Picture two Australian storytellers weaving magical tales of dragons and friendship from opposite sides of the globe—meet Maddy Mara! This enchanting pen name belongs to the creative duo Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger, whose Dragon Girls series has sparked the imaginations of young readers worldwide. With over 1.5 million copies sold, their stories of girls transforming into powerful dragons are a celebration of courage, loyalty, and inner strength.
Writing as Maddy Mara, this dynamic pair crafts empowering adventures that resonate with kids aged 7–9, blending whimsical fantasy with relatable themes. Their collaboration, born from a decades-long partnership, proves that distance is no barrier to creating stories that roar with magic.
The Making of Maddy Mara
Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger, the minds behind Maddy Mara, have been collaborators for nearly two decades. Hilary, a former publishing director, brought her expertise in crafting bestselling children’s series, while Meredith, a prolific author and English teacher, infused their work with a deep understanding of young readers. The pen name Maddy Mara is a heartfelt nod to their daughters, blending their names into a single, magical identity.
Their journey began in Melbourne, Australia, on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people. Initially, Meredith was the author and Hilary the publisher, working on hits like Zac Power and Go Girl. When Hilary transitioned to writing, their partnership evolved into a seamless co-authorship, fueled by a shared passion for stories that inspire. Even after Meredith moved to Germany, their transcontinental collaboration thrived, with one always working while the other slept.
Maddy Mara’s Unforgettable Stories
The Dragon Girls series, launched in 2021 with Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon, is Maddy Mara’s flagship creation. This wildly popular series follows ordinary girls who discover they can transform into dragons in the magical Magic Forest. Each book introduces a new heroine, like Azmina, who breathes glittery fire, or Mei, who draws power from precious gems. With 13 novels and counting, the series is a collectible treasure for young readers.
Beyond Dragon Girls, Maddy Mara has ventured into other series like Dragon Games, where dragons compete in thrilling challenges, and Forever Fairies, which explores the adventures of fairy friends. Their writing style is vibrant and accessible, with fast-paced plots and themes of teamwork, bravery, and self-discovery. The stories are peppered with fantastical creatures like Buttercub, a lion-butterfly hybrid, and glow bees, making every page a delightful escape.
The duo’s ability to churn out 10–12 books a year is nothing short of remarkable. Their tales are carefully crafted to empower young readers, particularly girls, by showcasing heroines who are strong, independent, and in control of their destinies. This focus on positive role models has made their work a staple in classrooms and libraries.
Why Maddy Mara Matters
Maddy Mara’s stories do more than entertain—they inspire a new generation to embrace their inner fire. The Dragon Girls series, with its diverse heroines and messages of resilience, has become a global phenomenon, available in multiple languages and countries. For young readers, these books offer a gateway to fantasy that feels both magical and relatable, encouraging them to face challenges with courage.
The duo’s transcontinental collaboration also sets a unique example in the literary world, showing how creativity can flourish across borders. By blending their talents, Hilary and Meredith have created a legacy of stories that light up imaginations and foster a love of reading in children everywhere.
- Pen name of Australian authors Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger.
- Best known for the Dragon Girls series, launched in 2021.
- Based in Melbourne, Australia, and Germany.
- Has sold over 1.5 million copies of Dragon Girls worldwide.
About Maddy Mara
Dive into the Magic Forest with Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon and discover why Maddy Mara’s stories are a must-read for young adventurers!