Episode 48 - Good Omens, by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

June 03, 2019 by Grace Harnois

Things are looking apocalyptic around here, which makes it the perfect opportunity to cover Good Omens, by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman! We’re celebrating the release of the Amazon Prime adaptation by revisiting Crowley, Aziraphale, Agnes, Anathema and all our other impeccably named favorites as they do their best to stave off the end times. Madeleine and Grace discuss their own apocalypse anxiety, and wish for a couple of prophecies to guide us through our own troubled times. Learn more about Pratchett and Gaiman’s cowriting process, and witness a possible bad omen take place during this very recording session. Save the whales!!

If you’re a Pratchett and/or Gaiman fan, check out our other episodes covering their work:

Episode 47 - Daja's Book, by Tamora Pierce

May 20, 2019 by Grace Harnois

We’re leaving Tortall and journeying to Emelan! Grace and Madeleine continue to explore the Tamora Pierce ouvre with Daja’s Book, number three in the Circle of Magic Quartet. Discussion ranges from the unique appeal of a slower-paced series to reasons why it’s so uncomfortable eating in front of strangers. Dive into Trader culture, narcissist mages and the deep bonds that form between young outcasts. Plus some parting words of wisdom: “this isn’t Captain Planet.”

Thanks to every listener who has requested the Circle of Magic! If you would like to make a request, email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com - or leave a comment on this post.

Grace is also considering making a mini follow-up after she rereads Briar’s Book - let us know if that’s something you would be interested in hearing!

Episode 46 - Dragon's Blood, by Jane Yolen

May 06, 2019 by Grace Harnois

It’s time to revisit Austar IV’s brutal society and beautiful dragons! Madeleine and Grace discuss just how their perceptions of Dragon’s Blood have changed as adults - and why this is a great reread. Slavery and dragon battling may not make this the most YA-friendly material but maybe the pits are more like Pokémon than dog fighting?… Also: disgruntled audiobook listeners. Upsetting pretend food. Drakk are really gross.

Thanks for listening! If you would like to request a book for us to cover, please email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment.

Episode 45 - The Silver Chair, by C.S. Lewis

April 22, 2019 by Grace Harnois

It’s finally time for the Dragon Babies to travel to Narnia! We follow Jill Pole and Eustace Scrubb through a shrub and into a serious adventure, aided by a wonderfully melancholy Marsh-wiggle and many muffed attempts at following instructions. Grace and Madeleine label Aslan the grumpy babysitter of Narnia and give Lewis’ non-Turkish delight pretend food its day in the sun. Listeners will also enjoy an extended comparison of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien’s works by two people who are just cobbling together garbled memories and are not in any way scholars on the subject. Join us in Underland - but don’t be seduced by Bism’s fiery caress!

Thank you to every listener who has requested The Chronicles of Narnia! If you’d like to make a request, leave a comment or send us an email at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

EPISODE MEDIA

There’s a lot to love about Pauline Baynes’ illustrations, but Puddleglum’s introduction deserves special attention:

Episode 44 - Mister Monday, by Garth Nix

April 08, 2019 by Grace Harnois

We’re heading to The House to dive into Mister Monday, book one of The Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix! Reading Mister Monday for this episode was our introduction to the series, and though we think we need to explore additional books before we’re able to get a true feel for the series, we thoroughly enjoyed this wild ride. Our discussion ranges far and wide, with extended reflections on Arthur’s relatability, fantasy’s fixation on horrible gym class teachers and Garth Nix’s talent for creating truly terrifying monsters inside elaborate worlds.

This episode was a listener request - thanks, Marina! If you’d like to request a book or series, get in touch at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

EPISODE MEDIA

Truly bonkers alternate cover:

Other Dragon Babies episodes mentioned:

Angel Sanctuary by Kaori Yuki

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

The Works of Robin McKinley and Why Fantasy Should Seem Real, by Vivian Shaw