Mary Pope Osborne Books In Order

Publication Order of Magic Tree House Books

Publication Order of Magic Tree House Merlin Missions Books

Publication Order of Magic Tree House Super Edition Books

Publication Order of Spider Kane Books

Publication Order of My America: Virginia's Civil War Diary Books

Publication Order of Tales From The Odyssey Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Picture Books

Publication Order of Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Books

Publication Order of Magic Tree House Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Dear America Books

Publication Order of Graphic Novels

Publication Order of Anthologies

Writing children’s books for a number of years now, American author Mary Pope Osborne is well known for her accessible and fun stories that have captured the imaginations of the young all across the world. Translated worldwide, her much beloved and bestselling ‘Magic Tree House’ collection is probably her current most famous work. Winning a multitude of awards, she’s one of the most successful writers within her field to date.

Early and Personal Life

Born on the 20th of May, 1949, Mary Pope Osborne has been an American writer of popular children’s books for quite some time now. Growing up all across United States, she moved around a lot during her formative years due to her being brought up in the military. Going from Oklahoma to Florida, she even spent some time abroad in Austria, all being experiences which helped shape both her and her writing. Initially studying drama at the University of Carolina, she had a keen interest in acting from an early age, as she would involve herself in the local theater nearby. During her studies she started to envelop herself in mythology as she begun to look deeper into religion, soon becoming a major in the subject as she gained an interest in other cultures. After her graduation she went onto travel across the world, taking in a wide-range of different experiences which she’d note down for later use.

Having created her ‘Magic Tree House’ series, she’s managed to build upon this unique franchise for a long time now. After the eventful life she has lived so far, she will continue to build upon this much beloved children’s brand. With plenty more books set waiting on the horizon, she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Writing Career

In 1982 Mary Pope Osborne arrived onto the literary scene with ‘Run, Run, As Fast As You Can’, which was a heart-felt look at the pains of growing up. Although it was somewhat less fantastical than her later entries, it still resonated with readers worldwide securing her status as an author of serious repute. Dealing with tragedy, it displayed how adept she was as an author when dealing with heavier issues faced by during childhood.

What she became most famous for though was her ‘Magic Tree House’ series first begun in 1992 with ‘Dinosaurs Before Dark’. It’s now been going on for over fifty novels with more to follow shortly, plus there was a Japanese animated film in 2011 based on the much loved series. Adding to this, there are also a collection of non-fiction books based upon the series, designed to help children learn. Adapted to a variety of other platforms too, they feature a boy called Jack and his sister Annie as they find a magic tree-house and travel through time having lots of adventures. Not just popular commercially, the series has also won a variety of awards too, as children worldwide have become engaged in the material. Mary Pope Osborne has become a critically acclaimed author as well over the years, with the series receiving a huge amount of praise over the years. As she looks set to continue, this appears to be a trend that will carry on in the years to come with a lot more books and products expected to be released in the future.

Dinosaurs Before Dark

Beginning the Magic Tree House series, this book was first published in 1995 to a positive reception from young readers worldwide. Setting up the premise, it effectively establishes the fantastical world that these stories are to be taking place in. Providing the characters of Jack and Annie, it introduced its audience to this young brother and sister of seven and eight.

Finding the Magic Tree House Jack and Annie go about learning where it came from and how it works as a portal to another world of adventure. Wondering how it got there and who made it, they immediately whisked off into the past where dinosaurs roamed the earth in the prehistoric era. Visiting this far off land before mankind walked the earth, they get to learn about the past whilst having amazing adventures. Soon they find that they have to get back though, as it will be dark at home with no other way to return without getting into trouble. Understanding more on the tree house itself, they come to realize how it operates and how they can go about using it to their advantage for future adventures and fun. Will they be able to get home in time for dinner, or will they be having dinner with a dinosaur where it’s them that’s the main course? Can they work out how the tree-house operates, or will they be stuck in the past forever until the end of time? What will become of them both as they have their adventure and go looking at all the dinosaurs before dark?

The Deadly Power of Medusa

Published originally in 1988 this was part of a collaboration with Will Osborne; her long time partner. They would combine talents in the years to come creating their educational books and texts for children, many working as offshoots of the Magic Tree House series. Using various illustrations as well, they would become a great way of teaching children in a fun and inventive manner.

Telling the story of Medusa it recounts the myth in an easily accessible and fun style, so children of all ages can read it simply and quickly. Following Perseus, it charts his journey as he’s sent down to vanquish the evil Medusa, a woman with snakes for hair who was cursed due to her own vanity. Turning men to stone with one look, many have tried and failed to defeat her, which is why Perseus must keep his wits about him. Set in the world of Greek mythology, this is a classic story told in Osborne’s own idiosyncratic style, giving it her own take that would enthrall children worldwide. Setting up the format for what was to come, it helped establish a winning formula that would last over a number of years.