J.R.R. Tolkien wrote an essay, first given as a lecture, on Fairy Stories. Sadly, it’s rarely read. Which is unfortunate as it gives a fascinating insight on the idea of “fairy stories” as something meant for people in general – regardless of age.
Among those who still have enough wisdom not to think fairy-stories pernicious, the common opinion seems to be that there is a natural connexion between the minds of children and fairy-stories, of the same order as the connexion between children’s bodies and milk. I think this is an error; at best an error of false sentiment, and one that is therefore most often made by those who, for whatever private reason (such as childlessness), tend to think of children as a special kind of creature, almost a different race, rather than as normal, if immature, members of a particular family, and of the human family at large. (Tolkien, On Fairy Stories)
I am of the mind that the best stories for kids are stories that are well-told, internally consistent, and try to present something in it that is “true” in our world – virtue, beauty, character etc. – while not neglecting the the entertainment, which is the icing. All that to say, that if you have a child and they are mature enough to understand danger and death in a story, then WtL should be suitable.
It’s too bad that a majority of today’s learned elite consider the classical scholars of the 19th and early 20th centuries as quaint and not really worthy of consideration. We have lost much from that mistake. Tolkien was a wise man in addition to his being a masterful story teller.
Also, I very much like your artwork and story telling. It most likely would not be as captivating if it occurred more “instanter” as my impatient side wants. Keep it up sir.
Yeah, it’s a shame more classical scholars have fallen out of fashion.
Everytime I see Ella in panel 3, I think he’s getting a boot to the head, hence the coughing. Then I realize it’s just the chair. 😉
Ha!
I concur.