You and your children have polished off the latest Harry Potter sequel, realizing once again how series of books lets you enter and re-enter a fictional world. You're looking around for a new series to devour and are overwhelmed. (Fall children's book catalogs boast over fifty series being offered by the major publishers!)
What about a series that's stood the test of time? A character like Nancy Drew who turns seventy-five this year? Simon and Schuster is celebrating with two new series. Nancy and her chums are eight in The Nancy Drew Notebooks and Nancy writes first person with graphic inserts in Nancy Drew: Girl Detective. She might drive a hybrid, instead of the roadster, but she's still a strong heroine and a gutsy sleuth!
Dozens of series that have stood up to the test of time. Some series have been recently reissued, others are still in print, a few are out of print, but worth seeking out in libraries. What series are still being read? To find out, I asked children's book specialists all over the country through Childlit (a listserv for children's book aficionados). Their recommendations helped me create a list that will keep children reading for years to come - - or at least until the final Harry Potter hits the bookstores! Below find suggestions and brief descriptions of series for all ages, in a variety of genres.
The Hardy Boys (ages 9-11)
Originally published under the pen name, Franklin L. Dixon, 174 mysteries in this series feature Frank and Joe, sons of a famous detective. (Simon and Schuster)
The Bobbsey Twins (ages 7-10)
Released under the pen name Laura Lee Hope, these books boast the longest publication run of any series. The series began with adventure stories early in the 20th century. Later in the series of 75 books, the two starring sets of twins turn to sleuthing. (Simon and Schuster)
Box Car Children (ages 6-10)
This series, begun in 1942 by Gertrude Chandler Warner, introduces four orphaned children who are reunited with their kindly grandfather in the first book. They go on to solve over 100 mysteries in this easy-read series. (published by Albert Whitman)
Trixie Belden (ages 9-12)
39 mysteries are solved by this tomboy detective and her best friend, Honey Wheeler. Originated by Julie Campbell in 1948, the series has recently been reissued by Random House.
Ann of Green Gables series (ages 9 and up)
Eleven-year-old orphaned Ann Shirley, L.M. Montgomery's beloved character, moves in with an elderly brother and sister who expected a boy to help with the farm. We watch the inventive, spunky Ann grow to adulthood and raise children in the eight book series. (Publishers vary)
Betsy-Tacy Series (ages 6-12)
Betsy and Tacy become best friends at Betsy's fifth birthday party and stay close over the next thirteen books as they grow up. Based on the early life of their creator, Maud Lovelace, the series has a comforting old-fashioned feel. (Recently reissued by HarperTrophy).
The Great Brain (ages 7-10)
J.D. Fitzgerald's four book series is warmly, humorously told by the younger brother of a scheming, adventurous boy growing up in Utah at the end of the nineteenth century. (Penguin-PutnamBooks)
The Melendy Quartet (ages 9-12)
Elizabeth Enright's four adventures show a family of a delightful children who adjust to moving from New York City to the country with the help of their father and housekeeper. (Recently reissued by Holt).
Moffats (ages 8-11)
Eleanor Estes focuses on an adventuresome turn-of-the-century family of four children and a widowed mother. Times have changed, but Harcourt was wisely reissued these four book series to bring today's children the warmth and humor of the Moffats.
Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins (ages 6-9)
These series superstars, Beverly Cleary's most famous and best-loved characters, star and co-star in many books, each demonstrating her understanding of the adventure and humor of childhood. (HarperCollins)
Swallows and Amazons series (ages 8-12)
A lovely view of nature, childhood and the English lake district is found in twelve books about different families of children, all of whom love to sail and have vivid imaginations. All filled with marvelous descriptions and illustrations by Arthur Ransome. (Godine is bringing some books back into print)
The Chronicles of Narnia (ages 8- and up)
C.S. Lewis' seven book series about four children who discover a magical world inside an old wardrobe is a great family read aloud. (HarperCollins)
The Dark is Rising series (ages 9-12)
Susan Cooper's series of good children taking on evil magiciansbegins with Over Sea and Under Stone, but if you're looking for the best entry begin with The Dark is Rising. (Simon and Schuster)
Green Knowe Chronicles (ages 8-12)
Lucy Boston's five-book series tell of a young English boy who goes to live with his magical great-grandmother and gets on great with three children from the seventeenth century. (recently reissued by HBJ)
Mary Poppins (ages 7-10)
The nurse made famous by Disney and Andrews is ever so much more magical and well-rounded on the pages of P.L. Travers' four book series! (HBJ)
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle (ages 7-10)
Betty MacDonald's four books relate stories of an odd woman who mixes magic and common sense in strange cures for parents who just can't do a thing with their children. (HarperCollins)
My Father's Dragon (ages 5-8)
Ruth Gannet Stile's three short novels for young fantasy fans begin when Elmer Elevator rescues a baby dragon and continue in a way that's satisfied readers for over fifty years. (Random House)
Pippi Longstockings (ages 7-10)
Astrid Lindgren's strong, inventive magical Swedish orphan girl lives and travels with a menagerie of animals in this four book series. (Penguin-Putnam)
The Prydain Chronicles (ages 9-12)
Lloyd Alexander follows Taran the Wanderer through five books in a magical kingdom filled with enchanters as Taran seeks his parentage and power.
All-of-a-Kind Family (ages 8-12)
Sydney Taylor's five book series marks growth and changes of a large turn-of-the-century New York City Jewish family distinct in traditions and tenderness for each other. (Books being reissued by Random House)
Sisters of Quantock Hills (ages 9-12)
Ruth Elwin Harris' four books start with Sarah's Story and those of Gwen, Julia and Frances link to complete a marvelous personal and historical picture of English life from 1910-1945. (Reissued by Candlewick)
The Little House on the Prairie (ages 7-12)
Laura Ingalls Wilder's nine books span her pioneer growing up and raising children. (HarperCollins)
Flambards (ages 10 and up)
K. M. Peyton's four book series, set in WWI England is a dramatic beautifully- written read about a 12 year old orphan who is sent to live with her bullying uncle and two cousins. Hard to find in print, but well worth seeking out in a library.
Freddy the Pig (ages 6-10)
After thirty years Penguin-Putnam has brought back Walter L. Brooks' 26 books about a porcine adventurer determined to right the wrongs of the Bean Farm and the world beyond!
Misty of Chincoteague (ages 7-10)
Marguerite Henry knows her horses! Her series about Misty has satisfied many a horse lover and brought attention to the Outerbanks ponies. (Simon & Schuster)
Mouse and the Motorcycle (ages 6-9)
Beverly Cleary's adventurous motorcycle-loving Ralph is as much fun as her realistic characters. (HarperCollins)
Winnie-the-Pooh (ages 7 to adult)
Life philosophy is embedded in the writing of A.A. Milne and the Hundred Acre Woods animals who speak truths Disney can't equal. Only two books long, this series is a great shared read, best appreciated by children nine and up. (Penguin-Putnam)