Children's Books discussion
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The Purpose of Fantasy
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The Purpose of Fantasy: A Reader's Guide
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With an intro about fantasy lit in general ("Is It Escapist?", etc.), followed by a look at twelve outstanding fantasy books, it holds up to the light a key purpose of fantasy: to ask spiritual or philosophical questions and explore creative approaches to matters of faith and belief, right and wrong, and other deeply held, intangible values.
The succinct discussions of twelve great books, from classics like The Little Prince and The Wind in the Willows to more contemporary novels by modern masters of fantasy like Ursula K. Le Guin, Neil Gaiman, Peter S. Beagle, and Natalie Babbitt, offer good ideas for book clubs or for individual reading and insight.
Books discussed: Momo, Tuck Everlasting, The Silver Chair, The Wind in the Willows, The 13 Clocks, Charlotte's Web, The Little Prince, Finn Family Moomintroll, The Rope Trick, Gifts, The Last Unicorn, The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
Most are clearly known as children's books, so the work is of interest to the children's literature world. But it explicitly discusses the question: "Are Children's Books Only for Children?" (Short answer: no.)
As the author, I personally feel the book is good for anyone interested in writing or reading, not just avid fans of fantasy, as it talks about the underlying themes of value we find in the best books.
Your feedback is warmly welcomed!
I'm a past acquisitions editor for The Writer Books, where I edited many books of advice for writers. I'm now a writer and freelance editor here in Milwaukee. I've written a previous book on fantasy lit, A Guide to Fantasy Literature: Thoughts on Stories of Wonder and Enchantment, and other works on writing and culture.
Note: there is a
softcover edition ($14.95) and an inexpensive
Kindle edition ($3.99). Thanks for your interest, and I hope the book proves of some value to you in your reading adventures!