Davis, Paul, and Mortenson agree that one of the greatest strengths of fantasy is its ability to illustrate the spiritual, unseen world.  “This world around us is not all there is,” says Mortenson. “There is another world, God's eternal kingdom, which is so much greater than what we see here. There is an ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, and we experience tension because of this battle even in seemingly small and subtle things. The Tempter is real, though we do not see him. The powerful presence of good from God is also real. Fantasy allows us to show these invisible powers in a more visual, concrete way.”

Response to these fantasy books, written with a Christian worldview, would seem to verify their value in sharing Christ with today’s youth. The "Dragons in Our Midst" series has prompted messages from young readers citing everything from simple encouragement in the Christian faith to conversion to Christ and prevention of suicide and depression. Paul has also received such feedback, including one young reader who said reading "DragonSpell" helped her “stay in church” and kept her from “returning to old habits.”

Still, some Christians have concern about this genre that has taken our youth by storm in the last several years. Part II of “Young Readers and the Allure of Fantasy” will explore some of these concerns as well as give parents food for thought when determining which fantasy books are appropriate for their young reader.

A home schooling mother of four, Paula Moldenhauer is passionate about God's grace and intimacy with Jesus. Her website offers home schooling hints, book reviews, and a free weekly devotional, Soul Scents. Subscribe to Soul Scents at www.soulscents.us. You can contact Paula at Paula@soulscents.us. To reference an interview with Donita Paul, visit here. 

For kids’ book reviews of the books mentioned and interviews with the authors, please visit

http://writebrothers.blogspot.com/2006/03/nick-11-raising-dragons-by-bryan-davis.html; 

http://writebrothers.blogspot.com/2006/03/landon-snow-and-auctors-riddle-book.html, 

http://www.soulscents.us/sarahsays.htm and 

http://writebrothers.blogspot.com/2006/03/interview-with-author-bryan-davis-i.html.