303: The Tree-Warming (Part 2)

The tree-warming gets a little more exciting than anyone expected!

Blinky Bill and Nutsy was first published in 1937, and as such it contains material that might be outdated, inaccurate or offensive, as well as material that would now be considered quite dark for children’s fiction. Aside from language that Madame Magpie is personally uncomfortable using, the text has been left as it was originally published. There is no bad language, but below is a list of potentially distressing content that appears in this episode:

• Splodge kicks and kills Mr Carpet Snake to stop him from eating Freddie Tadpole: 'Mr. Snake reared his head and prepared to spring. Mrs. Koala and Nutsy screamed. Blinky was ready to strike again, when something came flashing through the air, struck Mr. Carpet Snake on the head, and there stood Splodge.
  “That was a good kick!” he calmly remarked, as he looked at the body of the dead snake.
  Every one rushed to congratulate him, patted him on the back and nose, until Splodge reminded them that poor little Freddie Taddy was still on the ground. He was saved and, after some gentle stroking, soon recovered. Mrs. Froggles decided to go home at once, as sixty children were too many to watch at one time. So calling her taddies to her side, she ordered them to hop on her back and away she went, croaking loudly.'
• The ants consume and remove the deceased Mr Carpet Snake: 'The party ended by those who were able to climb or fly inspecting the old gum-tree and wishing its occupants the best of luck.
  When all was silent, and three little bears lay cuddled together in sweet sleep, an army of ants dined on Mr. Carpet Snake. Such a supper they’d not had for a long time. And, after it, a constant stream of black and brown bodies carried little pieces of Mr. Snake down to their home underneath the ground.'

Madame Magpie’s Bedtime Stories will always be available to stream for free, but if you’d like to support the podcast, you can do so via Patreon at patreon.com/MadameMagpie. For $3/month, Patreon members can download episodes for offline listening. 

Blinky Bill was written and illustrated by Dorothy Wall, first published by Angus & Robertson in 1933. Sound effects are from Zapsplat, Epidemic Sound, Pixabay, Soundly and Dylan Barfield. 

All images are made by Josh Dykgraaf using Dorothy Wall's original illustrations. Madame Magpie is a creation of Alix Roberts. Narration and character voices by Alix Roberts.

Madame Magpie’s Bedtime Stories are recorded and edited by Alix Roberts (aka Madame Magpie) on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunarong Peoples of the Kulin nation. Madame Magpie acknowledges the rich and extensive history of storytelling among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pays her respects to past and present elders of all nations.