Some stories don't just entertain—they show us how to grow up, challenging the limiting narratives we may have been told. Much like magic, a powerful story can bring us back to our true selves and help us discover who we might choose to be. The best stories become enduring classics, like Terry Pratchett's The Wee Free Men.
In this episode, we explore the world of fantasy novels and what it means to be a witch with Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent, co-authors of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and Marieke Nijkamp, author of the popular Splinter and Ash series.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pratchett’s beloved novel and his 41 Discworld novels, we immerse ourselves in worlds brimming with witches, politics, grief, and secrets.
To learn more about Terry Pratchett’s, Rhianna Pratchett’s, Gabrielle Kent’s, or Marieke Nijkamp’s books, visit
harpercollins.com/search?q=Terry+Pratchett
harpercollins.com/search?q=Rhianna+Pratchett
harpercollins.com/search?q=Gabrielle+Kent
harpercollins.com/search?q=Marieke+Nijkamp
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.
[3:30] The 20th anniversary of Terry Pratchett’s The Wee Free Men was the ideal time for Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent to write Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch.
[7:52] In The Wee Free Men, the character Tiffany Aching challenges traditions and finds her path as she embraces her power.
[14:59] Marieke Nijkamp wrote Splinter and Ash for readers who often struggle to connect with characters in fantasy.
[20:06] Terry Pratchett’s novels are admired for tackling complex political themes and refusing to present a simplified view of the world.
[24:08] Readers can expect more stories about death and what it means to be a witch from Rhianna and Gabrielle.
Continue Your Journey:
Rhianna Pratchett
Gabrielle Kent
Marieke Nijkamp
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter
Shareables:
“We started working in video games in the ’90s when it was very rare for there to be women working in games.” — Gabrielle Kent, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch
“I have a Witches Abroad quote tattooed on my arm.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
“One of the things I love about Pratchett’s books in general, I think, is just that Tiffany discovers that one of the tools she has to deal with the world is stories.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
“I love telling stories about people who maybe fall through the cracks a little bit, maybe just exist on the edges, maybe don’t quite feel, quite, feel at home or are seen as fully part of their homes.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
“One of the great things about my father’s work for younger readers is it can be enjoyed by anyone, right? He doesn’t pander to younger readers.” — Rhianna Pratchett, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and daughter of Terry Pratchett
“We were basically reading the whole book to each other, and then we had to have whiskey for the hard chapters, then we were just sobbing at the end.” — Rhianna Pratchett, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch
“Reading those books has helped me think very differently about death as well. Sounds so weird, but seeing that kind of positive side of it and that it’s not something to be feared.” — Gabrielle Kent, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch
“Everyone should pick up at least one book. And I think Wee Free Men, if you’ve never read any Discworld books, is a great place to start.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
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Some stories don't just entertain—they show us how to grow up, challenging the limiting narratives we may have been told. Much like magic, a powerful story can bring us back to our true selves and help us discover who we might choose to be. The best stories become enduring classics, like Terry Pratchett's The Wee Free Men.
In this episode, we explore the world of fantasy novels and what it means to be a witch with Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent, co-authors of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and Marieke Nijkamp, author of the popular Splinter and Ash series.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pratchett’s beloved novel and his 41 Discworld novels, we immerse ourselves in worlds brimming with witches, politics, grief, and secrets.
To learn more about Terry Pratchett’s, Rhianna Pratchett’s, Gabrielle Kent’s, or Marieke Nijkamp’s books, visit
harpercollins.com/search?q=Terry+Pratchett
harpercollins.com/search?q=Rhianna+Pratchett
harpercollins.com/search?q=Gabrielle+Kent
harpercollins.com/search?q=Marieke+Nijkamp
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.
[3:30] The 20th anniversary of Terry Pratchett’s The Wee Free Men was the ideal time for Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent to write Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch.
[7:52] In The Wee Free Men, the character Tiffany Aching challenges traditions and finds her path as she embraces her power.
[14:59] Marieke Nijkamp wrote Splinter and Ash for readers who often struggle to connect with characters in fantasy.
[20:06] Terry Pratchett’s novels are admired for tackling complex political themes and refusing to present a simplified view of the world.
[24:08] Readers can expect more stories about death and what it means to be a witch from Rhianna and Gabrielle.
Continue Your Journey:
Rhianna Pratchett
Gabrielle Kent
Marieke Nijkamp
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter
Shareables:
“We started working in video games in the ’90s when it was very rare for there to be women working in games.” — Gabrielle Kent, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch
“I have a Witches Abroad quote tattooed on my arm.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
“One of the things I love about Pratchett’s books in general, I think, is just that Tiffany discovers that one of the tools she has to deal with the world is stories.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
“I love telling stories about people who maybe fall through the cracks a little bit, maybe just exist on the edges, maybe don’t quite feel, quite, feel at home or are seen as fully part of their homes.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
“One of the great things about my father’s work for younger readers is it can be enjoyed by anyone, right? He doesn’t pander to younger readers.” — Rhianna Pratchett, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and daughter of Terry Pratchett
“We were basically reading the whole book to each other, and then we had to have whiskey for the hard chapters, then we were just sobbing at the end.” — Rhianna Pratchett, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch
“Reading those books has helped me think very differently about death as well. Sounds so weird, but seeing that kind of positive side of it and that it’s not something to be feared.” — Gabrielle Kent, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch
“Everyone should pick up at least one book. And I think Wee Free Men, if you’ve never read any Discworld books, is a great place to start.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
Grandfather’s Journey: 30th Anniversary of a Real-Life Folktale (ft. Allen Say & Melissa Iwai)
Remember Reading Podcast
40 minutes 34 seconds
1 year ago
Grandfather’s Journey: 30th Anniversary of a Real-Life Folktale (ft. Allen Say & Melissa Iwai)
There are many ways that we build our histories. Certain particulars might be largely out of our power, our parentage, or parts of our personalities, but how we choose to remember our histories tends to create something real and true, however fictional, like an old folktale. Our histories, whether real or imagined, memory or fiction, give us a greater understanding of who we are and our place in the world.
In this episode, Melissa Iwai joins Allen Say to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his classic, Grandfather’s Journey. In the last couple of decades, children's literature in the U.S. has become increasingly populated with diverse characters, authors, and illustrators. But 30 years ago, Allen was making diverse characters and stories when few authors and illustrators were. The broadened representation in children’s literature we see today is owed to artists like Allen and Melissa.
To learn more about Allen Say’s, or Melissa Iwai’s books, visit https://www.harpercollins.com/search?q=allen+say
https://www.harpercollins.com/search?q=melissa+iwai
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.
[1:26] Allen reflects on Grandfather’s Journey as a timeless, real-life story reminiscent of a folktale.
[6:54] Allen’s sense of outsiderness is the thread that creates a deep connection for Melissa.
[11:18] Melissa’s book, Gigi and Ojiji, was inspired by a childhood memory of a visit with her Japanese grandfather.
[13:42] Allen shares his journey, as both author and artist.
[25:38] Authors use illustrations for different purposes, as Melissa learned working on Marc Tyler Nobleman’s Thirty Minutes Over Oregon.
[30:11] What the ending of Kozo the Sparrow means to Allen.
[35:07] Allen shares his thoughts about memories and distinguishing fact from fiction.
Continue Your Journey:
Melissa Iwai
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter
Shareables:
“I didn’t think that the book would sell at all when I was working on it. It was something I simply had to do. I had given up my long career, a 25-year career in photography and I just painted a picture. I realized that I'm really a painter, which I have been in denial of most of my adult, young-adult life because I got tired of poverty.” — Allen Say, author of Grandfather’s Journey
“I thought I was following the old Japanese tradition of a young boy going out into the world looking for a master… but that's not what I was doing… I was actually trying to replace my father with a man that I could admire and love, and I was lucky.” — Allen Say, author of Grandfather’s Journey
“Drawing it is a different thing. It’s coming straight out of your head, from your dream life. And, I find a story there.” — Allen Say, author of Grandfather’s Journey
“I have a hard time distinguishing between fiction and real life, to begin with. As I always had difficulty distinguishing my dream life from waking life. I much rather prefer to be in the fantasy world, of course.“ — Allen Say, author of Grandfather’s Journey
“Books were a refuge for me because I was shy and quiet and I loved to read. But even in my childhood books, I don’t remember having any books with Asian-American characters in them.” — Melissa Iwai, author of Gigi, and Ojiji
“I was raised in just a small town where there weren't very many Asian Americans at the time and I just always felt like I stood out and I was different.” — Melissa Iwai, author of Gigi, and Ojiji
“I think it's very important for kids to feel seen and I want to create the kind of books that I would have loved when I was a kid.”— Melissa Iwai, author of Gigi, and Ojiji
Remember Reading Podcast
Some stories don't just entertain—they show us how to grow up, challenging the limiting narratives we may have been told. Much like magic, a powerful story can bring us back to our true selves and help us discover who we might choose to be. The best stories become enduring classics, like Terry Pratchett's The Wee Free Men.
In this episode, we explore the world of fantasy novels and what it means to be a witch with Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent, co-authors of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and Marieke Nijkamp, author of the popular Splinter and Ash series.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pratchett’s beloved novel and his 41 Discworld novels, we immerse ourselves in worlds brimming with witches, politics, grief, and secrets.
To learn more about Terry Pratchett’s, Rhianna Pratchett’s, Gabrielle Kent’s, or Marieke Nijkamp’s books, visit
harpercollins.com/search?q=Terry+Pratchett
harpercollins.com/search?q=Rhianna+Pratchett
harpercollins.com/search?q=Gabrielle+Kent
harpercollins.com/search?q=Marieke+Nijkamp
Do you have a story about how a classic book changed your life? Tweet @readingpod or email us at readingpod@harpercollins.com. Learn more at rememberreading.com. And, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.
[3:30] The 20th anniversary of Terry Pratchett’s The Wee Free Men was the ideal time for Rhianna Pratchett and Gabrielle Kent to write Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch.
[7:52] In The Wee Free Men, the character Tiffany Aching challenges traditions and finds her path as she embraces her power.
[14:59] Marieke Nijkamp wrote Splinter and Ash for readers who often struggle to connect with characters in fantasy.
[20:06] Terry Pratchett’s novels are admired for tackling complex political themes and refusing to present a simplified view of the world.
[24:08] Readers can expect more stories about death and what it means to be a witch from Rhianna and Gabrielle.
Continue Your Journey:
Rhianna Pratchett
Gabrielle Kent
Marieke Nijkamp
HarperCollins
Remember Reading Podcast
@ReadingPod on Twitter
Shareables:
“We started working in video games in the ’90s when it was very rare for there to be women working in games.” — Gabrielle Kent, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch
“I have a Witches Abroad quote tattooed on my arm.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
“One of the things I love about Pratchett’s books in general, I think, is just that Tiffany discovers that one of the tools she has to deal with the world is stories.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
“I love telling stories about people who maybe fall through the cracks a little bit, maybe just exist on the edges, maybe don’t quite feel, quite, feel at home or are seen as fully part of their homes.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
“One of the great things about my father’s work for younger readers is it can be enjoyed by anyone, right? He doesn’t pander to younger readers.” — Rhianna Pratchett, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and daughter of Terry Pratchett
“We were basically reading the whole book to each other, and then we had to have whiskey for the hard chapters, then we were just sobbing at the end.” — Rhianna Pratchett, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch
“Reading those books has helped me think very differently about death as well. Sounds so weird, but seeing that kind of positive side of it and that it’s not something to be feared.” — Gabrielle Kent, Co-author of Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch
“Everyone should pick up at least one book. And I think Wee Free Men, if you’ve never read any Discworld books, is a great place to start.” — Mareike Nijkamp, author of Splinter and Ash novels
