About this episode’s KidLit Classic:
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen is a children's fantasy classic from legendary English author Alan Garner. Published in 1960, two books in the same world followed it, and it was adapted into radio plays, a musical, and has been cited as one of the most important and influential works of British fantasy for children. In his writing of it, Garner was influenced by the folklore and landscape of Alderley Edge, where he grew up.
In this episode we discuss what The Weirdstone of Brisingamen is about, why guest Karen Ginnane chose it, its deep ties to landscape, myth, and folklore, and end with a dramatic reading.
About this week’s guest, Karen Ginnane:
Karen Ginnane is a Melbourne-based author for middle grade and young adult readers. Her latest series, Time Catchers, was published in 2021/2022 by Penguin Random House. It is a YA historical fantasy set in Victorian London and a parallel city. She has also worked as a copywriter, marketing director, and English teacher.
Connect with Karen Ginnane: Instagram: @ginnanekaren / Website: karenginnane.com
Connect with host Sam-Ellen Bound: Instagram @samellenb / Website www.samanthaellenbound.com
Find out more about Alan Garner here
Buy The Weirdstone of Brisingamen here.
Enjoying KidLit Classics? Like, share, subscribe, leave a review! Interested in being a guest? Get in touch with me via my contact page, or send an email to boundpublishingservices@gmail.com.
Credits:
Opening and Outro music:
‘Funny Whimsical Music’ by MoodMode, accessed via Storyblocks. Purchased and used under Storyblocks’ Royalty-Free Individual License Agreement.
Sound files:
'Dark Sitar' by SamuelFrancisJohnson. Used under the Pixabay Music License Agreement. 'Scary Horn' by Scream Studio. Used under the Pixabay Music License Agreement.
'Dark Wind' by tec studio. Used under the Pixabay Music License Agreement.
'Paper Pom Pom Dragged Around' by Production Now. Used under the Pixabay Music License Agreement.
'Dark Ambience' by CaCtUs2003. Used under the Pixabay Music License Agreement.
'Barren and Bleak (Horror Ambience)' by Coastal Paul. Storyblocks.
Transcript: