From: Anne Oelke <cflibrary>
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 08:51:12 -0600

At 01:33 PM 11/29/2005, marilyn smith wrote:
>I have come to realize that we, as adults, are series readers in our own way.

I do agree that as adults we also enjoy series. That could be another whole discussion, though not pertinent to this venue. I do think that most adult "series" that I've encountered are less formulaic than many series for children, particularly those for the lower to middle elementary ages. Or, perhaps, the authors create much more complex formulas for adults and enrich them with more diverse details and situations?

I'm not sure I can define "formula" series well. It seems to be one of those "I know it when I see (read) it" situations. Certainly I think Cam Jansen, Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, Henry & Mudge are all formula. I don't think Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books or Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings are formula. My inclination is that the Ramona books are not--but I think I'd need to reread them to be sure. What defines formula in your mind? Is it the same characters? Does it need to have a simlar storyline or plot?



Library Media Specialist, pK-12 Cambria-Friesland School District 410 E. Edgewater St. Cambria, WI 53923-1000 mailto:cflibrary at cf.k12.wi.us
Received on Wed 30 Nov 2005 08:51:12 AM CST