A film version of The Golden Compass opens December 7 and stars Nicole Kidman. Atheism for children is how some people describe the new children's fantasy film and the books from which it derives. "The anti-Narnia" is how some supporters of the film--not just critics--see it. Pullman is widely acclaimed by critics and readers for his best-selling series. But he has been criticized by many for attacking Christianity and promoting atheism. What is the truth about Pullman and his books? What does he believe about God, religion, Christianity, the Catholic Church, and atheism? What does he hope his books will accomplish? Why does he express such strong disdain for the fiction of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien? Should children be reading the His Dark Materials trilogy, or watching the film version of The Golden Compass, the first book of the trilogy? These are just some of the many important questions addressed by Sandra Miesel and Pete Vere in their accessible, concise, and thoroughly-researched analysis of Pullmans fiction and beliefs. The authors reveal the many premises, and often surprising literary and philosophical sources and symbols of the popular His Dark Materials. They also compare Pullman's fiction to The Chronicles of Narnia, the Harry Potter books, and other famous works of children's fiction. And they examine the metaphysical premises and moral propositions found throughout the series--pointing out the many objectionable aspects of the books, including violence and sensuality--about which every concerned parent should know. Readers looking for a fair, firm, and non-sensational critique of The Golden Compass and the other books of His Dark Materials will find it in Pied Piper of Atheism. Pied Piper of Atheism: Philip Pullman and Children's Fantasy will be available in mid-December 2007. Paperback. 100 pages. $9.95.