http://io9.com/5961916/guillermo-del-toro-explains-the-biggest-mistake-people-make-in-telling-stories-for-children

Guillermo del Toro talks about his new movie, Rise of the Guardians, and tells us a lot about monsters, darkness, and how to write for children.

What’s the difference between a monster movie and a dark fairy tale?

It’s a very, very, very thin difference. I think that horror stories come from fairy tales, in a way. They share a lot of similarities. I think the difference is tonal. You know, the fairy tale contains a lot more elements of magic and whimsy and the the horror story contains a lot more, sort of, almost existential feelings — sort of dread, and ultimately they are similar melodies, played at a very different key.