Episode 74 - Charmed Life, by Diana Wynne Jones

In which we have a wonderful time returning to the first Chrestomanci book and remembering how it all began - with a very confused little boy, his parasitic sister and her parallel universe counterpoint. Diana Wynne Jones’ characteristically complex child protagonists are in fine form as we follow Cat, Gwendolen and Janet along on intentional and unintentional capers and world-hopping. Madeleine and Grace reflect on the stressors of childhood and the all-consuming effort to stay out of trouble, made even more complicated by a mysterious half-burned matchbook and grim specters hanging around the castle. Put on your silk dressing robe and join us!

Episode 73 - The Little White Horse, by Elizabeth Goudge

We have a grand time journeying through Elizabeth Goudge’s fantasy-tinged coming of age tale (and eating every single meal along the way). Madeleine and Grace unpack the strange feminist(ish) messages and Goudge’s ultimately progressive, fascinating approach to subverting capitalism in the name of God. Grace loses herself in endless mountains of food (including a yet-unseen butter well) and Madeleine has plenty of animals to keep her company, from a cat who can write to an ethically dubious (but very pretty) dog. We really enjoyed producing this one, hope you enjoy the listen!

This episode was a listener request - thank you, Clarissa and Hannah!

EPISODE MEDIA

The Folio Society edition

Fairy Tale as Comfort: The Little While Horse by Mari Ness

Cook the Books’ celebration of treats from the book!

Episode 72 - Dragon Rider, by Cornelia Funke

Perks of dragon travel: moonlit views, in-flight wild mushroom snacks, and a map drawn by an enterprising rat. Cons: a bloodthirsty alchemical monster tracking your every move from below. We’re revisiting Dragon Rider, by Cornelia Funke! This fast-paced action-adventure novel takes us across Europe and Asia in search of the Rim of Heaven, and the cowardly dragons lurking within. Madeleine and Grace discuss the unique characteristics of Funke’s dragons, appreciate Brendan Fraser’s superb audiobook narration and reminisce over mushroom memories. *Please note - We are aware that we called Firedrake “Firebeard” for the first ten minutes of the episode and we are ashamed.

This episode was a listener request - thank you, Debbie! If you’d like to request a book for coverage, email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

EPISODE MEDIA

Kindle edition cover with the Pixar-ready Firedrake and Ben:

The Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda

Episode 71 - Akata Witch, by Nnedi Okorafor

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor is a glorious magical coming of age story. We follow along as Sunny grapples with cultural clashes between her American and Nigerian identities, and her outsider status as a Free Agent within the Leopard People. Madeleine and Grace expound on their love for magical education novels, discuss the perfection of knowledge as currency, and appreciate Okorafor’s anti-capitalist themes. Enter Leopard Knocks and join us!

This book was a listener recommendation - thank you, Nina! We’re working on broadening our podcast and would love to hear any recommendations you may have for YA fantasy novels by Black authors - email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com!

EPISODE MEDIA

Sunny by Sophie Campbell

The Adventure Time episode we mention about colorful spirit world creatures is S4E11, Beyond This Earthly Realm

Chin chin recipe

Other episodes mentioned:

• Tempests and Slaughter, by Tamora Pierce

• So You Want to Be a Wizard, by Diane Duane

Episode 70 - Castle in the Air, by Diana Wynne Jones

Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones has it all: enchanted cats, enchanted carpets, and a squid-loving dog. We head to Zanzib in the sequel to Howl’s Moving Castle, and encounter old and new friends along the way. Madeleine and Grace discuss where DWJ gets her depictions of Middle Eastern cultures right and where she steps into Orientalist stereotypes - and whether a white writer satirizing non-European folk tales is ever a good idea. We also attempt to unravel the book’s confusing feminism and learn how cats can travel in style. Hop in your cloud castle and join us!

This episode was a request from many listeners - thank you! If you have a request, email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

EPISODE MEDIA

The Book-It Repertory Theater’s Howl’s Moving Castle adaptation

Other episodes mentioned -

• Howl’s Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones

• Our review of Book-It’s Howl’s Moving Castle adaptation

• Tempests and Slaughter, by Tamora Pierce

Madeleine’s Calcifer tattoo!