A study from the United Kingdom says that about one third of parents avoid reading scary books to their children. Referring to Cruella de Vil, the Oz wicked witch, and the Big Bad Wolf, parents are afraid of exposing kids to these characters. Psychologists say it “forges resilience” however. With The BFG and other evil-doers prevalent in most children’s novels, it is difficult for parents to know if they are stepping over a line which would cause nightmares. Fear not! The psychologists say it helps children learn the difference between good and evil and helps children learn to conquer fears.
Palisades Free Library Blog 