It must take readers on a journey that helps them see or find truth. TB: Yes, but that is what good fantasy must do. KB: That's a strong requirement to put on fantasy writers - providing a mirror for readers. If a writer does a good job in creating a secondary world that looks and feels and smells true, then that writer has the opportunity, distance and the perspective to make any changes in that reality that let readers step back and view themselves through the fantasy mirror. Fantasy has all the virtues of realistic fiction plus something more. Lloyd Alexander once said "realism walks where fantasy flies". By tapping into those experiences we come to know more about ourselves. As a genre, fantasy is about moving from our world into the world of experiences beyond. TB: Fantasy opens the door to experiencing the magic that is in the world around us and more importantly the magic in ourselves. KB: Tom, we've discussed this before so this question shouldn't surprise you: Why do you write fantasy? The following is a record of one of our recent telephone conversations. Since then, we've had many conversations about his books and fantasy literature in general. Then I had the opportunity to meet him in person at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention in 1995. I first met Barron through his books Heartlight, The ancient one and The Merlin effect. Barron, one fairly new contributor to the fantasy genre, are what many teachers and librarians suggest when students ask for another good fantasy. At the child's level, each of those books tackles important issues such as friendship, caring for the less fortunate, finding courage to do the seemingly impossible and the need to act responsibly.Īs children enter upper elementary school and middle school many continue to be interested in fantasy. That enjoyment comes not only from the entertainment that those books hold, but also from the universal themes they address. Beginning with Winnie the Pooh and The velveteen rabbit, continuing to Charlotte's web and The mouse and the motorcycle and moving on to The lion, the witch, and the wardrobe and The Indian in the cupboard, children enjoy entering the world of make-believe. Not surprisingly, fantasy literature ranks high with children. In fact, fantasy play is natural and spontaneous for children. In that talk and play they work out their problems, explore ideas and defuse frustration. They wish on candles, wait for tooth fairies, talk to their stuffed animals and play with imaginary friends.
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