If some readers take away the idea that animals deserve better treatment in general, then I certainly won't argue.

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.

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

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

Since I tend to write chronologically, the middle is always the place where the process is most taxing.

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.

If some readers take away the idea that animals deserve better treatment in general, then I certainly won't argue.