by Susan Brissette
Mary Pope Osborne, author of the Magic Tree House series, hosted a tea party for several lucky Stephentown children last week. The special tea party was one of hundreds of items offered at 
the Stephentown Memorial Library’s very successful auction last month. Winning bidder, Mary Jo Daly, and several other Stephentown supporters accompanied the children to the event, held in Pittsfield, MA. Mrs. Reba Evanchik graciously offered her home and garden for the affair. Mrs. Pam Kueppers, the Library Trustee who arranged for Osborne’s participation, photographed the event.
Osborne talked with the children about how she comes up with story ideas, shared never before seen covers for her soon to be released new books in her forty-two book series and sought their opinions on possible new book topics. The children were delighted to discuss their own reading and writing habits and asked questions such as “Where do you write?” “How do you do research?” and “How did you decide on names for the main characters?” Each child received an autographed gift book from Ms. Osborne.
The Stephentown Memorial Library is dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for lifelong learning to the Stephentown community. To learn more, call 733-5750 or visit the website, www.stephentownlibrary.org.