Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest: Episode Summary – "Uncommon Attributes"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest
• Host/Author: Adam Gidwitz
• Episode Title: Uncommon Attributes
• Release Date: April 3, 2025
• Description: In "Uncommon Attributes," bestselling author Adam Gidwitz engages with a group of inquisitive children, prompting them to explore imaginative scenarios that blend the whimsical with the grotesque, staying true to the spirit of Grimm fairy tales.

Introduction to the Grim Decision

Timestamp: [00:45]

Adam Gidwitz kicks off the episode by presenting a whimsical yet challenging dilemma to his young audience:

Adam Gidwitz: "Hi, I'm Adam Gidwitz, host of Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest. And I'm here to ask you to make a very grim decision. Okay, ready? Would you rather be half human, half hedgehog, or have 10 thumbs instead of 10 fingers? Now, take a moment to think it over carefully. Ready? Let's hear some answers."

This opening sets the tone for a playful yet thought-provoking discussion, encouraging children to think creatively about unusual physical attributes.

Child Participants' Creative Choices

Participant 1: Embracing the Extra Thumbs

Timestamp: [01:22]

Child Participant: "I will have 10 thumbs. Because if I have 10 thumbs, I can just give them 10 thumbs up. If they did a 10. Good job."

Adam reacts enthusiastically to this practical yet amusing rationale:

Adam Gidwitz: "Yeah. 10 thumbs up. I give you 10 thumbs up. That's a great answer."

The child’s response highlights a desire for affirmation and the humorous advantage of having multiple thumbs for non-verbal communication.

Participant 2: The Thumb Warrior

Timestamp: [01:40]

Child Participant: "I would rather have 10 thumbs. Cause I would always win a thumb war."

Adam builds on this by envisioning epic thumb battles:

Adam Gidwitz: "Yes. Your thumb wars would be like royal rumbles."

This exchange underscores the child’s strategic thinking and the playful competitiveness that extra thumbs could foster.

Participant 3: Half Haggehog for Hide and Seek Mastery

Timestamp: [01:51]

Child Participant: "I would rather be a half hedgehog, half human. Because I want to be able to be small so I can fit into little spaces during hide and go seek."

Adam acknowledges the tactical advantages of such a transformation:

Adam Gidwitz: "You would be so good at hide and go seek. Also, you might even be like half nocturnal. Because I think hedgehogs are nocturnal, maybe, I don't know. So they would really never find you."

This response reflects the child’s inventive approach to enhancing a common childhood game, blending human and animal traits for ultimate concealment.

Participant 4: Ten Thumbs to the Rescue

Timestamp: [02:17]

Child Participant: "So I would have 10 thumbs. Cause if there was a tiny little dog that was mean, I would use my thumbs to grip onto the wall and I would just climb up with my thumbs to the ceiling. And then the dad would be like, hey, no fair. I wanted to eat you. Keep."

Adam appreciates the creative and resourceful use of extra thumbs:

Adam Gidwitz: "That had never occurred to me as the use for 10 thumbs, but it is a perfect use for 10 thumbs. And those were perfect answers. I give you all 10 thumbs up. Thank you for thinking through this very grim decision."

This imaginative scenario showcases the child's problem-solving skills and the potential for extra thumbs to aid in adventurous escapades.

Conclusion and Audience Engagement

Throughout the episode, Adam maintains an engaging and supportive atmosphere, encouraging each child to elaborate on their choices and envision the practical applications of their unique attributes. By integrating humor and creative thinking, "Uncommon Attributes" not only entertains but also stimulates the imagination of its young listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Gidwitz: "I'd better give you all 10 thumbs up." ([02:43])
• Child Participant: "I would always win a thumb war." ([01:40])

Takeaways:

• The episode emphasizes the value of creativity and lateral thinking.
• It highlights how unconventional traits can offer unexpected advantages.
• Engaging children in such imaginative exercises fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Final Thoughts:

"Uncommon Attributes" is a testament to Adam Gidwitz's ability to blend storytelling with interactive dialogue, making classic Grimm tales accessible and entertaining for a modern young audience. By challenging children to ponder "very grim decisions," the episode reinforces the timeless appeal of fairy tales while encouraging personal expression and inventive reasoning.

For more enchanting and twisted fairy tale retellings, tune into "Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest" on pinna.fm and use code GRIMM for a discount after a 7-day FREE trial!