“Series”ously Satisfied Readers
Brittany Harte, Children’s Librarian
South Columbus Public Library
From Nancy Drew to The Boxcar Children to Goosebumps to the Wimpy Kid, children’s series books have a long history of transforming their audiences into lifelong readers. These books are wildly popular and have won the hearts of young readers. Here are three reasons to encourage your new or reluctant readers to get serious about a series.
- Read one, read all! Once you find something you like, you want more of it! Series books encourage continuous reading and put off that dreaded search for the next best thing. There are two main types of series books: sequential and non-sequential. While a sequential series needs to be read in a specific order to follow a timeline, a non-sequential series is not dependent on chronological plots but connected by characters, setting, and plot formats.
- Comfort food for the brain. Series books are predictable and comfortable making the reader feel successful, not frustrated. Encountering new names, places, and plots can be daunting for less confident readers. By embracing the familiarity, the reader can focus on the story from the first page. Reading should not always be hard work. Let it be a fun, entertaining pastime that your child chooses.
- On trend and just right, for now. Children’s publishing trends reflect popular culture. Whether the reader is interested in unicorns, pets, superheroes, or magic, there is a book series to match the latest trend. Remember that the topic should appeal to the child, not the adult. Don’t fret over the content: too many illustrations, too few pages, or uncomplicated plots. Avoid the impulse to push your child to something new. Be patient and remember all the times you’ve listened to Baby Shark. Because just like all trends, readers evolve. They will move on to new books over time and at their own pace.
Bring your child to any branch of the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries to find a new series. Staff is always willing to help match a reader to a new book!