If the first thing that comes to mind when you see Fantastic Beasts is the film series spin-off prequel of the Harry Potter novels and films, give me a chance to broaden your perspective a little. This is the third and fourth in my series of children's board books that I made for my grandson's first birthday--I had to split it up into two books because I had so many great photos I wanted to share with him. This photo is especially for him!
Things "fantastic" are more than based in fancy, more than absurd, more than the unbelievable, and beasts are often spoken of as wild, savage, or ferocious, even mythical. But here's what I want my grandson to know about fantastic beasts--
Fantastical beasts are
magical beasts
with languages we cannot guess
Smarter than the other
animals, they have powers
of this I cannot jest
Take care for they
are crafty, strong and very skilled,
They'll be no mere pest
The good ones, they
without call or strife
protect us in their quest.
Now, here's a rather strange turn for my discussion of fantastic beasts, but perhaps one that can open our aperature. In Henry James' short narrative called "The Beast in the Jungle", the main character, John Marcher, leads a life waiting for tragedy only to learn that the great misfortune he expected was the one he created, that is, the tragedy of a life thrown away. This tragedy illustrates that, too often, we overlook the life worth living as we wait for some glorifying and uncertain event that more often than not never materializes.
So, my choice in calling this collection "Fantastic Beasts" is one that reminds us we have the best of us ahead as long as we listen, and live. Animals live by instinct. Instincts are innate behaviors that we--of both the two and four-legged variety--are born with and do not need to be taught in order to perform. They help us to survive and thrive, and to nurture. There is nothing to wait for, there is only what we make for ourselves. Nurture the beast. Live.
Dream, little one
and tell me true,
which of these spirits
was sent to guide you.
Who will you be,
what secrets will you unravel.
How far you will go
if you're willing to travel.
Listen closely, little one
to the voices in your soul.
They will lead you up,
to the top of the pole.
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