June 2008

Dear Fellow Book Lovers:

ONCE UPON A TIME: A WORLD OF FANTASY

My reading repertoire as a child included all of the best known fairy tales: Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, etc. It was a favorite summer activity in my neighborhood to sit around and tell these stories. We added new scenes, and changed the endings. Sometimes we illustrated the stories, using various art techniques. These fairy tales were the only works of fantasy that I remember reading. While many of today’s young readers are naturally drawn to fantasy, most don’t know fairy tales. Readers should be introduced to fantasy through these age-old tales. There are many collections of these stories. Random House offers The Random House Book of Fairy Tales (Ages 5-8) adapted by Amy Erlich; illustrated by Diane Goode.

Here are a few ways to use these stories:

• Divide readers into small groups and ask them to read aloud several different fairy tales. Then have them discuss the common elements in each tale.
• Explain that many different cultures have their own versions of well-known fairy tales. Introduce different versions of Cinderella. For example, Sootface: An Ogibwa Cinderella Story (Ages 6-9) by Robert D. San Souci; illustrated by Daniel San Souci. What are the common elements? How are they different? Explain how each story is representative of a unique culture.
• Tell young readers that fairy tales derived from the oral tradition. Have a storytelling festival, and ask young readers to tell their favorite tale.
• Point out the various art styles used to illustrate the tales. How do the artists communicate fear? How are the happy endings illustrated?

After children have mastered a knowledge of fairy tales, lead them to longer works of fantasy. The best way to help them make the transition from fairy tales to fantasy novels is to read aloud a favorite work of fantasy like

Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (all ages) by Lewis Carroll, or The Phantom Tollbooth (Ages 8 up) by Norton Juster.

Now, readers are ready to move along in their knowledge of “fantasy.” Very young readers may gravitate toward the following books:

• Kate, the Cat and the Moon (Ages 4-8) by David Almond; illustrated by Steven Lambert
• My Father's Dragon, a Newbery Honor Book, (Ages 6-10) by Ruth Stiles Gannett; illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannet

Other works of fantasy novels for middle grade readers that are uncomplicated with more linear plots include:

• The Fairy Rebel (Ages 9-12) by Lynne Reid Banks
• The Castle in the Attic and The Battle for the Castle (Ages 10-14) by Elizabeth Winthrop

• The following books by Road Dahl; illustrated by Quentin Blake:
  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Ages 8-12)
  • Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator (Ages 8-12)
  • Danny the Champion of the World (Ages 8-12)
  • Fantastic Mr. Fox (Ages 8-12)
  • George's Marvelous Medicine (Ages 8-12)
  • James and the Giant Peach (Ages 8-12)
  • The Twits (Ages 7-11)
  • The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More (Ages 9-13)

As children develop into independent readers, they are ready to progress to works of fantasy with more complicated plots. These novels often send characters on many different quests before reaching a satisfying ending. Try these novels from Random House:

• The following books by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes:
  • Demon in My View (Ages 12 up)
  • In the Forests of the Night (ages 12 up)
  • Midnight Predator (Ages 12 up)

The “Kiesh’ra series” (Ages 12 up):

• Hawksong
• Snakecharm
• Falcondance
• Wolfcry

• Demon in My View (Ages 12 up)
• In the Forests of the Night (ages 12 up)
• Midnight Predator (Ages 12 up)

• The Books of Ember (Ages 8-14) by Jeanne DuPrau
  • The City of Ember
  • The People of Sparks,
  • The Prophet of Yonwood,
  • The Diamond of Darkhold
• Wildwood Dancing (Ages 12 up) by Juliet Marillier
• The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini (Ages 12 up):
  • Eragon
  • Eldest
  • Brisingr
• The Protector of the Small series (Ages 10 up) by Tamora Pierce:
  • First Test
  • Page
  • Squire
  • Lady Knight
• His Dark Materials (Ages 12 up) by Philip Pullman:
  • The Golden Compass
  • The Subtle Knife
  • The Amber Spyglass
• Endymion Spring (Ages 12 up) by Matthew Skelton

• Isabel of the Whales (Ages 9-12) by Hester Velmans
• Elissa's Quest (Ages 9-12) by Erica Verrillo
• Barkbelly and Snowbone (Ages 8-12) by Cat Weatherill; iillustrated by Peter Brow

In many works of “high fantasy” there are maps that outline the quests that the characters take. Ask readers to illustrate a map to use in introducing their favorite works of fantasy to other readers.

Encourage readers to design a “Billboard” for a movie of their favorite fantasy novel.

You may email me at pscales@bellsouth.net.