Barefoot Books Podcast

In this classic Danish story, a prince unsuccessfully searches for a true princess. Will he ever find a girl fit to be his bride? From the book The Barefoot Book of Princesses, retold by Caitlín Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Margaret Wolfson.

A brave young girl journeys for seven long years to find her lost love in this tale from Scotland. From the book Tales from Celtic Lands, retold by Caitlín Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Niamh Cusack.

Sir Cliges is devastated when he learns that he cannot celebrate Christmas in a grand fashion; however, he finds hope in a magical, gift-bearing tree. From the book The Barefoot Book of Knights, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna, and narrated by Anthony Head.

Will Winter be able to warm his cold bones? Find out in this story from the Seneca people of North America. From the book Tales of Mystery and Magic, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi.

After being cursed by an evil count, Queen Odette lives her days as a swan until her true love can break the spell. From the book The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Rebecca Guay and narrated by Juliet Stevenson.

To prove his love to Fatima, Amadi will set out on a dangerous journey to find the most beautiful cloth in the entire world in this Swahili story. From the book The Fabrics of Fairytale, retold and narrated by Tanya Robyn Batt, and illustrated by Rachel Griffin.

After working as a kitchen boy, a young man earns King Arthur’s respect and is trusted with a mission to save a maiden. From the book The Barefoot Book of Knights, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna and narrated by Anthony Head.

In this tale from the Czech Republic, merry Betushka gets to dance with the magical Birch Fairy, while she learns a valuable lesson about the importance of gratitude. From the book The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Helen Cann and narrated by Juliet Stevenson.

A boastful—yet cowardly— man learns the importance of being modest when he encounters a fearsome giant in this West African tale. From the book The Barefoot Book of Giants, Ghosts and Goblins, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna and narrated by Jerry Nelson.

In this West African story, a family learns the value of keeping loved ones alive through memories. From the book Tales of Mystery and Magic, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi.