Real Magic School Bus Coming to New York City

By Maryann Yin 

Have you ever wished you could ride the Magic School Bus? To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the popular children’s book series, a real “Magic School Bus” will hit New York City on October 20th.

A group of second graders from the United Nations International School will ride the bus along with host “Scuba Sam,” series writer Joanna Cole, series illustrator Bruce Degen, Ms. Frizzle and marine biologist Dr. Merryl Kafka.

Here’s more from the release: “Scholastic’s ‘The Magic School Bus,’ popularized in the internationally successful children’s books and television series, makes a special trip down the Hudson River to celebrate its 25th Anniversary next week. The full-size school bus makes a stop at Manhattan’s Pier 84 before a victory lap on the river to Liberty Island and back.”

Writer Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degen created The Magic School Bus series together. Cole went on to become senior editor at Doubleday Books for Young Readers. She has authored more than 90 children’s books. Degen attended three famous art schools: LaGuardia High School, Cooper Union and the Pratt Institute. He has illustrated several series, including the Commander Toad series written by Jane Yolen. He has also written his own work.