Dragon Babies

We're headed back to Damar with The Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley! Grace and Madeleine investigate the treatment of colonialism in a fantasy world, and wish they had their very own giant cats to keep them company during naps and battles alike. Join us in investigating the connections between Aerin and Harry, talking about when anger is a positive force, and wishing for more Luthe. Also: please begin throwing small cakes at your wedding guests. This episode was a listener(s) request - thanks, Terkkila and asperajd! If you'd like to make a request, get in touch at dragonbabiespodcast.com. MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Madeleine and Grace have officially been Chosen and are heading to the Collegium! Hop on your companion and join us in discussing Arrows of the Queen, by Mercedes Lackey. We revel in the warmth of the community and beauty of small moments, and admire Lackey’s courage in writing a loving story about a bunch of absolute sweeties (with just a few mid-book bullies). We also unpack the book’s compelling discussion of processing trauma and turning empathy into magic. Are you an exhausted introverted empath like us? Then you’ve found your home. Plus: our favorite magical schools. Sympathetic saviors. Eating horse food at way stations. Join us! This book was a listener request - thanks, Jenny! If you'd like to submit a request, email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Grace finally finished her lil mini episode on Briar’s Book, by Tamora Pierce! This is a follow-up to our full length episode covering Daja’s Book, and we hope you enjoy. MUSIC - Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It’s tough to write a summary for our episode on The Darkangel, by Meredith Ann Pierce - what can possibly beat the New York Times’ 1982 review titled “VAMPIRE ON THE MOON” ? We reveled in this dreamy, swooning sci-fi fantasy fairy tale. Listen in to learn how the titular vampyre triggered Madeleine and Grace’s teen manga-loving sensibilities and contemplate why magical bags of everlasting food don’t yet exist in our “advanced” technological age. This episode was a listener request - thanks, Siobhan! If you’d like to send us a request, leave a comment or get in touch at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com. MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We’re celebrating our 50th episode with a very special trip to Middle-earth! Grace and Madeleine (and visiting pal Jordan!) revisit their very first fantasy novel, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. We indulge in our own creative Gollum interpretations, pick our favorite songs, and generally have a great time adventuring to the Lonely Mountain as retconned female characters. Join our unexpected party! Thank you so much for listening!! MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hold on to your memories - it’s time to enter the complex, trippy fantasy of Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones! Grace and Madeleine found the painful, realistic tale of admirable hero-in-training Polly to be all the more effective as adults. We discuss how the story supports girls who say no, and the connection between Polly’s cursed memories and her loss of childhood. Enjoy a debate on uncomfortable age gaps in fantasy relationships, and say hey to a new set of absolutely atrocious fictional parents. Plus: the joys of coffee and ice cream (together as one). Head to Hunsdon House and join us! This episode was a listener request - thank you, Amy! If you’d like to request a book, leave a comment or email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com. MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Welcome to Grace's Reading Corner! This podcast-within-a-podcast is a place where Grace will discuss Dragon Babies-adjacent books she's been reading. This mini episode takes a critical look at Ogre Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, a prequel to Ella Enchanted! We'll be back with our next full-length episode soon & hope you enjoy this in the meantime. MUSIC - Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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!! MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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 all our listeners who have requested the Circle of Magic! MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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. MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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. MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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. MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This is a miniature episode in which we rewatch the film adaptation of The Princess Bride with our brother, Patrick! Check out our book episode for an in-depth discussion of William Goldman's source material.

We’re rereading The Princess Bride, by William Goldman! We tackle all the sweeping satire, unique literary devices and ultimately heartwarming friendships that make Florin such a weird, fun place to return to. This book showcases plenty of passions - but is it ultimately an earnest story? Grace does her best to convince Madeleine of its subtly heartfelt approach, and Madeleine identifies Fezzig and Inigo’s friendship as the true love story. Mini episode covering the film adaptation coming out soon! MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Whether you’re one of the Mud Men or the People, there’s a whole lot to unpack with our rereading of Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer. We were both big fans of this book when young, and haven’t revisited it for quite a while - and we (and our world) are very different now! We engage in an extended comparison of the LEP & Terry Pratchett’s Thud!, break down why a female-fronted action story was so appealing to our young minds, and get seriously annoyed by Artemis’ character. Join us! MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/