by Cindy Shanks

Created on: May 27, 2008   Last Updated: July 19, 2011

Somewhere there is a child living in poverty. Perhaps there's constant arguing about the bills or noise from the neighbors shouting. He goes to school, his mind overcrowded with thoughts he shouldn't be thinking at his age. The teacher opens a story book and suddenly he's allowed to escape into another world, far removed from the one he is living in. It is full of magical lands where the good always win. For a while he can forget and believe in something else. It is a small moment of pleasure in an otherwise difficult life. Suddenly he is hooked on reading. He wants an education. Reading fantasy opens up the door to another world, which is why I believe fantasy books are good for children. Who doesn't want to escape reality once in a while? Why should children be any different?

Critics often complain fantasy books are a bad influence, setting children up for a disastrous fall when they realise life isn't magical and they are on their own in the big, bad world. Children are not stupid. Some children are already living difficult lives, and these books allow them sheer escapism. They inspire them to improve themselves. Fantasy books offer young people dreams to follow. They offer valuable life lessons about greed, being careful of strangers and being a good person.

Generally, they are positive and encourage good behavior. Snow White finds her prince, Cinderella goes to the ball. They highlight solving problems when a mistake has been made. Lazy Jack sells his cow for a few beans, but then shows courage when he goes up the beanstalk and is confronted with the ogre. Being imperfect isn't a bad thing. Think of Beauty and the Beast, where love wins through in the end. Beauty isn't skin deep, it is what is inside that is important.

Imperfect characters who succeed often take center stage because they persevere. The stories are about characters making mistakes and finding a way to solve them. They promote bravery, such as fighting witches, wizards or monsters. The Ugly Duckling's important message is not to judge others. The Emperor's New Clothes is a lesson on vanity and foolishness. The fact they are so popular shows that somewhere in the fantasy books is something that appeals to children.

Most of all, they bring alive the excitement of reading. Anything that promotes reading has to be worthwhile. Fantasy books offer children dreams to follow that one day, with hard work, their wishes may come true.

Learn more about this author, Cindy Shanks.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.