1. Fantasy By: Jamie Thompson

2. Definition: • Setting, events, and characters could not or do not exist • Classified under fiction • Usually combined with science fiction

3. Common Elements: • Strong characterization • Setting seems believable due to rich detail • Common characters: dragons, wizards, elves, trolls, and other imaginary characters

4. Common Themes: • Quests • Struggles between good and evil • Coming of age • Heroism • Sometimes themes challenge science

5. Importance: • Understand differences of others • Compassion for things we don’t understand • Importance of curiosity and sense of wonder • The style helps us envision the world

6. James and the Giant Peach

7. Summary • James Trotter loses his parents in a horrible rhinoceros accident, • he is forced to live with his two wicked aunts, Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. • one day an old man gives James a bag of magic crystals that promise to reverse his misery forever. • James accidentally spills the crystals on his aunts' withered peach tree, • A Peach grows until one day it is so big, James gets inside and rolls away. • Meets vibrant characters, including Grasshopper, Earthworm, Miss Spider, and Centipede--each with his or her own song to sing.

8. Why is it fantasy? • Plot not possible—Getting in Peach and rolling away • Talking animals and magic crystals not possible • Strong characterization—each character has their own song (own personality) • Multiple themes—good vs. evil, overcoming obstacles, quest

9. Information taken from: • Literature and the Child by Lee Galda, Bernice E. Cullinan, and Lawrence R. Sipe