Episode 94 - The Dark is Rising, by Susan Cooper

April 04, 2022 by Grace Harnois

The 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, discuss the subtleties of Cooper’s folklore inspirations and wish 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 center of a flock of rooks.

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The Glasses of Nerdicon:

The card game Rook

Coraline cover

Episode 93 - Wishing Moon, by Michael O. Tunnell

March 14, 2022 by Grace Harnois

The 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!

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Dubious alternate covers:

Last Podcast on the Left - Joseph Smith (First episode in a series; also please note that this podcast is for an adult audience)

Sharbat

Episode 92 - A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K. Le Guin

January 20, 2022 by Grace Harnois

We’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 looking back on what we’ve gained from rereading the series and pondering the inherent evil of the name Jasper. Join us!

Thanks to everyone who listened to our Earthsea episodes and encouraged us to continue! You are our otaks, nudging us back to life.

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An excerpt from Le Guin’s excellent afterword (if you haven’t seen it before, highly recommend picking up a library copy to read the entire thing!)

Our other Earthsea episodes:

Magnificent Ged & Hoeg fanart:

Episode 91 - The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman

December 08, 2021 by Grace Harnois

Get 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 discussion of Gaiman’s approach to death.

Grab your partner and hop into the danse macabre!

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Alternate cover:

Some of our favorite Dave McKean illustrations:

Unofficial Graveyard Book soundtrack by Justis:

Acclaimed storyteller Odds Bodkin has a Zoom show coming up if you’d like to check him out!

Episode 90 - Archer's Goon, by Diana Wynne Jones

November 15, 2021 by Grace Harnois

We’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 memories about middle school band, ponder the relative lack of animal characters in DWJ’s work, and tackle The Problem with Fifi. Join us!

Thanks to all the listeners who requested Archer’s Goon! If you’d like to make a request, leave a comment or email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

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Some of the incredible cover art for different editions:

Archer’s Goon BBC adaptation still from The Medium Is Not Enough:

The first episode is also on Youtube!