Joanna Cole

Joanna Cole (1944–2020) was an American author of over 250 children's books, best known for creating the Magic School Bus series, illustrated by Bruce Degen, which has sold more than 93 million copies worldwide and inspired an animated TV series.[1][2] Born Joanna Reid Basilea in Newark, New Jersey, she began her career as a teacher, librarian, and editor before writing her first book in 1971 and achieving major success with Magic School Bus in 1986.[2][3][4] Cole combined her passions for science, humor, and education, earning numerous awards for her influential works.[2]