[DEADLINE APPROACHING] CFP: Toy Stories: The Toy as Hero

full name / name of organization: 
Tanya Jones, M.Ed & Chris Stoneley

Abstracts are being welcomed for a proposed collection examining the toy as hero. Toys, a celebrated part of childhood and often key figures in children's imaginative play, have a fantastic history of heroism in print and on film. Open to examinations of literature, comics, and film, the collection seeks to be a repository of original essays that analyze the roles toys play as protectors of the child(ren) they love, as heroes of their own stories, or as champions for the greater good.

Possible pieces for consideration:
Winnie-the-Pooh
The Stuff of Legend
The Velveteen Rabbit
The LEGO Movie
The Nutcracker
Calvin and Hobbes
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Toy Story
Toys in the Attic
The Indian in the Cupboard
Corduroy
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
Pinocchio
Midnight in the Dollhouse
Small Soldiers
The Mouse and His Child
Raggedy Ann and Andy
Labyrinth
Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave
Mennyms

Please send a short bio and abstracts of 300-500 words by April 1st, 2015. Abstracts on all topics that take an analytical or theoretical approach to the theme are welcome. Please send bio and abstracts to both contact emails to ensure delivery.

Tanya Jones is the co-editor for the collection "The Gothic Fairy Tale in Young Adult Literature: Essays on Stories from Grimm to Gaiman." She has published widely in the areas of Gothicism, pop culture, and literature. A former English teacher and Department Chairperson, Tanya holds a M.Ed. and has presented her theoretical framework at various conferences and lectures.

Chris Stoneley is an independent scholar, poet, writer, and frequent public storyteller in the LA area.