Episode 102 - Dogsbody, by Diana Wynne Jones

In which gods become dogs and get stuck in their bods! We’re discussing Dogsbody, by Diana Wynne Jones in all its celestial, dog-brained glory. Sirius the dog star is punished for a mysterious murder by being trapped in an earthly pup form - and his only way back to his galaxy is to find the enigmatic Zoi that he threw down to Earth. Leave it to DWJ to make this conceit at turns heartbreaking, hilarious and ultimately bittersweet. Madeleine maintains that for those similarly traumatized by The Tigger Movie, this is a tough read. Grace is too consumed by big dumb dog thoughts to ponder anything other than dumpster leftovers and the lure of the Wild Hunt. Join us!

This episode was a listener request - thank you, quemmegalaxy! If you’d like to make a request, leave a comment or email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

EPISODE MEDIA

Mondragon Books in Lewisburg, PA

The Green Ribbon

Episode 101 - Eragon, by Christopher Paolini

As would-be dragon riders and adolescents during the early 00’s, we’re perfectly positioned to discuss Eragon, by Christopher Paolini. This one has haunted us since we started the podcast - we knew it was inevitable and yet we procrastinated until our 101st episode. We break down our conflicted feelings about this teen-penned dragon epic and own up to our own teenage jealousies of both the protagonist and the author himself. Is it a good idea for a child to have a book published by a major house? Is Saphira too subservient to her puny human friend? Is it cool to openly lust after an unconscious woman? Our answers won’t surprise you, but we think you’ll get a kick out of listening anyway!

Note - the audio is a bit crummy on this one due to issues with a non-standard setup, definitely still listenable but not at our usual quality.

Shoutout to listener Bailey’s long-ago request for an Eragon hate podcast!

EPISODE MEDIA

Dragon - Focal Point of Movie box office rankings

Episode 100 - Sabriel, by Garth Nix (The Abhorsening)

To celebrate our 100th (!) full-length episode, we’re re-covering the book that began it all: Sabriel, by Garth Nix! In between some very involved gushing about Tim Curry’s audiobook performance, we consider the YA fantasy and book podcasting lessons we’ve learned along the way. This is a goofy one because we’re just so delighted to be here - thanks to you all for your support over these last 6 years!

There are a few minor audio issues in the first half of the episode where Grace’s audio is briefly lower quality, sorry about that!

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Famed storyteller Odds Bodkin

The Girl with the Green Ribbon Round Her Neck

Episode 99 - The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale

HONK. We read The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale! This retelling of the Grimm fairy tale takes us through the forest, into the goose pen and behind the throne room (best place to eavesdrop on villainous monologuing). We break down protagonist Ani’s haunting search for self, attempt to chat with geese on our own, and process beloved horse loss. Ready to knock your enemies’ hats off by harnessing the wind? Join us!

This episode was a listener request - thank you, Isabel, Lexie, and Gyuri! If you have a book you’d like to request, leave a comment or email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

EPISODE MEDIA

The Goose Girl by The Brothers Grimm

Grace being rejected by geese

Episode 98 - The Egypt Game, by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

We unearth a veritable pharaoh’s tomb of nostalgia as we discuss The Egypt Game, by Zilpha Keatley Snyder! Join us in considering why this is a fantasy book, ways this may have inspired the creation of Dungeons and Dragons, half-remembered childhood yard games, Stranger Danger, Klutz Press, and creating your own serotonin through magical rituals. This is a looser episode than most because we fully immersed ourselves in our book-related memories, but we think it’s one you’ll enjoy. ZKS crew unite!

EPISODE MEDIA

Klutz Press

Role Playing in Children’s Literature: Zilpha Keatley Snyder and The Egypt Game by Cathlena Martin

Episode 63 - The Witches of Worm, by Zilpha Keatley Snyder