Into the Forest discussion

A place to discuss A Game of Fox & Squirrels by Jenn Reese, with spoilers.

I just finished listening to this book! I really enjoyed the way the author "played" the game.

Do note that the girls end up at their aunts' in Oregon as a result of an unhealthy relationship with their parents.

Life has been very hectic, so I'm only about 3/4 of the way through. It really does deserve to be on the Mythopoeic Award list. I'm impressed with how sensitively the subject matter is being handled. And I'm enjoying all the critters.

I loved this book! I thought the way child abuse was connected to the fairy tale and the trickster fox was so well done. I loved the aunts. I'm so glad we read this. It wasn't on my radar at all.

So I was a judge for a children's book contest last year, and one of the picture books we received used Little Red Riding Hood as a framing story about child abuse. Several of the judges got upset and thought it was inappropriate, and the children who are being abused wouldn't be able to connect with a fantasy story like this.

I disagreed! I also see fairytales used in this way a lot, and I think it's really cathartic. Psychologists also use fairytales in children's and adult therapy I believe.

What are people's thoughts? Can fairytales make a good metaphor for abuse, and provide a way for children to process their abuse?

Oh by the way, the author has another book coming out this year, in May! Every Bird a Prince