One thing that is important not to overlook is that children who enjoy reading tend to become adults who enjoy reading.

Up until the age of 25, most of the books I read were fiction. Now I mainly read books on science, history, and politics, and I dare say I am far more educated today than I would have been if I never learned to enjoy reading as a child.

My point is that any scientific study designed to assess the effects of reading fairytales would have to also take into account, and control for, the effects of reading in general.

Also, I do still throw in some fiction...I just finished John Irving's "A Prayer for Owen Meany" a couple of weeks ago and, even though it has serious religious overtones, I recommend it highly. I find that good fiction improves my mood and general view on life.