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Before ever stepping one foot in the classroom, children are virtually offered nothing but fantasy-based literature. Bookshelves and bedrooms are filled with stacks of classics by A.A. Milne, Dr. Suess, Curious George, and countless others. Upon reaching school, however, imaginative literature is tossed out the window to some degree and replaced with more reality-based writing. This pattern in school only accelerates as children traverse from one grade to another. If there is any consolation in this scenario, this observation does demonstrate that the home is the birthplace of imagination and of endless possibilities, a silver-lining in this otherwise grim portrait. Needless to say, if fantasy-based stories are going to continue to survive in the lives of children, they are going to have to come from outside of the school setting. Children and those parents who find fantasy-based literature important enough will have to tap into that important literature of possibilities that has provided the foundation for exploration and curiosity. Luckily, Arthur Collins, the protagonist in Arthur and the Three Wishes doesn’t have to do that. He has a family who not only understands the importance of the imagination in every day life, but thoroughly encourages it through stories and casual discussions of Arthurian Legend. As a result of being surrounded by regular imagination-based conversations, Arthur Collins finds comfort and strength in these stories in a world that is not so comforting at times. In fact, Aurthur Collins feels so much out of place, out of sorts, and downright overwhelmed that on one occasion we find him wishing he lived in another place and time, specifically 6th century Britain rather than 20th century America. Although there is only one occasion of this wish in the book, I’m sure this was only one of many occasions where Arthur wished he’d been born in another place and time. One night Arthur Collins gets his wish and is faced with a whole new set of challenges unlike the ones faced in his primary world. Although he finds himself in an unfamiliar secondary world, which is only familiar to him through his imagination, Arthur Collins finds greatness within himself after enduring endless obstacles. As a result of these trials and tribulations, Arthur Collins gets a glimpse of his potential and his destiny. As we journey through this secondary world with Arthur Collins, we become members of that community, integrated into his adventure. It becomes our quest as well. In fact, his triumphs and failures are just as significant to us as they are to him. So, why is Arthur Collins so empowered in this unfamiliar secondary world rather than in his familiar primary world? Is it because he has no choice but to deal with these challenges at hand? I’m sure that’s part of it. However, I think the answer goes beyond that. Aurthur Collins simply finds strength in the countless stories that have shaped his imagination. In short, he believes in the power of fantasy. If we take a moment and think about it, Arthur Collins’ is an important lesson to us all. According to Tamora Pierce, “In fantasy, those normally perceived as unimportant are vital players.” Arthur Collins may not have considered himself to be a vital player in his primary world, but he found himself to be one in his secondary world. Needless to say, I’m sure as his adventures unfold beyond Arthur and the Three Wishes into subsequent books we will see an Arthur Collins who will continue to bring back with him the lessons from his secondary world back into his primary world and eventually find balance within both worlds. It is my hope that after his journey into his secondary world is complete, Arthur Collins will find no need to return there because he has found peace and satistifaction in his primary world. In conclusion, I do want to say that as I read Arthur and the Three Wishes, Arthur Collins reminded me of a quote by Charlotte S. Huck. She stated that, “Good fantasy might be critical to children’s understanding of themselves and of the struggles they will face as human beings.” It is quite clear that any reader will identify with the aforementioned statement when reading any piece of fantasy-based literature. However, this statement comes to fruition as we journey with Arthur Collins because we see those first glimpses of the potential to understand his place in his primary world as a result of the introspection and his adventure in his secondary world. For more information on Arthur and the Three Wishes, click here. Zoom

Before ever stepping one foot in the classroom, children are virtually offered nothing but fantasy-based literature. Bookshelves and bedrooms are filled with stacks of classics by A.A. Milne, Dr. Suess, Curious George, and countless others. Upon reaching school, however, imaginative literature is tossed out the window to some degree and replaced with more reality-based writing. This pattern in school only accelerates as children traverse from one grade to another. If there is any consolation in this scenario, this observation does demonstrate that the home is the birthplace of imagination and of endless possibilities, a silver-lining in this otherwise grim portrait. Needless to say, if fantasy-based stories are going to continue to survive in the lives of children, they are going to have to come from outside of the school setting. Children and those parents who find fantasy-based literature important enough will have to tap into that important literature of possibilities that has provided the foundation for exploration and curiosity.

Luckily, Arthur Collins, the protagonist in Arthur and the Three Wishes doesn’t have to do that. He has a family who not only understands the importance of the imagination in every day life, but thoroughly encourages it through stories and casual discussions of Arthurian Legend. As a result of being surrounded by regular imagination-based conversations, Arthur Collins finds comfort and strength in these stories in a world that is not so comforting at times. In fact, Aurthur Collins feels so much out of place, out of sorts, and downright overwhelmed that on one occasion we find him wishing he lived in another place and time, specifically 6th century Britain rather than 20th century America. Although there is only one occasion of this wish in the book, I’m sure this was only one of many occasions where Arthur wished he’d been born in another place and time.

One night Arthur Collins gets his wish and is faced with a whole new set of challenges unlike the ones faced in his primary world. Although he finds himself in an unfamiliar secondary world, which is only familiar to him through his imagination, Arthur Collins finds greatness within himself after enduring endless obstacles. As a result of these trials and tribulations, Arthur Collins gets a glimpse of his potential and his destiny. As we journey through this secondary world with Arthur Collins, we become members of that community, integrated into his adventure. It becomes our quest as well. In fact, his triumphs and failures are just as significant to us as they are to him.

So, why is Arthur Collins so empowered in this unfamiliar secondary world rather than in his familiar primary world? Is it because he has no choice but to deal with these challenges at hand? I’m sure that’s part of it. However, I think the answer goes beyond that. Aurthur Collins simply finds strength in the countless stories that have shaped his imagination. In short, he believes in the power of fantasy. If we take a moment and think about it, Arthur Collins’ is an important lesson to us all.

According to Tamora Pierce, “In fantasy, those normally perceived as unimportant are vital players.” Arthur Collins may not have considered himself to be a vital player in his primary world, but he found himself to be one in his secondary world. Needless to say, I’m sure as his adventures unfold beyond Arthur and the Three Wishes into subsequent books we will see an Arthur Collins who will continue to bring back with him the lessons from his secondary world back into his primary world and eventually find balance within both worlds. It is my hope that after his journey into his secondary world is complete, Arthur Collins will find no need to return there because he has found peace and satistifaction in his primary world.

In conclusion, I do want to say that as I read Arthur and the Three Wishes, Arthur Collins reminded me of a quote by Charlotte S. Huck. She stated that, “Good fantasy might be critical to children’s understanding of themselves and of the struggles they will face as human beings.” It is quite clear that any reader will identify with the aforementioned statement when reading any piece of fantasy-based literature. However, this statement comes to fruition as we journey with Arthur Collins because we see those first glimpses of the potential to understand his place in his primary world as a result of the introspection and his adventure in his secondary world.

For more information on Arthur and the Three Wishes, click here.

Posted on Sunday, August 30, 2009.
ireadkidsbooks I read kids books is what I do. It's just me, reading kids books and writing my thoughts. I have a M.Ed. in Children's Literature, so in my years of researching children’s literature, I’ve found that children’s literature is essential to the personal and academic development of all children because it is a window that not only opens, but also reflects the diversity of our human experience. More importantly, it lets young readers and readers of all ages know that children and people like them are worthy of being in books. If you have any questions, comments, observations, or if you just want to say hello, send me an email.
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