Not all quarantined kids have tree houses of their own, but Random House Children’s Books and author Mary Pope Osborne want to bring them the next best thing.
The publisher and writer are planning to launch a virtual program called “Magic Tree House Home Adventures,” based on Osborne’s Magic Tree House books, Random House said in a news release. The program will debut on April 27 and last until May 22.
According to Random House, it will feature “weekly thematic programs, beginning with animals and followed by warriors, nature, and sports, and interact with content that pairs with some of their favorite books in the series.”
Osborne herself will join the series every Monday and Friday, reading from her books and answering questions submitted by fans.
The popular Magic Tree House books follow Jack and Annie, two young Pennsylvania siblings who embark on a series of fantastical adventures. It began in 1992 with Dinosaurs Before Dark; the newest book in the series, Late Lunch with Llamas, is slated for publication in July.
Osborne said the virtual program is her “way of connecting with readers, parents and educators during this challenging time.”
She said, “Random House and I have worked together to create fun, new ways to learn and play with Jack and Annie. I’ve always loved hearing from my readers and can’t wait to interact with them in this brand new way.”
Michael Schaub is a Texas-based journalist and regular contributor to NPR.
