HP as children's book - scary stuff

[Amy Z]

No: HPFGUIDX 22342

Haggridd wrote:

> I have a completely different opinion about "scary stuff".  Denying 
> the existence of scary things flies in the face of children's 
> experiences, imaginary or not.  They KNOW that there is a boogy man 
in 
> the closet.  They can see him in the shapes of the shadows.  What is 
> empowering and healing is that they also know about the power of the 
> blanket.  The books show how Harry defeats the scary stuff out 
there. 
>  That is the message that kids assimilate as they identify with 
Harry, 
> or Hermione or Ron:  "I CAN do it!"

"'Excellent point,' said Professor Dumbledore."

I think scary books are good for kids (Arlo Guthrie says it's 
important to terrify children frequently <g>) for this very reason, 
and also because these books affirm their view of the world as a 
sometimes scary place.  Imagine if you never saw your fears reflected 
in fiction; you'd feel mighty lonely.

Parents' agreeing to close the book if it gets too scary (or cover up 
the picture, like my dad with that horrific Alice) is important too--I 
think it shows respect for children and helps them master their fears 
when adults pay attention to the children's signals to stop.

What kinds of experiences have people had with introducing HP to kids? 
  How do you decide what's appropriately scary and what's too scary?  
Has anyone had to hold off before reading them to kids?  I know these 
things vary drastically from child to child, but I'm really curious 
now about what the parents out there have found.  If you have stuff to 
say about this that isn't HP-related, I'm on OT too.

Amy Z

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 Ern jerked the wheel so hard that a whole
 farmhouse had to jump aside to avoid the bus.
              -HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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