In this compelling book about the power of story, Horst Kornberg discusses everything from ancient myths to contemporary children's literature to family stories. He explains how fairytales work on a child's imagination and soul, what kinds of stories are appropriate for children at various ages, and how and why to construct your own stories for yourself and your children. The following is an excerpt from Kornberg's book:
'In fairytales, evil and cruelty are dealt with imaginatively. The wolf that devours Red Riding Hood spills no blood and the child is soon revived. But the killing in Harry Potter is real and irreversible. The blood that is spilled is 'real' blood that will leave a mark on a young child's soul. The cruelty of a sinister figure like Voldemort is too convincing to be digested before a child is equipped to face him. Too young, they may fall prey to his schemes - and the book tells you, he is eager to kill them as young as he can.
I recommend you to the advice of the world expert in all matters concerning Harry Potter and the care of the magical and endangered child: Albertus Dumbledore, Director of Hogwarts School of Magic. The wise Professor protected Harry from all contact with the shady and dangerous world of magic until he had reached the age of eleven. I take this as the story's own explicit advice for its appropriate use: children should reach this age before being admitted to the school of sorcery.'
--from The Power of Stories, Nurturing Children's Imagination and Consciousness by Horst Kornberger