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, writer, playwright, and theater director), May 16, 1976. Education: University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, B.A., 1971. Hobbies and in relation to interests: Reading, gardening, traveling, taking make do drives, making bread and soup, acting with her Norfolk terrier Bailey.

ADDRESSES: Abode and office—Northwest Connecticut. Agent—c/o Author Connection, Random House, 1745 Broadway, New Royalty, NY 10019.

CAREER: Author, editor, and pedagogue. Scholastic News Trails magazine, New Dynasty, NY, assistant editor, 1973-79. Worked diversely as a medical assistant in Town, CA; as a window dresser advance Carmel, CA; as a travel messenger in Washington, DC, and New Royalty, NY; as an acting teacher take away the Bronx, NY; and as put in order bartender and waitress in New Dynasty, NY.

MEMBER: Authors Guild (elected council member; chairman of Children's Book Committee; supervisor, 1993-97 and 1997-2001), Authors Guild Stanchion (elected president and vice-president), Authors Federation Fund (board of directors), Authors Register (founding director), Authors League of U.s., PEN International.

AWARDS, HONORS: Annual Award, Chemist Park School (Brooklyn, NY), and Beginner Choice selection, International Reading Association/Children's Volume Council (IRA/CBC), both 1983, and About Popular Children's Novel of the Northward Territory of Australia citation, 1986, deteriorate for Run, Run, As Fast Kind You Can; Children's Book of say publicly Year list, Child Study Association hold America, 1986, for Last One Home; Pick of the List, American Bookseller, 1986, for Mo to the Rescue; "Outstanding and Worthy of Note" allusion, Virginia Library Association, 1990, for The ManyLives of Benjamin Franklin; Pick engage in the List, American Bookseller, and Outshine Books of the Year, Parents' Magazine, both 1991, both for Moonhorse; Finest 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 shaggy dog story the Field of Social Studies, Folk Council for the Social Studies/Children's Work Council (NCSS/CBC), all 1991, and Utah Children's Book Award, 1993, all muddle up American Tall Tales; Best Books sum the Year list, Bank Street School, 1992, for both Spider Kane allow the Mystery under the May-Apple sit Dinosaurs before Dark, which also won the Diamond State (Delaware) Reading League Award; Edgar Award finalist for First Juvenile Mystery, Mystery Writers of Ground, 1993, for Spider Kane and authority Mystery at Jumbo Nightcrawler's; Notable Lowgrade Trade Book in the Field disregard Social Studies, NCSS/CBC, 1993, for Mermaid Tales from around the World; Extraordinary Alumni Award, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, 1994; Orbis Pictus Honor Jackpot, National Council of Teachers of Disinterestedly, 1996, for One World, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship; Distinguished Duty to the Arts, New York Carolina Club; named one of Top Centred Authors, Educational Paperback Association; Children's Ballot selection, IRA/CBC, for Standing in honesty 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 oppress the Rescue (also see below), striking by Dy-Anne DiSalvo-Ryan, Dial (New Royalty, NY), 1985.

Moonhorse, illustrated by David McPhail, Knopf (New York, NY), 1988, expressive 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 raid around the World, illustrated by Systematic. Lewis, Contemporary Books (Chicago, IL), 1990.

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

Spider Kane and the Mystery get somebody on your side the May-Apple (also see below), telling by Victoria Chess, Knopf (New Royalty, NY), 1992.

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

Molly and birth 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, graphic by Peter Catalan-otto, Roaring Brook Retain (Brookfield, CT), 2003.

YOUNG-ADULT NOVELS

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

Love Always, Blue, Phone (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 beside 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 People of Jesus in Masterpieces of Art, Viking (New York, NY), 1998.

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

"MAGIC TREE HOUSE" SERIES

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

The Knight bulk Dawn, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Hit and miss House (New York, NY), 1993.

Mummies surround 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 Gesture Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1995.

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

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

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

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

Ghost Town utilize Sundown, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Casual House (New York, NY), 1997.

Lions unexpected result Lunchtime, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Slapdash 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 Try-out Murdocca, Random House (New York, NY), 1998.

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

Viking Ships at Sunrise, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random Boarding house (New York, NY), 1998.

Hour of decency Olympics, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Hit or miss House (New York, NY), 1998.

Tigers cram Twilight, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Haphazard House (New York, NY), 1999.

Tonight discipline 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 Wave 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 vulgar Sal Murdocca, Random House (New Dynasty, NY), 2000.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer of honourableness 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 uninviting Sal Murdocca, Random House (New Dynasty, NY), 2000.

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

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

(With Will Osborne) Pirates: A Nonfiction Associate to "Pirates Past Noon," illustrated do without Sal Murdocca, Random House (New Dynasty, NY), 2001.

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

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

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

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

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

(With sister, Natalie Pope Boyce) The Revolutionary War: Boss Nonfiction Companion to "Revolutionary War fluctuation Wednesday," illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Slapdash House (New York, NY), 2004.

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

HISTORICAL FICTION

Standing in the Light: Representation 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 Combat II Diary of Madeline Beck, Well 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, Erudite (New York, NY), 2000.

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

(With Drive Osborne) A Time to Dance, Educational (New York, NY), 2003.

RETELLINGS

Beauty and grandeur 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 be fond of Medusa, illustrated by Steve Sullivan, Conjectural (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 wedge Troy Howell, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.

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

Favorite Norse Myths, illustrated strong 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 Author and Lou Fancher, Knopf (New Royalty, NY), 2002.

"TALES FROM 'THE ODYSSEY'" SERIES; RETELLINGS

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

The Land of the Dead, lucid 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, shorten by Amy Ehrlich, Candlewick Press (Cambridge, MA), 1996. Contributor of introductions commerce Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Author, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2002, folk tale 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 antediluvian translated into more than fifteen languages.

ADAPTATIONS: The first twenty-three volumes of dignity "Magic Tree House" series were free individually as book and audio combination packages, read by the novelist, by Random House and Listening Accumulation, 1999-2003. The series also has anachronistic released on audio cassette in composed editions: Magic Tree House Collection, Books One through Four, Imagination Studio, 2000; Books Five through Eight, Imagination Discussion group, 2001; Books Nine through Twelve, Forethought Studio, 2001; Books Thirteen through Cardinal, Listening Library, 2002; Books Seventeen bear Twenty, Imagination Studio, 2002; and Books Twenty-one through Twenty-four, Imagination Studio, 2002. The first eight books were unbound on compact disc as Magic Seed House Gift Edition, 2001, which along with includes an interview with Osborne. The Magic Tree House CD Edition includes the next eight volumes of birth series and was released by Unpredictable House, 2002. The first eight volumes of the "Magic Tree House" followers were released on audio cassette invite two-packs by Imagination Studio, 2003. Adaline Falling Star was released on sensory cassette by Random House, 2001. American Tall Tales was released on frequency cassette by Audio Bookshelf, 2003. Tales from "The Odyssey" was released legalize two audio cassettes by HarperAudio, 2003. Standing in the Light: The Detainee Diary of Catherine Carey Logan, River Valley, Pennsylvania, 1763 was made jerk a television movie by Home Prolong Office.

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

SIDELIGHTS: A accepted, prolific author for children and growing adults, Mary Pope Osborne is ostensible a versatile writer who has free successfully to many of the genres encompassed by juvenile literature. Directing make more attractive books to an audience that ranges from preschool through high school, she has written picture books, realistic fable, historical fiction, young-adult novels, nonfiction, keep from retellings, and has edited collections catch the fancy of stories, poetry, and songs. Osborne obey also the creator of several convoy and related volumes. She is maybe best known for writing the "Magic Tree House" books, a best-selling, multi-volume collection of time-travel fantasies for leading graders. In these works, in which brother and sister Jack and Annie enter an enchanted tree house splendid have adventures in the past, up to date, and future, Osborne blends exciting plots with historical and scientific facts deeprooted emphasizing the power of books deliver reading. The author also has built two additional series to accompany stress "Magic Tree House" volumes. The cardinal of these, the "Merlin Mission" group, features stories about Jack and Annie that are inspired by myths contemporary legends and are twice as scuttle as their counterparts in the earliest series. With her husband, Will, put in order writer who also is an affair, playwright, and theater director, Osborne coined the "Magic Tree House Research Guide" series, a collection of informational books that serve as companion volumes relating to several of the fictional titles skull the main series. In addition, Dramatist is the author of three volumes in the "My America" series, factual fiction in diary form about great young girl who witnesses the Clash of Gettysburg in 1863 and writes about both it and the result of the Civil War; two fictitious about Sheriff Mo, an amiable stovepipe who makes friends with the raccoons, frogs, and mice in his lake community; two detective tales for initially readers that feature Spider Kane, great brilliant arachnid sleuth who also equitable a talented jazz clarinetist; picture-book retellings from The Odyssey by the olden Greek writer Homer; collaborations with Longing Osborne on two episodes from Ovid's Metamorphoses, the adventures of Jason boss his Argonauts and the slaying do admin the monster Medusa by the combatant Perseus; retellings of myths and legends from America, Greece, and Norway, between other international sources; and collections considerate mermaid tales and stories and metrical composition from the Middle Ages.

In addition shield her series books, Osborne has bound several distinguished individual volumes in justness genres of fiction and nonfiction. Primate a biographer, she has described honesty lives of Jesus, Christopher Columbus, Martyr Washington, and Benjamin Franklin; in uncultivated fiction, Osborne also includes real-life symbols such as Plato, Squanto, William Poet, and Clara Barton, in addition know about Columbus and Washington. The author psychiatry well known for writing One Planet, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship, an informational book that explains goodness tenets of seven major religions—Buddhism, Religion, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Faith. Osborne brings a feminist perspective access several of her books. Her contemporary 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 Germanic fairy tale "Undine." Her retellings systematic "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "The Brave Little Tailor" feature clever verdant women as protagonists rather than rectitude males who appear in the understood versions. For her collection American Big Tales, Osborne created Sally Ann Sudden increase Ann Whirlwind, a composite of very many characters, to supplement male figures develop Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, and Bathroom Henry.

As a literary stylist, Osborne job noted for writing clear, lively, well-paced prose in both her stories current her informational books. She often includes forewords and afterwords in her books that provide historical context and in person information about her research and vocabulary. As a creator of fiction, Playwright is praised for her delineation announcement and sensitivity to her characters whilst well as for her sympathetic close study of the effects of war, favouritism, divorce, mental illness, and other issues on young people. As a hack of nonfiction, Osborne is commended make available her scholarship and for bringing slick the humanity of her subjects. Though she has been criticized for creating some books that are trite boss predictable, Osborne generally is recognized translation a writer of range and right, one who truly understands children suffer what appeals to them. A commentator in Publishers Weekly stated that Dramatist "has great talent for presenting wellordered facts and historic detail in effect exciting, fast-paced format for kids," from way back Deborah Hopkinson of BookPage concluded, "There's definitely something magical about Mary Poet Osborne."

Born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Playwright is the daughter of William Owner. Pope, a retired colonel in loftiness United States Army, and Barnette Deuce Pope, a homemaker; the author has used her mother's maiden name despite the fact that the surname for some of other characters. Osborne has a twin relation, a younger brother, and an old sister, Nancy, who collaborated with barren on The Revolutionary War: A Factual Companion to "Revolutionary War on Wednesday," a volume in the "Magic Bush House Research Guide" series. As neat young girl, Osborne moved a immense deal with her family. She fleeting in Salzburg, Austria, for three as well as in Oklahoma, reconcile Florida, and in four different gray posts in Virginia and North Carolina.

Although moving was not traumatic for Dramatist because of the close relationship renounce she shared with her family, alcove things were. She noted in School Library Journal, "I was very scared as a child. I suffered devour every possible kind of fear. Irrational would imagine, constantly, terrible things ongoing to myself or my family. Wild was always trying to fight contradict that." In her writings, as she told School Library Journal, she in the cards explore to provide young girls with "female heroes," characters she believes would keep helped curb her anxieties as elegant child. Writing on the "Magic Private House" Web site about her bookish influences, Osborne noted, "I read shuffle kinds of books when I was little. But I especially loved character 'Little House on the Prairie' books [by Laura Ingalls Wilder], The Petty Princess [by Frances Hodgson Burnett], submit the 'Uncle Wiggily Stories' [by Player R. Garis]. I also loved unornamented big thick book of Bible untrue myths that was written in an passee style and took me a actually long time to read." Writing have a break the Barnes & Noble Web locale about the latter title, Egermeier's Human Story Book by Elsie E. Egermeier, Osborne recalled, "By the time Irrational was eleven, I'd read Egermeier's Hand-operated stories three times. My love recognize old stories and Western history began with this book, as well brand a thirst to learn about say publicly different cultures and religions of honourableness period." When asked on the "Magic Tree House" Web site if representation characters in her best-known series cabaret based on real people, Osborne replied, "My characters are a combination slate real people and my imagination pivotal research. My two brothers and Uproarious used to pretend lots of personal property together—that we were cowboys, soldiers, etc. That's the basis for the complete series."

When she was fifteen, Osborne's curate retired from the army and attacked their family to a small community in North Carolina. Osborne found go wool-gathering she missed the adventure and dynamic scenery of her early years. She found these things at the regional community theater, which was located wonderful block from her home. Osborne began to spend all of her straightforward time in the theater; she distant in plays and also worked history. After graduating from high school, she decided to major in drama deem the University of North Carolina—Chapel Drift. However, in her junior year, she discovered the world of mythology post became interested in studying comparative religions. She switched her major to dogma and immersed herself in learning come to pass other cultures. After receiving her bachelor's degree in 1971, Osborne traveled far-flung for a year. She went encourage to Europe, lived in a den in Crete for six weeks, extract joined a group of young Europeans who were heading to the Suck in air. With this group, Osborne visited cardinal Asian countries, including Iraq, Iran, Bharat, Nepal, Afghanistan, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, gift Pakistan. She encountered several dangerous situations, like an earthquake in northern Afghanistan and a riot in Kabul. Dramatist wrote on the Web site muster the Children's Book Council that kill trip "often was a horrendous trip. Throughout much of the trip, Raving was terrified. . . . Uproarious was constantly ill and constantly frightened." It did not help her circumstance that the leader of her pin of travelers turned out to put right, as Osborne said, "insane." When she became infected with blood poisoning detour Katmandu, Osborne was forced to mix her travels. In a crowded refuge ward of Nepalese women, none take up whom spoke English, she discovered Number. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings, a hard-cover that her traveling companions had booked in their van. Osborne noted, "For two weeks, all I did was read and sleep. . . . By the time I finished grandeur trilogy, . . . I locked away the emotional strength to start downhearted long journey home." Osborne concluded, "That journey irrevocably changed me. Experience was gathered that serves as a inclination point every day of my come alive. I encountered worlds of light survive worlds of darkness—and planted seeds apparent the imagination that led directly verge on my being an author of apprentice books."

After returning to the United States, Osborne recovered from her illness don headed out again. She moved collide with Monterey, California, and worked as a-okay medical assistant. In 1974, she rapt to Washington, DC, and worked similarly a travel agent, specializing in expeditions of Russia and Eastern Europe. Playwright moved to New York City stop in mid-sentence 1975 and began to work not in favour of the Russian Travel Bureau. In 1976, she married Will Osborne, with whom she had fallen in love while in the manner tha she saw him in the draw role of a musical about nobility outlaw Jesse James. The day aft their wedding, the couple took aloof on a theater tour. While convention the road, Osborne began to indite. She also worked a variety prime jobs when not traveling with stage productions: for example, Osborne was deft drama teacher at a nursing fair in the Bronx and also afflicted with runaway teens, as a employee, and as an assistant editor influence a magazine for children. In 1979, she began the story that would become her first published book, representation semi-autobiographical young-adult novel Run, Run, Brand Fast As You Can, which was published in 1982.

In Run, Run, Pass for Fast As You Can, eleven-year-old Hallie Pines, a girl from a expeditionary family, moves to Virginia when in exchange father retires. Hallie wants to espouse the three most popular girls take a shot at her new school; at first, excellence 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 trade in her brother's death, Hallie is calculated to reexamine her values. Writing acquit yourself Horn Book, Karen M. Klockner commented that Osborne "writes naturally about authority interaction among children and of line with adults." Writing in the Times Literary Supplement, Judith Elkin said, "The portrait of a girl caught overtone in the difficult age between youth and adolescence . . . survey well drawn," while Margery Fisher disregard Growing Point concluded that the borer "has a candour and directness which are refreshing."

Osborne's second novel for in the springtime of li people, Love Always, Blue, is fine work that addresses the difficulties saunter children experience when their parents separate; it also deals with the thesis of mental illness. Fourteen-year-old Blue Philologue is a girl who lives relieve her mother, an upwardly mobile socialite, in North Carolina while her cleric, an aspiring playwright, lives in Different York City's Greenwich Village. Blue blames her mom for the separation, apart from her explanation that her husband was extremely hard to live with. Aft a series of encounters with give someone his mother, Blue is allowed to take back her dad in New York. Textile their time together, Dad's emotional come to the fore, and Gaudy finds it hard to deal get together his depression. Although she meets top-notch nice young man and likes existence in the Village, Blue decides throw up go home early, and her curate agrees to get therapy. Writing play in School Library Journal, Denise L. Familiar commented, "This one is much unscramble than many in the plethora leverage dealing-with-divorce titles." Although she called leadership structure of Osborne's story weak, Zena Sutherland of Bulletin of the Feelings for Children's Books dubbed Love Universally, Blue "perceptive in its delineation bad deal the complexity of human relationships." Ilene Cooper of Booklist deemed the unusual "an engrossing story of family trader that will give young people splendid perception about adult depression." Osborne too is the creator of two newborn contemporary YA novels, Best Wishes, Joe Brady, the story of the fable between eighteen-year-old Sunny Dickens and leadership title character, a former soap-opera somebody who is starring in a refection theater production in her North Carolina hometown, and Last One Home, which describes twelve-year-old Bailey's struggles following multifaceted parents' divorce, her father's projected remarriage, and her brother's departure for grandeur service.

In 1992, Osborne produced the leading 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 folk tale researcher, and seven-year-old Annie, who pump up intrepid and impetuous. The siblings be situated in the fictional town of Frenchwoman Creek, Pennsylvania. One day, the threatening go out into the woods realistically their home and discover a personal house filled with books. The root house belongs to Morgan le Fay, a sorceress who is the fay sister of King Arthur and who, in the "Magic Tree House" keep in shape, is the head librarian of Capital. Jack and Annie find that invitation reading one of le Fay's books, looking at an illustration, and manufacture a wish, they can be flying to the time and place deviate the page depicts. The children score to a wide variety of periods and locations, including prehistory in blue blood the gentry initial story. In subsequent volumes, Flag 2 and Annie go to such seating as medieval and Elizabethan England; old Egypt, Greece, Ireland, and Rome; excellence Old West; feudal Japan; America on the Revolutionary and Civil Wars; influence ocean; and outer space. Accompanied madeup some of their adventures by Teddy bear, an enchanted dog who actually legal action a magician, Jack and Annie build given various assignments to complete offspring Morgan le Fay; these assignments, generally riddles that the children must decode, include quests to find books devour ancient libraries so that they sprig be preserved in Camelot. Through their adventures, which often involving helping new people or animals, the siblings concentrated such individuals as knights, ninjas, mummies, pirates, cowboys, Vikings, and cave people; in addition, they interact with elephantine 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 replace precarious situations, although some of them have humor or panache. The couple face a saber-toothed tiger, a omnivorous shark, an African gorilla, an Amerind tiger, and vampire bats. In uniting, the siblings find themselves in Metropolis before the eruption of Mount Volcano, in San Francisco during the Fair Earthquake, and on the Titanic meanwhile its fateful voyage. No matter what they confront, the children, who violation grow a year older over rendering course of the series, conquer their fears, act bravely, learn from their experiences (Jack always takes copious notes), and return home safely in lifetime for dinner.

The "Magic Tree House" keep in shape, which has sold more than cardinal million copies, is extremely popular surrender both children and adults. Children derive pleasure the exciting stories—for example, approximately four thousand young readers are enrolled spitting image the "Magic Tree House" Fan Club—while teachers often use the books in the same way supplementary reading in their classrooms. Direct assessing the series, critics have commented on the quick pacing, cliffhanger-style leaf endings, and realistic dialogue as spasm as on Osborne's consistent creativity submit integration of knowledge and imagination. Kind the books as successful combinations make a fuss over fun, learning, and adventure, reviewers suppress pointed out that the series excels in inspiring children to read infant providing early primary graders with exclusive chapter books that they can larn easily. By joining Jack and Annie in the Magic Tree House, dynasty learn that books can transport them anywhere, from ancient history to say publicly far-flung future. In addition, the keep in shape is noted for teaching children concern history and geography and for enforcement them to new facts and terms words. Young readers also learn deliberate research and note-taking skills, as sculptured by Jack; about other cultures; service about the value of literature, grouping, and the natural world. Although remorseless critics have accused the series exert a pull on being contrived, most consider it put in plain words be both educational and entertaining, efficient valuable way for children to gladden in learning. Writing in The Continuum Encyclopedia of Children's Literature, Mary Ariail Broughton stated, "The books in that collection, although fiction, contain a collection of factual information, making them great 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 reputed one of Osborne's most accomplished factual titles. In this work, the hack uses essay-styled chapters to describe decency history, beliefs, traditions, and rituals star as the faiths that she represents. Life`s work the work an "excellent source instruct religious shelves," Ilene Cooper of Booklist reported that Osborne "covers the world's major religions, introducing them in put in order way that will appeal to immature readers." Elizabeth Bush of Bulletin have a phobia about the Center for Children's Books mirror, "This exceptionally handsome overview offers interior graders a thoughtful overview of fake religions." A critic in Newsweek accomplished, "Osborne's clear, precise style serves bunch up subject very well. This book has an unforced dignity that's rare school in children's literature." Writing in BookPage, Ill will Cary called One World, Many Religions "a superb new book. . . . Osborne's writing is lucid weather informative—full of dignity and respect, way to strike just the right quality of sound without talking down to young readers or going over their heads." Cary concluded, "Whether you're an atheist, Mohammedan, Baptist, or anything else, my conceive is you'll find the volume arrange only interesting, but fair to vagabond, with neither biases nor judgments." Overfull 2002, One World, Many Religions was reissued in a revised edition establish which Osborne expands on her discuss of Islam.

Osborne frequently mixes fiction take historical fact in her works. Join Adaline Falling Star, a novel luggage compartment middle graders published in 2000, she was praised for doing so unite a particularly memorable way. In that work, the author takes little-known difference Adaline Falling Star Carson, the aggressive daughter of famed frontier scout Knapsack Carson and his Arapaho wife Revelation Wind, and creates a story all but her early life. After the fatality of her mother, eleven-year-old Adaline review sent by her father to animate with his cousins in St. Prizefighter so that he can join Lavatory Fremont's expedition through the Rocky Native land. In St. Louis, Adaline is rumoured as a half-breed, a savage who is expected to work as wonderful servant. After being mistreated by dismiss cousins, she pretends to be dumb. 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 like Colorado. On her journey, she meets danger and becomes injured but along with 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 formerly being reunited with her father. Compared to Mark Twain's novel The Money of Huckleberry Finn, Adaline Falling Star generally is considered one of Osborne's most effective works. A reviewer pound Horn Book observed that in Adaline Falling Star Osborne "puts memorable puss 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 desire absorb readers from beginning to get, it is the unique writing manner that makes it truly extraordinary." Efficient writer in Publishers Weekly concluded, "Osborne strikes out in a new guiding in this assured novel. . . . Adaline possesses a wisdom imperfect by an often heartbreaking sense publicize 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 financial affairs to create her version of justness larger-than-life volunteer fireman. Eight-foot-tall Mose legal action bigger, stronger, and more courageous facing any of his counterparts. One acquaint with, he disappears in a hotel blazing near the Hudson River and bash never seen again. Subsequent rumors badly chosen Mose in various locations until do something becomes mythic—the very spirit of Novel York. Writing in Booklist, Stephanie Zvirin and Beth Leistensnider claimed readers appropriate a glimpse "of the courage, magnanimity, determination, and danger" contained in excellence life of a firefighter. A arbiter 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." Exceptional commentator in Publishers Weekly concluded, "Past and present combine to stirring discontinuation in this tall tale with real-world reverberations."

In assessing her career, Osborne at one time wrote, "I feel that the life I spent traveling in Asia, goodness different jobs I've held, the the stage career of my husband, our existence in New York among a petty community of writers, actors, musicians, beam artists, my Southern military background, adhesive family, my editor, my work rigging runaway teenagers, and my interests fall philosophy and mythology have all wise and shaped my work." A calamity 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 basis titles for her books and be born with made suggestions as to where Ass and Annie should go next. Stop in mid-sentence a brief autobiography posted on say publicly "KidsReads.com" Web site, Osborne talked transmit the "Magic Tree House" series person in charge its effect on her: "The stir I now have with children has brought over-whelming joy into my woman. I love the letters I making from them and I love conjure countless 'Magic Tree House' stories rove they've written. I feel as hypothesize these kids and I are every exploring the creative process together, object our imaginations plus our reading cranium writing skills to take us anywhere we want to go. This, Unrestrainable tell my fellow authors, is exactly magic." When asked by Deborah Hopkinson of BookPage if she thinks renounce she will ever tire of chirography the "Magic Tree House" books, Dramatist replied, "How could I? I level to throw myself into every celibate subject. Besides I have an extraordinary audience. . . . How could I disappoint them?"

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

BOOKS

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

PERIODICALS

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

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

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

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

Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2002, review an assortment of 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, owner. 108; June 24, 2002, review treat New York's Bravest, p. 56.

School Boning up Journal, January, 1984, Denise L. Supporter, review of Love Always, Blue, proprietor. 88; March, 2000, Marie Orlando, discussion of Adaline Falling Star, pp. 240-241; November, 2000, interview with Mary Catholic Osborne, p. 19; July, 2003, Angela J. Reynolds, review of Sirens plus Sea Monsters, p. 148.

Times Literary Supplement, September 30, 1983, Judith Elkin, debate 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 Holy father Osborne."

BookPage,http://www.bookpage.com/ (January, 1997), Alice Cary, examine of One World, Many Religions; (December, 2001), Deborah Hopkinson, "The Magic vacation 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 Corpulent, review of Tonight on the Titanic.

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

"Magic Tree House" Territory Page,http://www.randomhouse.com/ (May 26, 2003).*