Here's a summary of the overarching theme and plot structure of the "Encyclopedia Brown" series:
* Encyclopedia Brown is a brilliant detective: He has an encyclopedic knowledge of facts and a knack for logical thinking, which allows him to solve complex mysteries.
* Each book features a collection of short stories: Each story presents a different case that Encyclopedia Brown must solve. The cases range from petty theft to missing objects to serious crimes.
* He uses his wits and knowledge to crack the case: Encyclopedia Brown observes details, asks insightful questions, and uses his vast knowledge to deduce the culprit and the solution.
* The cases are often humorous and engaging: Sobol's writing is light-hearted and entertaining, making the books suitable for young readers.
* The stories teach valuable lessons about logic, observation, and problem-solving: The series encourages children to think critically and develop their own detective skills.
In short, the "Encyclopedia Brown" series is a fun and engaging collection of mystery stories that teaches kids about the power of observation, logic, and deduction.