Mary Pope Osborne
Mary Pope Osborne had no early ambition to write, but she had a fertile imagination. As the child of a military family she frequently moved and at each new home she would "redo her world in her imagination." In college she migrated to the religion department. That led to a trek through Asia to live among the people. Upon returning home due to illness, Mary met and married a young actor. They moved to New York and Mary started writing about her childhood. At first it was a memoir, then she began writing about things that had never happened. Her friend Jean Marzollo read the book and passed it on to her editor at Dial. After rewriting and editing, Mary, almost thirty, became an author with the publication of Run, Run, As Fast As You Can.
Mary had finally found her true profession and has been writing ever since. Her work includes the Spider Kane mysteries, The Magic Tree House series. In Viking Ships at Sunrise (1998, Random, Ages 7 to 9, $3.99), as with the others in the series, Jack and Annie enter the tree house and are transported back in time where they have adventures and learn about the people and places they visit.
Mary compiled a series of tales in several wonderful books illustrated by Troy Howell-Mermaid Tales from Around the World, Favorite Greek Myths (1989, Scholastic, Ages 10 up, $17.95), Favorite Norse Myths (1996, Scholastic, Ages 10 up, $17.95) and Favorite Medieval Tales. The research for the mermaid tales led to another book, Haunted Waters (1994, Candlewick, Ages 13 up, $14.95 and $4.99), which is a sophisticated retelling of the legend of the mermaid Undine.
Her work also includes books about famous Americans such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, a wonderful collection of American Tall Tales (1991, Knopf, Ages 8 up, $23.99), and a book in the Dear America series entitled Standing in the Light. One of her most arduous undertakings was the eloquent One World, Many Religions: The Way We Worship (1996, Knopf, Ages 10 up, $25.00) which focused on major religions and took five years to write. It brought Mary full circle to her college years and the journey through Asia.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
For more information about Mary Pope Osborne, click here.
Reviews
Adaline Falling StarMary Pope Osborne
According to historical records, the American scout Kit Carson married a Native American woman and with her had a daughter named Adaline. Not much more is known about the trio, but Mary Pope Osborn fills in the details beautifully in this historical novel about Adaline Falling Star, so named by her white father and Arapaho mother. After the mother dies, an exploring opportunity presents itself to Kit and he takes eleven-year-old Adaline Falling Star to live with his cousin in St. Louis-just until his trip ends and he can come back to get her. Kit has failed to mention to his cousin that Adaline Falling Star is a "half-breed," and upon seeing her, the horrified man concludes that she is a half-wit as well. Instead of giving her the education Kit had in mind, Cousin Silas puts Adaline Falling Star to work beside his slave Caddie. Stung with grief when it appears that her father has abandoned her, the girl escapes and is soon launched on a Huckleberry-Finn type journey up the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The trip involves a dog, a canoe, and a lot of moxie. The book is deeply engaging despite the sudden and artificial device employed to bring about a happy ending. It would be a good accompaniment to Native American studies, studies of the West, or a historical curriculum. 2000, Scholastic, Ages 7 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer: Gwendolyn Bradley
ISBN: 0-439-05947-X
Buffalo Before Breakfast
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
The eighteenth in the Magic Tree House series takes young Jack and Annie to the Great Plains, in the early 19th century. The tree house, belonging to Arthurian librarian Morgan le Fay is filled with books, the illustrations of which serve as hyperlinks to the places depicted. Once on their adventure, Jack uses the reference book as a source of information subtly conveyed in the body of the text to the reader. As part of the story, Jack and Annie live the period. In this case, they visit the Lakota Indians, largest of the Native American tribes. while visiting, they learn about the clothing, customs, and daily lives of the Indians and their lost land and lifestyle. Jack models note-taking and the use of reference materials, and the story is one segment of a quest to solve four ancient riddles in order to become Master Librarians. In this story, the author explains the Legend of White Buffalo woman and additional facts about the Lakota Indians, also known as the Sioux. More information about the Magic Tree House Series is available at the Random House web site, www.randomhouse.com/magictreehouse. The site provides suggestions for teachers, an opportunity for readers to interact with the author, and information about the author and her other books. "Magic Tree House" series. 1999, Stepping Stone/Random House, Ages 5 to 8, $3.99. Reviewer: Craig Lancto
ISBN: 0-679-89064-5
Day of the Dragon King
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
Number 14 in the "Magic Tree House" series finds Annie and Jack on a mission to China. They have been promoted to the status of Master Librarian, and must rescue a Chinese legend recorded on bamboo sticks. The emperor has threatened to burn all of the books in the Imperial Library-will Jack and Annie save the legend from the fire? Aided by a silk weaver and a scholar, they sneak into the walled imperial city, and even visit the emperor's tomb full of terra cotta soldiers. A quick reading adventure with a not too subtle message concerning the value of books.: 1998, Stepping Stone/Random House, Ages 7 to 10, $3.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-679-89051-3
Favorite Greek Myths
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Troy Howell
Osborne provides a wonderful retelling of a dozen myths including the lesser-known story of Ceyx and Alcyone and perennial favorites such as Echo and Narcissus, Cupid and Psyche. In the introduction, Osborne tells readers that many of these stories were used to explain the mysterious of nature and as entertainment. To illustrate, Ceyx, the king, is the son of the morning star and his wife Alcyone is the daughter of the king of the winds. When the king is lost at sea, he and his wife eventually metamorphose into sea gulls. The halcyon days are ones of calm when the winds no longer blow and the gulls sit on their nests. This delightful collection is derived from Ovid's Metamorpheses and the myths are given a glorious treatment with Howell's sensuous full-page illustrations. Narcissus is indeed beautiful. A added touch includes small black and white insets appropriate to story (seagulls, spider weaving a web, a narcissus flower). A section that lists the gods, goddesses, and mortals who wrote the myths using modern words with Greek origins, a bibliography and index round out the book. A good resource for home and libraries. 1989, Scholastic, Ages 10 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-590-41338-4
Favorite Medieval Tales
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Troy Howell
Once again author and illustrator have combined their talents to bring readers a beautiful collection of stories. Most, such as "Beowulf," "The Sword in the Stone," and "Robin Hood and His Merry Men," are familiar but these retellings are enjoyable and the words flow, making them perfect for reading aloud. At the beginning of each tale, Osborne has provided a few words in the original language accompanied by an English translation. As she states in the introduction, the stories are sequenced to demonstrate the development of the English language. Her extensive notes at the end provide additional source information and a chronology, definitions, and a description of the evolution of English. The illustrations by Howell resemble pages from an illuminated manuscript. They are full of details appropriate to the time and place of each story like the gold circle pin on Finn MacCoul's cloak, tile floors, and plant motifs. Some paintings are romantic and other filled with gore-Beowulf clutching Grendel's dismembered arm and the headless Green Knight. His notes explain what resources he used to develop the paintings and why certain scenes and settings were selected. There is an index. 1998, Scholastic, Ages 8 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-590-60042-7
Favorite Norse Myths
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Troy Howell
This is a terrific collection of 14 Norse myths, with a "more about" section, bibliography and index. Using acrylics and oil washes, Howell has created one large, full-color illustration to accompany each tale in addition to interspersing his re-creations of ancient runic drawings throughout. Each myth is approximately 4 pages, each beginning with a small quote from the Poetic Edda (a definitive source of Norse mythology). Both teachers and parents will find these perfect for reading aloud. The large print, brevity, and simple language are pluses for the child reading to him or herself. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 10 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 0-590-48046-4
Ghost Town at Sundown
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrations by Sal Murdocca
Jack and Annie are on a mission to solve a riddle. They journey back to the Wild West in their time travelling tree house. They encounter rattlesnakes, horse thieves, a lost pony, and a ghost among other things. They have to tie together all of their experiences in and around this ghost town to complete the riddle. Osborne creates a fun and occasionally suspenseful story line. The uncomplicated text and easy to follow plot make this a valuable introduction to chapter books for beginning readers. It is part of the "Magic Tree House" series, and several references made to previous books in the series. 1997, Random House, Ages 6 to 12, $3.99. Reviewer: Scott S. Floyd
ISBN: 0-679-88339-8
Kate and the Beanstalk
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Giselle Potter
Much to her mother's great consternation, Kate trades their cow for a few magic beans. Her mother tosses them out the window, and the beanstalk grows high into the sky. When Kate climbs the beanstalk, she meets an old woman who tells her that the castle she sees once belonged to a knight and his wife. Kate agrees to go to the castle and retrieve three precious treasures from the giant. The familiar old tale has been rewritten with a plucky, resourceful heroine and a lively, often humorous, pleasing-to-the-ear text. Potter's perspectives stretch the reader's imagination. The giant is truly a menacing figure. Effective use of line and the soft palette bring out the drama and the wonder of this cleverly retold tale. 2000, Atheneum, Ages 5 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-689-82550-1
The Knight at Dawn
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
This is a book for beginning readers who want to escape into the world of fantasy and science fiction. The Knight at Dawn is the second in Mary Pope Osborne's "Magic Tree House" series about fact-seeking Jack and his impetuous sister Annie who travel to the time of knights and castles. History and customs of the era come alive against a foreground of adventure, mystery and suspense. 1993, Random House, Ages 6 to 9, $11.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-679-92412-4
ISBN: 0-679-82412-X
The Life of Jesus in Masterpieces of Art
Mary Pope Osborne
For a handsome book celebrating the life of Christ, you need look no further. Osborne's text, taken from the King James and the Revised Standard versions of the Bible, maintains a reverent tone in a beautiful and readable style. The illustrations, many of which were painted during the Renaissance, tell the same story visually. As Osborne states in her Author's Note "While staying true to biblical characters and events, they [Renaissance artists] painted the clothing and scenery of their contemporary culture. As a result, events in the life of Jesus felt immediate and personal to the onlooker." The text and paintings will still move and educate today's readers. The final pages recap all of the pictures with their titles, artists' names and dates. A perfect gift for Christmas that will be treasured throughout the year. 1998, Viking, Ages 7 up, $17.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-670-87313-6
Lions at Lunchtime
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
Number eleven in the "Magic Tree House" series, this title follows Jack and Annie on another adventure. On the way home from the store, Jack and Annie spot a strange looking deer near their home. As they follow it into the woods, they come upon the Magic Tree, the source of all their adventures, and they are met by Morgan le Fay, their goddess of knowledge. She supplies the riddles that need to be answered by Jack and Annie. This latest story transports Jack and Annie to Africa. They have a series of adventures with various plains animals; a lion, wildebeests, hyenas, elephant, giraffe, and a honey guide, a bird who helps natives find honey. The text also includes some paragraphs that feature facts about the African plains. Some black and white drawings are included. 1998, Random House, Ages 7 to 9, $3.99. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
ISBN: 0-679-88340-1
Midnight on the Moon
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
Eighth in the series, Jack and Annie are off to the moon to find the fourth item in their quest to free Morgan le Fay from a magic spell. In previous adventures, the brother and sister team had obtained a Moonstone, mango, and a mammoth bone, but what were they supposed to find on the moon? In addition to the adventure and a touch of suspense, kids learn some facts about the moon. The pattern of these books is similar, and they offer both entertainment and education. 1996, Random, Ages 7 up, $11.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-679-86374-5
ISBN: 0-679-96374-X
One World, Many Religions: The Ways We Worship
Mary Pope Osborne
Most of us ponder questions such as the purpose of life, where and how did it all begin, and what will happen when we die. In the search for answers, various religions and practices have developed. This book is devoted to the seven major world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism). Each section contains an overview that addresses the similarities and difference of each religion. The descriptions that follow contain excellent full-color photographs of people carrying out the practices of their particular faith. The book also contains a glossary, map, timeline, bibliography and index. 1996, Knopf, Ages 9 to 14, $25.00 and $26.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-679-86051-7
ISBN: 0-679-96051-1
Rocking Horse Christmas
Mary Pope Osborne
Paintings by Ned Bittinger
Bittinger's paintings capture the complete abandon of a child playing in the world of imagination, and transport the reader into the fantasy. The story is slight and predictable, but it doesn't matter. Shadow is a rocking horse, given as a Christmas present to an unnamed boy. The boy and Shadow joust with knights, go on safari and race Seattle Slew. As is the fate of many literary toys, the boy outgrows his friend, who withers in the attic. Of course, Shadow is rescued, to ride again. The luminous illustrations are sheer delight. 1997, Scholastic, Ages 3 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-590-92955-0
Spider Kane and the Mystery at Jumbo Nightcrawler's
Mary Pope Osborne
The second book in the series about the spider detective, jazz musician, and bon vivant features a gold shipment stolen off stage. When Spider's group of fellow insect detectives are kidnapped, he and his remaining Lieutenant Lacewing solve the mystery by close observation, putting things together, disguise, and surprise. Snappy dialogue, which uses conventions of the genre, a buggy atmospheric setting, with puns and clues carefully laid out for novice readers, the book is a good introduction to the detective/mystery genre. No illustrations are included in this paperback edition, however. "Spider Kane" series. 1999, Stepping Stone/Random House, Ages 7 to 10, $3.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-679-80856-6
Standing in the Light: The Captive Diary of Catharine Carey Logan
Mary Pope Osborne
Opening this little book, which does resemble a diary, reveals the personal thoughts of Catharine, a Quaker girl living in the Delaware Valley of Pennsylvania in 1763. The Quakers had lived in peace with the Native Americans who they treated fairly and with respect, but greed and a burgeoning population have changed that relationship. Catharine and her brother Thomas are captured and brought to live separately among the Lenape. The separation from her family and her brother is difficult and only her faith and the ability to write in her dairy seem to provide solace. Finally, she begins to accept her new life and is even reunited with her brother. But life takes another twist and the heartbreak continues. Osborne's words paint the images and readers feel Catharine's anguish in this moving story of a young girl caught between two cultures. 1998, Scholastic, Ages 10 up, $9.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-590-13462-0
Tigers at Twilight
Mary Pope Osborne
Number nineteen in the series of Magic Tree House books, this story follows Jack and Annie as they set out on yet another adventure of discovery. Their trip from the magic tree house takes them to India in search of tigers. The Magic Tree House books are read like adventures with plenty of twists and turns, but also educate by informing young people about special interests, in this case endangered species in the jungle, as well as presenting new vocabulary and facts. Jack and Annie, with the help of Kak and Ko, two langurs, encounter various wild animals, as well as a wise hermit before returning to the tree house bringing back a better understanding of humanity's role in saving endangered creatures. Black-and-white illustrations accompany the text. 1999, Random House, Ages 7 to 10, $3.99. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
ISBN: 0-679-89065-3
Tonight on the Titanic
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
The entry in "The Magic Tree House" series of early adventure books takes Jack and Annie and their dog, Teddy, to the deck of the sinking ship, Titanic. While they can't change history or take anyone they meet back with them, they are able to help a brother and sister find their way to the lifeboats before the ship is lost. Mary Pope Osborne provides nicely paced excitement for young readers, and there's just enough information mixed in so that children will take away some historical fact along with a sense of accomplishment at having completed a chapter book. 1999, Random House, Ages 7 to 10, $3.99 and $11.99. Reviewer: Lois Rubin Gross
ISBN: 0-679-89063-7
ISBN: 0-679-99063-1
Viking Ships at Sunrise
Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
If you have any familiarity with the "Magic Tree House" series, then this book, number fifteen, will hold no surprises. Annie and Jack have a magical tree house that transports them back in time. On this outing, they head to Ireland where Morgan La Fay has asked them to obtain a special hand written book. The kids have a close call with some Viking raiders, but manage to escape safely home. As with the other adventures, history, customs and culture are woven into the story making the adventure a painless history and geography lesson. 1998, Random, Ages 6 to 9, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-679-89061-0
Added 2001
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