Enchanted Hunters: The Power of Stories in Childhood Hardcover – Illustrated, March 1, 2009

*Enchanted Hunters* is a highly interesting discussion of the power of literature over children, by a professor teaching folklore -- not psychology, per se -- at Harvard University. Why, in fact, does literature have such a grip on us from our pre-literate days onwards? How do bookworms develop their fascinating power of concentration when absorbed, not only in narrative, but in books in general? Those are questions which have fascinated many people -- not just bookworms! -- over the years, and Prof. Tatar makes an excellent attempt to come to grips with the subject, covering as it does psycho-linguistics, education, and the old "nature vs nurture" questions confronting anyone who has watched children go from being fascinated listeners to thoroughly absorbed readers -- and in some cases into full-blown academics.... The author and editor of a number of books on folklore and fairytales, Prof. Tatar's work here is based in a thorough grasp of the literature of these fields, and will draw in parents as well as educators of children not only in early childhood programs but through elementary and into middle school systems (perhaps by high school it's a bit late to begin drawing non-readers into the role of bookworms). Highly speculative in places, but with rich reference to the basic texts, this book is a fine demonstration of how to keep teachers reading about the minds and educability of children.

It's a very well written book, very informative and with LOADS of information to keep digging. It feels that the author has the reader in mind all the time, the style is clear and direct, but rigorous. The information is always engaging, establishing parallels and putting it in context, since nothing in Children's Literature can happen separate from life, history, etc. Very, very good book.

I found this book very enjoyable, easily readable and quite educational. I'm a children's recording artist, not a student of children's literature, but I found this book most interesting. All parents of young children would benefit from reading this. Grandparents would too! Thanks Maria for this little gem! Sea Tunes For Kids Cow Tunes for Kids

I bought this book because I had heard the author Maria Tatar interviewed by Krista Tippett at "OnBeing" public radio. What a marvelous book! I had no idea of the complex history of children's literature or the gamut it ran from moral imperatives to pure wonder that actively inspired curiosity in a child. I think that instead of giving new parents a children's book, I will first gift them with this one -- they will then have the opportunity to more fully understand the power of what they read to their child.

Maria Tatar's "Enchanted Hunters: The Power of Stories in Childhood" is an engaging read, and does not resort to heavy-handed use of language nor a boorish academic tone to make it's point. This made it highly appealing to me and I found a lot of useful insights into the powerful impact of stories upon children.Chapter One: Reading Them to Sleep [Storytelling and the Invention of Bedtime Reading] explores the various facets of storytelling and bedtime reading. Chapter Two: Beauty, Horror, and Ignition Power [Can Books Change Us?} looks at narrative techniques, especially on reader's fascination with the macabre and horrific. Chapter Three: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep [Brushes with Death] explores the theme of death in children's books. Chapter Four: The Magic Art of the Great Humbug [How to do Things with Words] explores how words and thoughts as expressed in various children's literary works, have the power to affect children. Chapter Five: Theaters for the Imagination [What words can do to you] also explores the power of literature on children.My major criticism of this book is in the lack of comprehensive representation of major children's authors [which I admit is difficult under the constraints of space etc] or authors whose works have had significant impact on children [e.g. Enid Blyton whose works had a huge impact on me as a child, Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales etc.]I loved the Appendix which had a compilation taken from the works of noted authors on how books have a transformative power [e.g. Frances Hodgson Burnett, Graham Greene, Eudora Welty, Gustave Flaubert, and many more]. There is an extensive Notes section as well as Bibliography, and an Index.On the whole, I gained a couple of useful insights into the pull of literature and it's impact on children. It definitely makes the case for reading to children, something I'm passionate about. I feel this book is valuable to parents, teachers, librarians and anyone involved/interested in encouraging reading in children.

The subtitle, "the power of stories in childhood", informs the reader not only about the subject of this fascinating book, it also suggests the significance the author attributes to the stories of childhood. Her analysis of children's literature, "Let us, for a moment draw back the curtain to see exactly how the great wizards of the literary world have worked their magic", as well as her many insights into the effects of that magic -- whether experienced through bedside stories or childhood reading -- are both insightful and informative. I found Enchanted Hunters to be an excellent and thought provoking book for anyone -- including parents -- interested in children's literature, reading, and the impact on the young who enter this realm of the imagination.

Maria Tatar has written an interesting book for those of us who believe in the importance of stories and are fascinated by folklore. Unfortunately, she doesn't write very well. Quite repetitive and no voice to speak of. I was disappointed.

This is the best review of stories for children that I've read. Like all of Tatar's work, it's fluid, easy reading with rich, fantastic original insight.

This is a fascinating, informative and accessible read for anyone with an interest in children's literature. I am mystified by the mean spirited one-star reviews. I found this book in my university library and decided I must have a copy of my own. This book taps into the magic that you feel as a child when you are wholly immersed in a great story, and that you can never quite recapture as an adult.

This book is spectacular. It was exactly what I was looking for, a beautifully written history of Children's Literature and a whole spectrum of human development and emotion. The author is as incredible as her work.

Such a lightweight book, you will barely learn anything.Full of flowery phrases and literature-babble.If you think I'm wrong please tell me.