RAR #44: Magic and Fear in Children’s Books, N.D. Wilson
Do your kids like creepy stories?
Some of mine do, and I’ve been curious about the role of both magic and fear in my children’s reading life. There’s no one better to talk to about this than the much loved and celebrated Christian author of the (fantastically creepy) 100 Cupboards series, N.D. Wilson.
It’s a great day to share that conversation, because his brand new book, Outlaws of Time, releases today!
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- thinking through fear
- the pleasures of re-reading
- and all about his newest book, of course!
Wanna hear our conversation? Scroll down and hit play!
Click the play button below:
Books from this episode:
(All links are affiliate links.)
Links from today’s show:
- A *NEW* read-aloud challenge is coming. Find out more here!
- N.D. Wilson’s site and blog
- Books by N.D.’s sister, Rachel
I am new to the read aloud revival Podcasts And I love to this episode! I am not a Christian parent, but and the way ND Describe fantasy and the magic of this world that we live in resonated so clearly with me. Nothing is as scary or mysterious or elegant as this universe we live in (or at least nothing I know of yet). I love your podcast and writing!
Our family hasn’t ever read any of N.D. Wilson’s books. Do you have a recommendation of which one to start with? I have a 10, 13 and 15 year old. Thanks! Angela
Maybe start with 100 Cupboards…
That Hideous Strength would be a good title to include here, too, since N.D. listed it as one of his favorites.
Please research Rowling. Her books were written by automatic writing (not of God). I learned this from two reliable sources. One a pastor acquainted with spiritual warfare and one from an ex-satanist with first hand knowledge. What goes into our brain that is negative is hard to shake. God meant us to know only good. We’ve got to be selective. Blessings!
In the middle of listening to this I put holds on all the N.D. Wilson books at our library, and I’m betting several newer ones will end up on the Christmas list!
Thank you for doing this podcast, so inspiring. Thank you for having christian authors on your show!
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and always delight whenever I get a chance to hear Wilson speak. I’ve been a fan for years, and I’m as old as his mother… Wilson is unique in that he has been trained to think classically and also understands the philosophical issues that bombard us. I love his winsome “voice”, how he helps me see God with greater appreciation, and that he’s helping children to not fear what could so easily overwhelm them. I’ve read all of his novels and enjoyed them (and look forward to the sequel to the latest), but I think that Notes from a Tilt-a-Whirl should be required reading for home schooled teens. After viewing the DVD of this book, my youngest son (then a teen) said, “No one talks about the things he talks about! I want more!” I love that he loves his wife and delights in his children, which is a great testimony that he lives what he believes.
I will have to listen to this one again. Wilson’s insights on using fantasy to mirror the magic of our real world are profound and moving to my soul. I just read Leepike Ridge and look forward to reading more of his books when my little boys are older. Maybe by then our public library will have them.
First a big Thank you to Sarah,
Our family looks forward to joining in on the next 31 day read-aloud challenge.
We are very excited!
In Christs’ love,
Morgan family
We haven’t encountered these before, but love other children’s fantasy books (including the Tolkien and Rowling shown above). I’ll keep my eyes open for them.
This episode is AMAZING! Profound spiritual truths and insights from N. D. Wilson. I plan to have my whole family listen to it this evening!
I’m excited for these books! I have a nine-year old son- he has some books to read first….. but maybe starting in 2017
I loved this episode! Thank you so much!
I did just want to let you know that this episode isn’t showing up on the podcast page. The only way I knew it was up was because of the email. Maybe you already know and are working on it!
Yes! So glad you mentioned Rachel’s books because they are amazing :) Can’t wait to read Nate’s books when my boys are bigger. It’s exciting to have books like his that will especially speak to young, adventurous boys. Great interview!
Fit to Burst and Loving the Little Years are AMAZING books!
Super excellent interview – thank you so much!!!
Wow. Bravo. Tears. Thanks.
That. Was. Amazing. I read 100 Cupboards quite a few years ago, not realizing who the author was. I am now a forever N. D. Wilson fan! His insights into magic, and highlighting the magic in the Bible – calling it what it really is – is something I’ve never heard before. My almost 12 yr old (apparently my son has the same birthday as Wilson’s daughter!) has always been fascinated with the bad guys. He thinks they’re cool, they get all the cool stuff, etc. I’ve tried for years to steer him more toward the good guys. But now I have an author to show him to whom he can relate. (seriously. His 5th grade self sounds so much like my son it’s crazy.) I can take that love of the bad guys and show him how this author used that, but made sure the light of the good guys came out stronger. This is a whole new spin on this topic, and I am very excited to take it further. Gosh, there is so much more I want to say about this podcast and this author….thank you so much for this episode!!!
Will it be available soon as a podcast on my phone? It’s not there yet. :)
Sorry about that! We’re troubleshooting- hopefully it will show up there soon…
It’s there! Thanks!
My daughter read the first book in that series and absolutely loved it! She’s looking forward to reading more.