Are Fantasy Books Healthy for Kids?

Is fantasy literature safe for children? Let's look at addictive, psychological and separation issues. Opponents of fantasy literature worry about the fearful aspects of fantasy. They contend that fantasy literature threatens emotionally fragile children by its unreality. Fantasy may create an existential crisis wherein the child cannot separate fantasy from reality. Reading fantasy literature may produce what is called in special education "perseverative behavior." The concern is that kids who read fantasy literature will only read fantasy and never explore other genres. Here are some issues. Children's Fantasy Literature Concerns

DIY Gothic Haunted House Like Dark Shadows

When I was in Kindergarten in 1968, kids loved to watch TV after school (if you had TV-we didn't so I had to go to the neighbors' house). But did we get cute cartoons? Oh no! What awaited kids was a show that that's I'm still convinced is the most terrifying ever made: Dark Shadows. My heart is in my throat thinking of it 43 years later. Just the name Barnabas Collins sends chills down my spine. 

What was the secret behind these early creep shows that still terrifies us today? I maintain as do others my age, that these shows offered a unique kind of horror. Dark Shadows relied on subtle sensory details-- light, music, sound and, well, shadows. To my knowledge, we never saw anyone injured or killed. It was all implied. That's how it's done in the best film noir shows.  Want to create a Gothic Halloween haunted house based on Dark Shadows? Here's one worthy of Edgar Allen Poe. This type of haunted house could be adapted easily for a theater or literature class. How to Create a Gothic Haunted House

Best Childrens and Young Adult Vampire Fiction

Best Young Adult Vampire Fiction Books for Twilight and Eclipse Lovers Stephanie Meyer didn't invent vampire romance fiction with her Twilight book series. Modern vampire fiction has enjoyed a cult following for several decades now. If you like vampire fiction, read on.
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Quirk Classics Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls' Seth Grahame-Smith Tweaks Jane Austen
Jane Austen may be the best loved regency female author. Although steeped in Gothic romanticism, Austen championed independent women. Seth Grahame-Smith fans the flame of feminism with hellfire in 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.'
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Stephen King Newer Books Have More Psychological Drama and Less Horror

Stephen King: 'King' of Horror Redefines Himself as Master of Psychological Drama
Entering his sixth decade writing books, Stephen King has defined horror in literature. Since the 1990s King's books are more eerie and less scary. Bag of Bones, Hearts in Atlantis, Lisley's Story and Duma Key represent the redefined Stephen King.
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