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

People of different ethnicities are definitely not of differing species. Biologically speaking, people are people.

I always hope that the artwork will complement and enrich a story.

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.

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

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