Supergreat Kids' Stories is a collection of fun tales to make you laugh and cry, told by some of the best storytellers from around the world. Recommended for ages 5 to 105…
Mãori storyteller Emmy Bidois tells a traditional tale about Māui that trickster demi-god who goes in search of the secret of fire. Does Mãui's fearsome grandmother Mahuika -she of the fiery fingernails - help her grandson? Listen to Emmy tell this gripping s…
A donkey finds a lion skin and just for fun - he tries it on. Donkey discovers that the animals he meets along the way are more respecful when they think he's a lion. But then donkey gets carried away and tries to frighten Fox. Does it work? Find out by liste…
This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive.…
A new series of trickster stories begins with Paul Alborough telling a funny version of 'The Emperor's New Clothes' by Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. A silly emperor who is very proud of his clothes is swindled by two tricksters who claim they ca…
A woodcutter is treated badly by the people in his village because he looks a little different. One day he's had enough of the name-calling and runs away. In a clearing he discovers an exciting but scary goblin dance. He joins in, but notices all the goblins a…
In this tall tale from Japan, we meet a young man who has super strength. But is he strong enough to beat all other competitors at the great wrestling competition? Listen to storyteller Debbie Guneratne tell this delightful story, and find out if the young man…
A mean giant has moved into the Blackwoods near the Rhymney river and is terrorizing the fairies and animals who live there. What can be done? Can wise owl think of a plan? And will anyone be brave enough to carry it out? Listen to Welsh storyteller Cath Lit…
Storyteller Alton Takiyama Chung tells two Ogre stories. 'The Pumpkin Seed' - from Korea - is about two brothers, one who is kind and one who is greedy. The second story 'The 3 Old Ogres of Ni'ihau' is from Hawai where Alton grew up. It's about 3 terrible ogr…
This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive.…
A poor boy helps a giant in distress and in return receives a golden loaf - but will that give him enough riches to win the hand of the princess who he loves? Listen to this delightful Romanian quest story told by Danielle Free and find out.…
The first of May isn’t just a celebration of the coming of summer with picnics and dancing. Some Europeans believe it’s the date when witches and other magical beings gather to cause trouble. Storyteller Jason Buck shares an exciting witchy story from Sweden t…
Maori storyteller Emmy Bidois tells a traditional tale about a strange woman with feathers on her arms, claws on her hands and a beak for a mouth. Eek! Is it a bird? Is it a woman? No it’s a bird-woman! Can our hero Hatupatu escape her clutches? Listen to Emmy…
Scottish storyteller Cara Silversmith tells a trickster tale about two cats and a fox, a story which was handed down by traveller and storyteller Duncan Williamson. Two cats go fishing and argue about who should keep the fish they’ve caught. Unable to agree, t…
This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive.…
South African storyteller Nomakhwezi Becker tells us a lively song-story about a little turtle from Ivory Coast in West Africa. Tutu has lost her beautiful coloured shell and asks her animal friends to help her find it. Will they succeed? Listen to Nomakhwezi …
Danielle Free from Shropshire in England a storyteller new to this podcast, tells a French quest story. It’s about a cheeky chicken who won’t take no for an answer. Can she outwit the greedy farmer who stole her gold and get it back? Listen to Danielle tell t…
Storyteller Alton Takiyama Chung tells a trickster tale about a Tanuki – a magical badger-like creature. The Tanuki’s tricks go too far and upset his friend Rabbit (Usagi). How can Rabbit help his friend Tanuki see that he needs to change his ways? Listen to A…
Scottish storyteller Cara Silversmith shares a How and Why story from the US which explains why bears hibernate. The little animals are going hungry because a big brown bear is rather too fond of food. Happily, a fox, a squirrel, a mouse and a hare team up to …
This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive.…
Tuup shares a story from India about a good-hearted Brahmin (wise man) who helps some animals and a jeweller who are in trouble. Do you think they all help the Brahmin in return when he needs them? Have a listen to Tuup telling this ancient animal fable from I…
In this story from South Africa, we meet Thokozani the Eland, a type of antelope who has magic powers to shape-shift into a human. When a series of fires sweeps through his area putting the animals at risk, Thokozani is chosen to talk to the villagers. Will th…
Alton Takiyama-Chung tells us two lively tales which help explain some of the traditions celebrated in China and other parts of East Asia at Lunar New Year. One story is about how the twelve animals who represent the Lunar New Year Calendar were chosen - by ha…
A farmer in ancient Japan saves a spider from the jaws of a huge black snake. The spider in turn helps the farmer. But who will protect the spider when the farmer isn’t there? Listen to Alton Takiyama-Chung tell this beautiful tale which explains the origin of…
This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive. Anansi the spider is up to his tricks again. In order to win the King's gold, he has to eat a large bowl of super hot pepper soup. Will he outwit the king and the other competitors? Lis…
The King is worried. Every night he locks the door to the bedroom where his 12 daughters sleep, and every morning their silk shoes are worn to tatters as if they have been dancing all night. What’s going on? "Whoever solves the mystery can marry a princess!.” …
Anansi is up to his tricks again. Following a greedy feeding-frenzy he tries to distract elephant and his friends by persuading them that watermelons can talk. Does he succeed? Listen to this lively story from the Caribbean told by Wendy Shearer and find out.…
Alton Takiyama-Chung tells this magical fairytale from China about twin brothers who both want to marry the Dragon King’s daughter. To help her decide which one to choose, Princess Li Mei sends them on a quest to find a gleaming pearl from her father’s underwa…
Paul Alborough tells his upbeat version of this classic Brothers Grimm fairytale. Two siblings pit their wits against a hungry witch and a greedy king and win the day. Note to parents, this story has a scary witch, but the ending is a happy one (for everyone b…
Tatterhood is a Norwegian fairytale about two sisters who are very different. Plum is sweet and gentle, Tatterhood is bold and wild and rides around on a goat! When witches steal Plum’s head and replace it with a cow’s, Tatterhood sets off with Plum (mooing lo…
A story from our archive: The Best of Super Great Kids' Stories.Talented storyteller Jason Buck narrates the classic French fairy tale "Puss in Boots" written down by Charles Perrault. In this story, a young man inherits a cat, who persuades his owner they can…
Tim Ralphs narrates this charming fairytale from Pakistan about Walidad, a simple grasscutter who doesn’t know what to do with all his savings. How can he solve this problem so he can carry on living simply and happily? A thoughtful story which shows us what’s…
To mark New Year – Alton Takiyama-Chung – who’s new to Super Great Kids’ Stories, shares two tales from Asia: from Japan, "The Grateful Statues", and from China: "The Magic Pear Tree" about a farmer who encounters a beggar. Both stories have a theme of kindne…
A King and Queen living in a cold castle argue and their fire goes out, casting a chill and a gloom over the whole kingdom. They send a servant to fetch more hot coals from the neighbours. Will he succeed and return warmth to the castle in time for the winter …
A little fir tree, is not happy, he longs to leave his forest and go out to see the world like the bigger trees which are taken and decorated with sparkly things. Eventually his wish comes true, but does it make the tree happy? Listen to storyteller Anne John…
This Cinderella-style story is set in the Appalachian mountains and told by Storyteller from Dragon Fly Tales: Emily Hanna-Grazebrook. It has all the ingredients of a great fairytale: a witch-woman, a mistreated orphan, a kind doctor’s son, some mean stepsiste…
Tiernan Douieb is back with a fabulous fairytale from Finland about 3 brothers who are sent on a mission to find their bride. The youngest one heads for a forest and his brothers laugh, saying the only thing he'll find to marry there is a fox or a wolf. In fac…
A story from our archive: The Best of Super Great Kids' Stories.…
Storyteller new to Super Great Kids’ Stories - Rosalind Buck tells this funny fairytale inspired by The Frog Prince. It’s got all the right ingredients: a princess, a prince, some fairies…. and a girl called Lettuce! Can a spoiled princess break her promise to…
Sarah Liisa Wilkinson tells a very witty trickster tale from Norway about a show-off squire who is determined to marry the farmers’ daughter, but the farmer’s daughter is equally determined not to marry him. Who will get their way? Listen to Sarah Liiisa and f…
Storyteller Tim Ralphs has fun with words in this old English Folktale. A new servant girl is told by her master to call things by rather silly names. The cat is a 'white-faced simminy' and the fire in the hearth is to be called 'hot cockalorum.' Will the youn…
Listen to storyteller Liz Weir tell this stonkingly fun version of the English fairytale: ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’. Before you know it, you’ll be clapping and tapping and rapping along to this lively telling.…
A Cherokee 'How and Why' tale which explains why turtle's shell is cracked. It's beautifully told by storyteller from the Cherokee Nation, Gayle Ross. Warning: there are moments of violence, and things do not end at all well for the wolf in this story. Some li…
This story is a selection from: ‘The Best of Super Great Kids’ Stories - What would you do if an angry fairy suddenly popped up beside you while you were taking a nap? In this Scottish fairy tale told by storyteller Amy Douglas that’s exactly what happens to…
The birds of the forest need to choose a king. Turkey wants to be the one to wear the crown, but his dull feathers are not impressive. A colourful bird lkindly lends her bright feathers to Turkey, who promises to return them after he becomes king. Does he keep…
Here’s a beautiful quest story for those of you who aren’t keen on scary tales. It’s filled with magic and drama and told by veteran storyteller from Northern Ireland Liz Weir. It’s about a princess, a king, a horse with magic powers, and a boy who struggles t…
Take one sad ghost, a haunted house and seven semi-brave brothers and you have the ingredients for a perfect Halloween story told by Cat Weatherill. Be a little bit afraid.…
A sweet old woman sets off on a quest to solve the mystery of some missing eggs. Her search leads her to Hecate the Queen of the Witches who sets the old woman trembling. What will she find there waiting in the shadows? A goddess with the face of a lion, the b…
As we approach Halloween, here is a funny, witchy story for you from Germany. A young woodcutter has an accident with an axe and is healed by a girl who comes across him in the woods. Love blooms, but the woodcutter’s friends warn him that this strange girl ma…
Molly and the Skeleton. This is a story from our archive. It was the first in our Super Great Scary Stories collection for owlets which we began in October 2022. It's our little gift for you this Halloween month. Recommended for ages 8 to 108! Molly is a trave…
One stormy October a long time ago in Cornwall in the UK, the waves were so high that none of the fisherfolk dared to go out on the sea to bring back fish. So people in the village were going hungry. This is the story of one man who dared to brave the stormy s…
Mãui the demigod and trickster is fed up with his big brothers who won't let him go fishing with them. So Mãui decides to teach them a lesson by catching a fish bigger than any they've ever caught before. But he will be able to keep hold of it? Listen to story…
Are you more like a fox, or more like a dog? Storyteller new to Super Great Kids’ Stories - Cara Silversmith, tells this moving tale from Scottish traveller the late Duncan Williamson. The story compares the freedom and danger of the wild outdoors, to the comf…
A young boy is sent by his parents to become a priest, but really, all he wants to do is draw cats. He loves drawing cats, and dreams of becoming an artist. What he doesn’t know, is that this love of drawing cats will actually save his life. Listen to storytel…
What would you do if noisy animals were keeping you awake at night? Put your hands over your ears, burst into tears, or get someone big to go and ask them to be quiet! Listen to storyteller Wendy Shearer tell this fun, interactive story set in the rainforest i…
This story is a selection from: ‘The Best of Super Great Kids’ Stories - Can you imagine a cheeky fox inviting himself to your birthday party? What do you think might happen? Have a listen to this fun, interactive story told by Irish storyteller Kate Corkery …
Two beautiful stories from the 'mother of all storytellers' - Liz Weir from Northern Ireland. One is about two friends who meet a mermaid, and the other, a How and Why story from the US about a vain skunk. Listen to Liz’s wonderful tales and be inspired to tel…
Would you want a very loud frog for a pet? The children in this story do, and even manage to catch one, but they know their Mum won’t be happy. So they set him free and encourage him to go on a quest asking questions to each animal he meets. Listen to this fun…
Lion’s voice is soft and quiet. This makes it tricky for the animals to know when lion is out hunting, and keep safely out of his way. So they need to find a way to get lion to roar. But no animal is brave enough to sort the problem. …. no one that is except …
Kawariki is secretly in love with a shark man. Well, he wasn’t a shark when she fell in love with him, but her Dad who has magic powers, wants her to marry someone else, so he turns the man she loves into a shark. Eek! Listen to Emmy Bidois tell this Maori ta…
Take one silly queen and a cook, and a pastry chef and a King, and some cute birds and some fuzzy bees and some mop slopping servants and some guards and nobles and advisors and one little stable boy and put them all together into the stomach of one small cat …
This story is a selection from: ‘The Best of Super Great Kids’ Stories - Some people say, that if you catch a leprechaun, he will lead you to a pot of gold. Listen to Irish storyteller Kate Corkery, to see if Molly can get her granny a pot of gold?…
Goanna (a huge lizard) keeps stealing the fairies’ delicious wattleseed damper (bread dough). What can they do? Two plucky young fairies decide to teach that lizard a lesson. But their plan involves a dangerous trip into the humans' camp. Will they succeed? Li…
Pekko loves Pirkko but sadly, Pirkko’s father doesn’t like the idea. Then one day, Pekko rescues a witch from a bog and is rewarded with a strange stone whose magical powers change everything. Listen to Sarah Liisa Wilkinson tell this funny story from Finland …
What can Bonita the sheep do when El Lobo the wolf says he’s going to eat her? Why, trick him, of course, keep her cool, and trick him again, and then again! Listen to Anne Johnson tell this lively song story from Cape Verde about a hungry wolf and pretty tric…
Rabbit is up to his tricks again. This time he’s determined to keep all the meat for himself and his family and send wolf home with next to nothing. Will he succeed? Listen to this trickster tale told by Gayle Ross from the Cherokee Nation and find out. A litt…
A Mexican farmer and his wife both love their white cow - as much as they love each other. A local priest is very keen to have it, and comes up with a sneaky plan. Will the priest get his way, or will love, and a little trickery from the farmer’s wife win the …
Crocodile is not well, and needs some monkey liver soup to get better. But how can crocodile find a monkey willing to hand over his liver? Crocodile comes up with a cunning plan to trick a monkey – but sometimes even tricksters get tricked! Listen to writer an…
What would you do if a green-skinned, big, snotty-nosed long-clawed hairy monster with green legs, and red eyes came a knocking at your door? The tough old woman in this story from the North of England knows what she wants and it isn’t to be eaten by a monster…
Deep in the forest, a brother and sister live a simple life hunting and living off the land. But one day, the brother sets a trap for a bird— imagine his surprise when he catches a talking eagle! And this wasn’t just a talking eagle, this eagle could also SING…
Anne Johnson from the London storytelling charity Everyday Magic tells this moving European story about a family which is unexpectedly forced to flee their home and seek shelter elsewhere. Where will they sleep and how will they find food? Listen to Anne tell…
This story is a selection from: ‘The Best of Super Great Kids’ Stories -…
In this fun how and why story from South Africa a little tortoise is frustrated at not looking as interesting as all the other animals. In the end she finds a way to stand out, but not quite as she planned. Listen to Gcina Mhlophe from Durban in South Africa t…
In this lively story, Gayle Ross from the Cherokee Nation in the US illustrates how Rabbit's habit of playing tricks on his friends backfires, and leaves him with the stubby little tail he has to this day.…
We all love stories, but where did they come from? Listen to Wangari tell this lively and imaginative how and why story from South Africa which explains all.
Have you ever wondered why the sun comes up once rooster starts crowing?
This story is a selection from: ‘The Best of Super Great Kids’ Stories.…
Have you ever wondered why the sea is salty? All you need is one hungry girl, a rich but mean brother and a sprinkling of magic.…
The first of May isn’t just a celebration of summer and dancing round the maypole. Some Europeans believe it’s the date when witches gather to cause trouble. Guest storyteller Emily Hanna-Grazebrook from dragonflytales.uk shares a slightly scary witchy story t…
A loyal cockerel sets off on a quest to help his owner who is short of money. Amazingly, the bird finds gold, but a rich man steals it and then tries to kill him. Can the bird escape and return to reward his master? Listen to this rollercoaster of a story f…
A little rabbit who talks too much - is chosen to be the messenger for the animals who lead their community - known as the Tribal Council. Unfortunately, that rabbit just doesn’t know when to be quiet. Can the bigger animals silence him? Listen to Gayle Ross f…
An old English folk tale which explains why birds build their nests differently. And shows the importance of listening carefully. Which bird will end up with the best nest? Listen to Wangari the storyteller and find out.…
In this tale from the Cherokee Nation, we hear about poor meadowlark who is a handsome bird, but unhappy with his big feet which he thinks are ugly. His friend grasshopper insists he must have been given them for a reason. Listen to storyteller Gayle Ross, sha…
A double story week with two song-stories told by Kim. The first is a funny little tale about a sweet-smelling skunk. And the second is a thoughtful story from China about a frog who is encouraged by a turtle to leave his small home and embrace adventure in th…
Imagine catching a turtle and taking it home, only to discover that the turtle has turned into a lovely woman. That's what happens to a fisherman im this story from the Greek Island of Kasos. Add in a jealous king, a funny little man and some magic powers, and…
Do you like monsters? What! How can anyone like monsters? Well in this story from the US, a young boy called Jimmy does not like them, but a monster decides that he really likes Jimmy’s belly button, pops it in his button bag and flies off with it. Listen to t…
An East African chain story from Kenya about a community which pulls together to rescue some important cows which have been stolen from the village. Will the elders be able to persuade Kamankura the lead warrior to track down the thieves? And will Ciari agree …
In this story from the US, Coyote is not happy. He keeps changing colour which is sometimes confusing, often embarrasing. Then one day, Coyote has a little accident which changes everything. Have a listen to Nick Hennessey tell this lively, fun story and find …
This tale from Indonesia is about patience, and giving people space to recover. It's told by the inimitable Tuup along with his drum and some realistic tiger sound effects. It's aimed at a slightly older age group 7 – 9. If you have younger children, we have a…
When young Masha goes into the woods to pick mushrooms, she gets lost. As if that’s not bad enough, a bear takes her to his home and insists she stay there forever to clean his house. Masha comes up with a clever escape plan which involves baking some deliciou…
Yeh-Hsien, an orphan with shiny black hair and skin as soft as silk wishes to go to the lunar new year celebrations with her sister and step mother. She’s told to stay at home and cook, but with a little help from a magical fish, and a pair of slippers that ma…
Listen to Jason Buck tell his gripping version of the European story, Rumplestiltskin – complete with a nasty little goblin, a frightfully greedy King, and a clever girl who gets herself out of a tricky situation.…
Kim tells the story of the twelve animals which represent the Chinese New Year. As the Lunar New Year approaches, each animal wants it to be named after them, but no one can agree which animal is most deserving. The Jade Emperor steps into solve the problem b…
In a grand house high up on a hill above the sea lived an old man who had a little granddaughter whose face he had never seen because his lovely daughter died at her birth… Nick Hennessey tells a moving English version of the Cinderella story. A word of warnin…
Star Coin is a Brothers Grimm story from Germany about an orphan girl who has nothing left in the world but the clothes on her back and a piece of bread. As she walks through the forest, looking for her luck, she encounters various people in need and helps the…
A blacksmith sets off on a journey leaving a wife at home. The wife is expecting a baby, and after the months pass without a word from her husband, an unexpected visitor appears. He’s covered in fur and has one eye in the middle of his head. Should she trust h…
A girl lives with her Mum and little brother on the edge of a forest. When her brother is snatched away by the snow geese she asks for help from some unlikely assistants. But they’ll only help her if she agrees to eat food she’s never tried before. Can she giv…
To start off the new year – a gripping story from Romania. If you like fairytales and dragons and tricksters, then this is definitely the story for you. And it’s told by talented storyteller Emily Hennessey who conjures up not one, but two scary dragons. What’…
Greek Storyteller Despina Ariou shares her Granny’s Christmas story. It's about troll- like creatures called the Kallikantzari who make mischief at Christmas by stealing delicious food and sometimes even stealing children. Eek! These creatures are slightly sca…
In this Christmas tale from Germany, Storyteller Marion Leeper tells us about 'Tante' an old woman who is busily preparing her house on Christmas Eve to impress Christ Kindl - the bringer of Christmas. Tante cleans and polishes, and sweeps out the spiders and…
Talented storyteller Jason Buck narrates the classic French fairy tale "Puss in Boots" written down by Charles Perrault. In this story, a young man inherits a cat, who persuades his owner they can make their fortune if he can give him a hat, a sack, and some f…
Masako Carey takes us to Japan for our first fairy tale of the season. Stranded in the dark without a lantern, a young monk is offered shelter by a kind and beautiful woman - who turns out to be a hungry mountain witch. Eek! Luckily, the monk has three lucky c…
Storyteller Tuup returns to tells us a First Nation story about a young girl who is unwell, and her father’s quest to find a fox who can help her get better. Her father sets off in a blizzard, to find the fox and bring it back to the family home. Will this wil…
Storyteller Dave Tong, tells us a medieval English Tale about Robin Hood and his merry men who hear about an archery competition organised by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. In spite of warnings from Maid Marian, Robin Hood decides to take part and attend the …
Storyteller Simone Schuemmelfeder shares this delightful Spanish tale of a miserable old woman who hates autumn because of children stealing the delicious pears from her tree. One day, an old man appears and asks for a pear using the magic word ‘please’. He ge…
One little weeping willow annoys his friends so much with his complaining that eventually they all move away to the other side of the land. So who will help him when he’s faced with a serious problem? Listen to genius North American storyteller Sheila Arnold t…
An old Welsh farming couple mourn the loss of their farm assistant. Shortly after, they’re joined by a mysterious creature called a Bwca who starts helping them at night - unseen and uninvited. But suddenly he stops being helpful, and starts causing big troubl…
Take one fierce hairy Buggane (an ogre-like creature), a trickster tailor, and a ruined church and you have the setting for quite a story told by Kim. Be a little bit afraid. Feel the fear and listen anyway.…
A grumpy witch, an overworked donkey, and a mean merchant. Amy Douglas tells this entertaining story from Shropshire in England about an animal-loving witch who gets revenge and teaches locals a lesson.…
To conjure up our new theme - Stories of Magic, we have: a powerful wizard, a book full of secrets, a curious boy, wriggling words, and a clawed creature determined to be free. It’s all here, blended into one magical story told by master storyteller from Wales…
A long time ago - back in the Dreamtime, the animals hold a competition to decide who is best at jumping, dancing, singing and running. Joolah the Lyrebird wants to dance, but he’s too shy and embarrassed by his straggly tail feathers to compete. So Joolah st…
A long time ago- back when the animals could talk, the earth is dark and cold. But when a lightning storm sets fire to a tree in the distance, the animals delight in the light and warmth - and agree they want some of that for themselves. But how can they safel…
A word to the grown-ups: this story told by Jason Buck is not scary, it’s…
This week, a storyteller new to Super Great Kids’ Stories - Despina Ariou tells a fun quest tale about 6 animal friends who meet a pedlar and then mysteriously lose their voices. They head into the forest to find the pedlar and discover what they need to do in…
Indigenous Australian, Warren Foster Senior, tells a dreamtime story about Bungoo the Flying Fox. Bungoo is bored, because all his friends want to do is search for fruit. So he decides to go off in search of more exciting friends. Bungoo finds himself caught u…
Did you know that in many Spanish speaking countries, children who lose a tooth are visited by Ratoncito Pérez – a tooth mouse!…
Word has it that Bad King John is coming to the village of Gotham for a royal hunt. The villagers know that this greedy King will kill and eat all the wild animals in their woods. So, they come up with a cunning plan: when the King’s Herald arrives to organise…
A selkie is a seal which can shape shift into human form by taking off its seal skin. Gillian Brownson relates this moving story from Ireland about a selkie who loses her beautiful skin and is trapped on land in the shape of a young woman. Will she get back to…
In this ‘How and Why’ story Emily Hennessey takes us back to a time when there was no vast beach near her home in the North West of England, back to a time when the sea was in danger of being swallowed up by a hungry giantess. Did the giantess succeed? Or did …
In this old Japanese legend – a fisherman, ‘Urashima Taro’ is rewarded by the Emperor of the Sea, for rescuing a small turtle. He’s taken underwater to the Palace of the Dragons where he meets the Emperor's daughter, and spends three happy years. The daughter…
Jebro is a small boy who lives on an island with his nine older brothers in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. With the seas rising, they have to find a new island to live on, but who will be their leader? Their wise mother suggests they decide with a race. When…
We have a legendary Welsh water monster to kick off this month’s theme of watery stories. The Afanc is described as a cross between a crocodile and a giant beaver. This enormous creature is causing floods and eating anyone who comes near. Many brave souls have…
According to this Cherokee legend, Unetlanvhi, The Great One, created little corn people to help the first woman on earth, with the chores. The corn people were very beautiful, but spent more time admiring their reflection, than helping out. The Creator was no…
Thor, the Norse god of thunder goes on a quest to ask a favour from Hymir the stone giant. The two of them embark on a fishing competition. Thor comes close to disaster when he hooks out of the ocean a ……. Listen to Jason Buck tell this entertaining Norse tale…
An old Japanese folktale about an inch high boy who becomes the guardian of a princess and bravely takes on a dreaded giant red ogre. Will his cunning and courage be enough to see the beast off and save the Princess? Listen to storyteller Masako Carey and fin…
Long ago, the people in Kemmy’s village regularly fed the beautiful Rain Bird who would reward their kindness by making sure the rains always came and the food always grew. But gradually, people forgot about the beautiful bird, and then came the drought and th…
Our second story this week is from Paraguay and is told by travelling storyteller Juliana Marin - which is about a brave little humming bird whose courage inspires all the animals in the rainforest to work together to prevent a big disaster from ruining their …
This week we have two two Wise bird tales. First up is the talented Tuup telling a tale about an eagle who was quite unaware of his amazing talents. He was convinced he was a humble chicken until one day, someone told him something different!…
Listen to genius storyteller Jason Buck tell this funny tale of the Gingerbread Man complete with great animal sound effects. This story, about a plucky little Gingerbread man who leapt out of the oven and ran away - was published in the US in 1875 and its Eur…
What would you ask for if you had a secret wishing ring? Jack uses it when he’s in danger, and it brings help from the most unexpected creatures in the most surprising ways. This Welsh Romani tale is beautifully told by writer and storyteller Daniel Morden who…
This is a story from Spain about a little chick who only has one eye, one wing and one leg. But he’s a determined little chick and rather proud. He decides to take himself off on an adventure to the Royal Palace in Madrid to see the King. As with many journeys…
In this story from Aotearoa, New Zealand, a small bird who mysteriously loses her song, she wanders through the forest asking for help from her feathery friends. Will she get her song back? Listen to this beautifully told rhyming tale from Maori storyteller El…
What would you ask for if you were granted one wish? In this Native American tale told by Cherokee storyteller Lisa LaRue Baker, the animals are each rewarded with a wish for good behaviour. All is going well, until Owl is overcome with curiosity and breaks th…
Greedy Anansi is at his tricks once again. Can he trick his friends so he can share everyone’s dinner without having to help them? Or will it backfire? Listen to storyteller Emily Hennessey tell this fun ‘How and Why’ story and find out. A good story to learn …
The national bird of New Zealand is the Kiwi. It has brown hairy feathers, a very long beak and no wings. Listen to Maōri storyteller Emmy Bidois tell her version of this moving story written by author and broadcaster Alwyn Owen.The story explains how the Kiwi…
Long time ago, in the African Bush, things were not as they are today. Elephant had a small nose, and Giraffe a short neck - so what happened? It all began with the little animals disobeying their parents. Listen to this lively, story told by Wangari from Ken…
Anansi is keen to join the birds at their feast on a mountain ledge. But can Anansi fly? With a little help from his feathered friends – he can! But once he’s abandoned by the birds, how can he save himself? Listen to this fun ‘How and Why’ story from Ghana, …
Maui the trickster is fed up with Ra the Sun. Ra is so lazy, that he’s always rushing across the sky to get back to his bed again. This leaves the days so short that Maui doesn’t have enough time to do all his chores. Maui and his brothers set out on a quest t…
A lively re-telling of a traditional African tale, Anansi might be cunning, but he’s also just a small, spider, so can he really beat Elephant in a tug of war? Listen to gifted storyteller Emily Hennessey and find out if brains are more important than size.…
Can a cheeky, talking pot save the day for a poor farmer and his wife who are down on their luck? Listen to this lively, interactive tale from Denmark told by master storyteller Daniel Morden and find out.…
Anansi is always boasting about how clever he is. The king is not happy. He decides to set Anansi an impossible challenge - one which will he thinks will get rid of that trickster once and for all. Anansi is confident he can trick anyone out of anything….but c…
Do you ever feel that everything is against you and unhappiness is following you around like a smelly dog? Well, you’re not alone. In this trickster tale from Poland, nothing seems to go right for a young couple. Until one day, they decide to try a bit of tric…
To mark St Patrick’s Day, Kate Corkery is back with a hair-raising tale about Finn McCool. It’s a quest story stuffed with giants, witches and princes in peril. Can Finn rescue the kidnapped princes from a wicked witch? With a little help from his friends, an…
Brer Rabbit is up to his tricks again – trying to steal water from Brer Wolf’s well. But after he’s caught once, will he be sensible and leave the well alone? You’d think so wouldn’t you, but this is Brer Rabbit we’re talking about. Listen to Baden Prince Juni…
A forest elf or ‘sylph’ is made homeless by a careless woodcutter. Luckily, he’s adopted by a kind couple. But what happens to the dreamy woodcutter who cut down his tree? Will he be punished, or will he marry the princess of his dreams? Listen to Belgian stor…
In this Brothers’ Grimm fairytale, beautifully told by Simone Schümmelfeder – a poor cobbler discovers elves in his house, and finds they’re remarkably good at lending a hand and helping him out of poverty. But what happens when he wants to help them back? Hav…
To celebrate Chinese New Year, Kim retells the story of Nián, the terrifying monster who emerged from the sea every New Year’s Eve - to eat cattle, and people, and crops. Until one year, a brave old man, came up with a plan. This old tale explains some of the …
In this moving Cinderella-style story, beautifully told by storyteller Nick Hennessey, a young girl is sent away from home by her Dad who misunderstands her declaration of love. But she doesn’t despair, she dusts herself down, and sets off disguised in a cap m…
A enchanting quest, tale from Norway about a bewitched prince and a determined girl. This story includes a troll princess, a magic potion, a snow bear, some witchy women, ooh, and even a song! Listen to this story retold by Kim and be transported to a far-away…
Two Fairy stories set in Northern Ireland - told by veteran storyteller Liz Weir. One is about a boy named Jim who has a scarily close encounter with fairies…
One snowy day, a young boy drops his mitten - a mole finds it and uses it to shelter away from the cold wind. One by one, various woodland animals come along and ask for shelter in the mitten. Eventually a bear decides to join them in the warmth. Is that a goo…
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