Westmark has it all - political intrigue, long cons, a dashing leader of the revolution, and two months in a garret writing other people’s letters. We discuss Lloyd Alexander’s fast-paced opening to the Westmark trilogy and why it feels like classic fantasy in spite of its lack of true fantasy elements. Join us in breaking down Theo’s soft boy protagonist appeal, the power of an irrepressible urchin, and the bad monarchies of life and literature. Count Las Bombas is offering you an elixir, drink it all up!Thanks to all the listeners who have requested Westmark!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 covering the first two books of Emily Rodda’s Deltora Quest series, The Forests of Silence and The Lake of Tears! Deltora brings out the best in us; we rave about the impeccable art, wild pacing and grotesque monsters as we travel the kingdom searching for hidden gems. Scholastic book fairs, reading positions we’ve aged out of, fights about Beyoncé - this episode has it all. 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/

Welcome to Middle Grade March! This episode, we’re following siblings Nizhoni and Mac Begay as they save their dad from monstrous coal exec Mr. Charles. They discover their similarities to the Hero Twins of Navajo legend and explore their burgeoning abilities through increasingly challenging trials. Grace and Madeleine discuss preferred middle school-age magical weapons, the power of a snarky little brother, and just how many pastas can be combined in a single dish. We also examine the ways this book is controversial, share the opinions of Navajo/Diné scholars and consider ways we can be respectful readers while honoring lines of disclosure. Join us!EPISODE MEDIANOT RECOMMENDED: Rebecca Roanhorse's RACE TO THE SUN by Michael ThompsonThe Sci-Fi Author Reimagining Native History by Lila Shapiro‘The Elizabeth Warren of the Sci Fi Set’ - Author faces criticism for repeated use of tribal traditions by Acee AgoyoRebecca Roanhorse on Which Aspects of Diné Culture are Featured in Trail of Lightning by Stubby / Reactor MagMUSIC - 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/

A special lil episode on the enigmatic Grendel, by John Gardner! After covering The Snow-Walker’s Son and considering ancient Nordic literary monsters, Grace was compelled to revisit this darkly comedic retelling of Beowulf from his foe’s perspective. Joining her is Ranae Hanson, author, activist, and top-notch mother-in-law. Curl up in your watery cave and join us!

Celebrate Valentine’s with this fascinating, bizarre and indelible tale of love among young witches - we’re reading The Changeover, by Margaret Mahy! We meet Laura Chant and her young brother Jacko, who are living a mostly-peaceful life in the Christchurch suburbs punctuated by Laura’s “warnings,” psychic premonitions that never bode well. When an ancient demon disguised as a terrifying shopkeeper places his mark on Jacko and begins extracting his life force, Laura enlists local teen oddball (and prefect) Sorry Carlisle, who seems to have more than a touch of magic about him. Laura and Sorry discover a path forward that places Laura firmly in her own power and brings them closer together. Children of divorce, teen awkwardness, Enya-esque rituals and more than one romance novel wait inside (all wrapped up in Mahy’s exceptional prose) - join us!Thanks to all the listeners who requested this and brought Mahy into our lives!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 getting into our frigid sailboat and exploring The Snow-Walker’s Son, by Catherine Fisher! Jessa and Thorkil are banished to a forgotten hall in the far North when their fathers attempt to overthrow the current jarl, a pretender to the throne. The false jarl happens to be married to Gudrun, a terrifying ice sorceress who previously sent her own son to the same dark fate. Her son Kari is said to be a twisted monster, but Jessa and Thorkil discover that he’s much more complex - and get swept up in a plot to right Gudrun’s many wrongs. Grace and Madeleine delve deep into Grendel parallels, the potential alignment of a snake that encircles the world, and continue to love a cold witch. Join us!Note - This is the first book in what is now packaged as a single volume titled Snow-Walker.EPISODE MEDIAGrendel by John GardnerMUSIC - 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 overwhelmed with holiday spirit and we’re releasing this Babetreon episode on the main feed! *Please note that unlike our main feed, this episode is explicit.The sibling squabbling is at an all-time high as Grace tries to force Madeleine to enjoy a Christmas film. Happy Hogswatch!

We’re continuing to explore the Lost Years with The Seven Songs of Merlin, by T.A. Barron! Our wee Merlin advances to his Emo Protagonist era as he shirks the main quest in favor of finding/saving his mama. Grace and Madeleine discuss the plot’s video game structure, the joys of a melancholy bard (Bumblewy forever), and why we’re more sympathetic to Merlin’s weight of responsibility as adults. Plus the mysterious wonders of BREAD TOWN + THE GOLDEN STARTER FOUNTAIN. Join us!(Alternate title for current edition - Merlin Book 2: The Seven Songs).Our last episode on the series - The Lost Years of MerlinMusic - 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/

Strum your cwidder and make the mountains walk 🎵 We’re reading Cart and Cwidder by Diana Wynne Jones! Murderers, spies, magical instruments, and vengeance driven by the love of a horse - would you expect anything less from DWJ? This opener to the Dalemark Quartet introduces Moril, Brid and their family of wandering troubadours. In a nation plagued by civil war, the songs of old can serve as battle cries - and the kids are quickly in over their heads. Join us in pondering approaches to memory, Fully Realized Horses and magical storytelling.EPISODE MEDIAIf you’re craving another troubadours in peril story - Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (not YA).Our Book of Enchantments episode mentioned is actually on our Babetreon - just $3/month to join and get access to all our past episodes!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/

Be an ageless entity, do crimes - we’re discussing The Boggart, by Susan Cooper! This wonderfully weird book has it all and is the perfect playful Halloween read for all ages. Cooper pulls off the ultimate middle grade fantasy bait and switch - leading readers to think we’re in for a spooky Scottish castle stay and then immediately heading to Toronto (the Boggart accidentally in tow). Grace and Madeleine ponder why this book brings up such specific, forgotten childhood memories and wonder how far they’d go for a handful of peanut butter or hot fudge. Happy Halloween!EPISODE MEDIAIncredible Susan Cooper fansiteMUSIC - 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 attending A College of Magics, by Caroline Stevermer! An episode almost as long as college itself, we’re resplendent with big feelings about this subtle, gorgeously written book. Faris Nallaneen comes into herself and her power through the people and ideas she encounters at Greenlaw College, a magic school where you’re not actually allowed to do magic. Set at the turn of the 20th century, the European setting and Victorian turns of phrase build out the book’s sweet metaphysical center.EPISODE MEDIAOther episodes mentioned -Sorcery and Cecilia, by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline StevermerThe Forgotten Beasts of Eld, by Patricia A. McKillipWitch Week, by Diana Wynne JonesMUSIC - 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/

Brush up on your Cat as we enter the world of Lionboy, by Zizou Corder. Mother and daughter author team (Louisa Young and Isabel Adomakoh Young) craft a Romp in which we travel into a dystopian future. Steampunky advances (and limitations) in technology, a mysterious parental kidnapping, and the ability to talk to cats have led protagonist Charlie Ashanti onto a magnificent circus ship heading from Ghana to Paris. His goal? Set the circus’ captive lions free, find his parents, and leave his teen nemesis some threatening voicemails - and he does it all in adorable style. Americans are the worst, cats are the best, and your mother is a banana - 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/

Oops, we’ve been swapped out with changelings - time to discuss The Moorchild, by Eloise McGraw! We take to the moor to consider the many virtues of Irish bagpipes and revel in the atmospheric melancholy of Saaski’s tale. This deceptively complex book contrasts humanity’s darkness alongside the Folk’s lively, fleeting nihilism. Where does a girl who fits into neither world belong? We may not find the answer, but we do have a wonderful time in the fae dance (and Grace ate a glamoured orange, dangit). Join us!

It’s Merlin time! We head to Fincayra with a ragtag crew including a boy who without a past, a girl raised by trees, a tiny giant who loves honey and a bird you’ll want to keep around. The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron is a soothing, nature-focused journey through a deep wood that adds a new perspective to the many Merlin myths. The experience of rereading and discussing us left us in the best moods, almost as if we’d found some ambrosia bread of our own. Join us!Note - the title for this book is now Merlin Book 1: The Lost Years.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 continuing on in Joan Aiken’s alternate history, wolf-ridden England with Black Hearts in Battersea! If your spirits need a boost (and whose don’t), irresistible Cockney urchin Dido Twite is here to entrance and delight. We absolutely adored this book and wish it had come into our lives sooner. Puzzle over Grace’s mental picture of mince pies and join Madeleine’s affable league of helpful art students - join us!Thanks to all the listeners who have requested the Wolves Chronicles, we’re obsessed with this series!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 exploring the Arthurian legend through a southern Black lens with Legendborn, by Tracy Deonn! Join 16-year-old protagonist Bree as she enters an early college program at UNC Chapel Hill and discovers more than one type of magic is waiting. She learns about her dead mother’s secrets, her own latent abilities, and the pull of various Hot Boys (both golden and broody). This was our first time experiencing this incredible book and we wholeheartedly recommend it - pick up a copy and join us!EPISODE MEDIAShondaland interview with Tracy DeonnOur Susan Cooper episodes - Over Sea, Under Stone and The Dark is RisingMUSIC - 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 continue Megan Whalen Turner’s impeccable Queen’s Thief series with A Conspiracy of Kings! We discuss the appeal of sweet Sophos as a protagonist, the portrayal of slavery within fantasy series, and whether the gods are Just Jerks (copyright Madeleine). This is a long one, but in between the sister squabbling, points are made! The main point being that we could talk about MWT’s work for the rest of our lives and still have so much to explore.Thanks to all our listeners who requested The Thief in the first place, and supported us in continuing on with the series! We will be finishing it in its entirety (if the sun doesn’t burn out first). That’s the Dragon Babies promise.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 back to Discworld with Wyrd Sisters, by Terry Pratchett! We join the titular trio of Nanny Ogg, Granny Weatherwax, and Magrat Garlick as they meddle their way across space and time (within reasonably witchy limits, of course). Review your Shakespeare, work up your best lil ghosty sounds and make sure you’re in good standing with the Fool’s Guild - then 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/

We’re so excited to round out the ZKSHT (Zilpha Keatley Snyder Holy Trinity) with The Headless Cupid. Along with The Egypt Game and The Witches of Worm, this book developed Grace’s little brain into a spooky kid mystery machine. Madeleine’s jonesing for a trip to the Winchester Mystery House and is very upset with Amanda; we’re both reminiscing about the power of playing pretend. Join in the glory of ZKS’ unparalleled work - articulating children’s inner monologues with such specificity and zero condescension.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 Badgerin’ Time. We return to the joyous, violent, and feast-laden world of Redwall with Mossflower, by Brian Jacques! Grace breaks down the reasons why this is her favorite of his works, we continue the great “Humans in Mossflower???” debate, and Bella and Boar become our gods. Grab your candied chestnuts and 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/