Podcast: Storytime for Grownups
Host: Faith Moore
Episode: A Little Princess: Chapter 1
Date: November 6, 2025
Episode Overview
In this special holiday episode, host Faith Moore ushers in the "Storytime for Grownups Christmas Spectacular" by beginning a new classic, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Throughout November and December, Faith will read one chapter per episode, pausing occasionally to offer explanations of historical terms and context, creating an audiobook experience “with built-in notes.” The show aims to foster a cozy, communal appreciation for classic literature, and launches several interactive Victorian Christmas traditions listeners can join. The episode features a warm community welcome, holiday announcements, listener letters, and the engaging first chapter of the novel, bringing the story of Sara Crewe to life with thoughtful commentary.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Holiday Spirit and Community Traditions
Timestamps: 00:02–08:36
- Faith shares her excitement about diving into Christmas festivities early, admitting it’s out of character for her, but encourages listeners to "gather your family, brew a pot of tea or hot chocolate, find a cozy chair and settle in."
- She introduces Victorian-inspired holiday activities intertwined with the podcast community:
- Prize Drawing: Purchase her novel Christmas Carol for a chance to win a lifetime "Houseguest" membership in the drawing room online community (see prize details and how to enter).
- Victorian Christmas Card Exchange: Inspired by Henry Cole’s invention of the Christmas card (Victorian era), listeners in the online community can exchange cards, connecting the global audience in a personal, old-fashioned way.
- Merchandise update: Newly launched “Frankenstein” merchandise acknowledges the community’s previous book journey.
2. Listener Letters: Reactions to "A Little Princess"
Timestamps: 11:37–15:28
- Faith reads a selection of touching listener emails responding to her announcement of A Little Princess as the next book, showcasing personal connections across generations and nostalgia for both the book and its film adaptations.
- Letters feature stories of families reading the novel together, fond childhood memories, and excitement for revisiting the story or experiencing it for the first time.
Notable Listener Quotes:
- “A Little Princess was one of my first book loves and I've been wanting to pick it up again. I'm super excited to have your company on the reread.” – Julie [11:37]
- “I decided way back when that my first daughter would be named Sara. And she is.” – Kathy Rose [12:04]
- “This was my first favorite book ... I treasured it so much that it's still in quite good condition.” – Alicia Parker [12:19]
- “I grew up with the book and a movie adaptation, so this will be so fun to revisit.” – Gretchen Baker [12:39]
3. Interactive Invitation
Timestamps: 15:29–16:57
- Faith encourages all listeners (kids and adults) to write in with comments, questions, and reactions during the book reading. She expresses a desire to feature both adult and child perspectives in future episodes and provides contact details.
4. Reading & Commentary: "A Little Princess" – Chapter 1
Timestamps: 16:58–37:47
Setting the Scene
- Opens on a foggy London day as Sara Crewe, age 7, arrives from India with her father, Captain Crewe.
- Faith interjects with brief, accessible explanations of historical terms and context (e.g., “Bombay is now called Mumbai,” what a "Lascar" is, and who an "ayah" is).
Sara Crewe’s Character
- Sara is a sensitive, introspective, and imaginative child, more interested in books and visions than playing with other children.
- Despite her wealth, Sara feels anxiety about being left at a new school in England, separated from her beloved father.
Arrival at Miss Minchin’s Seminary
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The description of the house and Miss Minchin: Faith pauses to explain key details about Victorian schools for girls, and the deliberate parallels between Miss Minchin and her house—stiff, respectable, but lacking warmth.
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Sara’s perceptive observation: She internally notes Miss Minchin’s insincerity upon calling her “beautiful,” reflecting Sara’s honesty and self-awareness.
“Why does she say that I am a beautiful child? ... I am one of the ugliest children I ever saw. She is beginning by telling a story.” – Sara (from the text), commentary by Faith [25:57]
The Story of Emily
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Sara dreams of finding a special doll to be her companion while her father is away. Faith includes dialogue and Sara’s charming rationale for selecting Emily:
“Dolls ought to be intimate friends. Emily is going to be my intimate friend.” – Sara [28:45]
Goodbye to Captain Crewe
- Emotional farewell as Captain Crewe leaves for India, and Sara demonstrates emotional maturity and tenderness.
“Are you learning me by heart, little Sara?... No, I know you by heart. You are inside my heart.” – Captain Crewe & Sara [35:11]
Sara’s Solitude and Miss Minchin’s Reaction
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After her father departs, Sara locks herself in her room, choosing quiet contemplation over emotional outburst, surprising the staff with her composure.
“She has locked herself in and she is not making the least particle of noise. It is much better than if she kicked and screamed, as some of them do.” – Miss Amelia & Miss Minchin [36:20-36:36]
Sara is Provided for “As If She Were a Little Princess”
- The staff marvels at Sara’s luxurious wardrobe; Miss Minchin notes: “She has been provided for as if she were a little princess.” [37:06]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I cannot tell you how nice it is to be here with you in this new Christmasy way... I'm kind of loving it. Especially after spring spooky season and Frankenstein... we need a change of pace.” – Faith Moore [00:48]
- “Christmas cards were actually invented in the Victorian era... That tradition has carried on through the ages, and now people still do it. I certainly send out Christmas cards... and maybe you do, too.” – Faith Moore [05:48]
- “You must introduce me, and I will introduce you, said Sara. But I knew her the minute I saw her, so perhaps she knew me too.” – Sara [32:38]
- “Thank you so much for listening... story time is over. To be continued.” – Faith Moore [37:47]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:02 – Welcome and introduction to the Christmas Spectacular
- 01:40 – Announcements: prize drawing, Victorian Christmas activities, merch
- 08:36 – Introduction to Victorian Christmas card exchange
- 11:37 – Listener letters and community reactions
- 15:29 – Invitation for listener participation
- 16:58 – Start of Chapter 1 reading (A Little Princess)
- 18:58 – Sara and her father arrive in London
- 25:27 – First meeting with Miss Minchin; Sara’s inner thoughts
- 28:45 – Sara’s discussion of dolls; introduction of Emily
- 35:11 – Tearful farewell with Captain Crewe
- 36:20 – Miss Minchin and Miss Amelia discuss Sara’s reaction
- 37:06 – “Little princess” wardrobe; staff commentary
- 37:47 – Episode closing
Tone & Language
Faith Moore maintains a tone that is warm, inclusive, conversational, and gently humorous throughout, inviting listeners to curl up and enjoy the story while also participating in holiday traditions and community discussions. Her interjections during the reading are brief, helpful, and never disrupt the narrative flow, making the experience accessible to both new and nostalgic readers.
Episode Summary
This inaugural chapter of A Little Princess sets the stage for both the book and the podcast’s interactive, festive season. Faith’s thoughtful reading, accessible commentary, and emphasis on community make the episode feel like a literary gathering—“cozy, Victorian, and a little magical.” The combination of classic literature, communal activities, and genuine listener involvement make it especially welcoming for families and book lovers of all ages.