Reading Series Fiction

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.

'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

Watson, Victor