MINI EPISODE - Why Are Fantasy Audiobook Covers So Bad?

April 22, 2022 by Grace Harnois

Grace here, with a very special investigation.

There is a full transcript available for this episode!

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Covers mentioned in the episode (note - some of these are examples of good covers! All are listed in the order they’re mentioned in the episode):

And now for the international debut of Grace’s audiobook cover design for The Dark is Rising:

Episode research -

The Pleasures of Being Read To, by John Colapinto - The New Yorker

Book Cover Art - Ownership, Use, and Copyright - Creative Law Center

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!