November 1, 2014 FANTASY VS. REAL-LIFE
STORIES BY Linda M. Penn “Oh, Mom,
I’m too old for that “baby” book with the talking monkey. I want to read stories with real-life people.” There is
your sign, parents and grandparents!
Kids will tell you themselves when it’s time to sell or donate some of
those fantasy books that you’ve read over and over with your children. That signal, however, does not mean they will
give up reading fantasy stories forever.
They might choose books with real-life people who do or get involved
with magical things, generally where good overcomes evil. For those
of you with little ones who still love the fantasy stories much more than the
real-life stories, the opportunity may arise to discuss some sensitive issues
with them. For example: 1) fear
– some fantasy books have scary pictures and scary looking characters. Are different looking characters always mean? 2) stereotypes
– some fantasy books may portray step-moms and/or step-sisters as mean;
grandmas as all bent over, walking with a cane, gray hair up in a bun, doing
nothing all day but baking cookies. You
might need to “set the record straight” with these and other stereotypical
characters. 3) sadness
– some fantasy books have sad parts.
Discussing this issue with your child may help them face sad situations
in their own life. In closing, LISTEN to your kids’
signals about what kinds of books they want to read. For me, I love both kinds of books, even as
an adult. I recently read a collection of
scary stories from Kentucky and I read a real-life book about the American
Revolutionary War in Kentucky. I enjoyed
them both. Here’s
hoping you and the children enjoy those special reading times together, and
please try to find some time to relax and read something - just for yourself!
Come back
the first of December for the next Blog – ‘THE GIFT OF READING!” God
bless and Happy Thanksgiving. Your thoughts are always appreciated. Copyright 2014 Linda
M. Penn –ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |
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