The Modern Fantasy book I have chosen is The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne. This book is a timeless tale, which is appropriate for children at the 7 and above age range and offers the children an opportunity to experience a timeless tale and is a great introduction to the world of reading. Children at this age are developing their speech patterns thus it is important for them to be exposed to as many new words as possible while not being overwhelmed. Additionally, they should also be exposed to descriptive language forms and imaginative storylines which will spark their own imaginations. They should also be allowed to make visual connections with the words they read as well as a visual representation of these words. The book Winnie the Pooh offers children this chance and so much more. The reading and language levels for this book are high, however, also age-appropriate. There is a wealth of bright, colorful, and imaginative characters for the children to enjoy and there is a notable absence of any form of violence with the book. The characters are visually represented in bright and colorful pictures which allow the children to easily follow the story and the character types which are represented in the story are in a form that allows children to easily follow and relate to them.
The main character of Pooh is a character that children can easily identify and relate to. He has an overwhelmingly focused and positive attitude which is an important role model for children at this age. He also provides the importance of relying on friends to solve his problems encouraging a group dynamic. The wisdom provided by this character is easy for the children to relate to and understand. Other characters embody different emotions which are present in adolescence. Eyore is a pessimistic character who is usually expecting that he will not be part of any activity but is always included. Tigger offers a character that is enthusiastic and happy and also offers a lesson of looking before you leap. He is a character who often gets into trouble because he does not consider the consequences of his actions. Rabbit is someone who provides a lesson that we should always think positively or we will miss the joy in life, especially when it is shared with others. Kanga and baby Roo offer two characters who embody the parent and child dynamic which is an important representation of a parent’s protection for a child. Owl is someone who is constantly inquisitive having a thirst for knowledge showing children the importance of exploring the world around them. Christopher Robin is a representative adult character in the book. He offers a character for the children to aspire to as he is the main problem solver of the group and also shows the importance of considering one’s thoughts and actions before making decisions. He offers a role model to children to think about their actions and realize that they have the power to make their own choices. As said before the fabled setting for this book offers children characters that they can emotionally identify with without confusing them. The reading and language levels offer them new words to learn which are key to their development at this age. The pictures provided within the book are bright, colorful and only add to the immersion and fun factor for the children. Though the way the book is presented and written with its read-aloud status ensures that children can follow the book regardless of the pictures provided, thus the pictures themselves merely add to the experience of the book. There is also an undercurrent of kindness and friendship which is constantly promoted throughout the book which further engages the group dynamic which is important at this age. Critics say that this book is essential reading for any child and I absolutely agree with this statement. They say that the images and stories provided in this book will enrich the lives of children and provide them with wonderful childhood images. The message, the characters, and the settings all provide a wonderful tale, which is being told to children again and again. The book is told in a childish way which is not overly done. There is a rudimentary logic present throughout which is important for children at this age and the characters on offers have their own personalities which let children identify with them. The story is important because it offers a fable based on the understanding and thought processes of children while encouraging important character traits. It also encourages creativity on the part of children and also encourages them to find real-world solutions by working together. This book is wholeheartedly recommended.
Reference List
Milne, A. (1996). The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh. New York: Dutton Juvenile.