Mary hopes the graphic novels and upcoming animated series will inspire more kids to read.
Mary: My husband and I are totally involved with the new animated series, and so far, so good. The deal is, if I can bring more readers into the fold, that’s what matters. I don’t want kids to see something and substitute it for the books.
For instance, the graphic novel of Christmas in Camelot that’s coming out soon is so beautiful. It’s amazing work by Kelly and Nichole Matthews, and it’s adapted from my books by my best friend, Jenny Laird. I consulted with educators before doing the graphic novel and asked, “Will this replace my chapter books?”
They said, “No, we found that it’s a bridge. They’ll start here with the pictures, and then they’ll go into the chapter books.” I hope that’s true, and also that the animated series will serve as a bridge.
There’s a real crisis today with literacy and people not reading. I don’t think the mission of getting kids across that bridge has ever been more urgent. Don’t just read Magic Tree House and then go on your phone and your videos. Pick up another book.
In my time remaining on this earth, I hope to inspire more kids to become readers, love reading, and read all their lives.
