writtenbyher

A weekly blog written by Abby Fisher. This blog contains thoughts on design ethics and the designer's public responsibilities.

Young Imaginations at Work (A Digression from Design)

Illustration by Quentin Blake

I recently read an excellent Newsweek article in which Maurice Sendak, Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers were interviewed about “Where the Wild Things Are.” Sendak proved to be as delightfully cheeky as his children’s book character, and, according the the interview, seemed pleased with Jonze and Egger’s interpretation of the much beloved book (despite some parents fears that the movie might be too frightening for children).

I have to admit, prior to the movie hype, I didn’t know anything about Sendak or Where the Wild Things Are (I don’t believe it ever hit big in the South African children’s book market), but his witty reprimands of parents reminded me of my own childhood hero, Roald Dahl.

Dahl’s ability to ignite imaginations and his trust in the intelligence all children inherently possess was refreshing as a young reader. Yes, his stories had monsters and witches and everything else that makes a story worth reading—and times were rough for our young protagonists, but in the end triumph was never a question. I can’t say these stories didn’t scare me (because they did). Nightmares would often follow, but reading these stories were frivolous acts I would indulge in over and over again. My parents, not thinking much of it, opted to have me squeeze my way between them at night, rather than take away my books. (They knew better.)

It surprises whenever I hear of parents who fear stories may be too scary for their children. As a child, I remember being fascinated with everything around me, and, because I had less knowledge of how things worked, everything was a mystery. Witches, warlocks and giant peaches only added to the magic and mystery I confronted each day, and these books, as frightening as they may have been, provided an excitement to forge through troubles and find creative solutions.

What authors like Sendak and Dahl give children, is the knowledge that it’s okay to feel fear and know that, when all is said and done, they are safer, wiser and less fearful to brave the day ahead.

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