast Chimp You Can; Children's Book of goodness Year list, Child Study Association bargain America, 1986, for Last One Home; Pick of the List, American Bookseller, 1986, for Mo to the Rescue; "Outstanding and Worthy of Note" note, Virginia Library Association, 1990, for The ManyLives of Benjamin Franklin; Pick enterprise the List, American Bookseller, and Complete Books of the Year, Parents' Magazine, both 1991, both for Moonhorse; Beat Books of the Year list, School Library Journal, Blue Ribbon Book, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, and Notable Children's Trade Book fall apart the Field of Social Studies, Formal Council for the Social Studies/Children's Game park Council (NCSS/CBC), all 1991, and Utah Children's Book Award, 1993, all rent American Tall Tales; Best Books fall foul of the Year list, Bank Street Institute, 1992, for both Spider Kane meticulous the Mystery under the May-Apple nearby Dinosaurs before Dark, which also won the Diamond State (Delaware) Reading Trellis Award; Edgar Award finalist for Eminent Juvenile Mystery, Mystery Writers of Land, 1993, for Spider Kane and nobility Mystery at Jumbo Nightcrawler's; Notable For kids Trade Book in the Field apply Social Studies, NCSS/CBC, 1993, for Mermaid Tales from around the World; Especial Alumni Award, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, 1994; Orbis Pictus Honor Honour, National Council of Teachers of Spin, 1996, for One World, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship; Distinguished Giving to the Arts, New York Carolina Club; named one of Top Centred Authors, Educational Paperback Association; Children's Preference selection, IRA/CBC, for Standing in influence Light: The Captive Diary of Catharine Carey Logan, Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania, 1763; Children's Choice Award, Association of Booksellers for Children, for Dolphins at Daybreak and Midnight on the Moon.

WRITINGS:

Mo concurrence the Rescue (also see below), clear by Dy-Anne DiSalvo-Ryan, Dial (New Royalty, NY), 1985.

Moonhorse, illustrated by David McPhail, Knopf (New York, NY), 1988, graphic by S. M. Saelig, Knopf (New York, NY), 1991.

Mo and His Friends (sequel to Mo to the Rescue), illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan, Dial (New York, NY), 1989.

A Visit to Sleep's House, illustrated by Melissa Ray Mathis, Knopf (New York, NY), 1989.

(Editor) The Calico Book of Bedtime Rhymes do too much around the World, illustrated by Orderly. Lewis, Contemporary Books (Chicago, IL), 1990.

(Compiler) Bears, Bears, and Bears: A Hoard of Stories, Songs, and Poems ponder Bears, illustrated by Karen Lee Solon, Silver Press (Englewood Cliffs, NJ), 1990, Simon & Schuster (New York, NY), 1992.

Spider Kane and the Mystery hang the May-Apple (also see below), lucid by Victoria Chess, Knopf (New Royalty, NY), 1992.

Spider Kane and the Enigma at Jumbo Nightcrawler's (sequel to Spider Kane and the Mystery under description May-Apple), illustrated by Victoria Chess, Knopf (New York, NY), 1993.

Molly and loftiness Prince, illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles, Knopf (New York, NY), 1994.

Rocking Horse Christmas, illustrated by Ned Bittinger, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.

Happy Birthday, America, plain by Peter Catalan-otto, Roaring Brook Small (Brookfield, CT), 2003.

YOUNG-ADULT NOVELS

Run, Run, Trade in Fast As You Can, Dial (New York, NY), 1982.

Love Always, Blue, Call (New York, NY), 1984.

Best Wishes, Joe Brady, Dial (New York, NY), 1984.

Last One Home, Dial (New York, NY), 1986.

NONFICTION

The Story of Christopher Columbus: Admiral of the Ocean Sea, illustrated descendant Stephen Marchesi, Dell (New York, NY), 1987, reprinted, Gareth Stevens Publishing (Milwaukee, WI), 1997.

The Many Lives of Patriarch Franklin, Dial (New York, NY), 1990.

George Washington: Leader of a New Nation, Dial (New York, NY), 1991.

The Existence of Jesus in Masterpieces of Art, Viking (New York, NY), 1998.

One Globe, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship, Knopf, 1996, revised and enlarged issue, 2002.

"MAGIC TREE HOUSE" SERIES

Dinosaurs before Dark, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Dwelling (New York, NY), 1992.

The Knight gain Dawn, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Arbitrary House (New York, NY), 1993.

Mummies always the Morning, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1993.

Pirates Past Noon, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1994.

Night of the Ninjas, illustrated by Impale Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1995.

Afternoon on the Amazon, illustrated gross Sal Murdocca, Random House (New Royalty, NY), 1995.

Sunset of the Sabertooth, telling by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1996.

Midnight on the Moon, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Household (New York, NY), 1996.

Dolphins at Daybreak, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Igloo (New York, NY), 1997.

Ghost Town surprise victory Sundown, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Fickle House (New York, NY), 1997.

Lions erroneousness Lunchtime, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Casual House (New York, NY), 1998.

Polar Bears past Bedtime, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1998.

Vacation under the Volcano, illustrated by Gesture Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1998.

Day of the Dragon King, clear by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1998.

Viking Ships at Sunrise, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Pied-а-terre (New York, NY), 1998.

Hour of nobleness Olympics, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Chance House (New York, NY), 1998.

Tigers encounter Twilight, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Unsystematic House (New York, NY), 1999.

Tonight arrive at the Titanic, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1999.

Buffalo before Breakfast, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1999.

Civil War on Sunday, illustrated by Provision Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2000.

Dingoes at Dinnertime, illustrated by Stab Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2000.

Revolutionary War on Wednesday, illustrated from end to end of Sal Murdocca, Random House (New Dynasty, NY), 2000.

Earthquake in the Early Morning, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Residence (New York, NY), 2001.

Twister on Tuesday, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Nurse (New York, NY), 2001.

Good Morning, Gorillas, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Platform (New York, NY), 2002.

Stage Fright get ready a Summer Night, illustrated by Suggestion Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2002.

Thanksgiving on Thursday, illustrated by Impale Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2002.

High Tide in Hawaii, illustrated stomachturning Sal Murdocca, Random House (New Royalty, NY), 2003.

"MERLIN MISSIONS" SERIES ("MAGIC Actor HOUSE" BOOKS)

Christmas in Camelot, illustrated saturate Sal Murdocca, Random House (New Dynasty, NY), 2002.

Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Backtoback (New York, NY), 2003.

Summer of loftiness Sea Serpent, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2004.

"MAGIC TREE HOUSE RESEARCH GUIDE" SERIES

(With bridegroom, Will Osborne) Dinosaurs: A Nonfiction Mate to "Dinosaurs before Dark," illustrated alongside Sal Murdocca, Random House (New Royalty, NY), 2000.

(With Will Osborne) Knights shaft Castles: A Nonfiction Companion to "The Knight at Dawn," illustrated by Dress rehearsal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2000.

(With Will Osborne) Mummies and Pyramids: A Nonfiction Companion to "Mummies encircle the Morning," illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2001.

(With Will Osborne) Pirates: A Nonfiction Colleague to "Pirates Past Noon," illustrated soak Sal Murdocca, Random House (New Royalty, NY), 2001.

(With Will Osborne) Rain Forests: A Nonfiction Companion to "Afternoon poser the Amazon," illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2001.

(With Will Osborne) Titanic: A Nonfiction Escort to "Tonight on the Titanic," lucid by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2002.

(With Will Osborne) Space: A Nonfiction Companion to "Midnight tune the Moon," illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2002.

(With Will Osborne) Dolphins and Sharks: Spiffy tidy up Nonfiction Companion to "Dolphins at Daybreak," illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Studio (New York, NY), 2003.

(With Will Osborne) Twisters and Other Terrible Storms: Well-ordered Nonfiction Companion to "Twister on Tuesday," illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Abode (New York, NY), 2003.

(With sister, Natalie Pope Boyce) The Revolutionary War: On the rocks Nonfiction Companion to "Revolutionary War feign Wednesday," illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Fortuitous House (New York, NY), 2004.

(With Natalie Pope Boyce) Ancient Greece and position Olympics: A Nonfiction Companion to "Hour of the Olympics," illustrated by Sustenance Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 2004.

HISTORICAL FICTION

Standing in the Light: Class Captive Diary of Catherine Carey Logan, Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania, 1763 ("Dear America" series), Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.

Adaline Falling Star, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.

My Secret War: The World Bloodshed II Diary of Madeline Beck, Far ahead Island, New York, 1941 ("Dear America" series), Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.

"MY AMERICA" SERIES; HISTORICAL FICTION

My Brother's Keeper: Virginia's Diary, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 1863, Conjectural (New York, NY), 2000.

After the Rain, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2002.

(With Liking Osborne) A Time to Dance, Scholarly (New York, NY), 2003.

RETELLINGS

Beauty and nobility Beast, illustrated by Winslow Pinney Pels, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1987.

Pandora's Box, illustrated by Lisa Amoroso, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1987.

(With Will Osborne) Jason and the Argonauts, illustrated by Steve Sullivan, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.

(With Will Osborne) The Deadly Power atlas Medusa, illustrated by Steve Sullivan, Pedant (New York, NY), 1988.

Favorite Greek Myths, illustrated by Troy Howell, Scholastic, 1989.

American Tall Tales, illustrated by Michael McCurdy, Knopf (New York, NY), 1991.

Mermaid Tales from around the World, illustrated strong Troy Howell, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.

Haunted Waters (based on the Germanic fairy tale "Undine"), Candlewick Press (Cambridge, MA), 1994.

Favorite Norse Myths, illustrated give up Troy Howell, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.

Favorite Medieval Tales, illustrated by Weight Howell, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.

Kate and the Beanstalk, illustrated by Giselle Potter, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2000.

The Brave Little Seamstress, illustrated by Giselle Potter, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2002.

New York's Bravest, illustrated by Steve Writer and Lou Fancher, Knopf (New Royalty, NY), 2002.

"TALES FROM 'THE ODYSSEY'" SERIES; RETELLINGS

The One-Eyed Giant, illustrated by Ilion Howell, Hyperion Books (New York, NY), 2002.

The Land of the Dead, picturesque by Troy Howell, Hyperion Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Sirens and Sea Monsters, illustrated by Troy Howell, Hyperion Books (New York, NY), 2003.

The Grey-Eyed Goddess, illustrated by Troy Howell, Hyperion Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Return to Ithaca, illustrated by Troy Howell, Hyperion Books (New York, NY), 2004.

Contributor to books, including When I Was Your Age: Original Stories about Growing Up, adulterate by Amy Ehrlich, Candlewick Press (Cambridge, MA), 1996. Contributor of introductions observe Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Writer, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2002, see Tenggren's Golden Tales from the Mount Nights, retold and illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren, Golden Books/Random House (New Dynasty, NY), 2003. Osborne's books have antique translated into more than fifteen languages.

ADAPTATIONS: The first twenty-three volumes of blue blood the gentry "Magic Tree House" series were on the loose individually as book and audio ribbon combination packages, read by the founder, by Random House and Listening Turn over, 1999-2003. The series also has antique released on audio cassette in undisturbed editions: Magic Tree House Collection, Books One through Four, Imagination Studio, 2000; Books Five through Eight, Imagination Plant, 2001; Books Nine through Twelve, Fancy Studio, 2001; Books Thirteen through Xvi, Listening Library, 2002; Books Seventeen weekend case Twenty, Imagination Studio, 2002; and Books Twenty-one through Twenty-four, Imagination Studio, 2002. The first eight books were floating on compact disc as Magic Herb House Gift Edition, 2001, which as well includes an interview with Osborne. The Magic Tree House CD Edition includes the next eight volumes of interpretation series and was released by Iffy House, 2002. The first eight volumes of the "Magic Tree House" serial were released on audio cassette jagged two-packs by Imagination Studio, 2003. Adaline Falling Star was released on sound cassette by Random House, 2001. American Tall Tales was released on oftenness cassette by Audio Bookshelf, 2003. Tales from "The Odyssey" was released disarray two audio cassettes by HarperAudio, 2003. Standing in the Light: The In irons Diary of Catherine Carey Logan, Algonquin Valley, Pennsylvania, 1763 was made snag a television movie by Home Stem Office.

WORK IN PROGRESS: Winter of goodness White Wizard, the fourth volume forfeit the "Merlin Missions" series.

SIDELIGHTS: A accepted, prolific author for children and leafy adults, Mary Pope Osborne is reasoned a versatile writer who has elective successfully to many of the genres encompassed by juvenile literature. Directing arrangement books to an audience that ranges from preschool through high school, she has written picture books, realistic tale, historical fiction, young-adult novels, nonfiction, obtain retellings, and has edited collections finance stories, poetry, and songs. Osborne enquiry also the creator of several mound and related volumes. She is it is possible that best known for writing the "Magic Tree House" books, a best-selling, multi-volume collection of time-travel fantasies for key graders. In these works, in which brother and sister Jack and Annie enter an enchanted tree house standing have adventures in the past, exclude, and future, Osborne blends exciting plots with historical and scientific facts long forgotten emphasizing the power of books slab reading. The author also has actualized two additional series to accompany unqualified "Magic Tree House" volumes. The greatest of these, the "Merlin Mission" keep in shape, features stories about Jack and Annie that are inspired by myths cope with legends and are twice as pay out as their counterparts in the primary series. With her husband, Will, clever writer who also is an incident, playwright, and theater director, Osborne conceived the "Magic Tree House Research Guide" series, a collection of informational books that serve as companion volumes test several of the fictional titles layer the main series. In addition, Playwright is the author of three volumes in the "My America" series, chronological fiction in diary form about unadulterated young girl who witnesses the Conflict of Gettysburg in 1863 and writes about both it and the consequence of the Civil War; two n about Sheriff Mo, an amiable work who makes friends with the raccoons, frogs, and mice in his pool community; two detective tales for entirely readers that feature Spider Kane, marvellous brilliant arachnid sleuth who also decay a talented jazz clarinetist; picture-book retellings from The Odyssey by the old Greek writer Homer; collaborations with Last wishes Osborne on two episodes from Ovid's Metamorphoses, the adventures of Jason gleam his Argonauts and the slaying conjure the monster Medusa by the champion Perseus; retellings of myths and legends from America, Greece, and Norway, mid other international sources; and collections show consideration for mermaid tales and stories and verse from the Middle Ages.

In addition proficient her series books, Osborne has turgid several distinguished individual volumes in honourableness genres of fiction and nonfiction. Similarly a biographer, she has described picture lives of Jesus, Christopher Columbus, Martyr Washington, and Benjamin Franklin; in stress fiction, Osborne also includes real-life symbols such as Plato, Squanto, William Shakspere, and Clara Barton, in addition come to Columbus and Washington. The author hype well known for writing One Earth, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship, an informational book that explains primacy tenets of seven major religions—Buddhism, Religion, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Religion. Osborne brings a feminist perspective make several of her books. Her virgin works often depict the journeys, both physical and emotional, that are undertaken by female characters. As a reteller, Osborne has retold the familiar tales "Beauty and the Beast" and "Pandora's Box" and the less familiar European fairy tale "Undine." Her retellings unmoving "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "The Brave Little Tailor" feature clever immature women as protagonists rather than say publicly males who appear in the customary versions. For her collection American High Tales, Osborne created Sally Ann Cracking Ann Whirlwind, a composite of various characters, to supplement male figures just about Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, and Bathroom Henry.

As a literary stylist, Osborne critique noted for writing clear, lively, well-paced prose in both her stories near her informational books. She often includes forewords and afterwords in her books that provide historical context and exceptional information about her research and script. As a creator of fiction, Dramatist is praised for her delineation appreciated and sensitivity to her characters though well as for her sympathetic examination of the effects of war, bias, divorce, mental illness, and other issues on young people. As a essayist of nonfiction, Osborne is commended quota her scholarship and for bringing produce the humanity of her subjects. Allowing she has been criticized for creating some books that are trite courier predictable, Osborne generally is recognized whilst a writer of range and effortlessness, one who truly understands children predominant what appeals to them. A connoisseur in Publishers Weekly stated that Dramatist "has great talent for presenting systematic facts and historic detail in above all exciting, fast-paced format for kids," one-time Deborah Hopkinson of BookPage concluded, "There's definitely something magical about Mary Pontiff Osborne."

Born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Playwright is the daughter of William Possessor. Pope, a retired colonel in depiction United States Army, and Barnette Devil Pope, a homemaker; the author has used her mother's maiden name little the surname for some of multifarious characters. Osborne has a twin monk, a younger brother, and an elderly sister, Nancy, who collaborated with torment on The Revolutionary War: A Prose Companion to "Revolutionary War on Wednesday," a volume in the "Magic Bush House Research Guide" series. As keen young girl, Osborne moved a sum deal with her family. She temporary in Salzburg, Austria, for three age as well as in Oklahoma, kick up a rumpus Florida, and in four different horde posts in Virginia and North Carolina.

Although moving was not traumatic for Dramatist because of the close relationship think about it she shared with her family, mess up things were. She noted in School Library Journal, "I was very frightened as a child. I suffered hit upon every possible kind of fear. Crazed would imagine, constantly, terrible things event to myself or my family. Uproarious was always trying to fight be drawn against that." In her writings, as she told School Library Journal, she chances to provide young girls with "female heroes," characters she believes would scheme helped curb her anxieties as fastidious child. Writing on the "Magic Secrete House" Web site about her legendary influences, Osborne noted, "I read flurry kinds of books when I was little. But I especially loved description 'Little House on the Prairie' books [by Laura Ingalls Wilder], The Brief Princess [by Frances Hodgson Burnett], skull the 'Uncle Wiggily Stories' [by Player R. Garis]. I also loved regular big thick book of Bible traditional that was written in an passee style and took me a indeed long time to read." Writing irregularity the Barnes & Noble Web accommodate about the latter title, Egermeier's Handbook Story Book by Elsie E. Egermeier, Osborne recalled, "By the time Uncontrolled was eleven, I'd read Egermeier's Book stories three times. My love hope against hope old stories and Western history began with this book, as well owing to a thirst to learn about integrity different cultures and religions of primacy period." When asked on the "Magic Tree House" Web site if leadership characters in her best-known series come upon based on real people, Osborne replied, "My characters are a combination understanding real people and my imagination accept research. My two brothers and Berserk used to pretend lots of different together—that we were cowboys, soldiers, etc. That's the basis for the unabridged series."

When she was fifteen, Osborne's pop retired from the army and assumed their family to a small township in North Carolina. Osborne found wander she missed the adventure and dynamical scenery of her early years. She found these things at the neighbourhood community theater, which was located a-one block from her home. Osborne began to spend all of her free of charge time in the theater; she well-versed in plays and also worked unseen. After graduating from high school, she decided to major in drama turn-up for the books the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hillock. However, in her junior year, she discovered the world of mythology significant became interested in studying comparative religions. She switched her major to dogma and immersed herself in learning review other cultures. After receiving her bachelor's degree in 1971, Osborne traveled at large for a year. She went limit to Europe, lived in a break down in Crete for six weeks, spell joined a group of young Europeans who were heading to the Puff up. With this group, Osborne visited 16 Asian countries, including Iraq, Iran, Bharat, Nepal, Afghanistan, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, additional Pakistan. She encountered several dangerous situations, like an earthquake in northern Afghanistan and a riot in Kabul. Dramatist wrote on the Web site confirm the Children's Book Council that spurn trip "often was a horrendous voyage. Throughout much of the trip, Side-splitting was terrified. . . . Wild was constantly ill and constantly frightened." It did not help her position that the leader of her cluster of travelers turned out to continue, as Osborne said, "insane." When she became infected with blood poisoning twist Katmandu, Osborne was forced to call a halt to her travels. In a crowded medical centre ward of Nepalese women, none help whom spoke English, she discovered Document. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings, a spot on that her traveling companions had unbroken in their van. Osborne noted, "For two weeks, all I did was read and sleep. . . . By the time I finished high-mindedness trilogy, . . . I confidential the emotional strength to start sorry for yourself long journey home." Osborne concluded, "That journey irrevocably changed me. Experience was gathered that serves as a referral point every day of my sure. I encountered worlds of light explode worlds of darkness—and planted seeds announcement the imagination that led directly give your backing to my being an author of novice books."

After returning to the United States, Osborne recovered from her illness prosperous headed out again. She moved dirty Monterey, California, and worked as practised medical assistant. In 1974, she prudent to Washington, DC, and worked translation a travel agent, specializing in treks of Russia and Eastern Europe. Playwright moved to New York City fuse 1975 and began to work goslow the Russian Travel Bureau. In 1976, she married Will Osborne, with whom she had fallen in love just as she saw him in the star role of a musical about integrity outlaw Jesse James. The day care for their wedding, the couple took sharpen on a theater tour. While bond the road, Osborne began to draw up. She also worked a variety fortify jobs when not traveling with stagy productions: for example, Osborne was top-notch drama teacher at a nursing make in the Bronx and also influenced with runaway teens, as a barkeep, and as an assistant editor be required of a magazine for children. In 1979, she began the story that would become her first published book, influence semi-autobiographical young-adult novel Run, Run, Pass for Fast As You Can, which was published in 1982.

In Run, Run, Though Fast As You Can, eleven-year-old Hallie Pines, a girl from a personnel family, moves to Virginia when cook father retires. Hallie wants to link the three most popular girls fall back her new school; at first, goodness girls encourage her, but then they reject her cruelly. For comfort, Hallie turns to her eight-year-old brother Mickey, but soon discovers that he has terminal cancer. By facing the clique's rejection of her as well by reason of her brother's death, Hallie is laboured to reexamine her values. Writing shore Horn Book, Karen M. Klockner commented that Osborne "writes naturally about picture interaction among children and of offspring with adults." Writing in the Times Literary Supplement, Judith Elkin said, "The portrait of a girl caught supposing in the difficult age between minority and adolescence . . . denunciation well drawn," while Margery Fisher make out Growing Point concluded that the out of a job "has a candour and directness which are refreshing."

Osborne's second novel for youthful people, Love Always, Blue, is unembellished work that addresses the difficulties go children experience when their parents separate; it also deals with the action of mental illness. Fourteen-year-old Blue River is a girl who lives know her mother, an upwardly mobile socialite, in North Carolina while her clergyman, an aspiring playwright, lives in Newborn York City's Greenwich Village. Blue blames her mom for the separation, ignoring her explanation that her husband was extremely hard to live with. Make sure of a series of encounters with multipart mother, Blue is allowed to stop in her dad in New York. Nigh their time together, Dad's emotional pressurize come to the fore, and Down in the mouth finds it hard to deal reduce his depression. Although she meets orderly nice young man and likes exploit in the Village, Blue decides survive go home early, and her clergyman agrees to get therapy. Writing confine School Library Journal, Denise L. Also pen-friend commented, "This one is much solve than many in the plethora discover dealing-with-divorce titles." Although she called picture structure of Osborne's story weak, Zena Sutherland of Bulletin of the Inside for Children's Books dubbed Love Everywhere, Blue "perceptive in its delineation remark the complexity of human relationships." Ilene Cooper of Booklist deemed the fresh "an engrossing story of family agent that will give young people natty perception about adult depression." Osborne too is the creator of two extra contemporary YA novels, Best Wishes, Joe Brady, the story of the fable between eighteen-year-old Sunny Dickens and class title character, a former soap-opera phenomenon who is starring in a beanfeast theater production in her North Carolina hometown, and Last One Home, which describes twelve-year-old Bailey's struggles following other half parents' divorce, her father's projected remarriage, and her brother's departure for goodness service.

In 1992, Osborne produced the cardinal of her "Magic Tree House" books, Dinosaurs before Dark. The volume introduces eight-year-old Jack, an inquisitive boy who also is a careful planner become more intense researcher, and seven-year-old Annie, who testing intrepid and impetuous. The siblings exist in the fictional town of Batrachian Creek, Pennsylvania. One day, the in a state go out into the woods in their home and discover a fix house filled with books. The lodge house belongs to Morgan le Fay, a sorceress who is the dryad sister of King Arthur and who, in the "Magic Tree House" convoy, is the head librarian of Capital. Jack and Annie find that get ahead of reading one of le Fay's books, looking at an illustration, and manufacture a wish, they can be excited to the time and place renounce the page depicts. The children expeditions to a wide variety of periods and locations, including prehistory in greatness initial story. In subsequent volumes, Gonfalon and Annie go to such seats as medieval and Elizabethan England; full of years Egypt, Greece, Ireland, and Rome; rectitude Old West; feudal Japan; America nearby the Revolutionary and Civil Wars; righteousness ocean; and outer space. Accompanied disallow some of their adventures by Toy, an enchanted dog who actually wreckage a magician, Jack and Annie remit given various assignments to complete wishy-washy Morgan le Fay; these assignments, many a time riddles that the children must decode, include quests to find books use ancient libraries so that they get close be preserved in Camelot. Through their adventures, which often involving helping badger people or animals, the siblings concentrated such individuals as knights, ninjas, mummies, pirates, cowboys, Vikings, and cave people; in addition, they interact with successfully historical figures, such as nurse Clara Barton in Civil War on Sunday and playwright William Shakespeare in Stage Fright on a Summer Night. Characteristically, Jack and Annie find themselves bolster precarious situations, although some of them have humor or panache. The couple face a saber-toothed tiger, a gluttonous shark, an African gorilla, an Amerindian tiger, and vampire bats. In appendix, the siblings find themselves in City before the eruption of Mount Volcano, in San Francisco during the Pronounce Earthquake, and on the Titanic generous its fateful voyage. No matter what they confront, the children, who tutor grow a year older over influence course of the series, conquer their fears, act bravely, learn from their experiences (Jack always takes copious notes), and return home safely in sicken for dinner.

The "Magic Tree House" additional room, which has sold more than xii million copies, is extremely popular capable both children and adults. Children suffer the exciting stories—for example, approximately flash thousand young readers are enrolled hem in the "Magic Tree House" Fan Club—while teachers often use the books primate supplementary reading in their classrooms. Pointed assessing the series, critics have commented on the quick pacing, cliffhanger-style piling endings, and realistic dialogue as come off as on Osborne's consistent creativity illustrious integration of knowledge and imagination. Servile the books as successful combinations exhaust fun, learning, and adventure, reviewers possess pointed out that the series excels in inspiring children to read encourage providing early primary graders with elite chapter books that they can larn easily. By joining Jack and Annie in the Magic Tree House, race learn that books can transport them anywhere, from ancient history to goodness far-flung future. In addition, the escort is noted for teaching children miscomprehend history and geography and for misuse them to new facts and terminology words. Young readers also learn review research and note-taking skills, as model by Jack; about other cultures; cope with about the value of literature, district, and the natural world. Although unkind critics have accused the series designate being contrived, most consider it trigger be both educational and entertaining, excellent valuable way for children to revel in learning. Writing in The Continuum Encyclopedia of Children's Literature, Mary Ariail Broughton stated, "The books in that collection, although fiction, contain a return of factual information, making them functional and enjoyable supplements for thematic studies." Writing in Children's Literature, Lois Rubin Gross explained that the series "provides nicely paced excitement for young readers."

Published in 1996, One World, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship is believed one of Osborne's most accomplished truthful titles. In this work, the writer uses essay-styled chapters to describe description history, beliefs, traditions, and rituals countless the faiths that she represents. Employment the work an "excellent source look after religious shelves," Ilene Cooper of Booklist reported that Osborne "covers the world's major religions, introducing them in swell way that will appeal to teenaged readers." Elizabeth Bush of Bulletin try to be like the Center for Children's Books imitate, "This exceptionally handsome overview offers mean graders a thoughtful overview of fake religions." A critic in Newsweek by, "Osborne's clear, precise style serves cobble together subject very well. This book has an unforced dignity that's rare satisfaction children's literature." Writing in BookPage, Grudge Cary called One World, Many Religions "a superb new book. . . . Osborne's writing is lucid obtain informative—full of dignity and respect, leadership to strike just the right standardize without talking down to young readers or going over their heads." Cary concluded, "Whether you're an atheist, Moslem, Baptist, or anything else, my conceive is you'll find the volume put together only interesting, but fair to shrink, with neither biases nor judgments." Check 2002, One World, Many Religions was reissued in a revised edition occupy which Osborne expands on her quarrel over of Islam.

Osborne frequently mixes fiction brook historical fact in her works. Staunch Adaline Falling Star, a novel get on to middle graders published in 2000, she was praised for doing so orders a particularly memorable way. In that work, the author takes little-known reputation Adaline Falling Star Carson, the absolute daughter of famed frontier scout Scrape Carson and his Arapaho wife Telling Wind, and creates a story deliberate her early life. After the litter of her mother, eleven-year-old Adaline practical sent by her father to viable with his cousins in St. Prizefighter so that he can join Bathroom Fremont's expedition through the Rocky State. In St. Louis, Adaline is supposed as a half-breed, a savage who is expected to work as marvellous servant. After being mistreated by round out cousins, she pretends to be quieten. Adaline's only friend in St. Gladiator is Caddie, an African girl who works in the kitchen and helps her to escape from her cousins. When Adaline learns that the Adventurer expedition is over, she heads bring out Colorado. On her journey, she meets danger and becomes injured but as well makes friends with a stray give chase to that she feels embodies her mother's spirit. Disguised as a boy, Adaline finds work on a steamboat in the past being reunited with her father. Compared to Mark Twain's novel The Wealth of Huckleberry Finn, Adaline Falling Star generally is considered one of Osborne's most effective works. A reviewer divert Horn Book observed that in Adaline Falling Star Osborne "puts memorable countenance on the noble, the well intentioned, and the deceived, all of whom shaped our country's history." Marie Metropolis of School Library Journal noted, "While this touching and exciting novel choice absorb readers from beginning to fulfil, it is the unique writing society that makes it truly extraordinary." Calligraphic writer in Publishers Weekly concluded, "Osborne strikes out in a new circuit in this assured novel. . . . Adaline possesses a wisdom effective by an often heartbreaking sense confront humor."

In her collection American Tall Tales, Osborne introduced readers to Mose Humphreys, a fireman who lived in nobleness 1840s and is often considered America's first urban folk hero. In New York's Bravest, published in 2002, she revises her initial account of Mose in a picture-book retelling. In illustriousness book, dedicated to the New Dynasty City firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001, Osborne draws on both legends and published investment to create her version of blue blood the gentry larger-than-life volunteer fireman. Eight-foot-tall Mose practical bigger, stronger, and more courageous go one better than any of his counterparts. One time off, he disappears in a hotel blazing near the Hudson River and evaluation never seen again. Subsequent rumors threatening Mose in various locations until no problem becomes mythic—the very spirit of Another York. Writing in Booklist, Stephanie Zvirin and Beth Leistensnider claimed readers appropriate a glimpse "of the courage, magnanimity, determination, and danger" contained in ethics life of a firefighter. A commentator in Kirkus Reviews said that New York's Bravest is a "stirring picture-book tribute to the 343 firefighters who died on that terrible day." Practised commentator in Publishers Weekly concluded, "Past and present combine to stirring overnight case in this tall tale with real-world reverberations."

In assessing her career, Osborne wholly wrote, "I feel that the seniority I spent traveling in Asia, character different jobs I've held, the edifice career of my husband, our existence in New York among a tiny community of writers, actors, musicians, view artists, my Southern military background, straighten family, my editor, my work darn runaway teenagers, and my interests burden philosophy and mythology have all sensible and shaped my work." A stay lecturer at schools and libraries, she often asks children, teachers, and librarians for their input on the "Magic Tree House" series; for example, they have helped her to decide position titles for her books and be born with made suggestions as to where Ass and Annie should go next. Happening a brief autobiography posted on excellence "KidsReads.com" Web site, Osborne talked raise the "Magic Tree House" series be proof against its effect on her: "The pat I now have with children has brought over-whelming joy into my believable. I love the letters I formation from them and I love version countless 'Magic Tree House' stories rove they've written. I feel as pretend these kids and I are stand-up fight exploring the creative process together, use our imaginations plus our reading direct writing skills to take us where on earth we want to go. This, Crazed tell my fellow authors, is veracious magic." When asked by Deborah Hopkinson of BookPage if she thinks rove she will ever tire of calligraphy the "Magic Tree House" books, Dramatist replied, "How could I? I finish to throw myself into every singular subject. Besides I have an fantastic audience. . . . How could I disappoint them?"

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

BOOKS

Cullinan, Bernice E., and Diane G. Human being, editors, Continuum Encyclopedia of Children's Literature, Continuum (New York, NY), 2001.

PERIODICALS

Booklist, Apr 15, 1984, Ilene Cooper, review catch sight of Love Always, Blue, p. 750; Oct 1, 1996, Ilene Cooper, review forfeited One World, Many Religions: The Manner We Worship, p. 336; September 1, 2002, Stephanie Zvirin and Beth Leistensnider, review of New York's Bravest, proprietress. 115.

Bulletin of the Center for Novice Books, January, 1984, Zena Sutherland, examination of Love Always, Blue, p. 94; January, 1997, Elizabeth Bush, review cut into One World, Many Religions, p. 183; May 1, 2003, Julie Cummins, survey of Happy Birthday, America, p. 1605.

Growing Point, January, 1984, Margery Fisher, dialogue of Run, Run, As Fast Laugh You Can, p. 4187.

Horn Book, June, 1982, Karen M. Klockner, review sequester Run, Run, As Fast As Boss around Can, pp. 291-292; May, 2000, survey of Adaline Falling Star, p. 318.

Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2002, review stencil New York's Bravest, p. 96.

Newsweek, Dec 2, 1996, review of One Earth, Many Religions.

Publishers Weekly, January 31, 2000, review of Adaline Falling Star, proprietress. 108; June 24, 2002, review donation New York's Bravest, p. 56.

School Lessons Journal, January, 1984, Denise L. Co-worker, review of Love Always, Blue, proprietress. 88; March, 2000, Marie Orlando, examination of Adaline Falling Star, pp. 240-241; November, 2000, interview with Mary Bishop of rome Osborne, p. 19; July, 2003, Angela J. Reynolds, review of Sirens become more intense Sea Monsters, p. 148.

Times Literary Supplement, September 30, 1983, Judith Elkin, examine of Run, Run, As Fast In the same way You Can.

ONLINE

Barnes & Noble,http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ (May 26, 2003), "Meet the Writers: Mary Poet Osborne."

BookPage,http://www.bookpage.com/ (January, 1997), Alice Cary, survey of One World, Many Religions; (December, 2001), Deborah Hopkinson, "The Magic sell Mary Pope Osborne."

Children's Book Council,http://www.cbcbooks.org/(May 26, 2003), "Mary Pope Osborne." Children's Literature,http://www.childrenslit.com/ (May 26, 2003), Lois Rubin Monstrous, review of Tonight on the Titanic.

KidsReads.com,http://www.kidsreads.com/ (May 26, 2003), Shannon Maughan, "Mary Pope Osborne Branches Out with integrity Magic Tree House," and "Mary Holy father Osborne: Author Information."

"Magic Tree House" Children's home Page,http://www.randomhouse.com/ (May 26, 2003).*