Joanna Cole was an American author who was active from the late 1960s until her passing in 2020. She was best known for her work in children’s literature, particularly in the field of science education. Cole’s writing often focused on making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for young readers. She was associated with the literary style of educational storytelling, using imaginative narratives to teach children about various scientific topics.

One of Cole’s key influential works is the “Magic School Bus” series, which she co-created with illustrator Bruce Degen. The series follows the adventures of a quirky teacher, Ms. Frizzle, and her students as they embark on exciting field trips in a magical school bus. Through these adventures, Cole skillfully weaved scientific facts and explanations into the stories, making learning fun and interactive for children. The “Magic School Bus” series became immensely popular and was adapted into a successful animated television series.

In addition to her work on the “Magic School Bus” series, Cole also contributed to the collection of folktales titled “Beloved Folktales of the World” in 1982. She selected and provided an introduction for this compilation, showcasing her interest in diverse cultural narratives and storytelling traditions. Joanna Cole’s contributions to children’s literature and science education have left a lasting impact, inspiring generations of young readers to explore and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.