I think a lot of things are at play when children enjoy a grisly old fairytale. I don't think many children take it literally, or rather it's quite clear to them that it's only a story, only make believe.

I think a lot of things are at play when children enjoy a grisly old fairytale. I don't think many children take it literally, or rather it's quite clear to them that it's only a story, only make believe.

I can't say I'm anything like a devoted animal rights activist, but I certainly oppose cruelty to animals.

Historical atrocities have certainly shown that dehumanizing any group is the first step toward genocide.

In Japan, it's strange to openly take credit for giving to charity or even to donate publicly.

I believe young children in particular enjoy witnessing the survival of youthful protagonists against terrible odds. I think it's gratifying to the reader when you give young characters that kind of agency.

I believe actual violence scars children much more than violence in storybooks.