My Review of Four Junior Novels & Two Picture Books

Four Junior Novels (8-12) & Two Picture Books 

1. 'Hair Brain Saves the Ocean' by Danny Katz & illustrated by  Mitch Vane

A brand new junior fiction book from the much loved and best-selling creators of Little Lunch. Suitable for readers aged 8-10 years.

"This is a story about how I came up with a MASSIVELY brainy plan to CLEAN UP all the disgusting pollution on the beach to help save the whole WORLD!!!!!!"

In her own words the star of the book says "that's not my real name, what kind of cruel , evil parents would call their kid Hairbrain for real? Mmm, after reading the book it seems to me they might just have! We never find out any other name.

Hairbrain takes a big view of the world and devotes lots of time thinking of how to save the world. 

Hairbrain has an 'active' life. For example, she ran from her father when her report from school came home with a 'D' in the English test. But Hairbrain isn't silly and has lots of ideas and inventions that 'might' change the world. For example:

Put a lemon on the end of every school bubblers with a sprinkle of sugar on the side to make the water taste sweeter.

Or, to deal with pollution, why not stick a great big pump to go over factories, and then pump it to other far away countries like Finland. And then there's her idea to capture water pollution with floating garbage at our beaches like old shoes, cups with stale noodles left there, old sausages. In her words, pollution is "Dizzgusting"!   

Of course, there's much more wisdom and great ideas in this classic book that children aged 8-12 will find fun.

2. 'Something Terrible - Becky Brush Your HAIR!' by Sally Barton & illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

This is another very funny book in the 'Something Terrible'  series from Walker Books.

Paul Jennings meets the Treehouse in this hilarious new series, 'Something Terrible'.

Becky Culpepper lives at 34 Rufus Street. You might be surprised by her name, but most people think her name is Becky Brush-your-hair. You see, she never brushes her hair. But no matter how many people tell her to, Becky never brushes it.

One morning, just as Becky is leaving for school, her mum calls out, ‘Becky! Brush your hair. Something terrible could happen!’

This is the story of the something terrible that did happen, for it seems there were some who saw her hair as VERY attractive and perhaps useful. This funny book is suitable for readers and listeners aged 8-10. As one commentator suggests:

Sally Barton weaves a brush-with-disaster pony-tale of do's and do-knots in his tangled mess of a second installment of the terrible things that happen in Rufus Street.

Sally Barton the author was aged six when she took her first book from the library. As they say, the rest is history. Stories became an important part of her life. Today she spends her days creating fictional worlds for both adults and children. As well, she passes this love and knowledge on to her students as a tutor for children with learning differences. After legal studies she worked for the police, but says her happiest work was in her job in a public library. Sally was honoured to win the Writers Unleashed Picture Book Competition in 2022 with 'Goodnight Sheep'.

Christopher Nielsen’s illustrations reflect a love of vintage design. Tin toys, Mexican wrestlers, Matchboxes, Medical Charts and Indian Goddesses all jostle for attention amongst the flotsam and jetsam of his flip-top head. His artwork has been widely acknowledged in varied places, including, 'The British Book Design & Publication Awards', the 'AGDA Awards', and the 'Society of Illustrators' awards New York. 

He has received Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the 'Australia Illustrators Awards'. He was shortlisted in 2018 for the CBCA Crichton Award for best new illustrator in children's book illustration.

3. 'Something Terrible - Tim Tie Your Shoelaces' by Sally Barton & illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

Age 6-10 years 

'Goosebumps' meets 'The Treehouse' in this wonderful first instalment of an hilarious new series of 'Something Terrible'.

Tim Mulligan lives at 25 Rufus Street. You might be surprised to know this is his name, because most people think his name is 'Tim Tie-your-shoelaces'. For, no matter how many people tell him, or how often, Tim never ties his shoelaces.
One morning, just as Tim was leaving for school, his mum called, "Tim! Tie your shoelaces. Something terrible could happen!". This is the story of the something terrible that did happen!

Sally Barton weaves a tale of mayhem, mess and beasties, in this flip-flappin’ street-slappin’ first installment of the terrible things that happen in Rufus Street.

4. 'Down The Plot Hole' by Annaleise Byrd

This is a fun-filled fractured fairytale adventure in a very surprising, 'Grimm' world.The book is perfect for readers who want their ribs to ache with laughter.

'There’s a word missing.’ Terry pointed to the book. ‘The maid plucked the … ready for the spit.’ He flipped back a page. ‘It said she was sitting beside a black hen, right?’ It was true. The words ‘black hen’ were gone. All that remained was a larger-than-usual space. A gap. An emptiness. A hole … in the plot.

Neighbours and reluctant reading partners Basil and Terry are once again reading 'The Complete Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm'. Last time, they found themselves plunged into the fairytale world, where everyone was losing the plot. This time, words – well, chickens – are disappearing! Realising their fairytale friends are in danger of being sucked into oblivion by plot holes, the boys don’t hesitate before diving back into the Grimm world to warn them. It’s up to Basil and Terry to find out what’s going on and how to stop the plot holes from
destroying everything … including their way home.

As one reviewer suggests, the book is "Perfect for kids who prefer their comedy action-packed, their epic adventures brimming with magic, and their fantastical stories jam-packed with laughs" 'Readings'.

Annaleise Byrd grew up on a farm in Queensland, ignoring most farm-related pursuits in favour of reading books. She then spent nine years in England and Canada, neglecting a variety of jobs in favour of reading books. Eventually, she realised the best way to get away with this was to become an author. Annaleise now lives in Brisbane with her husband, two young sons and rescue greyhound, and she is particularly fond of lamingtons. You can find her online at www.annaleisebyrd.com.

Suitable for Children Aged 8-12 years

Two Picture Books Worth a Look

Hopefully, I'll have more new picture books to review soon, but here are two that are worth looking at. One new, and another published in 2024. I haven't reviewed either book previously that are worth a look. 

1. 'The Hyena Who Laughed so hard his pants fell off!' by James Croft

Three trouble makers are always up to no good, and this time is no exception. In the heart of the African savanna, where the sun blazes high, a cheeky hyena and his friends try to keep themselves entertained, with fun, frolics and spotty pants. But watch out for the grumpy, old elephant, who may have a surprise in store!

Children aged 5-8 will love this rip-roaring tale of friendship and mischief. The book is filled with bags of fun, for developing little minds. It is a fun-filled fractured fairy tale adventure, that children will enjoy in a very surprising, 'Grimm' world.

'There’s a word missing.’ Terry said as he pointed to the book. ‘The maid plucked the --- ready for the spit.’ He flipped back a page. ‘It said she was sitting beside a black hen, right?’ It was true. The words ‘black hen’ that were there had disappeared?! All that remained was a larger-than-usual space. A gap. An emptiness. A hole … in the plot.

Neighbours and reluctant reading partners Basil and Terry are once again reading 'The Complete Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm'. Last time, they found themselves plunged into the fairytale world, where everyone was losing the plot. 

But this time, words – well, the words 'chickens' – were disappearing! Are their fairytale friends in danger of being sucked into 'oblivion' by plot holes?! The boys don’t hesitate and dive into the 'World of Grimm' to warn them. Will Basil and Terry find out what’s going on and stop the plot holes from
destroying everything … and find their way home?

This is a great book for children who like an action-packed comedy.

2. 'The Truck Cat' written by Deborah Frenkel (Author) and illustrated by Danny Snell

The Truck Cat is a story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and also homes that can be lost and yet found again. 

Author Deborah Frenkel is an award-winning writer of books for children. She grew up in the 80s and 90s and thought she might just be a 'business lady'. But that wasn't to be, and after working in advertising in her day job writing ads for varied clothing brands, she changed course. She now lives in Melbourne, Australia, on the traditional lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. 

 

Her delightful book is well supported by the illustrations of multi-award-winning artist Danny Snell.

Her delightful book is well supported by the illustrations of multi-award-winning artist Danny Snell. 'The Truck Cat' is the perfect book to inspire kindness and compassion in young children everywhere. Now this lead should get you in:
 
"Some cats are house cats. Some are apartment cats.
But Tinka is a truck cat. Tinka lives everywhere."
 
Tinka travels with his human owner Yacoub. But no matter how much they travel, home always feels very far away for both of them. Yacoub drives his truck to make a living, learning the landscape of a new country along the way, and longing for connection.
 
But on one trip, Tinka and Yacoub are unexpectedly separated. But they are both determined to find one another. In doing so, they find even more than they expected …

"In The Truck Cat, Deborah Frenkel’s beautiful writing takes the reader on a gentle and often amusing ride. Yacoub’s story is one of resilience, yearning and sighs of sadness. Tinka the cat makes sure there is sunshine and smiles along the way. Danny Snell’s gorgeous colour palette splashes movement and life on every page. From vignettes to double page spreads, the combination of art and text presents a heartfelt, hopeful story of finding home …"

Sandhya Parappukkaran, the award-winning author of 'The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name', suggests 'The Truck Cat' is a must-read picture book’. ‘At a time when the world is in turmoil, much of it due to ignorance, intolerance and bigotry, there could not be a more timely choice for a book that will bring children right across the country together, in a glorious celebration and a move towards greater acceptance and empathy.’

This is a lovely picture book that combines great storytelling that touch on the heartwarming emotions of loss, companionship and love. It's pitched perfectly to entertain and move young readers, as well as to gently open their hearts and minds.’
 
'Readings, Best Picture Books of 2024' asks:

‘Who knew so much love could be encapsulated in only 30 pages?! A picture book for all ages, and for everyone, human or feline’
 
‘This impactful story is shared through the blend of Danny Snell’s beautiful illustration and Deborah Frenkel’s heartfelt words and is a touching reminder that “home is everywhere.”’  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dragonkeeper Series - A Review

Carole Wilkinson is a fine Australian children's author who in her own words "...got a late start, but I’ve been trying to make up for lost time." She has now written 30 plus books, some short stories, a telemovie and some TV and planetarium scripts. Before she commenced writing at age 40 she had worked as a laboratory assistant and also a film and television writer and editor. Her books have been set in China, Egypt, and the Middle East. Her Dragonkeeper series of four books is set in ancient China and has been wonderfully received by children and critics alike. With the fourth book in the series - 'Blood Brothers' - just out, I thought it was time to review this widely acclaimed series. The series started out as a trilogy but has now had a fourth book added.  All four books are published by 'Black Dog Books' an imprint of Walker Books. The first three books are set in China in the 1st century BC, while the fourth is set in 325 AD. The books are recommended for readers aged 8+ but I would see them as ideal for children aged 9-14. If children 8-9 are less familiar with fantasy they might find some of the events depicted in the stories confronting. Mind you, 'Harry Potter' has pushed many young readers to new sensitivity 'levels' with fiction.

'Dragonkeeper' - Book 1 (2003)

The first book in the series introduces us to the main characters for the first three books. We meet a slave girl named Ping who has the job of tending to captive dragons, held secretly in a palace of the emperor in a remote region of China. We meet Long Danzi a dragon who has just become the sole survivor of what was once a collection of two dozen captives. And finally, we meet Ping's only 'friend' and companion, Hua, a pet rat who goes everywhere with her.

Ping's perception of dragon's changes with the discovery that the withdrawn and frightened dragon deep in a stone pit has a coloured 'stone' which it protects fiercely, and some strange behaviours. Through the circumstances of the death of the 2nd last dragon and the unexpected arrival of the emperor, Ping escapes with the dragon from her brutal master. A ruthless dragon hunter pursues them and the girl discovers many secrets about dragons and begins an epic journey across China. Ping carries with them a mysterious stone at the urging of Long Danzi. A stone that must be protected. This is the story of a young ten year-old girl who has been seen as worthless, unnamed and discarded, but who finds within her new strength, courage and abilities beyond her imagination. This is will be necessary to make the perilous journey and eventually, the responsibility of the 'stone' just as it breaks and Long Danzi and Hua leave her for the Isles of the Blessed.

This is a book that drags you along as a reader at a cracking pace. Within just a few pages you are hooked and reluctant to put the book down. It is a piece of wonderful historical fiction and fantasy that will appeal to children aged 9+. 

The book has won and been shortlisted for too many awards to mention in full, but these include:

Winner of the 2003 Aurelias Award
Winner of the 2004 Queensland Premier's Literary Awards
Winner of the 2006 KOALA awards

'Garden of the Purple Dragon' (2005)

In book two of the series we find Ping hiding in the shadow of the Tai Shan mountains with her precious responsibility, Kai the baby dragon. The young dragon tests her patience with its playful ways and attention seeking. How can she hope to care for a creature that will live many generations beyond her and whose wings may not fully even develop in her lifetime? She struggles to care for Kai, but gains skills quickly. Skills that are born of necessity. However, she knows that eventually she must find another keeper who will take over the task after she is too old. But eventually her old tormentor, now the Emperor's chief minister, finds her and must be confronted. However, Long Danzi has not forgotten her and sends back Hua to help her and the young Kai.

Once again Carole Wilkinson won a bucket full of awards and nominations for this book, including:

Winner of the 2006 WAYRBA Award
Winner of the 2009 KOALA Awards
Winner of the 2009 KROC Awards

'Dragon Moon' (2007)

In the third book in the series Ping and Kai continue to evade the enemies who search for the elusive dragon and its keeper. They have travelled far, but much more is to be done as Ping discovers that Long Danzi's intention all along has been to see Kai returned to live with free dragons. But danger is everywhere and deceptions of many kinds, as they set out to find the home of the remaining free dragons. Their guide is a set of complex instructions from Long Danzi that take the form of a riddle. This is the only hope that they have. But will they unravel the Chinese language puzzle? Ping knows that she must continue in her final great quest to find Kai a safe home. This is eventually accomplished and Kai is safely in the dragon haven hidden away from others and with a new responsibility. Ping makes a sad departure and begins a new life with a new companion, a boy named Jun, "the only friend who had ever come back to her".

The third book in the series has also received many awards. Principal amongst these was winning 
2008 Book of the Year in the Younger Readers Category from the Children’s Book Council of Australia. As well, the book was 2008 Winner, of the KROC (Kids Reading Oz Choice) Award (Fiction for Years 7-9).


'Blood Brothers' (2012)

The Author's Afterword in the fourth book of the Dragonkeeper series explains that there was never meant to be a fourth book; it truly was meant to be a trilogy! But Carole Wilkinson has revisited the dragon Kai, four centuries later. He is still young in dragon terms, for dragons can live for up to 3,000 years. This would place the story in the 4th century AD, a Chinese form of the Dark Ages, when there was no dynasty. It was the period of Chinese history known as the Sixteen Kingdoms, a time for which little is known allowing even more historical gaps to be filled by the author.  We enter the story in 325AD. The powerful Han Dynasty is a distant memory and tribes of barbarian soldiers fight over what was once the Empire. These are dangerous times, but Kai who is now 465 years old (a mere teenager in dragon years) is bored and leaves the safe dragon haven. He begins a search for the predestined person who is to be the next dragonkeeper. He finds his way to a Buddhist novice named Tao who is quite certain he is not the one; he has no interest in caring for a difficult dragon. But, Kai is drawn to Tao and the young man must learn to listen to the voice within him and journey with Kai. Their relationship is slow to begin but eventually they bond and a new phase in Kai's long life begins. You can download a sample chapter below.

Download a chapter sample from Blood Brothers

The Dragonkeeper series is brilliant. I'm sure that it will captivate many generations of young readers. The stories will appeal to boys and girls alike and will engage them from the start. One suspects that now Carole Wilkinson has made the decision to turn a trilogy into at least four books, that there might be more as the possible future storylines would seem almost endless.

The Critical Place of Fantasy in Children's Literature

As I've written before on this blog, story and literature have great power to teach, enrich and transform us (see here & here). Stories provide access to other world's and experiences with the potential to change us and deepen our understanding of what it means to be human. Stories help to bind us together as people, whether families, communities, races or even nations. They also offer us insights into the fullness of the human condition. We rejoice in the images and stories of human loyalty, valour, forgiveness, faithfulness, courage, patience, love, devotion, sacrifice and so on. But stories also offer us windows into experiences that are not our own. Experiences of death, cruelty, hatred, betrayal, genocide, murder and so on.  And while it is difficult for us to come face-to-face with the dark side of humanity, story helps to grasp, understand and appreciate life's joys, but also its sorrows and tragedies. It also does more. For through fantasy, myth and legend we are led to contemplate worlds and dimensions well beyond the bounds of earth and the physical. Through the power of human imagination we contemplate the metaphysical; things not yet understood or experienced directly. Mystery and wonders not perhaps thought possible when limited by reason.

There have been many writers, philosophers, mystics and theologians who have observed the relationship between the imagination and reason. To be human is to be a creature that doesn't just reason unemotionally in the light of the available data encountered in life.  From birth we learn from our mistakes as we encounter our world. The first touch of a hot surface gives us data that will shape future actions. We learn to ride our first bike by gathering knowledge and elementary understanding of physics and we practice till we cease to fall. We begin to 'read', observe and learn from the books, images, sounds, tastes and smells of our world to expand minds and apply learning. But we also look beyond ourselves and wonder is the physical reality all that there is? We learn to love as we are loved and imagine a future with expectation and doubts. We are creatures that imagine and hope, not just beings who reason. We attempt to envisage our futures, and imagine if material existence is all that there is. We imagine and make meaning; we don't just 'reason' the world.  Children's authors seem almost intuitively to know this.

C.S. Lewis was one author who thought a great deal about these things and reached the conclusion that imagination and reason are related human qualities. Lewis. like others, argued that imagination is a key to meaning. We derive meaning as we encounter signs within our world - words, images, sounds, tastes, experiences and of course stories. Imagination he saw as ‘the organ of meaning’ and reason as the organ to determine truth or falsehood. Meaning he argued is part of our journey towards determining truth or falsehood. So imagination is no dispensable frippery, able to be encouraged or discouraged on the basis of whim or fancy.  No, it is vital to humanity and its well being.

Some books that tap this need

Some of the most popular children's books in history have been fantasy novels written in the last 100 years. J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' has sold over 150 million copies, J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' books have sold over 500 million copies, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis have sold 130 million copies. Of course the trail blazers before these were the likes of 'Alice in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll,  'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens', the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen and of course The Brothers Grimm.  And centuries before these, Homer's 'The Odyssey' and other great Greek myths and legends inspired generations with tales of giants, witches, gods and superheroes. Modern collections like 'Greek Myths' by Ann Turnbull and illustrated by Sarah Young bring these to life for new generations.

However, in recent times there has been an explosion of writing for children and young adults that not only embraces fantasy but sub genres of horror, magic, the occult and so on. Some of this writing seems altogether too dark and perhaps an appeal to the darker side of the human condition. This is a question for us to consider. Nevertheless, fantasy in its broadest manifestations stimulates the imagination, creativity and wonder, and we need more, not less of it. As a parent or teacher there are careful responsibilities to be considered here and choices at times to be made.

There are many places to start if you wish to broaden your children's experience of fantasy. My personal preference is to begin with those examples of fantasy tied most closely to the known world before branching out beyond it. Here are a few suggestions.

Fantasy for Younger Children (0-6 years)

For most children under six years, the first experience of fantasy will be via traditional fairy tales and fantasy rooted in the real world. Beatrix Potter's 'Tales of Peter Rabbit' will captivate preschool children from a young age. Roald Dahl's less gruesome tales may be appropriate for some. 'Fantastic Mr Fox', and 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' are but two good places to start.  Kenneth Grahame's 'The Wind in the Willows' is timeless and authors like Dr Seuss with tales like 'The Lorax' and Bill Peet with illustrated stories like 'Cowardly Clyde' offer a first step from the safety of the known world to others yet imagined. 

E.B. White's 'Charlotte's Web' is a classic that in the most gentle and elegant of ways introduces ideas of death, new life and the metaphysical.

Classics like 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Peter Pan' will also work with children aged as young as 6 years. 

Modern classics like Ted Hughes' wonderful story of 'The Iron Man' will captivate young boys.

All of these and many more examples will stimulate the imagination and lead young readers to imagine 'What if...?'.

Fantasy in the Primary Years (7-11 years)

I have already mentioned J.K. Rowling, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis who offer a perfect way to expand the appetite for fantasy amongst readers in the primary years.  But there are many other options for children aged 7-11 years.

Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' is worthy of special attention in this age category. This is of course the pre-cursor to 'Lord of the Rings' and is a masterpiece. It is a magical adventure that appeals to children and adults.  Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse unknown dangers.

Emily Rodda has multiple series for independent readers including the popular 'Rondo', 'Rowan of Rin', 'Deltora Quest' and 'The Three Door' series.

Then of course, there are the historical novels that venture through time-slip to worlds beyond. Books like Brian Caswell's 'Merryll of the Stones', Gary Crew's story of the Batavia in ‘Strange Objects’, Ruth Park's 'Playing Beatie Bow' and many more.

Fantasy for Older Readers (12-14 years)

'The Life Of A Teenage Body-Snatcher' by Doug MacLeod is about sixteen-year-old Thomas Timewell who discovers an occupation and world not previously known to him. Set in England in the 1820s this is NOT a bland horror story. Rather it is a complex tale filled with suspense, humour, action and even some romance.

'The Bartimaeus' Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud is a little darker and tells the story of Nathaniel, a young magician with only one thing on his mind, revenge. Nathaniel is an apprentice to the great magician Underwood and is gradually being schooled in the traditional art of magic.

'Artemis Fowl' by Eoin Colfer has been popular with boys aged 12-14. Artemis is an unusual anti-hero, who while the 'bad guy', is a likable boy-genius criminal. This is darker then Harry Potter but very funny at the same time.

Philip Pulman's 'His Dark' trilogy has also been popular with older readers. 'Northern Lights' (i.e. 'The Golden Compass' in the USA), 'The Subtle Knife' and 'The Amber Spyglass' tell the story of two children, Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry as they wander through a series of Parallel universes against a backdrop of epic events.

One of Australia's most prolific writers of fantasy for older readers and adults is Garth Nix. Those of his books suitable for older children include 'The Ragwitch', the six books of 'The Seventh Tower' and 'The Keys to the Kingdom' series. 'The Seventh Tower' sequence of six books follows two children from distinctly different societies in a world blocked from the sun by a magical Veil that leaves the world in complete darkness. His 'Keys to the Kingdom' series chronicles the adventures of a 12 years old asthmatic boy Arthur Penhaligon who is chosen to become the Rightful Heir of the 'House' that is the centre of the universe. The core storyline involves Arthur attempting to defeat the Morrow Days, the criminal trustees of the House.

There are many classic older series that must not be forgotten. One of my favourites is Susan Cooper's 'The Dark is Rising' series of five books that depict a struggle between forces of good and evil called 'The Light' and 'The Dark'. The series is based on Arthurian legends, Celtic mythology and Norse mythology. 

At the outer edges of this genre are books that take readers to places darker than I would care to go with most readers but which some older readers will find engaging. Books like Neil Gaiman's acclaimed 'The Graveyard Book' come to mind.

A last word

While there has been criticism at times that fantasy is used by authors to push morality and religion (C.S. Lewis was regularly criticised for his Christian allegorical tales of Narnia), it is important to recognise that all fantasy projects beliefs, values, morality and at times deeply religious or spiritual ideas. There is a strong argument for accepting the claim by many that modern fantasy has usurped ancient myths, legend and religiously inspired fantasy and literature. While some who see little meaning and significance in traditional religious tellings of the human story, we must not delude ourselves that non-religious fantasy exists. It doesn't. For all fantasy, in a sense, is religious in that it generally assumes, discusses or promotes a set of beliefs, actions and emotions reflecting at the very least some speculation of an ultimate reality, power, order or being beyond the material world as we know it. As such, parents and teachers have a responsibility to understand the books that their children read and to engage with them as they encounter this rich material.

A Guide to Children's Book Series

Why book series work

Book series have been around for a long time and play an important role in early reading.  I wrote about their benefits as part of a previous post 'Why Children Re-read Books'. It seems that each generation has book series that appeal to lots of children. When I was a child The Famous Five, The Bobbsey Twins, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Secret Seven, The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and the adventures of the British fighter pilot Biggles were devoured by lots of children. These series are still available and read by many children. When my daughters were growing up in the 1980s The Babysitters Club, Choose Your Own Adventure and the Narnia Chronicles were amongst the most popular series. It was a difficult day when the family collection of (many!) Babysitter Club books was sold at the local second hand bookshop in their late teens (they got to keep the money).

In the last ten years there have been many new series with the most remarkable being 'Harry Potter'. The attraction of reading a complete series of books is linked to the pleasure and familiarity of having read a book within the series, and the prospect of reading another similar one to see where the book might take us.  Any book series allows the reader to carry considerable background knowledge from book to book, including knowledge of the characters, familiarity with plot structure, consistency of language and vocabulary. Like an old sweater (we call them jumpers in Australia) that feels familiar and 'just right' when you put it on, the next title in the book series is 'comfortable', predictable and enjoyable.

My grandson recently commented on why he liked Emily Rodda's wonderful 'Rowan of Rin' and 'Deltora Quest' series.  Here is part of what he said in a post my daughter did on her blog 168 Hours:

"....I like the series because they make my heart beat a bit faster and scare me a bit.  I also like some of the pictures on the covers. I like the Deltora series even better so far, because of how the story flows between the books."

Surprisingly, book series are seen as suspect by some parents, teachers and librarians, who worry that the reading of series books (which are in some cases simple and repetitive) might lead to a diet of "narrow" reading (as series books are sometimes called), rather than "broad" and deep reading. If we needed anything to convince us that this is rubbish, then Harry Potter certainly put paid to the idea that series books are all easy. Interestingly, research by Stephen Krashen shows us that narrow reading can be a good way to lead children to more difficult reading.  My own work also suggests that series books help to consolidate the reading skills and interests of children and sustain their passion for reading.  This is vital if our children are going to tackle difficult books. 

It seems that there is a book series for every child, with limitless options for children of all ages. I have listed a number of popular series below, but there are many more.

2. Series for Younger readers

'Berenstain Bear' by Stan and Jan Berenstain - a family of bears and their many adventures (very young readers).
‘Frog and Toad’ by Arnold Lobel - the simple adventures of a frog and a toad (for very young readers).
'Flat Stanley' by Jeff Brown - the outrageous stories of Flat Stanley and the Lambchop family (very young readers). 
‘Paddington Bear’ by Michael Bond - a very polite bear who loves marmalade sandwiches and cocoa and is always getting into trouble (for very young readers).
'Milly Molly Mandy' by Joyce Lankester Brisley - stories of a thoughtful and resourceful little girl, her family and friends.
'The Magic Faraway Tree' by Enid Blyton - the adventures of a group of children, an enchanted wood and a magic tree. 
‘Mrs Pepperpot' by Alf Prøysen - the adventures of an elderly woman who can make herself small and get up to all sorts of things.
‘Pippi Longstocking’ by Astrid Lindgren - the adventures of a strong, independent and querky young girl.
'Dr Dolittle' by Hugh Lofting - the stories of a doctor who shuns humans in favour of animals, with whom he can speak in their own languages.
'Anastasia Krupnik' by Lois Lowry - stories about a girl who deals with everyday problems.
'Rowan of Rin' by Emily Rodda - a series of five fantasy novels for younger readers that tell of the adventures of a shy village boy called Rowan.
'Encyclopedia Brown' by Donald Sobol - stories about a boy detective and his many adventures.
'Ingalls family' Laura Ingalls Wilder - the stories of a young girl growing up in the midwestern frontier of the USA in the 1870s and 1880s.
'Trixie Belden' by Julie Campbell - a series of girl detective mysteries.
'Amelia Bedelia' by Peggy Parish - the stories of a lovable and amusing maid who tends to take things rather literally.'Katie Morag' by  Mairi Hedderwick - the stories centre around the adventures of the main character, Katie, who lives on the fictional island of Struay (which is based on the Scottish island of Coll). 
'The Dragon Slayers' Academy' by Kate McMullan (illustrated by Bill Basso) - Wiglaf is the youngest brother decides to go to the Dragon Slayer Academy, kill some dragons and get money to help his family.
'The Spiderwick Chronicles' by Holly Black - a series about a young boy who moves into an old house with his mother, brother and sister after his father dies, and the amazing discovery of secret rooms, an invisible world and a war waged among the realms of Fairies.

3. More mature readers

'Greene Knowe' by Lucy Boston - series of six books that feature a very old house (Green Knowe) inhabited by the spirits of children from the past.
'The Black Stallion' by Walter Farley - the story of a boy and wild horse and the many adventures that flow from this first tale.
'The Stone Book' by Allan Garner - this classic series of 4 books has its beginnings in the story of how Garner's great grandfather (a stonemason) initiates his daughter into the secrets of his craft.

'Wizard of Earthsea' by Ursula Le Guin - a trilogy set in the fantasy world of Earthsea and the adventures of a young wizard named Ged.  
'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis - series of 7 fantasy novels about the adventures of children stumble into a world and their part in a battle between good and evil.
'Deltora Quest' by Emily Rodda - the adventures of three companions who travel across the magical land of Deltora seeking to recover magical artefacts and defeat the allies of the evil Shadow Lord.
'Harry Potter' by J.K Rowling - a series of 7 fantasy novels that tell of the adventures of the young wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger who live at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

'Song of Wirrun' by Patricia Wrightson - a fantasy trilogy that tells of a young Aboriginal boy who must save his people and battle an evil spirit.
'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien - the quest to gain the ring created by Dark Lord Sauron in another age; the secret to controlling Middle-earth.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Coifer - series of graphic fantasy novels (check out Coifer's 'Artemis Fowl' website HERE)
'Inkheart' by Cornelia Caroline Funke - this German trilogy tells the story of a 12-year-old girl (Meggie Folchart) who discovers that her father has the ability when he reads to bring story book characters into the real world.
'The Chronicles of Prydain' by Lloyd Alexander - A five book fantasy series (Volume 2 'The Black Cauldron' won the Newberry Medal)
'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White - Arthurian Fantasy (usually purchased as one book) that takes place on the isle of Gramarye and chronicles the raising and education of King Arthur, his rule and the romance between Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere.
'Goosebumps' by R.L. Stine  - horror novels for kids, loved by many boys but criticised by others for their violence.
'The Belgariad' by David Eddings - a five book fantasy series about an orphaned farm boy Garion's quest to fulfil an ancient prophecy that will decide the fate of the universe (readers 13+)
'Crispin' by Edwin Irving Wortis (pen name is Avi) - just two books in this 'series', the first 'The Cross of Lead' won the Newberry Medal in 2003 and 'Crispin at the Edge of the World'.  A 13-year-old boy, living in 14th century Feudal England under the feudal system in 1377 has his world turned upside-down when his mother dies.
'The Edge Chronicles' by Paul Stewart - this is a series about 'air pirates' in which a boy shows bravery and heroism on great quests that draw him closer to the Edge of the World and beyond.
'His Dark Materials Trilogy' by Phillip Pullman - two children (Lyra and Will) come of age as they experience epic quests and pass through a series of parallel universes. Made up of three books 'The Golden Compass', 'The Subtle Knife' and 'The Amber Spyglass'.


I could list dozens more but for an even more comprehensive list that you can consult online, go to the website of one of my favourite libraries (where I used to take my children when living in Indiana), the Monroe County Library in Indiana (here).

The critical place of play, creativity and fantasy: Key quote 2

I announced back in April that I was going to do a series on key educational quotes. I managed just one, then got distracted. The format was to be: state the quote; describe the person; offer a response. Here’s the second key quote in the series.

Key Quote

What children need is not new and better curricula but access to more and more of the real world; plenty of time and space to think over their experiences, and to use fantasy and play to make meaning out of them; and advice, road maps, guidebooks, to make it easier for them to get where they want to go (not where we think they ought to go), and to find out what they want to find out (John Holt, 1981)

John Holt

John Holt was born on 14th April, 1923 in New York City and died on the 14th September, 1985. He was the eldest of three children, and grew up mainly in the New England area of the USA. He taught in private schools before writing his first book, ‘How Children Fail’ (1964). This book and his second book ‘How Children Learn’ (1967), have sold over 1.5 million copies and have been translated into fourteen languages.

He was a visiting lecturer for education departments at Harvard University and University of California, Berkeley. However, he sought reform to education not through academia, but instead through his many books on educational theory and practice (see list of his publications here). He eventually concluded that schools were beyond reform and turned his attention to the value of homeschooling. He started an influential magazine called ‘Growing Without Schooling’ in 1977, which was the USA’s first homeschooling magazine.

The quote is taken from his only book about homeschooling, ‘Teach Your Own’ (1981). The book was later revised by Holt’s colleague, Patrick Farenga, and published again in 2003.

A quick response

Readers of this blog know that the importance of play (see here), creativity (see here), experience-based learning (see here) and fantasy (see my many posts on literature) are important to me. Holt is playing my tune; well almost. I haven’t given up on schools, and I see a more significant role for teachers than I think he did. While I share his frustration with the regimentation of schooling and the at times narrowness of curricula, schools have played a critical role in offering mass education to all children. I see a key role for adults as teachers not just as people who provide learning environments and get out of the way. I also believe that as teachers and parents we need to know where we want children to go as learners. Adults play key roles as teachers. Let me give an example (paraphrasing part of my book ‘Pathways to Literacy') that focuses simply on how adults can support readers. As children develop as readers they need the support of teachers and parents who not only expect them to learn, and provide good learning environments, but who also actively encourage and support them as learners. We do this in varied ways, including:

• providing information and knowledge that our students do not have;
• listening to them as they share personal discoveries about learning;
• suggesting strategies that other successful readers use;
• sharing insights, successes, problems, pain, and joy experienced in reading and writing;
• supporting them when their best efforts are not up to their normal standards;
• introducing new language forms, new authors, new uses for reading, alternative writing styles, new language, new writing topics, new purposes for writing and new audiences; and
• demonstrating real and purposeful reading and writing.

Holt was an influential thinker whose ideas on the structuring of stimulating learning environments was a significant challenge to educators throughout the world. There is still much to learn from him about education in the school, home and community.