Barbara Braxton, Dromkeen Librarian’s Award winner, and reviewer for The Bottom Shelf provides insights on the uses of enchantment in fantasy fiction for kids.
Nearly 30 years ago when the frenzy of Harry Potter and Hogwarts emerged and all the magic and mayhem was just beginning to gather momentum, even the youngest, newest independent readers wanted to climb on the bandwagon because it was important to them to be seen to be reading the same things as their older siblings and peers, even their parents. But there was very little written for that tween-age group, and so a lot of them grew up reading a series that they didn’t really understand or appreciate. However, while time has passed, the fascination with the fantasy adventure genre hasn’t, but thankfully, writers and publishers are offering more that is akin to the needs and interests of that age group.
Recent informal interviews with young fans revealed that the appeal of this genre lies in being able to escape to a different place where everyday concerns are set aside -no gloom and doom and “cost-of living crisis” there – yet there is enough of the real-world scenery that they can recognise enough elements to build an image of the setting, and while there are challenges to face in the traditional good-vs-evil scenarios, the hero has the power and the powers to control and solve the situation so there is a satisfactory and satisfying ending. They like that the hero is often a child like themselves so they can slip into the role and have authority and influence that they don’t have in the real world. They are in charge, they are calling the shots and making the decisions – something rare in the pre-teen’s life.
So this set of three short stories is the ideal introduction into this genre for today’s emerging readers because all those elements are present. Well-known for creating picture books that take the thinking reader well beyond the words and illustrations, this collection offers just as much food for thought as Vescio explores familiar themes of growing up, taking risks, facing consequences, and testing the waters of independence – just as his intended audience is doing but within in the safety of story.
In “Ruby, Wicked”, a mischievous young witch, who is not allowed to perform her magic without a parent present, disobeys that order and transforms her Burmese cat into a supermodel to help out a friend. In “The Dragon’s Lair”, young Eric clanks up a mountain to steal a dragon’s tail to lift his family from poverty. while in “The Golden Telescope”, timid Garth and bold Sally venture into a dimension of fairies, trolls and a stolen sceptre via an old telescope to uncover secrets in their great-grandfather’s spider-infested house. Each takes the reader a little further on their own journey of self-discovery as they seek their own place in the world, particularly if they are encouraged to ask themselves, “What would I do if I were Ruby/ Eric/ Garth or Sally?” because it is that growing ability and maturity to step out of the here-and-now, this-is-me and put themselves in another’s shoes that characterises developing empathy, compassion, and changing beliefs and values. They can start to not only predict but recognise the consequences of their actions and their impact on those around them.
Vescio says, “Magic provides a way to stretch the imagination, giving characters the ability to transform, and face challenges in ways that real life doesn’t always allow. ,, [it allows the opportunity] to convey complex ideas and emotions with a playful tone. It’s about capturing universal emotions, like friendship, courage, and discovery, in a way that feels accessible but still meaningful.” So, as the reader finds themselves in situations whose underlying challenges might reflect their lives, they don’t mirror them and there is always the opportunity to close the book and step back into real life if they are feeling overwhelmed.
There are those for whom fantasy is just a pleasant brief sojourn into the world of their imagination, but for some of our students, that world might be populated by people and creatures much nicer than those they know, and be the only escape they have, so it is essential that we offer them the chance to dwell there for a short time at least.
More info on Mischief and Magic here.
