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Mary Pope Osborne

Mary Pope Osborne is an ardent advocate and supporter of children’s literacy, and the award-winning author of more than 100 books for children and young adults, including novels, retellings of mythology and folklore, picture books, biographies, and mysteries. From 1993–1997, Mary served as president of the Authors Guild, the country’s leading organization for published authors. She has traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad, visiting schools and speaking on issues related to children’s literacy.

She spoke at the UN regarding the importance of worldwide literacy and was profiled on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams for her continued efforts. Mary has donated over 450,000 books to underserved children across the country through her Gift of Books program. She resides in Connecticut. The creator of the Magic Tree House series, Mary is also the coauthor of the companion Magic Tree House Fact Trackers series with her husband, Will Osborne, and her sister Natalie Pope Boyce.