Making Magic

Imagine traveling back and forth in time. Where would you go? Would you visit ancient Egypt? Would you walk on the moon?

In the Magic Tree House books, anything is possible. TIME for Kids spoke with Mary Pope Osborne, the author of the series.

30 Years of Jack and Annie

Osborne published the first Magic Tree House book in 1992. There are now more than 100 in the series. New ones were released this month.

The Magic Tree House books are about two siblings named Jack and Annie. They discover a strange tree house filled with books. It carries them to different places and times. (Want to experience a Magic Tree House adventure? Check out the activities here.)

This Magic Tree House tour bus took Osborne’s stories to kids in different parts of the country.

Jack and Annie have sailed with Vikings and adventured in the Amazon. And they have inspired kids everywhere. “I love my readers,” Osborne told TFK.

Osborne speaks to fans at a school event. She told TFK that she loves connecting with her young readers.

Finding Her Way

Writing a book takes a long time. First, Osborne does research. “I take facts from history,” she says. “There’s [lots] of information you can turn into a story.” She calls the research “thrilling.”

This is the final cover of an Osborne book. You can see her design for it above, at left.

After Osborne writes a draft, she works with her publisher. The company brings the books to life. Osborne even helps design the book covers (above).

Osborne was not always sure she wanted to be a writer. It took her a while to find her way into it. She told TFK that she wants her readers to find what interests them, too. “Be curious, keep reading, and find out what makes you happy,” she says.