Since its debut in 1992, Mary Pope Osborne’s popular Magic Tree House series has sold more than 143 million books worldwide and has been translated into 34 languages in more than 100 countries. Now, the school and library marketing team at Random House Children’s Books is kicking off an educational program aimed at inspiring young fans to follow in the footsteps of sibling heroes Jack and Annie by exploring nonfiction subjects such as history, geography, science, and nature through the Magic Tree House Research Adventure Fair.
The project—which is tied to the Magic Tree House books and the nonfiction Fact Trackers compilations by Osborne and her sister Natalie Pope Boyce—is geared toward developing independent research and presentation skills for elementary students. It culminates in a virtual school fair, during which kids can share their knowledge.
The free downloadable Research Adventure Fair Guide for teachers includes ideas for presentation formats; tips on planning ahead to meet school and classroom needs; suggested scaffolding to make the research process accessible for all students; pointers for where to find resources; ways to involve the community; templates for planning and note-taking; a letter to students; and invitations for the fair.
Schools that obtain guardian permission and share their experiences via the hashtag #MTHResearchAdventures or by emailing will receive a video from Osborne to show to students.
