We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. And this time of the year it seems fitting to bring you some mildly spooky stories, nothing too terrifying. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about zombies, vampires, and giant pumpkins. 

On today's episode, enjoy the following: 

“Boo Stew” by Donna Washington from Angel’s Laughter (11:15)

Today's episode features a couple of stories written by or with kids, like this one called "Boo Stew". And in fact, in this story about a disgusting recipe for stew, there are even a few kid performers, led by Apple Seed favorite Donna Washington. 

“Zombie Boy” by Octavia Sexton from Appalachian Haint Tales (5:59)

A lot of the stories that Octavia Sexton tells are 'Jack Tales', like Jack and the Beanstalk or Jack the Giant Killer. This next story is fashioned after some of those Jack Tales. And speaking of stories made up by kids, this next tale was written by Octavia Sexton's grandson and it's called "Zombie Boy". 

“The Blood-Covered Vampire” by Richard Martin from The Well of the World's End and other Tales (2:01)

And now for a few stories that are really just jokes dressed up like scary stories. This first one is from England-born, Germany-based storyteller, Richard Martin about a seriously un-scary group of blood-thirsty vampires. 

“The Voice in the Graveyard” by Big Joe Pagliuca from Spooky Ooky (9:06)

This next story-with-a-punchline story is from "Big" Joe Pagliuca. The moniker "Big" Joe exists because that's how his preschool class could differentiate him from "Little" Joe, one of his students. Now generally, if you hear a spooky voice emanating from a graveyard, it's safe to say you should steer clear of said graveyard. Not true in this story, though. 

“Long Bony Finger” by Liz Weir from Boom Chicka Boom (3:38)

"Guess what I can do with my long bony finger and my ruby red lips!" is a chant heard throughout this story from the great Irish storyteller, Liz Weir. And that sounds like that's got 'scary story' written all over it. But in keeping with the last couple of stories, it's really just a setup for a joke. 

“Samurai Over My Head” by Donna Washington from Growing Up Army (10:41)

We started the hour with a Donna Washington story and we'd like to bring you another one here. And although it contains a seance it's actually a sweet story featuring Donna Washington's parents. 

"Feegbah" by Bill Gordh (7:21)

We thought we'd wrap up today's episode with a little musical adventure from Bill Gordh and his banjo. Have you ever been to a county fair and seen a giant pumpkin? Well, you've likely never seen one as big as the one in this story. A pumpkin so large and ornery that it'll chase you down if you disturb its sleep.