Joanna Cole, Author of 'The Magic School Bus,' Has Died

Joanna Cole, author of "The Magic School Bus" book series, has died at the age of 75.

Her passing on July 12 has just announced by Scholastic, the publisher of her books. A cause of death was not released.

Cole released "The Magic School Bus" in 1986, and told the story of a group of schoolchildren and their teacher Ms. Frizzle, who took fantastical journeys into science aboard a school bus that was more than what it seemed.   

With iconic illustrations by Bruce Degen, "The Magic School Bus" book series sold over 93 million copies worldwide and won a number of awards. It also spawned a popular PBS animated television series that has aired for over 18 years in more than 100 countries. Actress Lily Tomlin voiced Ms. Frizzle, a character Cole said was inspired by her own fifth-grade teacher.

In 2017, a reboot of the series premiered on Netflix. New episodes of the series will premiere this August, with actress Kate McKinnon voicing Ms. Frizzle.

Over her lifetime, Cole wrote over 250 books.

In noting her passing, Degen said "What Joanna has meant to the world, what there is in the world because of her, is well known. What she meant to me I can’t describe. Everyone who knew her, worked with her, loved her, knows what a loss it is."

Our condolences to her family, friends, and fans.

Source: NPR