Focusing upon contemporary young adult literature, this collection features an academic look at the use of the classic fairy tale and its Gothic elements in the creation of both new tales and retellings of classic stories.

Toys-a celebrated part of childhood and key figures in children's imaginative play-have a fantastic history of heroism in print and on film. From the bears that safe guard the sleep of children to the plastic soldiers fighting alongside cowboy dolls as they lay siege to a block castle, toys are the heroes of the stories children inspire authors to tell. In this repository of original essays, literary scholars from around the globe examine the roles toys play as protectors of the child they love, as heroes of their own stories, or as champions for the greater good. Herein, the toy hero is examined through a variety of critical lenses, including gender studies, psychoanalysis, feminist theory, and the subversion of classic tropes in toy stories by authors like A.A. Milne, Hans Christian Anderson, William Joyce, and John Lasseter (to name a few).

Do you have a child who is interested in chess, but you're not sure how to help? In Survival Guide for Chess Parents, Tanya Jones concentrates on the numerous aspects of being a 'chess parent' and answers the many questions facing those with chess-playing children. There's certainly more to this than meets the eye. Problems are as diverse as 'How can I help in the very early stages?', 'How do I find suitable clubs and tournaments?', 'Should I watch when he or she is playing?' and 'How do I find a good chess coach?'
Jones also tackles aspects such as chess and education, plus the ever-increasing role of computers and the Internet. Whether your child is just starting out in the game or is a budding prodigy, this book is essential reading.
This is a complete guide for the chess parent and explains the intricacies of tournament rules while tackling the subjects of rating and grades.

"Pan's Labyrinth" (2006) is a film of extraordinary technical achievement and intense emotional impact, garnering acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. Such a rich cinematic text demands close scrutiny and comprehensive study. This volume guides the reader through a detailed analysis of the film, concentrating on the generation of meaning for the viewer. The book maps technical choices and how they capture human experience and political conflict. It also details the processes of production, distribution, and exhibition. Specific examples from a range of film texts enable a vivid grasp of technical vocabulary, therefore providing readers with the tools to analyze other films as well.