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.

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.

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.

Destiny isn't immutable. You can change your fate. But I'd say the only way to do it is with hard, intelligent work and long-term dedication to a goal.