The Power of Story with Mary Pope Osborne

The Power of Story with Mary Pope Osborne

From Reading Inspires by Reading Is Fundamental by Reading Is Fundamental

July 2, 2026 · 39 min · Episode 37

About this episode

Mary Pope Osborne discusses her journey as a children's author and the importance of reading in building resilience and empathy.

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Mary Pope Osborne — author of the beloved Magic Tree House series — to explore how a life of adventure, imagination, and a love of words led to one of the most iconic children's book series of all time. Mary shares the origin of Jack and Annie's tree house, her dedication to literacy access through the Magic Tree House Classroom Adventures program and Gift of Books initiative, and why reading builds far more than academic skills — it builds resilience, empathy, and the imagination to envision a different life. She also previews her newest History Heroes series, featuring real-world figures like Mary Anning and Thomas Edison. A beautiful reminder that reading is a doorway to anywhere. About 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…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Erin Bailey

Guest: Mary Pope Osborne

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Magic Tree House Classroom Adventures, Gift of Books

Books & works: Magic Tree House, History Heroes

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