The Kidlit Chronicles

Get ready to pick your ̶H̶o̶g̶w̶a̶r̶t̶s̶ ̶h̶o̶u̶s̶e̶  apprenticeship! We dive into Hannah's all-time favorite kids' book series, Ranger's Apprentice, which features a young orphan named Will who trains to become an elite spy for his kingdom -- and saves the day along the way. Tune in to hear us talk about the importance of loving the career you're good at (which might not be the one you've always dreamed of), the ethics of taking revenge on your bullies, and the not-so-subtle fatshaming that occurs all too often in children's literature. That's right, this episode's a spicy one!

Music credit:

"Elevator Music" by Lesfm via Pixabay

"Epical Drums 06" by Grigoriy Nuzhny

India Swift is the author and illustrator and Michael Doig is the colorist of The Girl and the Glim, India's debut graphic novel! The pair has existed online for quite some time as animators and artists, and have worked on TV shows like Amphibia and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as animated music videos like Starlight Brigade (TWRP) and Magnum Bullets (Nightrunner).

In this episode of The Kidlit Chronicles, we have a virtual discussion with India and Michael where we discuss The Girl and the Glim, their transition from the screen to the page, some of our favorite characters from the novel, and dive deeper into the themes of technology and communication that are present in the book. 

We had an amazing time talking with DoigSwift, and are so grateful for the opportunity! Go check out The Girl and the Glim and their other work if you enjoyed our discussion!

Also, check out the video for this episode to see their charming animal avatars! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agP01NmTakY

DoigSwift:

All links: https://linktr.ee/doigswift

India Swift: https://twitter.com/OldSwifty

Michael Doig: https://twitter.com/michaeldoigart

The Girl and the Glim: https://www.girlandtheglim.com/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/doigswift

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/doigswift

Go buy a copy of The Girl and the Glim!!

At your local bookstore: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781684057412

Discussed in this episode:

Game Grumps: https://www.youtube.com/user/GameGrumps

Frostblight Saga: https://frostblight.tumblr.com/tagged/page/chrono

Kairos: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781250209610

Klaus: https://www.netflix.com/title/80183187

Hilda: https://www.netflix.com/search?q=hilda&jbv=80115346

Natsume Yujincho: https://www.crunchyroll.com/natsume-yujin-cho

After months and months of anticipation, we finally finish the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. Tune in to see which of our predictions for the ending came true and to hear a new quiz show segment of our podcast! Plus convos about magical inequity, kinky dragons, and who the REAL villain is (hint: it's the establishment).

Music credit:

"Elevator Music" by Lesfm via Pixabay

"piano loop 1E71" by Setuniman via Freesound.org

We're joined again by middle grade author Stephanie Cooke to talk about her favorite childhood book: The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman. In this spicy episode: Is it ok to include sexism, classism, and racism in fantasy books as worldbuilding, rather than theme or subject? What's the difference between critiquing organized religion versus spirituality itself? This is a deep one, folks. Not for the faint of heart!

Stephanie Cooke is the author of the Oh My Gods! series and other books, which you can check out here. 

Music credit: 

striding background 0H_10m4 by Setuniman via Freesound.org

Stephanie Cooke is the co-author of Oh My Gods!, a middle grade graphic novel series. Oh My Gods! was her debut novel, but she has been writing, particularly for graphic novels, for quite some time now. 

In this episode of The Kidlit Chronicles, we sit down (virtually) with Stephanie and discuss the Oh My Gods! book series, with special emphasis on the first book. We talk about the trend of retelling stories from Greek mythology, the tragedy of Medusa's portrayal in media, and a kid named Wesley's love for the character Jeff, among other topics!   

We're so grateful for this chance to sit down and talk about Oh My Gods! with Stephanie, and we hope you'll check out her work if you enjoyed our discussion!

Also, check out the video for this episode! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnsoO6tqUKo

Stephanie Cooke: 

Website: https://stephaniecooke.ca/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/hellocookie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hellocookie 

Insha Fitzpatrick: 

Website: https://www.ifitzpatrick.com/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/iinshagram/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/benwyyatt 

Juliana Moon: 

Website: https://www.julianamoon.com/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/julianamoon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/notjulianamoon 

Go buy a copy of Oh My Gods! books 1 & 2!! 

Book 1: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780358299523

Book 2: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780358299547 

Discussed in this episode: 

The first version of The Odyssey translated by a woman: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780393356250

Raina Telgemeier: https://www.indiebound.org/search/book?keys=raina+telgemeier

This episode, we revisit the most iconic manic pixie dream girl of our childhood with a special guest, Amber Yun! Who is Stargirl? What makes someone a an outcast or a nonconformist? Why does Stargirl even like Leo? Could Stargirl be Jesus???

Music credit:

In our third installment reviewing the fantasy series, we talk about Christopher Paolini's writing of women characters, investigate twists upon twists, dig into many, many characters' sexual awakenings (NSFW), and give our predictions for the final book. 

Music credit: 

"Easy Times" by Ahjay Stelino via Mixkit

We explore a picturesque wintry landscape, discuss the ethics of romance between a girl and a boy-turned-150-year-old-bear, and argue pointlessly over a miniscule plot point for far too long. 

Music credit:

"hmm.wav" by Xythe via Freesound.org

A little more than a year after our very first episode, we reflect on our favorite episodes, look at some surprising past ratings, and hold an awards ceremony for our beloved books. 

Audio Credit:

VS_Short Whoosh 4.mp3 by Vilkas_Sound via Freesound.org

Long TV Bleep.m4a by ChunaawChika09 via Freesound.org

Eragon goes off to train with the elves (and gets Yassified, according to Nikki), Roran gets the main character treatment, and Nasuada becomes a girlboss. Join us as we dive deep into the second book of Christopher Paolini's famed fantasy series. 

Music credit:

"Medieval" guitar loop by User391915396