5 Best Ways To Introduce Kids To Sherlock Holmes
The game's afoot!
As of January 2023, the entirety of the literary canon of Sherlock Holmeshas entered the public domain. While the character of Holmes has been in thepublic domainfor quite some time, the remaining stories published in the 1920s were still protected by the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, until now. Over the years, the massivefandom of Sherlock Holmeshas sought to “free Sherlock,” a result that is now the law of the world.
While hardcore Sherlockians rejoice, more casual fans might wonder if it’s time to revisit the adventures of the greatest detective of all time, and his loyal biographer, Dr. Watson. And, if you’ve got kids, where is the best place to start them with all things Sherlock? Here’s a list of seven great starting places for families as an introduction to history’s most enduring fictional creation, and arguably, the world’s first superhero.
5. Enola Holmes novels and movies (8+)
The adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ secret younger sister, Enola, begin in a series of middle-grade novels published by Nancy Springer in 2006. The first book is calledThe Case of the Missing Marques,and recontextualizes the world of Holmes through the eyes of the eponymous teenage detective, Enola. The two film versions,Enola Holmes(2020) andEnola Holmes 2 —米莉主演的鲍比·布朗——坚实的适应s of the first novel, though the sequel film has a ton of new material. The movies are probably more appropriate for tweens, but the books are great for kids still in grade school.
Data (Brent Spiner) and Geordi (LeVar Burton) and Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
4.Star Trek: The Next Generation,“Elementary, Dear Data,” (5+)
The android hero of Star Trek, Mr. Data (Brent Spiner) impersonates Sherlock Holmes and talks about him occasionally in the iconic seriesThe Next Generation(1987-1994). But, the Season 2 episode “Elementary, Dear Data,” goes much further, by putting Data (pretending to be Holmes) into a holographic simulation versus a self-aware AI version of Moriarty (Daniel Davis).The Next Generationis perhaps, the coziest,family-friendlyversion of all the Star Treks, and if your kid is already into this specific fictional universe, this is a great way to get them into Holmes, too. Plus, if they’re not yet into Star Trek or Sherlock Holmes, this is a two-for-one deal!
WatchStar Trek: The Next Generation,Season 2, Episode 3 on Paramount+.
3. The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection (7+)
These 2019 books adapt several classic Doyle stories for emerging readers. These slim chapter books from Sweet Cherry Publishing boast hilarious illustrations and a contemporary feeling. However, the Victorian time period of the original stories is retained, as are the stories and characterizations. If you’re looking for books to read aloud to your emerging reader, or something to fire the imagination of kids already reading on their own, this new series is essential.
The Great Mouse Detectivein action.
2.The Great Mouse Detective(4+)
A criminally underrated Disney masterpiece,The Great Mouse Detectiveis also one of thebest kids’ moviesof all time. While the Sherlock Holmes influence is obvious,The Great Mouse Detectiveavoided any copyright issues in 1986 because it was based on a different children’s book series calledBasil of Baker Street.While those books are brilliant, the Disney film is still better. And, of all the versions of Moriarty — the arch-enemy of Sherlock Holmes — Professor Ratigan in this movie remains hilariously awesome. (Though, he might be a bit scary for very little ones.)
WatchThe Great Mouse Detectiveon Disney+ right here.
1. The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes (7+)
Perhaps the best way to get kids into Holmes is to just have them read the original 56 short stories and four novels written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Although the Holmes stories have a reputation as murder mysteries, the bulk of the short stories don’t actually involve murder at all. (Though the first two novels,A Study in Scarletand四的标志, certainly do start with killings.)
The point is, the Sherlock Holmes stories are just as good now as they were over a century ago when Doyle first publishedA Study in Scarletin 1887. Like readingTreasure Islandor other classics to your kids out loud, the early Holme stories won’t require you to censor that much inappropriate material. (Holmes’s drug use is主要是contained in四的标志, for example.)
However, reading the original storiesmayrequire you to give younger readers historical context. Enter the beautiful annotated editions, complied by Sherlock expert, Leslie Klinger. With various illustrations and details throughout,The Annotated Sherlock Holmeswill capture the interest of even the most book-averse kids. These books look important and exciting. And, in this case, youcanjudge a book by its cover. Adventures starring an intellectual hero began with Sherlock Holmes. Sometimes reading the original, is the best way to go.
