Disney and fantasy

After discussing Alice in Wonderland, it made me think of the Disney version I watched as a kid as well as all the other Disney movies I watched then. My two favorite Disney movies as a kid would probably have to be "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Little Mermaid." My mom told me when I was older that I would sit in front of the televison and watch Disney movies all the time, over and over again. Beauty and the Beast was probably the one I watched the most. I'm not sure why it was my favorite at the time, but maybe it had to do with the immense amount of fantasy in it. It may have been the talking teapots, candlestick, clock, etc.; the magical rose; or even the ugly beast who turned into a handsome prince in the end that attracted me to it the most. The magical and enchanted essence to the story has made Beauty and the Beast a huge success. Its been a movie, a musical/broadway show, a ballet, a book, television show, etc. It has even led to midquels such as Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas, as well as Belle's Magical World. It has also won two Academy Awards for its outstanding music. I think its such a great fantasy story with a fun aspect to it, as well as a great plot. And now that I reminisce about Beauty and the Beast, I realize it was a big part of my childhood. I watched the movie all the time, I went to the Beauty and the Beast on Ice show, and I even named my Golden Retriever Belle after the main character because of her golden coat like Belle's famous golden dress.

Alice in Wonderland

When I first found out that Alice in Wonderland would be one of the stories that we would be reading this semester for children's literature I was excited. When I read the first six chapters it was a fairly easy read, enjoyable for the most part, and brought back childhood memories. I never read this story as a child, but I did see the movie at least once or twice. After reading the last six chapters of the story, I found it much harder to read and understand all what was going on. And when I got to the end and found out that it was all a dream (or was it real?), I was disappointed. However, it did kind of make since for Wonderland to be all part of a dream because so much nonsense and peculiar things occurred. After discussing all the different aspects, ideas, symbols, motifs, etc. found in this story; I felt like the story of Alice and Wonderland I knew as a child became diminished. In fact, I don't really care for the story so much anymore.

Heather, Belle of the Ball

When I found this book in my room at home a couple of weeks ago it brought back many childhood memories. This book is part of a series of the Magic Attick Club books that I read when I was in elementary school. I even owned one of the dolls, Heather, who just so happened to be the main character of the book. I don't remember reading this one when I was little because to tell you the truth I don't think I really read any of them.... haha. Anyways, this book is a typical "girl" book. It's about a girl, Heather, who is faced with the choice of whether to attend the "cool/popular" girl's party, or hang out with her friends who weren't invited and who decided to have their own party. She ends up getting into an argument with her friends and runs off to a neighbor's house who has a magical attic with a trunk full of outfits and a mirror that transports you into a different place, usually in a different time period. Heather finds a beautiful pink gown and accessories, and is immediately taken to the turn of the century in England where she ends up going to a charity ball. While at the ball Heather is confronted with somewhat of the same issue she was dealing with at home with her friends, only now it's between her cousin and her cousin's friends or her orphanage friend Lisbeth. Just like in most children's books and fairy tales, the story ends happily as Heather realizes who her true friends are. She ends up having a better time at her mom's benefit dinner with her friends than she would have had at her so called friend Tiffany's party. I think any young girl could relate to this story and the issues faced in it: whether or not to worry about impressing and becoming friends with the cool kids or spending time with your true friends who like you no matter what. Also the part about dressing up and traveling to an unkown place and feeling like the Cinderella of the ball is many girl's dreams when they are young. It's the magic attic, the adventures each girl takes and the lasting friendships that makes the Magic Attic Club books so enjoyable for young children, especially young girls.

Oh Alice...

As I started reading the first six chapters of "Alice In Wonderland" I began to just laugh and roll my eyes as I went through the story. Alice is a very curious, spunky, playful character. From the very beginning we see her peeping over her sister's shoulder curious as to what she is reading. Then, almost immediately she notices a white rabbit and is suddently drawn to what he is doing, what he is wearing, and where he is off to. Another thing I found quite amusing about Alice is that she thinks she is quite intelligent when she, in fact, is not intelligent at all. As she is falling down the well, she starts talking about how deep the Earth is and wonders where she is pertaining to latitude and longitude. As I was reading I also noticed that Alice loves to talk and always seems like she has something to say about everything, whether she be talking to herself or to some other character. It's also commical how she cries a lot when she doesn't know what to do, but not a second later she is telling herself there is no use in crying. It almost seems that Alice is what we would call "ADD." She's always talking, or crying, or thinking about things. She also tries to talk or help others and ends up making things worse most of the time. I think she is a fun, cute, "ditsy" character so far. And I'm sure many children could relate to her because they are a lot like her. In fact, many people see children just as Alice is: hyper, talkative, curious, etc.

What is fantasy?

The definition of fantasy in the dictionary is 1: imagination, fancy 2: a product of the imagination : Illusion 3: fantasia. This is probably the same words that come to my mind when I hear the word "fantasy." I also think of things like Harry Potter, Cinderella, magic, wizards, enchantment, happy things, etc. Different people have their own view of fantasy, whether it be positive or negative. In fact, in class today we had four or five students who didn't really care for fantasy because they thought it was hard to follow, not believable, and didn't really make since. Most of the class, on the other hand, enjoyed fantasy because they believed it brought excitement, imagination, and a world that they would like to live in but know they never could. Russell defines "fantasy" in a very broad sense saying it's "any story of the impossible" (194). There is no actual definition of "fantasy." It's defined differently by everybody; it's basically the definition a person's imagination creates for him or her.

Walt Disney

The famous Walter Elias Disney (Dec. 1901- Dec. 1966), otherwise known as Walt Disney, had accomplished many things throughout his life. Many of these things dealt with "fantasy" so to say. Disney was an Academy Award-winning American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entreprenaur, and philanthropist. Being known as "one of the most innovative figures in the entertainment field during the 20th century," he was known for creating many fictional characters such as the famous Mickey Mouse, and was also credited and was the namesake for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. It's crazy how one man is responsible for being a part of so many children's lives; from movies, to cartoons, to books, and to two of the most famous theme parks in the world. What would we have done without the great Walt Disney? What would our childhood have been like without him?

Writing, oh what fun!

Writing papers is probably one of the most things I dislike when it comes to schoolwork. One of the main reasons I don't really like it is because I don't consider myself the best writer. When I sit down to write a paper it usually takes me quite some time to get started, unless it's a topic that interests me or that I love to talk/write about. After I've taken time to read over, get suggestions from teachers and friends, and really put time into it my paper usually turns out pretty good. I remember my junior year we did a big research paper that was a two or three month process. When we got our grades back (which were like 2 major grades and 4 or 5 daily grades) I was the only one in my class that got A's for both of the major grades. I was extremely surprised, but very proud of myself at the same time, and I had a pretty tough teacher too. I know the papers I write for this class won't be graded and checked for each part of it, but I hope to do well on them and hopefully impress whoever reads them as well.

What do Children think?

After taking the test today and after studying over my notes last night I really began to think; we have discussed several different images and ideas in class that authors have created in their fairy tale versions. A few of these points we've discussed were somewhat surprising to me. I probably never would have thought about them if we hadn't talked about them in class. I'm usually not one to deeply anaylze what I read because I guess I don't really have that analytical mind, but I feel like I've kind of "grown" more or less in really thinking about what the author is trying to convey as I continue to read more things. If I don't really see these points of the authors at first as I'm reading, then what do children think about as they read these fairy tales? Do do they just see them as pure entertainment, or entertainment with some insight to it? I would think that most children read these fairy tales for enjoyment, so why do authors convey so many messages, themes, symbols, ideas, etc. Are these fairy tales really for children, or are they more for the parents of these children who are usually reading them to their children? It seems as though most authors are trying to relay messages to the parents in order to teach their children. The authors could even be pointing these messages just to the parents themselves.

Reveille VII

Today it was finalized and announced that Reveille VII was retiring after being the Aggie mascot and highest ranking member of the Corps of Cadets for seven years. I had been hearing of Reveille planning to be retired for awhile but I didn't know when it would happen or if it actually would. Even though this is only my second semester here at A&M I was kind of sad when I heard this. Reveille and two of her caretakers are in my POLS class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I always love to see her! She has never barked before except for one time right as class was dismissed. It was hilarious! Everyone just started laughing. I know Reveille VII will be missed by many people, and I hope she is taken good care of. I think its great that our mascot is able to interact with the Corps and other students, faculty, etc. as opposed to just being someone who is willing to dress up in a silly costume at games. She participates in much more than just games. I love our traditions here at A&M, epecially our lovable mascot and past mascots that we continue to honor each year. A&M really is the place to be!!!

I know this doesn't have anything to do with children's literature, but I thought it had a lot to do with our University and our University's history. And I thought it was rather important to discuss. I'm sure many people can't wait for the next Reveille to join the Aggie family, but Reveille VII will be missed greatly!

Aquamarine

Today I read the "magical tale" Aquamarine by the New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman. Before reading this book I expected it to be a little corny and kiddish. I felt this way after remembering seeing previews for the movie that was based off of this book. But, surprisingly, I enjoyed this book. It was a simple, short and sweet story, but it had a good plot and great aspects to it. One thing I liked about this story was how close the two main characters Hailey and Claire were and how they would spend every last moment with eachother, just knowing that it wouldn't be long till Claire had to move away to Florida at the end of the summer. I also liked the fact that this story could be considered a sort of "fairy tale" in a way because it involved a cute boy and beautiful girl (well mermaid in this case) falling in love, a sad but at the same time a happy ending, a character overcoming her fear in the end, and also magic so to say involving the mermaid. In fact, when I read the "About the Author" section at the end of the book it said that Hoffman loved fairy tales as a child, especially from the Brothers Grimm to the folk stories she heard from her Russian grandmother, which just so happens to be what we have been reading this semester. It even said that "Many of the books Alice has written as an adult contain doses of fairy-tale magic. She is known for writing stories that weave the wondrous and unexpected with the commonplace." And I believe that is exactly what she did in Aquamarine.

"Stealing Cinderella"

Earlier today I heard the new hit "Stealing Cinderella" by country artist Chuck Wicks. I hear this song all the time and love it, but my attention was really drawn to it today because we've been discussing Cinderella in class a lot. As I was listening to the chorus I could just picture this happy little girl who loved life playing in the sprinklers (which is basically what the chorus says). And as I thought about this picture that had been created in my mind, I realized that most of the Cinderellas, if not all of them, we have been reading about were not like this "Cinderella." They were poor, unhappy young women who were ordered around and usually dressed in rags and covered in dirt. In the end they were usually happy though. Why is this song called "Stealing Cinderella" if this girl isn't really like the real Cinderella? Is Chuck Wicks perceiving Cinderella just as the beautiful happy women she is in the end of all the Cinderella stories? And if so, why?
Here are the lyrics and music video. What's your opinion on why he casts "Cinderella" as happy and with a great life? Do some people these days just refer to Cinderella as the beautiful girl who marries the handsome prince, forgetting about the unhappy, peasant life she lived before that?


I came to see her daddy for sit down man to man
It wasn't any secret i'd be asking for her hand
I guess that's why he left me waiting in the living room by myself
with at least a dozen pictures of her sitting on a shelf

- Chorus -

She was playing Cinderella
She was riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes i'm Prince Charming
But to him i'm just some fella
riding in and stealing Cinderella

I leaned in towards those pictures to get a better look at one
When I heard a voice behind me say "Now, ain't she something, son?"
I said "Yes, she quite a woman"
and he just stared at me
Then I realized that in his eyes she would always be

Playing Cinderella
Riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes i'm Prince Charming
But to him i'm just some fella
riding in and stealing Cinderella

He slapped me on the shoulder
Then he called her in the room
When she threw her arms around him
That's when I could see it too

Playing Cinderella
Riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
If he gives me a hard time
I can't blame the fella
I'm the one who's stealing Cinderella

"Cinderella"

A diamond in the rough.

A princess in disguise.

A stepmom with no love.

A family full of lies.

Until a royal someone

holds a ball of fancy scene.

A princess in his arms.

A dance of young love's dream.

Time will tell to end the spell

When hands, they face the sky.

Soon she must run away

in order to preserve disguise.

The prince he finds her slipper;

Orders foot be found to pair.

Many ladies try,

But only one foot fits so fair.

Her royal beauty shines

Between the rags and through her eyes.

A final dream come true

To flee the family she despised.

The prince then takes her by the hand,

They ride away in carriage.

Soon to take her hand again

to join in holy marriage.

"The Perfect Guy"

I just finished reading Ella Enchanted earlier today in my chemistry class. I had trouble putting it down as I got closer to the end. I actually had trouble putting it down at like 2 in the morning right after I read the letter Prince Char wrote to her confessing his love for her, but I knew I had to get some sleep. Later, I got so upset when she wrote the fake letter from Hattie and then the letter about her getting married and becoming wealthy. I wanted to put the book down then, but I knew it would only get better, it had to. And as I predicted, it did indeed get better, much better! I was so happy that she finally broke the curse, not even realizing it at first. It killed me again when she was telling him that she couldn't marry him in the end, but then at the same time I thought it was sweet because it showed how much she cared about him. After she realized she had broken the curse for good I loved the way she basically asked him to marry her saying, "I'm older now, so much older that not only can I marry, but I can beg you to marry me." And as she went to kneel he pulled her up and kissed her. I just melted inside! I thought this was the sweetest thing ever and wanted my future husband to do that to me. They finally got married and it was laughter and love that helped them live happily every after. What a great ending!

This made me think; could this happen in realy life, could something like this happen to me in the future with the guy I end up marrying? Or is it things like this that just happen in fairy tales? Is there a "perfect guy" out there for me? Who knows... I guess I will just have to wait and see.

Ella Enchanted

This weekend before starting to read Ella Enchanted I went and rented it at Blockbuster. I actually read half of the book before I started watching the movie. And as always, the movie is different from the book. However, the movie seemed very different from the book. In the movie Ella doesn't go to finishing school like she does in the book. She also seems to be a little closer to her dad in the movie when she hugs him as he leaves sincerely saying she will miss him. Also, in the movie Prince Char stays with Ella at the giant wedding, but he drops her off in the book. I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm sure there are many more differences between the two. And so far, I'm enjoying the book more than I did with the movie. I love Anne Hathaway, and the prince in the movie was cute, but I thought the movie was rather silly and weird. Its crazy how many different versions of Cinderella tales there are today and from the past; whether they are books, movies, tv shows, short stories, poems, songs, etc. Who knows what type of Cinderella story we will come up with next, .... maybe I could write the next best hit. :)

Goodnight Moon

The classic, all-time favorite "Goodnight Moon" written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd has been read by many for nearly 60 years. I remember reading this book when I was little. In fact, when I found it recently I said, "Awww...Goodnight Moon."

Most parents will read this book to their children right before bed to calm them down. The short sentences, distinct illustrations, and the colors in the book keep children interested, wanting to read it over and over again. Even though this is a very simple text everyone, especially children, just fall in love with this story. For children it can be seen as a learning device; something simple yet something they can follow along with and remember. After reading some reviews, parents like to go throught it with their children pointing to different pictures asking them what each is and what color. They also like to whisper, especially at the end, to add to the affect of the story and of course to help their children fall asleep. One parent even commented that her child has a hard time falling asleep without someone reading "Goodnight Moon" to him.

I think this is a great bedtime story for all children. Even though it's short, simple and easy to read, it is calming, enjoyable and relaxing at the same time. It's odd to think that a book so old and so basic has become such a favorite for both children and parents. I guess it's hard to explain and to understand unless you've read it yourself. I love this book and can't wait to read it to my children!