Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne on the Magic Tree House Theatrical Productions

01/30/24 • 44 min

The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Magic Tree House with bestselling children's author Mary Pope Osborne and her husband, playwright Will Osborne. In this episode, we explore the journey of transforming the beloved book series into captivating stage musicals, igniting a passion for literacy and fostering growth in children.

Transcription: ⁠You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review (Coming Soon)⁠⁠.

Resources:

Visit the Magic Tree House: On Stage website at www.MTHOnStage.com, or find them on Facebook at @MagicTreeHouseOnStage or on Instagram at @mthonstage.

Mary’s literacy program, Classroom Adventures, is a companion to the MTH theatrical productions that provides free downloadable resources for teachers to use in their classrooms as a complement to seeing an MTH show live.

Discussion Topics: Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne Talk About: - From the genesis of the Magic Tree House series to its immense success, Mary shares insights into the inspiration behind the stories and how they evolved into a cultural phenomenon.

Discover how Mary and Will's decision to adapt the books into musicals, starting with "Christmas in Camelot," led to the creation of a rich library of theatrical productions.

Explore the magic behind the scenes as we uncover the collaborative efforts of the Magic Tree House team, including editors, artists, writers, and managers, who work seamlessly to bring these stories to life on stage.

Learn how theater and book reading intertwine, inspiring imagination and fostering connections with beloved characters.

Tune in to hear Mary's admiration for the musical adaptations, which retain the essence of the books' life lessons without being didactic. Delve into the symbiotic relationship between theater and literacy, as witnessing stories come alive on stage enhances children's love for reading and encourages personal growth.

As we wrap up, join us in expressing gratitude to Mary and Will for their time and dedication. And don't forget to visit the Magic Tree House website to embark on your own magical journey through literature and theater.

Transcription: ⁠You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review (Coming Soon)⁠⁠.

Resources:

Visit the Magic Tree House: On Stage website at www.MTHOnStage.com, or find them on Facebook at @MagicTreeHouseOnStage or on Instagram at @mthonstage.

Discover how Mary and Will's decision to adapt the books into musicals, starting with "Christmas in Camelot," led to the creation of a rich library of theatrical productions.

Learn how theater and book reading intertwine, inspiring imagination and fostering connections with beloved characters.

Previous Episode

Jamie Lee Curtis on Just One More Sleep, Anticipation, and Writing Books for Kids

Dive into topics of anticipation and family traditions with Jamie Lee Curtis as she discusses her latest picture book for kids, Just One More Sleep: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait ... and Wait ... and Wait. In this interview, Curtis shares the delightful inspiration behind the story, revealing the magic that happens when a chance encounter with a young neighbor sparks the creation of a charming tale. From the countdown to Christmas to the excitement of birthdays, Curtis explores the universal theme of waiting through the lens of childhood. The conversation unveils the collaborative process between Curtis and her illustrator, Laura Cornell, offering insights into the unique partnership that brings her stories to life. Discover the dual nature of Curtis's books, crafted to captivate both children and adults, as she shares the joy of reading together. The interview delves into the emotional depth of Curtis's work, addressing themes of loss, self-identity, and the complexities of growing up. With warmth and authenticity, Jamie Lee Curtis invites listeners into the world of her creations, leaving an enduring impact on readers of all ages.

Transcription:

⁠You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.

Order a Copy:

Just One More Sleep: All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait ... and Wait ... and Wait on Amazon and ⁠Bookshop.org.

Resources:

Jamie Lee Curtis is an author, actor, activist, sister, friend, wife, and mother. She is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous picture books, including Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born, Today I Feel Silly, I’m Gonna Like Me, and My Brave Year of Firsts. You can follow her on Instagram ⁠@JamieLeeCurtis⁠, Twitter ⁠@JamieLeeCurtis⁠, and Facebook at ⁠facebook.com/JamieLeeCurtis⁠. Discussion Topics: Jamie Lee Curtis Talks About:

The origin story: How Betty, Jamie’s neighbor, inspired Just One More Sleep
Collaboration with illustrator Laura Cornell
Anticipation, joy, and family traditions in the book
Exploring loss, self-identity, and childhood challenges
Creating a space for children’s voices to be heard
The joy of reading together: Shared experiences between adults and children

Next Episode

Exploring Environmentalism in the Picture Book Saving the Sun by Emma Pearl

In this engaging podcast episode, Emma Pearl delves into the influence of children's literature and environmentalism in her work while sharing her personal journey inspired by her great uncle Roald Dahl. Highlighting the importance of children's books in fostering imagination and empathy, Emma discusses her picture books Mending the Moon and Saving the Sun, which weave themes of intergenerational relationships and nature. She reveals personal connections behind her characters, emphasizing her deep love for the environment and the transformative power of storytelling. The conversation is a must-listen for both literature enthusiasts and advocates of environmental awareness.

Transcription: ⁠You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠.

Order a Copy:

Saving the Sun on Amazon or Bookshop.org.

Discussion Topics:

Emma Pearl Talks About the:

Importance of children's literature in fostering imagination and empathy
Influence of Roald Dahl on her perspective and writing journey
Themes of intergenerational relationships and nature in her picture books
Personal connections behind the characters Luna and Papa
Environmentalism message in Mending the Moon and Saving the Sun
Collaboration between authors and illustrators in creating picture books

Emma Pearl was excited to continue Luna and Poppa’s adventures from Mending the Moon (Page Street Kids) and thought it only logical the pair would save the sun next. Emma has traveled to over fifty different countries, including many beautiful tropical islands like the one in this story. Her love of storytelling began at a young age, spurred on by her relationship with her great uncle, renowned children’s author Roald Dahl. She now lives in New Zealand with her family and their one-eyed cat, Penelope. For more information, visit https://www.emmapearlauthor.com/.