In Jane Yolen’s "Touch Magic," the author explores how a child's imagination, nurtured by fantasy literature, can foster openness and acceptance in adulthood. Yolen argues that children who engage with diverse and fantastical characters learn to appreciate differences rather than fear them. This early exposure to various cultures and ideas through stories helps shape their worldview positively.

The quote emphasizes that a child's love for fantasy equips them with understanding and empathy towards others, regardless of surface differences like color or culture. For instance, a child who immerses themselves in mythical worlds, from speaking Elvish to encountering characters like Ged, is unlikely to develop xenophobic tendencies as an adult. Such imaginative experiences create a foundation for a more inclusive perspective on the real world.