NEW YORK, NY – May 22, 2007 – Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world’s largest bookseller, today announced that it has partnered with Mary Pope Osborne, author of the “Magic Tree House” series, for Barnes & Noble’s summer reading program.  In a fun and rewarding way, the program helps students in grades 1-6 develop their own reading preferences, nurtures their vocabulary and analytical skills, and motivates them to extend their reading beyond the summer. 

Mary Pope Osborne will kick off the eleventh anniversary of the program with an appearance on May 22 at the Upper East Side Barnes & Noble in Manhattan at 240 East 86th Street in New York City.  Ms. Osborne’s “Magic Tree House” series, published by Random House Children’s Books, takes children through time and around the world with the adventures of eight-year-old Jack and his sister Annie.  The children stumble upon a magic tree house filled with books that transports them back in time to the places the books describe.  Ms. Osborne will be joined by performers from the CD of Magic Tree House: the Musical, available exclusively at Barnes & Noble this summer.  The musical will have its World Premier on September 15 at the Warner Theater in northwest Connecticut. Actors Paul Wyatt (Jack), Katie Brunetto (Annie), and Donna Bullock (Morgan) will perform the opening number from the show, “How Far Can You See?”

“Mary Pope Osborne is a fantastic author who has enthralled young readers with her imaginative tales,” said Josalyn Moran, vice president of children’s books for Barnes & Noble, Inc.  “Her involvement in our 11th annual summer reading program ensures that not only will it be a great success, but also a great adventure.”

 “Barnes & Noble and I have long shared a common goal: getting kids excited about reading,” remarked Mary Pope Osborne.  “I’m thrilled to work with them this summer to launch a new generation of children into a life-long love of books."

Barnes & Noble stores will distribute to educators nationwide “Magic Tree House” activity kits and journals, each containing four student activities.  Children read any eight books of their own choosing, list them, and record their favorite part of each book in their “Magic Tree House” journal.  When they have completed these requirements, they will receive a Barnes & Noble coupon for a free book from a list of bestselling paperback titles.  Students can bring their completed journal sheets into any Barnes & Noble store across the country to receive their free book.

Parents can pick up activity kits and journals at their local Barnes & Noble store or online at http://www.bn.com/summerreading.