This is a miniature episode in which we rewatch the film adaptation of The Princess Bride with our brother, Patrick! Check out our book episode for an in-depth discussion of William Goldman's source material.

We’re rereading The Princess Bride, by William Goldman! We tackle all the sweeping satire, unique literary devices and ultimately heartwarming friendships that make Florin such a weird, fun place to return to. This book showcases plenty of passions - but is it ultimately an earnest story? Grace does her best to convince Madeleine of its subtly heartfelt approach, and Madeleine identifies Fezzig and Inigo’s friendship as the true love story.Mini episode covering the film adaptation coming out soon!MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Whether you’re one of the Mud Men or the People, there’s a whole lot to unpack with our rereading of Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer. We were both big fans of this book when young, and haven’t revisited it for quite a while - and we (and our world) are very different now! We engage in an extended comparison of the LEP & Terry Pratchett’s Thud!, break down why a female-fronted action story was so appealing to our young minds, and get seriously annoyed by Artemis’ character. Join us!MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

An epistolary novel set during the Regency with an established magical society, you say? And it has a CHOCOLATE POT on the cover?? It will come as a surprise to none of our listeners that we are big fans of Sorcery and Cecelia, by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer. Join in as we discuss the joys of fictional letters, learn about gaslamp fantasy and revel in all the grumpy romance. Are you more of a Cecy or Kate? And can you tell which author wrote which character? Come on in, the chocolate is hot!This episode was a listener request - thanks, Dan! If you’d like to request a book for coverage, email us at [email protected] - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Officially our most-requested book, it’s easy to see why The Thief is beloved by so many dragon babies. Mystery, mythology and a charmingly deceptive narrative structure make this book smart and super enjoyable (no matter your age). This is our first introduction to Megan Whalen Turner and we couldn’t be more delighted. “A romp,” says Madeleine Harnois. Listen in for Newberry Medal resentment, a whole lot of olives, and the continued butchering of every proper noun in fantasy.This episode was a listener request - thank you so much, Madeline, Erin, and Donley! If you’d like to submit a request, send us an email at [email protected] - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We’re roaring into 2019 like teenage griffins thanks to Diana Wynne Jones’ Dark Lord of Derkholm! Revisit cruel capitalist overlord Mr. Chesney and learn whether you, too, are more affected by this book as an adult. Inspired by the trials and tribulations of the Pilgrim Party organizers (and the pilgrims themselves), Grace relives her worst job and Madeleine her worst camping experience. This one really took us back! Plus: decide whether Derk is initially a bit of a jerk, wonder at exactly what Lydda’s godlike snacks are, and reflect on just how incredible DWJ is (again and again).This episode was a listener request - thanks, Tim! If you’d like to request a book for us to cover, email us at [email protected] - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It's a Hogswatchnight miracle! Our extra special Hogfather episode is here just in time for the holidays. Enjoy & thank you so much for listening!MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback, Thatched Villagers and Jingle Bells by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In which Madeleine and Grace visit the land of Faerie - and struggle to return to Wall. Neil Gaiman's Stardust is high fantasy with fascinating twists, plus the signature wit and weirdness that have led us to officially label fall 2018 Gaiman Season. Listeners can look forward to an extended discussion of questing/camping food, detailing the ways Gaiman disproves John Donne’s misogynist epigraph, and Grace’s extremely questionable Robert de Niro impression. Now place your crystal snowdrop in your buttonhole and head for the gap in the wall!This episode was a listener request - thanks, Rachel! If you’d like to request a book for coverage, just email us at [email protected] - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson is an injection of joy into a weary life. After opening on a wondrous island filled with adorable-beyond-belief mistmakers, we’re traveling to the most magical place of all - London! Join Madeleine and Grace as they fantasize about gigantic sundaes, shop for bladderwrack online and engage in some truly terrible British accents (apologies to our UK listeners). The gump is open and the rescue mission is on!This episode was a listener request - thanks, Isabel and Angela!MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It’s time for the Dragon Babies Election Day special featuring a discussion of racial prejudice and police biases in fantasy literature. Terry Pratchett and Thud! provide plenty of parallels to discuss between Sam Vimes’ approach to troll and dwarf tensions in the city of Ankh-Morpork and human rights violations and inequities in our own society. Listeners can also enjoy an argument about math, discussion of bacon as a lone food source, and a background on Madeleine’s love of vampires.This episode is a listener request - thanks, Julian!If you’re a Terry Pratchett fan, check out our other Discworld episodes:Episode 8 - MortEpisode 13 - The Wee Free MenMUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We FINALLY managed to read our alethiometer correctly and were told it was high time we covered The Golden Compass! We joined Lyra, Pantalaimon, Iorek (Grace’s new Favorite Bear) and a couple of the worst parents we’ve encountered in fantasy to transcend this universe and eat a ton of raw seal meat along the way. Discussion ranges from the religious controversy surrounding His Dark Materials to how Lyra offers a fresh take on a child hero to our own analysis of why we weren’t huge Compass fans as children (and why that’s all changed). Grace has already started reading The Subtle Knife again and Madeleine is angry about Dust - and we’d love for you to join us. Enjoy!This episode was a listener request - thanks, Jenny! If you’d like to request a book, shoot us an email at [email protected] - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We’re rereading The Raven Ring, by Patricia C. Wrede! Travel with us to Lyra, where there’s a super engaging fantasy murder mystery afoot and endless D&D-esque quests popping up in your path. Have you ever attempted to leave a city again and again, only to be beset by thieves, sworn mortal enemies, and an annoyingly persistent lord? You’ll relate to Eleret as she applies careful logic to the chaos surrounding her, all while navigating the emotional fallout of her mother’s suspicious death.This episode has a whole lot to offer, from an in-depth discussion of being a woman warrior in fantasy (and why Patricia C. Wrede gets it right), to the timeless appeal of an impish rogue, to a noble’s breakfast that leaves Madeleine feeling nauseous and recalling memories of bad clams. Grab your raven’s feet and make sure nobody’s blocking your throwing lines - trouble’s afoot in Ciaron!EPISODE MEDIAPast episodes of ours mentioned during our Raven Ring discussion:Episode 4 - Dealing with DragonsEpisode 26 - First TestEpisode 29 - Crown DuelImaginary Worlds episode - Fantastical FeastsMUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This is a mini episode for your mini enjoyment! We rewatched the 2009 film adaptation of Coraline, directed by Henry Selick - and we chatted about it! Check out our Coraline book episode for an in-depth discussion of Neil Gaiman’s superbly creepy novella.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It's time to take a trip through a bricked-up door, armed with only a rock to ward against unspeakable evil... that's right, we're rereading Coraline, by Neil Gaiman! Don't be tricked by the delicious roast chicken dinner - Other Mother is up to no good, and the souls trapped behind the mirror aren't the only clue. We discuss the importance of ordinary kids represented in children's literature, indulge in a mountain of eerie pretend food, and try to articulate why this story frightens us quite a bit more as adults. Join us, but don't forget your stone (or your cat), or you might not be able to find the way back.This episode is a listener request - thanks, Isabel!|| MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Content Warning: SuicideWe're celebrating the two year anniversary of Dragon Babies with a return to the series that started it all! While those who have been listening since our first episode will note our marked improvement in podcasting quality, they will be delighted to learn that our fervor for Garth Nix's Abhorsen books remains the same. Naturally, we want to spend every waking moment with Lirael in the The Great Library of the Clayr, but as adults we have much more compassion for Sameth and his chapters than we expected. Whether you're secretly an Abhorsen-in-training or just a dude who has seriously put off doing his homework, we think you'll enjoy this one. Rereading it brought back so many of the sentiments that inspired us to start this podcast in the first place, and give YA fantasy the respect and attention it deserves. Thanks so much for listening!Note - the vocal fry is outta control in this one but Seattle also currently has some of the lowest quality air on the planet, so. Doing our best.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It's official: Robin McKinley is a master of fantasy and we didn't appreciate her nearly enough when we read her books as kids. Today, we're ready to gush over Spindle's End. This perfect inversion of the Sleeping Beauty story offers a princess who saves herself (and really doesn't sleep much at all), as well as her motley crew of loyal animals and a very grumpy fairy. Faithful listeners may be disappointed by the briefer than usual Pretend Food, but will enjoy the new addition of "Just, like, Animals... Animals in This Book." Celebrate beautiful (and safe!) spindles, kind foxes, and one of the most poignant birds in literature. Katriona, Aunt, Rosie, Peony and countless other excellent female characters are here to whisk you away to a land of a little too much magic.Robin McKinley fans should be sure to also check out our episode on The Hero and the Crown!MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Head into battle with the ragtag Dragon Babies crew! We're discussing Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith, and loving on Meliara in all her furious, revolutionary glory. Join in as we slog through the mud, sleep underneath ferns, and throw wine in corrupt barons' faces, all with a seriously messed up ankle and a raging fever. Plus: fantasy tea appreciation. When you're not quite ready for your Flower Day. And: can court decorations ever be trusted?This episode is a listener request - thanks, Erin! If you’d like to request a book, please email us at [email protected] - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This is a Very Special Episode about Tamora Pierce's newest gift to us all - Tempests and Slaughter, aka Baby Arram's Book! We just had to depart from our usual fantasy nostalgia approach because this is too exciting to miss. This marks our fourth Tamora Pierce episode - if you're a new listener interested in checking out our others, try our episodes on Alanna: The First Adventure, Emperor Mage, and First Test!Here at Dragon Babies, two sisters reread their favorite YA fantasy classics and discuss why they're maybe even better for adults. Join Madeleine and Grace as they revisit awkward adolescent moments, remember how formative certain characters were in their own lives, and break down what makes these books so enduring.

We're celebrating the glorious arrival of spring with a look back at the The Wind in the Willows! Hop into your tiny canoe and watch Toad be a complete sociopath, revel in the many miniature English teas, and wonder where the heck the female inhabitants of the river and wood have disappeared to. Plus: how Beatrix Potter, A.A. Milne and Kenneth Grahame created the anthropomorphism mold; Disney's take on Toad, Mole and Rat and how it scarred us; celebrating Ernest H. Shepard's perfection.This episode was a listener request - thanks, Joe! If you'd like to make a request, please email us at [email protected]!MUSIC: Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This is an ultimately-not-so-miniature MINI EPISODE about A Wrinkle in Time (2018)! We may not be the intended audience for this film, but we are still going to talk about it! Spoilers ahead, so please listen after seeing the film if you're interested in checking it out for yourself (we do recommend it to any fan of the book).MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We're completing the Tamora Pierce *Holy Trinity* by following up our episodes on Alanna & Daine with the stoic Keladry of Mindelan! Discover why Grace and Madeleine think Kel is the most relatable of Tortall's warriors, and fall in love with this wise-beyond-her-ten-years hero all over again. This book is surprisingly prescient, and Kel's personal war against hazing, misogyny and outdated values within the knighthood is sure to resonate.PLUS: Our greatest battle-based fears; favorite medieval combat weapons; not nearly enough Pretend Food; could spidrens be any grosser?As always, please get in touch with recommendations, corrections, your favorite Numair fan art and more at [email protected]!MUSIC: Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Are Madeleine and Grace the two princesses? Definitely not - but we are still honoring them with one of our most tangent-heavy episodes yet. Even though we're not perfect parallels between Addie and Meryl, we're thrilled to discuss our favorite Gail Caron Levine book, The Two Princesses of Bamarre. Find out why we prefer this book to Ella Enchanted, listen to us argue over whether Vollys is a great dragon or a terrible dragon, and learn even more about how spiders ruin lives. Whether you're a cowardly princess or a courageous princess (or even a bishonen sorcerer), there's something to appreciate.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

A book so perfect for our podcast mission that it has actually been requested by multiple listeners, A Tale of Time City burst into our lives with all the force of a butter-pie being poked into your eye. Listen in to hear us gush over Diana Wynne Jones' fascinating sci-fi/fantasy time travel extravaganza, and then argue over what a butter-pie might be like in real life for far too long. As inhabitants of an unstable era, we can all benefit from a different perspective. Big thanks to Kate and Madeline for their requests!MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

To follow up our episode on The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, we rewatched The Neverending Story (1984) and an episode of The Neverending Story: The Animated Adventures of Bastian Balthazar Bux (1995). This episode features our brother Patrick! We have a lot of thoughts about these adaptations!DISCLAIMER: We love fantasy literature and most of our episodes are unflinchingly positive. This is not one of those episodes. This is a highly critical review of Neverending Story-inspired media by three cynical adults who have just spent four straight hours watching a movie and television show made for children. If you do not want to hear grumpy jerks talking about a movie that you love, it's definitely best to skip this one!

Falkor. Atreyu. BBB aka Bastian Balthazar Bux aka Boo... Bad Bro (okay we're reaching but stick with the alliteration please). All your old friends are living on forever in Michael Ende's The Neverending Story - but that's a story for another time. Listen in as Grace grows furious discussing hungry heroes on quests, Madeleine creates the Giant Spider Meter and both of us manage to forget nearly every character's name (but the sheer number of proper nouns does us no favors). In all seriousness, this fascinating novel places familiar folk characters in an entirely new framework and the results are pretty cool. Fans of the 1984 film should definitely check out the source material - there's just no comparison. Hop on your luckdragon and hang tight!MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This is a Very Special Episode about Seattle's Book-It Repertory Theatre production of Howl's Moving Castle! If you're in the Seattle area, we urge you to check out this show ASAP - it's about to close. Beautiful, creative, and totally faithful to the book, this musical adaptation was everything we could have asked for.Disclaimer: this episode was recorded on our mom's couch and in the throes of a Christmas-candy induced sugar high. Production quality not guaranteed. Check out our Howl's Moving Castle and Witch Week episodes for more Diana Wynne Jones goodness!

Dragonsong holds within its pages every form of miniature dragon we could ask for - dragon babies, baby dragons, and even baby dragon babies (we've never been more on brand). But that's not the only reason we've loved this book since Grace stole our copy from her 5th grade classroom. By turns triumphant and devastating, Anne McCaffrey's classic novel about a gifted, determined and resilient young woman with a penchant for taming fire lizards born into a family that couldn't care less gives outsiders everywhere a rallying cry. We discuss fantasy elements within a sci-fi world, the irrepressible power of music, and the monotony of fish-based cuisine. You don't even need to go *between* to listen, so dive in!MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We saw Terry Pratchett: HisWorld at the Salisbury Museum - and we have thoughts! This episode features Grace and our mother, Elise - Madeleine was not able to join us on the trip but she was there in spirit. Enjoy!Photos of the exhibition are up on our website, dragonbabiespodcast.com.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Like your magic with a side of unintended consequences? Dive into four children's thrilling, frightening and nearly supervision-free summer as they discover The Enchanted Castle. As lifelong fans of sinister magical rings, E. Nesbit's classic is fully in our wheelhouse - although it's the absurd quantities of PRETEND FOOD that bring out our true devotion. It's time to swim with marble statues, chase an Ugly Wugly around London and demand your afternoon tea, at any cost (we see you, Jimmy). Great for invisible and non-invisible listeners alike!This episode is a listener request - thanks, Dan!MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Time for something a little different! We're celebrating our 20th episode with a look at one of our favorite fantasy art books from childhood, the Voyage of the Basset. We didn't realize that it's much more art than story as kids, but we do now! Join us in discussing family-friendly versions of famous mythological baddies, looking at drawings of pretty ladies, and deciding whether it's cool for a manticore and a sphynx to enter into a romantic relationship. Credendo vides (or not! Skeptics welcome).Visit our website for a selection of paintings from the book! dragonbabiespodcast.comMUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Evil dragons. An impossible love. Our favorite fully realized horse. Whatever malak is. The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley is much more than just the 1985 Newberry Medal winner. Rereading this one shook us to our cores and inspired an impassioned discussion about how female characters complicate the hero's journey, sneaky flashbacks and time jumps, debilitating dragon-inflicted wounds, and mik-bar cravings. Settle down inside your gray castle on the Lake of Dreams and steel yourself - Feelings ahead.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Sleep deprivation, stories-within-stories-within-stories and questionable romance come together to make up this engaging, Shahrazad-centric retelling of One Thousand and One Nights. The titular character is a teenager tasked with telling her new husband a story so good he'll spare her life just to make it past a cliffhanger (we're just grumpy that we don't get to hear much of that story ourselves). We fill in the blanks with a discussion of the novel's sometimes questionable approach to girl power and plenty of reminiscing about the role of storytelling in our lives.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We couldn't be more delighted to travel to Earthsea and explore human nature & super goth spirits with Arha/Tenar/The Eaten One, a teenage girl forced into a cult who spends all her free time exploring a haunted labyrinth. And getting into scrapes along the way! Join us in marveling over Ursula K. Le Guin's gorgeous writing and the glorious weirdness of this plot's structure. Plus, a discussion of whether Le Guin's works are more appropriate for children or adults - or every single living human under the sun. You can probably guess where we land, but why not check it out?MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Creating this episode was an unexpected nightmare. Grace is 100% positive that the ghost of Asmodeus is now haunting her and Madeleine thinks that Cluny might be just a lil bit aggravated by her dismissal of him as a selfish grump. No matter what, the truth about the mysterious history of human life in the Redwall universe is now out there for all Dragon Babies to discover. If you're a fan of Pretend Food, know that this book is basically a founding father (aka a founding Badass Lady) in our obsession with fantasy victuals. And if you've been waiting for some pseudoscience related to badgers, this is definitely going to be your jam.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This is a MINI EPISODE / companion episode in which we talk about what we felt while rewatching the 1985 Disney classic (?) The Black Cauldron. Note - we had some sound issues with this one and we're sorry :-(

This one's a doozy! Together, an overheated Madeleine and Grace explore the destructive glorification of war, powerful coming-of-age tales for teens, an endlessly relatable cast of characters, and whether Gurgi is more of a dog-man or a bear-man. Ya know, everything you've ever wondered when reading The Black Cauldron. Plus, an extended discussion of the myriad ways Disney messed up the 1985 film adaptation. Don't be a Gwystyl - join us!MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

June has become official Witch Month here on Dragon Babies as we follow up Wee Free Men with the stunningly postmodern, cruelly hilarious Witch Week by Diana Wynne Jones! In a world where children are so awful that they put your school's bullies to shame, there's entirely too much magic floating around for witchcraft to be punishable by death. But witch orphans abound, and they're putting their newfound powers to good use by pranking the stuffing out of each other. Join us as we discuss the appeal of alternate fantasy realities and how (not) to talk to new people. Grace's Education Corner has entirely too much information about Guy Fawkes, and Madeleine's Law Corner is never happening again.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Ach, noo yer talkin’ oour language! Welcome to our second Terry Pratchett episode, featuring the indomitable Tiffany Aching and the Nac Mac Feegle! Join us as we discuss the first of Pratchett's YA novels and the terrifying, nightmare-ridden Fairyland that you never expected. We've got a lively conversation about whether baby brothers are inherently evil, entirely too much commentary on cheese, and even Grace's Gollum impression. Grab your frying pan and learn how to save the day - as 9-year-old Tiffany knows, it's all about riding the tide of your own selfish fury! Disclaimer: we do not know how to pronounce Nac Mac Feegle.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It’s time to get Grimm with an extended visit to the most famous fairy tale prison - and a new take on the witch that locked the damsel in a tower. Zel honors its source material and never shies away from the more upsetting components of Rapunzel, but adds complexity and humanity with telling psychological portraits of Zel, Mother, and the obsessed nobleman who gets tangled up in their demonic pact. Tempers are high and the sibling squabbling is strong - will we make it out alive, or be banished to the desert? Only one way to find out. PLUS: Sesame Street’s take on Rapunzel; are you really aligning yourself with Satan if you’re not sure hell exists; what the heck does Rapunzel actually taste like??MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

THE BABIES ARE BACK. After a painful break from podcasting, we're diving back in with So You Want to Be a Wizard: a technical marvel chock full of magic, friendship and leaving bullies in your supernatural dust. How can a white hole be so darn charming? Is there a more creative "wrong" version of our world than the Starsnuffer's personal utopia? And just how confusing is it to try to navigate fictional New York? Also featuring a Smaug-style sewer dragon and 2 kids accomplishing way 2 much for their age. Press play and don't forget your wizard's manual. We're also catching the tail end of #trypod. Recommendations: Madeleine - Sooo Many White Guys / Grace - Imaginary Worlds. Please note - while Dragon Babies is not explicit, these recommendations are.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The Folk Keeper has a little bit of everything. Looking for a new take on Scottish & Irish mythology? Sealfolk abound. Interested in a coming of age story complicated by hidden heritage and gender swapping? Meet Corinna Stonewall. Developing your career as a poet or a rapper? The Last Word is all you need. No matter why you've come to The Folk Keeper, Franny Billingsley's sweeping prose and alternately prickly and winning heroine will leave you satisfied. As a special bonus, enjoy part 2 of our ongoing debate - Oceans: Friends or Foes? As well as some excessive giggling about cakes.MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Soothing, terrifying, and utterly glorious, A Wind in the Door made us feel all kinds of things. If you're looking for a detailed discussion of fictional bodies within mitochondria and whether boy geniuses are more annoying than valuable, well, you've come to the right place. We cover how this book helped form our understandings of life, death, and fewmets, and get more than a little metaphysical along the way. If you're struggling through these bleak winter months, the Murrays' hot chocolate (made over a bunsen burner) is sure to help.MUSIC: Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Discworld has been a part of Grace's life since a kind camp counselor took pity on her silent bookishness and sent her boxes of Terry Pratchett paperbacks from the U.K.. Madeleine has only recently fallen in love with Pratchett's hilarious, disarming fantasy, but we can already tell she's a lifer. If you love cats, filthy cities, misplaced realities, and above all, DEATH, you're in the right place. Mort is a perfect Discworld entry point for the uninitiated, and always a welcome revisit for those familiar with Ankh-Morpork, obnoxious wizards, and a bumbling teenager tasked with taking lives (at just the right moment).MUSIC: Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

After an all-too-endless holiday break, we're back, we're reading, and we're loving on Ella Enchanted. Don't write this well-rounded world off as a children's book - we gained so much from rereading it and Grace had several key epiphanies related to (you guessed it) personal perceptions of food. Do you love love? Then you'll enjoy listening to us attempt to articulate what makes Ella and Char's romance so appealing and feel Ella's pain as her curse isolates her from her loved ones. Struggling to break a curse laid upon you by an overeager fairy? It's time to get some tips from the master of finding tiny ways to overthrow an oppressive force. Ella is here to help! Equal parts disturbing and delightful, this book has been a part of our lives longer than most, and we're excited to share it with you.MUSIC: Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Yes, it's our first repeat author - and who could it possibly be other than Tamora Pierce? We're discussing Emperor Mage, book 3 of Madeleine's favorite YA fantasy series, The Immortals. Protagonist Daine's wild magic and communication with animals (not to mention international intrigue and plenty of poison) lead us into discussions of animal rights, failing political systems in fantasy worlds, and how Grace once accidentally stabbed herself with an arrow. Fall in line with the Badger God and Graveyard Hag and rouse your own dinosaur skeleton army - Daine is here to solve all your problems!MUSIC: Thatched Villagers and Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We're getting a little serious this week with The Last Unicorn, but these are dark times, for humans and unicorns alike. Take this chance to pine for immortal beauty and mentally escape the mortal coil. We discuss fantasy and depression, reading books before you're ready, and whether we've ever believed in unicorns. Plus, a Shel Silverstein gem that Grace has linked to this book since childhood. Whether you're a person struggling through the muck or an eternal being with nothing to lose, there's something here for you.MUSIC: Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Dealing with Dragons not only shaped our dragon worldviews, it inspired Grace to write, Madeleine to envision her own fantasy worlds, and both of us to appreciate the scholar (and warrior) within. Revisit the Mountains of Morning and the Enchanted Forest, and wonder: why are wizards such jerks? What IS cherries jubilee? And how can I live in this world forever? Plus: early-aughts pre-adolescent phenomena like Neopets and The Very Secret Diaries. Defining mousse vs. ganache. Being a revolutionary in a fairy tale world. And more!MUSIC: Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We could talk about how great Diana Wynne Jones is for days - but can you listen for an hour?? We'll admit that this episode about Howl’s Moving Castle is particularly positive, except for the moments when we argue about Guy Fawkes awareness and muddle through some sibling tension, but we have only good things to say about this joyful take on traditional fairy tales. Also: just how different the book is from the MIyazaki adaptation, Calcifer in our daily lives, and realistic fantasy love stories.MUSIC: Pippin the Hunchback by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/