Super Great Kids' Stories

In this tale from Japan an old woodcutter donates his logs to the Dragon God. In return he's given a young boy with a runny nose to look after. Fed up of caring for the child, the old man decides to give him back. Is that a good idea? Listen to Japanese storyteller Masako Carey and find out. ------ Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frau Holle can bring sunshine, and she can bring snow. She can also make it rain - toads. Nice touch. So when she’s visited by two sisters – one kind, the other mean and bad tempered – she rewards each girl very differently. Listen to storyteller Paul Alborough telling his version of this old German tale and be prepared to laugh! ------ Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A piper knows a magical tune, but rather wisely, he never plays it. Until one day, down by the sea shore, he gets a bit carried away and tada! he finds himself playing it - with fairly dramatic results. Listen to Kate Corkery telling this strange tale from Ireland to find out what happens. ------ Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s a drought, and all the animals are hungry. The old tortoise is on his last legs, searching for something to eat in the bush, when he comes across a magic drum which provides all the food you can eat. Surely that's a good thing? Or is it? Listen to storyteller Wangari tell this magical song story from Kenya and see what you think? Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A man frees a tiger from a pit, and very nearly gets gobbled up as a result of his kindness. Happily, a clever rabbit hops along to save the day and teaches that tiger an important lesson. Listen to Sef Townsend telling this Korean version of a wise old tale, and learn how to greet people in Korean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once upon a time there was a greedy Raven and a sly Fox. The Raven had a thing for sheep cheese and kept rather a lot of it in his stinky nest. The other animals were rather fed up with Raven, so asked Fox to use his quick wits to help them. Listen to this hilarious modern take on an ancient Greek Fable told by talented storyteller Paul Alborough/aka 'Professor Elemental' and find out what happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi’s up to his tricks again. As usual, he’s trying to con his animal friends out of their food. He’s doing rather well – until he meets Guinea Fowl who knows exactly the same tricks. Who will be the greatest trickster in this story? Listen to storyteller Wangari tell this fun West African tale, and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Poor José, he loves to sing – but he’s got a terrible voice. When he gets invited to a wedding, he’s very keen to go and sing for everybody and sets off on a tricky journey in order to get there. But will they all be thrilled to greet him? Listen to Baden Prince telling this entertaining chain story told in America and Mexico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three sisters have to rescue their little brother from the fearsome witch who eats children. Can they escape her as she chases them across the sky in her flying mortar? Listen to Kim telling this lively story from Russia and Eastern Europe to hear how the girls use their wits against the witch of all witches. It’s a scary story for haloween, so if you don’t like scary stories, we’ve also posted a funny tale about a daft chicken for you to enjoy instead. And if you do like scary stories, Yiha! You’ve got bonus stories to listen to this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The animals are hungry and food is scarce, Tiger has plenty to eat, but he’s no good at sharing. Worse than that, he roars at any animals who comes near his food. Who can help? Brer Rabbit that’s who. Storyteller Baden Prince Junior delights in revealing rabbit’s cunning plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this old African 'How and Why' tale, – tortoise dreams about a magic tree which grows all kinds of delicious fruit, but which only appears if its name is called. All the animals want to find that tree – but all of them keep forgetting the name – all that is, except for one. Can you help Kenyan storyteller Wangari to remember the name of the tree, and help the animals? A great story for retelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A young King has to face a fearsome Giant who is scaring everyone away from the kingdom. The King is frightened, and doesn't know what to do. Luckily, there's a wise old woman on a hill who has the answer - if only the King can figure out what it means. Listen to Sef Townsend tell this intriguing story from Wales and see what the young King learns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paca is a long-legged animal living in the Brazilian rainforest who is proud of his ability to run fast. So he's very happy when Parrot invites him to join a race against a tiny beetle. But things aren't always as straightforward as they seem. Who will win, and what will they choose as their prize? Listen to storyteller Julian Marin telling this 'How and Why' story and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you ever wonder what happens to tadpoles' tails when they turn into frogs? In this 'How and Why' story from the Caribbean, Kate Corkery reveals all. Oh, and if someone called 'Trouble' ever tries to persuade you to do something...... don't listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know that Leopards haven't always been spotty? Once, their fur was a glossy, light brown colour - until one day, Leopard got greedy - and calamity struck. Have a listen to storyteller Wendy Shearer telling this fun 'How and Why' story from Ghana in West Africa and find out just how Leopard got his spots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once upon a time, the magical phoenix bird was grey, and all the other colourful birds in the forest, ignored her. But something happened which changed all that forever. Listen to Kim telling this ancient 'How and Why' story from China and find out why the Phoenix is no longer grey and now has lots of friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two curious little mice investigate what lies beyond the fence - a place where their parents have warned them not to play. Was that a good idea? Listen to this delightful traditional tale from Cuba told by storyteller Juliana Marin and discover how learning languages can be a life saver. You might just pick up a few words of Spanish into the bargain! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once there was a girl who was always asking questions. So when she learned about a magical fish – the ‘Salmon of Knowledge’ which had all the answers, she set off on a quest to find the well where it lived. Was that a good idea? Listen to this beautiful Irish Myth from Kate Corkery about the origin of the River Shannon and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know that when Lakes feel unloved, they can fly away? Listen to this thought-provoking story from Estonia, told by storyteller Sef Townsend. And, we add another moving little story from the Indian Jataka tales which is also about taking care of our planet. It features a brave little bird who loved her forest so much she was prepared to risk her life to save it. ‘The Humming Bird and the Forest Fire’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a beautiful 'How and Why' love story from Colombia about how the sea was created. Sounds simple? But love is rarely straightforward. There are jealous and mischievous elements blowing around in the shadows. The story is retold by talented Colombian storyteller Juliana Marin, who learned it from her storytelling teacher Jota Villaza. At times, this story is a little bit scary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coyote is up to his tricks again. He doesn’t really believe in giants until he walks right into a giant’s mouth. How is he and all the other people swallowed by the giant going to escape? Have a listen to this lively, song story from North America told by Kim and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi is up to his tricks again. Can he persuade his friend Tiger to dig up all his yams? Have a listen to this lively story from the Caribbean, told by Kate Corkery, and find out if Anansi gets his fancy yam supper, or if it all goes horribly wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A boy in search of a job meets a well dressed stranger in the desert. He's offering a good pay and the job sounds interesting. Should he go and work for him? Is that a good idea? Have a listen to this lively imaginative story from Mexico by Colombian storyteller Juliana Marin and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Till is a proper prankster and trickster. He even manages to trick his dad into thinking he’s a perfect angel. Till decides to try tricking some clever teachers into thinking he can teach a donkey to read. Can he get away with it? Listen to Tiernan telling this old story from Germany and all will be revealed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is not keen to help his grandmother do the chores. He’d much rather be exploring rock pools and playing his flute. He’s not bothered by stories about the hungry giant who lurks nearby looking for tasty snacks. Jack might be brave, but is he wise? Listen to Kim telling this song story from the Caribbean to see if the giant gets his dinner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How brave are you? Would you tackle a giant? In this story from Germany, collected by the Brothers Grimm, the brave little tailor kills seven flies with one blow, and armed with wit, cunning and trickery, goes on to tackle a giant. Talented storyteller Jason Buck tells this fun story with humour, and with his magnificent vocal skills conjures up a marvellous giant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What can a little lamb do when a terrifying wolf with a mouth full of teeth wants to eat her? Why, trick him, of course...and keep her cool, and trick him again...and once again! Listen to Chris Bostock do a lively retelling of this humorous Mexican folk tale about a hungry wolf a resourceful lamb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this traditional story from West Africa and the Caribbean, Anansi is up to his tricks again. It's hot, and his friend Tiger wants to go for a swim. Anansi offers to help. Is that a good idea? Listen to Tuup tell this exciting and slightly strange trickster tale to see if Anansi gets away with his tricks this time. And do join in with the song too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This traditional story from Mexico is a tale of victory of the smallest over the largest. But how can a little boy stop a greedy Ram from eating all the chilli peppers growing in his chilli patch? Maybe with a little help from one of his smallest friends? Listen to Kim tell this Mexican traditional tale and maybe even learn how to tell it yourself. Why don't you join in the song too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lou Lou’s Grandad says that River Mumma can be found sitting on rocks and combing her long, black hair, and that sometimes she hands out treasure. But, others warn: “don't even look at her, because she can drag you down into her watery kingdom.” What happens when Lou Lou hears River Mumma singing her song? Will the little girl go missing, or come home with treasure? Listen to Kate Corkery tell this old Jamaican tale and be a little bit afraid. This story is a little bit scary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you have a magic tree where you live? In this story from Russia, a birch tree acts a bit like a fairy godmother, and transforms the life of a young girl and her mother. Listen to storyteller Chris Bostock tell this enchanting story to find out what happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every day a woman carries two pots of water from the river to her home. One is perfect, and one is cracked. The perfect pot mocks the cracked pot, but the cracked pot discovers that not being perfect, can have it's benefits too. An inspiring story, reminding us to enjoy being ourselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A farmer plants some turnips and discovers one of them is so big it's impossible to pull out of the ground alone. He asks for help from family and even animals. How will he ever get that beast of a vegetable out of the ground? Lisen to storyteller Jason Buck to find out. A jolly tale about team work and cooperation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices