Claim OwnershipThe Children's Literature Podcast
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© Copyright 2020 by TQ Townsend
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The Children’s Literature Podcast is a grown-up discussion of children’s books, aimed not at kids but at grown-up book lovers, teachers, parents, and maybe even a few savvy teenagers. This podcast looks into the background and cultural context of a story, helping educators and parents to deliver deeper understanding to the kids they teach. With each episode you’ll find lessons, activities, and fun that can bring a story to life whether it’s being read at home or taught in the classroom.
226 Episodes
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Chloë does a lot for the show, mostly behind the scenes. But a school of literal actual Lilliputians has banned kids from singing songs from Kpop Demon Hunters struck a nerve, and I thought she had some great ideas about grownups freaking out over a great story that only has good things to teach children.
There are two bits of book related silliness to cover this week. A tiny group of outspoken activists are trying to cancel J.K. Rowling — again. And the corporate juggernaut Studio Canal+ has succeeded in canceling the wild-eyed parody of Paddington Bear that was featured on the revived comedy show Spitting Image.
I recently saw a teacher blow his stack in public, and I couldn’t help but feel that if he wasn’t just a bully, maybe it was time for him to get a different job.
All British kids know the poem “Remember, Remember the Fifth of November” but where did it come from? And how has Bonfire Night evolved from its violent origins to a fun autumn event free of strife?
Please enjoy this Fireside reading of “The Raven.” As always, I have two versions — one with my commentary (and a roasted pumpkin!) as well as the poem on its own with no blah blah blah.
First, we start off with some MORE tedious Harry Potter book drama. Then you get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into a Fireside Fairy Tale. I always test stories on my kids and their friends, and I don’t mind that there are interruptions and a bunch of noise. Asking questions means they are interested, … Continue reading "209 – Reading Rapunzel to Kids: Messy and Fun"
We start off with some book drama about a hilarious, not-safe-for kids parody of Paddington Bear on the comedy show Spitting Image as well as an unneccessary freakout over a url printed on children’s books leading to a spicy site. In the main story, the biggest surprise for me this year is the amount of faith-based … Continue reading "208 – Take Me to the Promised Land"
In this Fireside Fairytale, I share the first published version of Rapunzel, which was recorded by the Brothers Grimm for their famous 1812 collection of German folktales, Kinder- und Hausmärchen. Find out why this early version was offensive to 19th Century morality, and also why it really wasn’t as racy as pearl-clutching Victorians thought it … Continue reading "207 – Fireside Fairy Tale: Rapunzel (1812)"
In June, the United States Supreme Court ruled on the case of Mahmoud v. Taylor. A group of Maryland parents had sued their local school district, asking for the restoration of their rights to opt their children out of LGBTQ+ curriculum that they felt undermined their First Amendment rights to direct the religious upbringing of … Continue reading "206 – Did Mahmoud V. Taylor Cause CHAOS?"
There are rumors — unproven rumors — going around that HBO is auditioning women for the role of . . . Lord Voldemort? Nobody wants this, and this isn’t just a nerd meltdown. The story will actually be broken in pretty significant ways if Lord Voldemort becomes Lady Voldemort. Also, we’ve been reading The Hobbit … Continue reading "205 – Lady Voldemort? HBO, Say It Ain’t So!"
Did I just watch a Bible movie and really, really . . . enjoy it? I guess so, and I’m quite happy about that. I am continuing my roundup of movies that have come out this year which are based on books for children. King of Kings was released in the spring by Angel Studios … Continue reading "204 – King of Kings is a Masterclass in Immersive Storytelling"
I’m starting my roundup of all the summer movies based on books for kids with Fantastic Four: First Steps. Find out how many Snapes I gave this one based on its accuracy to the beloved comic books, and how being a mom affected the way I saw this movie.
I am very nervous about publishing this episode, because it could bring me unwanted attention. But things have changed to the point where I no longer feel that simply doing my best to be decent will protect me. Free speech is precious, and it’s a principle we should all stand up for, even when it … Continue reading "202 – Was Graham Linehan’s Arrest “Kafkaesque” and “Orwellian”?"
This story comes to you by the fire pit at a family member’s house back home in California. The evening is warm, the sea breeze is pleasant, and the bright full moon is shining. So settle in and enjoy my translation of Tommelise by Hans Christian Andersen, which is usually given the title “Thumbelina” in … Continue reading "201 – Fireside Fairy Tale: Tommelise"
This is the 200th audio episode of The Children’s Literature Podcast! All we can say is THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Oh, and I suppose we can say a bit in response to your questions.
The first recorded version of The Three Bears was a poem written and illustrated by Eleanor Mure for her little nephew’s birthday in 1831. It was never published, but was handed down through the years and now resides in the Toronto Public Library’s manuscript collection. This version of the story is hilarious, with a poetic … Continue reading "199 – The Original Three Bears Got Sweet Revenge"
I did not like this film.
My brother, Kyle Mortensen, published a wonderful indie book shortly before he died in an accident. He intended to publish three more books in this exciting historical fiction series set during the Warring States period in Japan, but I try to be glad that we at least have the first book, Mists of Iga, which … Continue reading "197 – Mists of Iga: Teen Ninjas, Cool Swords, and Abiding Friendships"
I am not a fan of The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. It’s a book that portrays mooching, bullying, and gaslighting as good things, but lots of people don’t notice that because, well, it’s really, really pretty.
Middling movies are the hardest to review!
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