All Episodes

November 14, 2022 37 mins

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 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.


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.


Thanks for listening!
Stay up to date - Instagram @Samellenb
https://www.samanthaellenbound.com/kidlitclassicspodcast

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Therapy Gecko

Therapy Gecko

An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.