Fantasy is mostly created from folklore but the stories are not handed down orally as in traditional folklore. These stories have strong themes, traditions, and structures which are established in ancient myths and legends. However, the stories are shaped through the vision and style choices of the author rather than in oral tradition, which is rooted in cultural belief and told by the storyteller.
Fantasies are written at several levels and include elements such as animals, toys and dolls, small worlds, strange characters and events, unusual worlds, magical powers, the supernatural, time shifts, and kingdoms. High fantasies are often told in a series and often include themes at the core of life. With recurring themes and motifs, they are the most complex. Heroes on a mission are often featured. While science fiction falls under the fantasy umbrella, it differs from fantasy in that it speculates about what might happen if our present scientific knowledge was used in certain ways. It is valued for its ability to facilitate use of the imagination and to consider ethical and social implications of scientific issues.
Qualities in Modern Fantasy in our Books:
- stories must always meet criteria for excellence in narrative fiction
- effective settings are detailed and believable within the context of the story
- themes are meaningful, challenging the reader to ask questions and think about life
- writing is rich and structures, syntax and word choices are clear
- story events are imaginative, and logically consistent within the story world
- characters are multidimensional, with consistent and logical behavior
Good fantasy might benefit children in that it helps children better understand themselves and the real-life struggles they may face. Not only can fantasy reveal new insights, it can also foster the development of children's imaginations.
Why do writers use the fantasy genre?
- The major advantage of fantasy is that it can open up possibilities; it is not confined to the boundaries of the real world.
- Writers are able to convey complex ideas on a symbolic level that would be difficult to convey otherwise.
- Fantasy works can provide a fresh perspective on the real world.
- Fantasy stories can suggest universal truths through the use of magic and the supernatural.
http://www.readkiddoread.com
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073378569/student_view0/chapter7/evaluation_guides.html
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/guides-to-reading/parent-guide-to-book-genres-fantasy
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