Dragon Babies
141 episodes - English - Latest episode: 22 days ago - ★★★★★ - 63 ratingsTwo sisters reread their favorite YA fantasy classics and discuss why they may be even better for adults.
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Episodes
Episode 122 - Deltora Quest, by Emily Rodda
April 02, 2024 17:06 - 1 hour - 119 MBWe’re covering the first two books of Emily Rodda’s Deltora Quest series, The Forests of Silence and The Lake of Tears! Deltora brings out the best in us; we rave about the impeccable art, wild pacing and grotesque monsters as we travel the kingdom searching for hidden gems. Scholastic book fairs, reading positions we’ve aged out of, fights about Beyoncé - this episode has it all. Join us! MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed unde...
Episode 121 - Race to the Sun, by Rebecca Roanhorse
March 18, 2024 21:43 - 1 hour - 127 MBWelcome to Middle Grade March! This episode, we’re following siblings Nizhoni and Mac Begay as they save their dad from monstrous coal exec Mr. Charles. They discover their similarities to the Hero Twins of Navajo legend and explore their burgeoning abilities through increasingly challenging trials. Grace and Madeleine discuss preferred middle school-age magical weapons, the power of a snarky little brother, and just how many pastas can be combined in a single dish. We also examine the ways ...
Grace's Reading Corner - Grendel, by John Gardner
February 26, 2024 21:53 - 1 hour - 99.4 MBA special lil episode on the enigmatic Grendel, by John Gardner! After covering The Snow-Walker’s Son and considering ancient Nordic literary monsters, Grace was compelled to revisit this darkly comedic retelling of Beowulf from his foe’s perspective. Joining her is Ranae Hanson, author, activist, and top-notch mother-in-law. Curl up in your watery cave and join us!
Episode 120 - The Changeover, by Margaret Mahy
February 13, 2024 08:01 - 1 hour - 130 MBCelebrate Valentine’s with this fascinating, bizarre and indelible tale of love among young witches - we’re reading The Changeover, by Margaret Mahy! We meet Laura Chant and her young brother Jacko, who are living a mostly-peaceful life in the Christchurch suburbs punctuated by Laura’s “warnings,” psychic premonitions that never bode well. When an ancient demon disguised as a terrifying shopkeeper places his mark on Jacko and begins extracting his life force, Laura enlists local teen oddball...
Episode 119 - The Snow-Walker's Son, by Catherine Fisher
January 16, 2024 08:01 - 1 hour - 106 MBWe’re getting into our frigid sailboat and exploring The Snow-Walker’s Son, by Catherine Fisher! Jessa and Thorkil are banished to a forgotten hall in the far North when their fathers attempt to overthrow the current jarl, a pretender to the throne. The false jarl happens to be married to Gudrun, a terrifying ice sorceress who previously sent her own son to the same dark fate. Her son Kari is said to be a twisted monster, but Jessa and Thorkil discover that he’s much more complex - and get s...
Babetreon Episode - Hogfather (2006)
December 26, 2023 17:10 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBWe’re overwhelmed with holiday spirit and we’re releasing this Babetreon episode on the main feed! *Please note that unlike our main feed, this episode is explicit. The sibling squabbling is at an all-time high as Grace tries to force Madeleine to enjoy a Christmas film. Happy Hogswatch!
Episode 118 - The Seven Songs of Merlin, by T.A. Barron
December 04, 2023 17:07 - 1 hour - 112 MBWe’re continuing to explore the Lost Years with The Seven Songs of Merlin, by T.A. Barron! Our wee Merlin advances to his Emo Protagonist era as he shirks the main quest in favor of finding/saving his mama. Grace and Madeleine discuss the plot’s video game structure, the joys of a melancholy bard (Bumblewy forever), and why we’re more sympathetic to Merlin’s weight of responsibility as adults. Plus the mysterious wonders of BREAD TOWN + THE GOLDEN STARTER FOUNTAIN. Join us! (Alternate title...
Episode 117 - Cart and Cwidder, by Diana Wynne Jones
November 13, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBStrum your cwidder and make the mountains walk 🎵 We’re reading Cart and Cwidder by Diana Wynne Jones! Murderers, spies, magical instruments, and vengeance driven by the love of a horse - would you expect anything less from DWJ? This opener to the Dalemark Quartet introduces Moril, Brid and their family of wandering troubadours. In a nation plagued by civil war, the songs of old can serve as battle cries - and the kids are quickly in over their heads. Join us in pondering approaches to memory...
Episode 116 - The Boggart, by Susan Cooper
October 30, 2023 19:13 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBBe an ageless entity, do crimes - we’re discussing The Boggart, by Susan Cooper! This wonderfully weird book has it all and is the perfect playful Halloween read for all ages. Cooper pulls off the ultimate middle grade fantasy bait and switch - leading readers to think we’re in for a spooky Scottish castle stay and then immediately heading to Toronto (the Boggart accidentally in tow). Grace and Madeleine ponder why this book brings up such specific, forgotten childhood memories and wonder ho...
Episode 115 - A College of Magics, by Caroline Stevermer
September 26, 2023 18:36 - 1 hour - 93 MBWe’re attending A College of Magics, by Caroline Stevermer! An episode almost as long as college itself, we’re resplendent with big feelings about this subtle, gorgeously written book. Faris Nallaneen comes into herself and her power through the people and ideas she encounters at Greenlaw College, a magic school where you’re not actually allowed to do magic. Set at the turn of the 20th century, the European setting and Victorian turns of phrase build out the book’s sweet metaphysical center....
Episode 114 - Lionboy, by Zizou Corder
August 16, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour - 74.4 MBBrush up on your Cat as we enter the world of Lionboy, by Zizou Corder. Mother and daughter author team (Louisa Young and Isabel Adomakoh Young) craft a Romp in which we travel into a dystopian future. Steampunky advances (and limitations) in technology, a mysterious parental kidnapping, and the ability to talk to cats have led protagonist Charlie Ashanti onto a magnificent circus ship heading from Ghana to Paris. His goal? Set the circus’ captive lions free, find his parents, and leave his ...
Episode 113 - The Moorchild, by Eloise McGraw
July 17, 2023 04:01 - 1 hour - 62.7 MBOops, we’ve been swapped out with changelings - time to discuss The Moorchild, by Eloise McGraw! We take to the moor to consider the many virtues of Irish bagpipes and revel in the atmospheric melancholy of Saaski’s tale. This deceptively complex book contrasts humanity’s darkness alongside the Folk’s lively, fleeting nihilism. Where does a girl who fits into neither world belong? We may not find the answer, but we do have a wonderful time in the fae dance (and Grace ate a glamoured orange, ...
Episode 112 - The Lost Years of Merlin, by T.A. Barron
June 30, 2023 20:22 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBIt’s Merlin time! We head to Fincayra with a ragtag crew including a boy who without a past, a girl raised by trees, a tiny giant who loves honey and a bird you’ll want to keep around. The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron is a soothing, nature-focused journey through a deep wood that adds a new perspective to the many Merlin myths. The experience of rereading and discussing us left us in the best moods, almost as if we’d found some ambrosia bread of our own. Join us! Note - the title for...
Episode 111 - Black Hearts in Battlesea, by Joan Aiken
May 22, 2023 19:59 - 1 hour - 80.5 MBWe’re continuing on in Joan Aiken’s alternate history, wolf-ridden England with Black Hearts in Battersea! If your spirits need a boost (and whose don’t), irresistible Cockney urchin Dido Twite is here to entrance and delight. We absolutely adored this book and wish it had come into our lives sooner. Puzzle over Grace’s mental picture of mince pies and join Madeleine’s affable league of helpful art students - join us! Thanks to all the listeners who have requested the Wolves Chronicles, we’...
Episode 110 - Legendborn, by Tracy Deonn
May 09, 2023 18:56 - 1 hour - 91.7 MBWe’re exploring the Arthurian legend through a southern Black lens with Legendborn, by Tracy Deonn! Join 16-year-old protagonist Bree as she enters an early college program at UNC Chapel Hill and discovers more than one type of magic is waiting. She learns about her dead mother’s secrets, her own latent abilities, and the pull of various Hot Boys (both golden and broody). This was our first time experiencing this incredible book and we wholeheartedly recommend it - pick up a copy and join us...
Episode 109 - A Conspiracy of Kings, by Megan Whalen Turner
April 18, 2023 12:16 - 1 hour - 95.3 MBWe continue Megan Whalen Turner’s impeccable Queen’s Thief series with A Conspiracy of Kings! We discuss the appeal of sweet Sophos as a protagonist, the portrayal of slavery within fantasy series, and whether the gods are Just Jerks (copyright Madeleine). This is a long one, but in between the sister squabbling, points are made! The main point being that we could talk about MWT’s work for the rest of our lives and still have so much to explore. Thanks to all our listeners who requested The...
Episode 108 - Wyrd Sisters, by Terry Pratchett
April 04, 2023 18:30 - 1 hour - 74.8 MBIt’s back to Discworld with Wyrd Sisters, by Terry Pratchett! We join the titular trio of Nanny Ogg, Granny Weatherwax, and Magrat Garlick as they meddle their way across space and time (within reasonably witchy limits, of course). Review your Shakespeare, work up your best lil ghosty sounds and make sure you’re in good standing with the Fool’s Guild - then join us. MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By A...
Episode 107 - The Headless Cupid, by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
March 20, 2023 04:30 - 1 hour - 80.2 MBWe’re so excited to round out the ZKSHT (Zilpha Keatley Snyder Holy Trinity) with The Headless Cupid. Along with The Egypt Game and The Witches of Worm, this book developed Grace’s little brain into a spooky kid mystery machine. Madeleine’s jonesing for a trip to the Winchester Mystery House and is very upset with Amanda; we’re both reminiscing about the power of playing pretend. Join in the glory of ZKS’ unparalleled work - articulating children’s inner monologues with such specificity and ...
Episode 106 - Mossflower, by Brian Jacques
March 04, 2023 14:29 - 1 hour - 80.9 MBIt’s Badgerin’ Time. We return to the joyous, violent, and feast-laden world of Redwall with Mossflower, by Brian Jacques! Grace breaks down the reasons why this is her favorite of his works, we continue the great “Humans in Mossflower???” debate, and Bella and Boar become our gods. Grab your candied chestnuts and join us. MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommon...
Episode 105 - Magic's Pawn, by Mercedes Lackey
February 07, 2023 17:56 - 1 hour - 83.1 MBWe’re heading back to Valdemar with Magic’s Pawn, by Mercedes Lackey! This absolute doozy of an episode showed us that we could talk about this book for the rest of our lives. Vanyel and Tylendel’s love story, revenge mission and subsequent Bad But Life-Changing Stuff are at turns stirring, sweet, cathartic and crushing. Tune up your mind speech and listen in - and let us know if you have a concrete internal monologue along the way. This episode was a listener request - thank you, Gyuri! If...
Episode 104 - The Ragwitch, by Garth Nix
January 23, 2023 12:13 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBHead to the nearest midden and abandon all hope - The Ragwitch has you in her thrall! We have a blast discussing Garth Nix’s first novel and following Paul and Julia’s external and internal journeys. We consider the ways in which this work shows the beginnings of the Abhorsen series and do our best to start a rumor that Garth is a necromancer. Typical Dragon Babies stuff. Grab your creepiest doll and join us! This episode was a listener request - thank you, Rachael! If you’d like to make a ...
My Enduring Obsession with The Snow Queen (Grace's Reading Corner)
January 06, 2023 17:26 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBHave you been craving a close reading of the final passage of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen? No? Well, you should probably listen to this Grace’s Reading Corner not-so-mini episode about why society loves a snowy queen anyway. This episode focuses specifically on the illustrated edition by the wonderful Mary Engelbreit, which remains a personal influence. This is a very vibes-forward Cold Book Episode, so grab some cocoa and a blanket and snuggle up for a listen! EPISODE MEDIA ...
Tales from Earthsea (2006) - Patreon Launch!
December 09, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBWe’re so excited to launch our Babetreon - and we’re taking the first episode out from behind the paywall! We're discussing the 2006 Ghibli film Tales from Earthsea in all its messy glory. Join for $3/mo to get an extra episode every month. We’ll be covering a broader range of materials than we typically do on the main feed - reviews of film and TV adaptations of our favorite books, fantasy picture books, inspirations for our favorite authors' works, voting on our next episodes, and much mo...
Episode 103 - The Arkadians, by Lloyd Alexander
November 22, 2022 12:44 - 1 hour - 58 MBEnchanted poet-donkeys assemble: we’re covering The Arkadians, by Lloyd Alexander! You’ll love this meta retelling of various Greek mythologies and epics as told through the adventures of Lucien, Joy-in-the-Dance, Fronto, and the approximately 500 other goofy characters they encounter along the way. As the self-proclaimed Emo Fantasy crowd, we love Lloyd Alexander very much and it was a delight to reread his Greek Romp Experiment. Plus: if you’re a fan of the 1994 CD-ROM game Wrath of the Go...
Episode 102 - Dogsbody, by Diana Wynne Jones
October 31, 2022 04:16 - 1 hour - 64.2 MBIn which gods become dogs and get stuck in their bods! We’re discussing Dogsbody, by Diana Wynne Jones in all its celestial, dog-brained glory. Sirius the dog star is punished for a mysterious murder by being trapped in an earthly pup form - and his only way back to his galaxy is to find the enigmatic Zoi that he threw down to Earth. Leave it to DWJ to make this conceit at turns heartbreaking, hilarious and ultimately bittersweet. Madeleine maintains that for those similarly traumatized by T...
Episode 102 - Dogsbody
October 31, 2022 04:16 - 1 hour - 64.2 MBIn which gods become dogs and get stuck in their bods! We’re discussing Dogsbody, by Diana Wynne Jones in all its celestial, dog-brained glory. Sirius the dog star is punished for a mysterious murder by being trapped in an earthly pup form - and his only way back to his galaxy is to find the enigmatic Zoi that he threw down to Earth. Leave it to DWJ to make this conceit at turns heartbreaking, hilarious and ultimately bittersweet. Madeleine maintains that for those similarly traumatized by T...
Episode 101 - Eragon, by Christopher Paolini
October 05, 2022 15:29 - 1 hour - 68.1 MBAs would-be dragon riders and adolescents during the early 00’s, we’re perfectly positioned to discuss Eragon, by Christopher Paolini. This one has haunted us since we started the podcast - we knew it was inevitable and yet we procrastinated until our 101st episode. We break down our conflicted feelings about this teen-penned dragon epic and own up to our own teenage jealousies of both the protagonist and the author himself. Is it a good idea for a child to have a book published by a major h...
Episode 100 - Sabriel, by Garth Nix (The Abhorsening)
September 06, 2022 13:55 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBTo celebrate our 100th (!) full-length episode, we’re re-covering the book that began it all: Sabriel, by Garth Nix! In between some very involved gushing about Tim Curry’s audiobook performance, we consider the YA fantasy and book podcasting lessons we’ve learned along the way. This is a goofy one because we’re just so delighted to be here - thanks to you all for your support over these last 6 years! There are a few minor audio issues in the first half of the episode where Grace’s audio is...
Episode 99 - The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale
August 03, 2022 16:03 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBHONK. We read The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale! This retelling of the Grimm fairy tale takes us through the forest, into the goose pen and behind the throne room (best place to eavesdrop on villainous monologuing). We break down protagonist Ani’s haunting search for self, attempt to chat with geese on our own, and process beloved horse loss. Ready to knock your enemies’ hats off by harnessing the wind? Join us! This episode was a listener request - thank you, Isabel, Lexie, and Gyuri! If you...
Episode 98 - The Egypt Game, by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
July 06, 2022 14:30 - 1 hour - 105 MBWe unearth a veritable pharaoh’s tomb of nostalgia as we discuss The Egypt Game, by Zilpha Keatley Snyder! Join us in considering why this is a fantasy book, ways this may have inspired the creation of Dungeons and Dragons, half-remembered childhood yard games, Stranger Danger, Klutz Press, and creating your own serotonin through magical rituals. This is a looser episode than most because we fully immersed ourselves in our book-related memories, but we think it’s one you’ll enjoy. ZKS crew u...
Episode 97 - The Changeling Sea, by Patricia A. McKillip
June 17, 2022 14:05 - 1 hour - 95 MBWe met up with our 3 mysterious magical boyfriends and dove into The Changeling Sea, by Patricia A. McKillip! We discuss McKillip’s glorious prose, the connection between the ocean and Peri’s coming of age, and how annoying it would be to prepare a dinner of oysters after a day of hard labor. Whether ye be a cursed sea dragon or a mischievous magic man, there’s something to appreciate - join us! Thanks so much to Isabel for the recommendation. Let us know your favorite Patricia McKillip boo...
MINI EPISODE - How Macmillan Audio Designs Their Sci-Fi & Fantasy Audiobook Covers
June 03, 2022 07:00 - 13 minutes - 18.1 MBPart 2 of an ongoing investigation. Many thanks to Drew and Abigail at Macmillan Audio for their wonderful insights! All covers mentioned are up on our website. Episode Transcript MUSIC - Late Night Radio by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/7613-late-night-radio License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Episode 96 - Searching for Dragons, by Patricia C. Wrede
May 26, 2022 14:48 - 1 hour - 96.2 MBWe’re thrilled to return to the Enchanted Forest with Searching for Dragons, by Patricia C. Wrede! We break down Morwen’s appeal, the kinship between cats and dragons, Mendenbar and Cimorene’s blossoming romance, and Grace’s childhood ripoff of Wrede’s body of work. Plus: awkward pandemic greetings, local ginger beer recommendations, and our expert opinion on where to find the best fudge in America. Hop on your broken teddy bear-adorned magic carpet and join us! MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback...
Episode 95 - Half World, by Hiromi Goto
May 11, 2022 07:01 - 1 hour - 101 MBTime to brush up on your Bosch and grab your Jade Rat pendant - we read Half World, by Hiromi Goto (with illustrations by Jillian Tamaki)! We test how gnawable our pinkies are as we pay the toll and cross the crow bridge into Half World in all its seamy, terrifying glory. Join us in an exploration of purgatory, trauma management, and reincarnation - plus some lighter topics like the undeniable appeal of Baby G as a nickname. Whether you're flesh, spirit or a giant starfish with a beautiful c...
MINI EPISODE - Why Are Fantasy Audiobook Covers So Bad?
April 22, 2022 20:31 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MBGrace here, with a very special investigation. Visit our website or Instagram for episode visuals! There is also a full transcript available for this episode. MUSIC - Late Night Radio by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/7613-late-night-radio License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Episode 94 - The Dark is Rising, by Susan Cooper
April 04, 2022 15:35 - 1 hour - 104 MBThe Dark is Rising and we’re along for the ride! We continue Susan Cooper’s epic battle between the Light and Dark and are introduced to the final Old One, 11-year-old Will Stanton. We join Will in adventuring through time without ever leaving Berkshire, discussing the subtleties of Cooper’s folklore inspirations and wishing for our own Book of Gramarye. Plus: Hawkin as the most compelling character, reliving our own self-fabricated childhood quests, and the feminine urge to stand in the cen...
Episode 93 - Wishing Moon, by Michael O. Tunnell
March 14, 2022 17:09 - 1 hour - 112 MBThe Aladdin story continues with Wishing Moon, by Michael O. Tunnell! We’re revisiting this favorite of young Madeleine’s and exploring protagonist Aminah’s rise from rags to riches with the discovery of a very special lamp. We slurp on sherbet, brush up on our magical baking skills and explore the religious and historical framing of Tunnell’s take on this well-known tale. Plus: why folklore retellings make kids into academics, Jinni’s feminine energy, and yearning for cream puffs. Join us! ...
Episode 92 - A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K. Le Guin
January 20, 2022 08:24 - 1 hour - 91.5 MBWe’re back! And we’re venturing across the Archipelago, snuggled onto Ged’s shoulder alongside Hoeg. It’s time to discuss A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K. Le Guin! Much like Ged, we were plagued by a cruel shadow that forced us to record remotely. But that didn’t keep us from wondering at all the beauty and insight contained within the introduction to Earthsea and Ged’s internal battles; his tangible and intangible demons. We conclude our unorthodox non-chronological Earthsea coverage by ...
Episode 91 - The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman
December 08, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 121 MBGet all dressed up in your best grey sheet - it’s time to discuss The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman! We’re Shifting through the cemetery gates to hang out with Nobody (Bod) Owens, a sweet boy raised by spirits after his family is murdered. Join us as we celebrate Bod’s love of learning, thwart the Sleer’s crushing grasp and appreciate Miss Lupescu’s culinary talents. We’re also excited to be joined by special guest Justis Phillips! She shares her perspective as a lifecycle doula in our dis...
Episode 90 - Archer's Goon, by Diana Wynne Jones
November 15, 2021 19:06 - 1 hour - 100 MBWe’re investigating the machinations of 7 sometimes-evil wizards with Archer’s Goon, by Diana Wynne Jones! Howard Sykes and his family are thrown into a maelstrom when one of their town’s behind-the-scenes leaders, Archer, sends his titular Goon to make the family obey his demands. Madeleine and Grace break down the twists and turns of this hilarious and surprisingly contained adventure and discuss why it’s ultimately an ode to sibling relationships. We also take a deep dive into unearthed m...
Episode 89 - The Merchant of Death, by D.J. MacHale
October 18, 2021 23:48 - 1 hour - 116 MBThe Merchant of Death is a violent, action-packed, breakneck introduction to D.J. MacHale’s long-running Pendragon series. We’re leaping into the nearest flume face-first to follow along with Bobby on his adventure - call us the Mark Diamond and Courtney Chetwind of the YA fantasy recap world. Learn why little Madeleine adored this series and how it helped her through difficult adolescent experiences. We also touch on Bosco sticks, The Green Knight and D.J. MacHale’s illustrious TV writing c...
Episode 88 - The Seer and the Sword, by Victoria Hanley
September 20, 2021 07:05 - 1 hour - 111 MBA crystal with a penchant for showing a presumed-dead princess the not-so-certain future. A legendary sword of peace never to be used in conflict. Daring midnight arson of a pirate fleet! The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley has everything you could want in your YA fantasy. We discuss the epic coming of age portrayals of naive princess Torina and exiled prince Landen as their destinies cross and diverge. At turns rollicking and grim, this novel’s scope and twisting plot have something f...
Episode 87 - East, by Edith Pattou
August 31, 2021 23:30 - 1 hour - 108 MBWe’re heading to Greenland on a ship helmed by an ale-sotted captain named Thor! East by Edith Pattou is a gorgeous retelling of Norwegian fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon. At turns poetic and action-packed, both gentle and bracing, this is a lovely book about finding joy in all the little particulars of living out daily life, wrapped in a sweeping fairy tale. Our protagonist Rose seeks the mysterious white bear (who is most definitely not just a bear) whom she spent a year li...
Episode 86 - Trickster's Choice, by Tamora Pierce
August 09, 2021 19:54 - 1 hour - 149 MBHope you’ve been practicing your spy tricks, because we’re rereading Trickster’s Choice, by Tamora Pierce! Madeleine and Grace explore the ways in which Pierce succeeds and fails in realizing a colonialist fantasy society built on slavery, and laying out the uprising percolating beneath. The spoiled but practical Aly is our guide as we get to know the Copper Isles and its enslaved indigenous people looking to the half-Raka noble sisters Dove and Sarai as signs of a prophecy nearing actualiza...
Episode 85 - Tamsin, by Peter S. Beagle
July 04, 2021 16:12 - 1 hour - 107 MBWe’re frolicking through the haunted fields of Stourhead Farm with Tamsin, by Peter S. Beagle! Join indomitable teen Jenny Gluckstein as she is forcibly relocated from NYC to Dorset, beloved pet Mister Cat in tow. She’s plunged into a historical metaphysical dilemma as she gets to know Tamsin Willoughby, a striking ghost with a tragic 17th-century tale intertwined with the Monmouth Rebellion. Madeleine and Grace explore the difficulties of being a 13-year-old responsible for putting ghosts t...
Episode 84 - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, by Joan Aiken
May 26, 2021 17:17 - 1 hour - 102 MBWe read Joan Aiken’s alternate history wolf dystopia, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase! Evil wolves are roaming free, but they leave you alone more often than you’d expect. The real evil resides at Willoughby Chase manor, in the form of cruel faux-governess Miss Slighcarp and fake amnesiac Josiah Grimshaw. Protagonists Sylvia and Bonnie do everything possible to right their situation, but end up in a Dickensian orphanage with only gruel and raw eggs to eat. Will an escort of geese get them saf...
Episode 83 - House of Many Ways, by Diana Wynne Jones
May 04, 2021 21:55 - 1 hour - 111 MBWe're closing out the glorious Howl's series with House of Many Ways! Revel in the gleeful chaos of Diana Wynne Jones throwing her characters into increasingly bonkers situations. Our protagonist Charmain is ineffective but winning, Sophie and Calcifer are helping out where they can, and a mischievous "toddler" named Twinkle won't stop appearing on the roof. It's just the best - even with a healthy dose of Lubbock body horror. Thanks to the many listeners who requested that we continue cove...
Episode 82 - The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster
April 12, 2021 20:06 - 1 hour - 101 MBIt's time to hop in your tiny car and head to the kingdom of Wisdom - we're revisiting The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster! Grace breaks down the ways in which her opinion of the book have (and have not) changed since her childhood obsession, and Madeleine discovers Juster's grammatical & mathematical whimsy for the first time. We discuss the ways in which you can use the book as a mindfulness exercise, as well as a tool for teaching kids about colonialism. Plus, a hearty helping of appr...
Episode 81 - Pet, by Akwaeke Emezi
March 29, 2021 21:06 - 1 hour - 112 MBWe’re visiting Lucille and its angels and monsters - we read Pet, by Akwaeke Emezi! Protagonist Jam, her best friend Redemption and a mysterious creature dubbed Pet seek out evil that lingers even in a supposed utopia. We revel in this nuanced, genre-defying coming of age story and explore the questions it brings up about human nature, restorative justice and children’s access to the unseen. Grace also admits to an entrenched Goodreads beef and Madeleine has some thoughts about ice cream. Li...
Episode 80 - Tehanu, by Ursula K. Le Guin
March 01, 2021 01:51 - 1 hour - 153 MBWe discussed Tehanu, by Ursula K. Le Guin and nearly broke ourselves in the process! A book so emotion-inducing that we had to take a recovery break before recording, Tehanu takes us across Gont in the capable arms of Tenar. She ponders her identity as she cares for abandoned child Therru and deals with a deeply depressed, stripped-of-his-magic Ged. We dive into women’s anger, women’s work and women’s magic - which is neither wicked nor weak, contrary to the Earthsea aphorism. One of Le Guin...