Barefoot Books Podcast

A young boy tries to find a way to reach the land of the dead to deliver a letter to the king’s father. From the book Magic Hoofbeats, retold by Josepha Sherman, illustrated by Linda Wingerter and narrated by Ellen Verenieks.

When her fiancé breaks her heart, clever Swanilda plots her revenge and discovers Dr. Coppélius’s dark secret. 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.

After being tricked by a mysterious old woman, a princess must perform challenging feats to win back her husband in this story from central Asia. From the book The Barefoot Book of Princesses, retold by Caitlín Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Margaret Wolfson

In this story that inspired Shakespeare’s play King Lear, a banished princess disguises herself as a kitchen maid and catches the eye of a prince. From the book Shakespeare’s Storybook, retold and narrated by Patrick Ryan, and illustrated by James Mayhew.

In this German story, a cabin boy develops a friendship with an invisible sea spirit who holds great power. From the book The Barefoot Book of Pirates, retold by Richard Walker, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Richard Hope.

In this heartwarming tale of friendship, a group of children work together to free a downtrodden chimney sweep from his cruel masters. From the book The Barefoot Book of Stories from the Opera, retold by Shahrukh Husain, illustrated by James Mayhew and narrated by Miranda Richardson.

In this Danish story, a goblin becomes enchanted by the beauty and magic of poetry. From the book The Barefoot Book of Giants, Ghosts and Goblins, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna and narrated by Jerry Nelson.

Though he longs to become a knight, young Perronik must first work as a mere cowherd. When he uses his wits to outsmart his opponents, he proves that it has what it takes to be knighted. From the book The Barefoot Book of Knights, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna and narrated by Anthony Head.

Two step-sisters learn the importance of helping others in this German folktale. From the book Grandmothers’ Stories, retold by Burleigh Mutén, illustrated by Siân Bailey and narrated by Olympia Dukakis.

Entranced by the beautiful spirit of Kanikani-aula, Eleio will stop at nothing to bring her back to life. From the book The Fabrics of Fairytale, retold and narrated by Tanya Robyn Batt, and illustrated by Rachel Griffin.