Magic Tree House author donates over 1.2m books to underserved US schools

Mary Pope Osborne, the creator of the popular Magic Tree House series, has donated over 1.2 million books to underserved U.S. schools. The Magic Tree House author began her career with a childhood interest in make-believe, which later evolved into a lifelong dedication to children's literacy. Osborne's writing career began while she was still in college, and her Magic Tree House series became her most successful work.

The series follows two children who travel through various historical periods using a magical tree house, introducing young readers to different cultures and events. Osborne's personal book-giving initiative, the Gift of Books program, has placed more than 1.2 million books into the hands of children attending Title I schools, which serve low-income communities.

This effort has been instrumental in providing underserved children with access to reading material, helping them explore beyond their immediate surroundings. Beyond her work in the United States, Osborne has also advocated for children's reading on an international stage, speaking at the United Nations.