Fiction is imaginary and not a true story. However, the setting, premise, execution of a fiction story are real in the sense that these are all existing; only the characters and story are made up. Fantasy goes beyond fiction and here not only the story and character, but also the setting, execution, premise etc are liberally imagined. Fantasy also liberally borrows from folklore and fable.
Recently, someone gifted a set of Roald Dahl’s books to my grandkids and out of sheer curiosity, having heard so much about his work for children, I picked up his popular book, “ Charlie and the chocolate factory.” A very interesting book, a lot in it is futuristic ( high speed elevators that overshoot the building into the outer space right up to planets) , but the content connects with the reader, especially children. After finishing it, I picked up the second book out of the collection, “The Enormous crocodile”. A very brief book with a simple story line and replete with interesting illustrations, this book is bound to be loved by children. Of course both the stories have a strong message. The first rewards Charlie for not being greedy and the second is standard theme of celebrating victory of good over evil.
A third fantasy book I happened to lay my hand accidentally. I got hold of Salman Rushdie’s “ Haroun and the sea of stories”, little realising that an author dealing in only serious themes could write such a wild fantasy! After finishing the book and reading its review did I realise that the book was actually written for children.
Interestingly, my reading of late has been all fantasy and children literature and hopefully apart from invoking childhood memories, this reading would clear some of the boredom and aimlessness that sometimes set into one not leading an active professional life.
Arvind Arya blog 
You need to have coffee with me. Tomorrow afternoon? Nearest Starbucks!
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Thanks for the invite; I am attending Veronica’s son’s wedding ( afternoon in church ) and reception, evening at Leela tomorrow. But next week pucca. Nice Starbucks at Juhu opposite JW Meriott . I shall ping you on Monday. Thanks
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*I just don’t know how to log in to my wordpress account. Invariably, I am informed that am account exists by this name. So, the password entered is not valid! I write ‘forgot password’ and am informed to write a new one. Ok…. next time I use this new one, and again comes the prompt that an account exists by this name!!! I am literally at my wit’s end. How do I inform the wordpress guy(s), that I am the sole holder of the email “ashimdan@gmail.com ashimdan@gmail.com” …. ??? A friend suggested creating a new email ID and using it for wordpress! Not a bad suggestion!! *
Anyway, coming back to your newfound love for children’s literature. I am eternally grateful to children’s book authors. I still have in my stock the entire series of WIlliam’s books authored by RIchmal Crompton. I have lost count how many times I have read the hilarious episodes of a 13 year old boy and his admiring friends. And of course there are other Western authors with their own set of heroes / heroines, all schoolchildren.
We have our panchatantra, books published by Amar Chitra Katha. Panchatantra are a collection of animal fables written probably around 200 B.C. in Sanskrit. Do browse through some books published by Amar Chitra Katha….. I am optimistic, nay, confident you will love them. And these stores are ideal for children.
I still read children’s books …. they do provide a much sought relief from stress of adults.
Ashim
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You are well read and fond of reading I know, but your collection includes children’s literature is a revelation! You are truly inspirational Ashim
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