Reading Series Fiction: From Arthur Ransome to Gene Kemp [Paperback]

Victor Watson (Author)

Book Description

This book investigates the 'series' in children's literature. The works of several well-known children's authors - UK and the US, traditional and contemporary - are analyzed, and using these examples, the book explores the special nature and appeal of series writing for children. As well as providing an historical overview of the series, the author raises important questions about the nature of literary criticism applied to children's literature.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This is criticism at its best: assessing children's literature by focussing on what children love about it, rather that what adults detest ... [it] is one of those rare books which will appeal as much to readers and collectors as to the critical establishment whom Victor Watson is trying to re-educate. I cannot recommend it highly enough.' - Sue Sims, Children's Book History Society

'This is that rare thing, an academic book that is as readable as the texts it investigates. Victor Watson's long practical and itellectual experience with children and children's literature informs every sentence of this elegantly written book. He has a braod view of what constitutes series writing, and that breadth is underpinned by a deatiled depth of knowledge of, and obvious love for, the majority of texts he deals with.' - Amanda Piesse, Children's Books in Ireland

'... provides not only good arguments for reconsidering this neglected area of children's reading but also a thought provoking view of how children read in general and therefore what effect different kinds of writing and story telling may have on them.' - Books for Keeps

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (October 14, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 041522702X
• ISBN-13: 978-0415227025
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,155,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Readable history of children's book series, May 11, 2011

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D. E. Haynes "l" (Southern Mississippi) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Reading Series Fiction (Kindle Edition)

A readable and accessible analysis of a number of children's book series, this book focuses on British, rather than American authors. An extensive section is devoted to Arthur Ransome, but L. M. Boston, Susan Cooper, Enid Blyton, and Antonia Forest (among others) are also included. Watson's analysis of the literary qualities of these authors is enlightening and readers interested in British popular fiction for children should find much to savor here.