Posted by Magnus Smith on November 13, 2025 at 23:45:54 user Magnus.
Ever heard the theory that children's adventure books have to begin with some way to get rid of the parents? Whether S&A or other series, the parents need to be dead, absent, permissive about camping, or some such other cunning solution so that the kids are free to be on their own.
"Lurk, lurk" the S&A's often cry, so that they can hide from 'natives' (Swallowdale etc). Or they explain away grown-ups as 'missionaries' (Secret Water). The books are all about the kids wanting to be on their own, to have fun their way, as well as manage their own cooking/sleeping arrangements, in order to be truly free.
And yet, my brother and I recently noticed that the grown-ups are needed in the plot resolution, almost every time. No climax is complete without them.
Coot Club - adults are crucial in the final moment where Tom is caught (Old Bob, for one)
Big Six - the scene in Mr Farland's office
WDMTGTS - Commander Walker turns up and gets them home
Secret Water - they push so hard to get the map just, just for Daddy
Winter Holiday - adults arrange the use of the Pole, the food, and the drama of a search
Pigeon Post - Captain Flint turns up to fight the fire, and explain how copper is valuable
Picts and Martyrs - the Great Aunt's return is surrounded by grown-ups to witness
Peter Duck - they are never without Captain Flint and Mr Duck
Great Northern - the McGinty and his men actually stop the egg collector
Missee Lee - Captain Flint there at the end, Miss Lee is the saviour
Would you agree this happens in almost every book? Far from the kids being free, they seem to be very dependant on the grown-ups!
Can you think of examples where it doesn't happen?
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