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It’s the perfect day for pure play! Sherlock Nettlesbee, the great deducing squirrel detective, joins Jonathan and Mr. Redge in an afternoon of imagination and good old-fashioned make believe. When their cloud gazing doesn’t cut it, Sherlock declares that “the Improv Game is afoot!” Can the trio find inspiration from Mary and her little lamb, Lula? Yes and…they’re sure to find a whole-lotta playful, floofy fun everywhere they go!

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This story is about making time for imaginary play! Improvisation, or improv, is when you make up a story, or a scene, or a little bit of music on the spot. The ‘Yes And’ game is when you listen to another person in your improv scene and agree with what they are saying—that’s the ‘yes’ part—and you use your own ideas to build on their thoughts—that’s the ‘and’ part. It’s entertaining and very fun, plus it also encourages listening skills, collaboration and cooperation.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/mary-had-a-little-yes-and   

Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

SPECIAL THANKS: Our great deducer Sherlock Nettlesbee the Squirrel is performed by Eric O’Keeffe, host of What If World, a story podcast where "What if?" questions from kids become imaginative stories! Visit the website at whatifworldpodcast.com and check out their Patreon page for ad-free stories and rewards: https://www.patreon.com/whatifworld

PODFRIENDS: We want to introduce you to another kids’ podcast we know you’ll enjoy: A Kids Book About: The Podcast! It’s about the things that matter, like racism, body image and belonging. Created by the folks who’ve been there. Honest. Important. Relevant. Find more on their website: https://akidsco.com/pages/a-kids-book-about-the-podcast

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, and edited by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Eric O’Keeffe from What if World, who voiced Sherlock Nettlesbee and created the Mary and Lula story with Jonathan Cormur. Jonathan and Mr. Redge were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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Jonathan is visiting the magical realm of the What If World podcast where he is joined by the show’s host, Mr. Eric, for a storytelling adventure and some mythical merry-making! Enjoy this bonus episode “What if Dragons Breathed Sprinkles?” from What If World. Stay tuned after the story to hear a short interview with our storyteller, Jonathan.

“All-star adventurer and wizard, Igneous Draconius (played by Jonathan Cormur) is a guest lecturer at the Observatorium this week, and Professor Abacus P. Grumbler starts to feel jealous…”

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: The lessons learn in this episode include: 1) You can't get everyone to like you, but you can find people who like you just as you are; 2) competition can help us challenge ourselves, and 3) it’s important to remember that failing is part of growing.

Find more What If World episodes: http://www.whatifworldpodcast.com/

Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

CREDITS: Special thanks to Mr. Eric for letting us share this What If World episode with you. What If World is made by Mr. Eric and Karen O’Keeffe and you’ll find it wherever you listen to podcasts! Make sure you subscribe to both Dorktales Storytime AND What If World for a playlist library overflowing with imaginary tales. Please support Mr. Eric’s work by joining What If World’s Patreon for ad-free stories, a shout-out on the show, bonus audio and so much more: https://www.patreon.com/whatifworld 

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We’re 50 episodes in so Molly Murphy, writer, producer and composer for Dorktales Storytime—and our host, Jonathan Cormur’s sister—has a special message about why storytelling and imagination are so incredibly important to the Dorktales’ Team:

“We love making this podcast because we can tell all kids that everything they’re feeling is valid. We can give them tools for navigating the world, and stories to turn to where they can hear that they matter and they’re enough. We want to be that community for young people. We want Dorktales to be the space where kids can celebrate who they are without fear.”

READ THE SPECIAL MESSAGE:
https://jonincharacter.com/whats-the-why-behind-dorktales-storytime/

THE MAGICAL DOORWAY, OUR 50TH EPISODE:
https://jonincharacter.com/the-magical-doorway/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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On an otherwise normal day, a portal opens in a mysterious tree hidden in the very corners of a California redwood forest. Jonathan walks through the trunk and tumbles into the mystical, magical land of Once Upon a Time. Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog, who’s out on his daily walk around his hovel, encounters this lost human. The two discover their kinship and begin their quest to bring joy and understanding to others through stories. As the sun sets behind the Cliffhanger mountains, they set sail across the Fantasea in pursuit of their first storytelling adventures!

Cue the confetti, it’s our 50th episode! For almost two years, we’ve been building our fictional “Once Upon a Time” universe—a place filled with Imagination where Jonathan and Mr. Redge take you on a journey of curiosity and acceptance – through fairy tales with a geeky twist, the histories of hidden heroes, and now, Dorktales lore stories! Our lore stories take you deeper into our anything-is-possible world-building. The Magical Doorway—our very first lore story–was inspired by our listener friend, Gael who asked, “How did Mr. Jonathan and Mr. Redge meet?”

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-magical-doorway

HEY GROWNUPS: Sign up to receive our podcast newsletter every two weeks and you'll receive FREE access to our Dorktales Storytime Podcast's Resource Library filled with activity guides, conversation starter PDFs, printables and more: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studios.

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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Annoyed and anxious and angry, oh my! Looks like our friends from the Folktale Forest are on an emotional roller coaster, especially the Big Bad Wolf. He's so upset, he just wants to howl at the moon! Luckily, they encounter a caring capybara who patiently helps them sort through their big feelings and calm themselves down. Join Jonathan, Redge, and Big Bad as they learn how to understand one another, and huff and puff their stress away. 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Recognizing overwhelming feelings is one of the first steps towards feeling better and managing stress. This is an original story that helps kids learn how to self-regulate. It covers many coping strategies and ends with a mindfulness exercise that will help young people move through their anxious feelings. We have a special grownup companion guide for this episode, “Are You Feeling Big Feelings?” It’s FREE when you sign up for our community mailing list:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/BigFeelingsGuide

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/big-bads-big-feelings

Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

SPECIAL THANKS: Our caring capybara, Serena, is performed by Chanel Tsang, host of Peace Out Podcast, mindfulness stories for kids. Chanel is a Montessori educator, family supports practitioner, and yoga and mindfulness meditation guide. She created the Peace Out Podcast as a resource for parents and educators to promote social-emotional skills and introduce yoga and mindfulness to children: https://peaceoutpodcast.com/

CONTACT MR. REDGE HOTLINE Grownups, have your kids contact us for a chance to appear in a future podcast episode: https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson and edited by Molly Murphy. Jonathan, Mr. Redge and the Big Bad Wolf were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Special thanks to Chanel Tsang from Peace Out Podcast who voiced Serena. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studios.

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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An epic quest to uncover an early video game pioneer! As a teen, Jerry Lawson was a self-taught electronics wiz—building ham radios, making walkie-talkies from scratch, and repairing his neighbor’s TVs. His love of new technologies brought him to California where he became one of the only Black engineers in Silicon Valley. While there, he changed the course of the video game industry with his revolutionary invention—the Channel F game console with interchangeable cartridges. Today, his legacy is paving the way for a new generation of inventive engineers!

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/jerry-lawson 

Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

Learn even more about Jerry Lawson from these great resources:

• Raising the Game by Anthony Frasier on Audible:  https://www.audible.com/pd/Raising-the-Game-Podcast/B09CRFNH6C 
• Past and the Curious Podcast Episode 73 on Ralph Baer and Jerry Lawson: https://thepastandthecurious.com/episodes/episode-73-video-games/

PODFRIENDS: We want to introduce you to another storytelling podcast we think you’ll enjoy: African Folktales with Miss JoJo! It’s a Webby Award-winning children’s podcast of diverse short stories originating in Africa. Find more on their website: https://www.abfc.co/shows/african-folktales/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. 

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
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Two traveling dudes mindlessly meander down a path when they awaken ferocious O, a ginormous growling bear, from his peaceful slumber! Will these best bro buddies help each other to safety when the bear barrels towards them in full bluster? Or will one have to learn a righteous lesson about who he can truly count on when things get tough?

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is our reimagining of the Aesop fable, “The Two Travelers and a Bear.” The theme of this story is “What is a true friend?” Good friends don’t just care about themselves. And true friends stick by you when things are going right, and when things are going wrong.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/bear-weather-friends

MR. REDGE’S HOTLINE ALERT! After the story, listener Ella Grace, age 7, calls the Mr. Redge Hotline to ask about her favorite character, the Big Bad Wolf! Timestamp: 14: 52

CONTACT MR. REDGE HOTLINE Grownups, have your kids contact us for a chance to appear in a future podcast Episode: https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/

Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

PODFRIENDS:  We want to introduce you to another audio fiction podcast for kids we think you’ll enjoy: Ben & Sophie: Woby’s Secret! It’s a mysteriously funny audio adventure by Spoken Movie Project. Find more at spokenmoviewproject.com and on Instagram @spokenmovieproject

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, edited by Molly Murphy, and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studios. 

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
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A story of diving, discovery, and the Shark Lady! Fascinated by marine life as a child, Eugenie Clark grew to become a leading ichthyologist who changed the way scientists study ocean life. Throughout her career, she conducted 72 submersible dives, led more than 200 field expeditions, and pioneered the practice of underwater research through scuba diving. She cared deeply for sharks, swimming among them (and riding on the back of a 50-foot whale shark) in order to understand their behaviors. She inspired the public's curiosity, awe, and wonder, turning the tides on what we thought we knew about these misunderstood ocean creatures. 

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/eugenie-clark

Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

YOUR KIDS ON OUR SHOW: Contact our “Mr. Redge Hotline” for a chance for a shout out or featured in one of our episodes! Leave us a voicemail, email, video or use our color page - https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/

PODFRIENDS: We want to introduce you to another storytelling podcast we think you’ll enjoy: ABC Story Sisters! Join sisters Alexa, Bristol and Charlotte as they bring classic children’s literature to life for kids…and kids at heart. Season 4 flies you off to Neverland for the story of Peter Pan. Go to abcstorysisters.com and follow them on Instagram @abcstorysisters

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. 

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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Harumph! Why is a new neighbor making Mr. Redge’s quills stand on end? Maybe his outlook will change after hearing the story of the pompous peacock who struts his fine feathers while prejudging the friendly crane. Will he connect with the crane’s advice to stay open minded, or will he stand firm with his first fowl impression? 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is our reimagining of the fable, “The Peacock and the Crane.” Seeing past the surface is the lesson of this story. Sometimes we tell ourselves that our value is only skin deep and it makes us feel insecure. We can also be too quick to cast judgments on others before we get to know them. It’s character that matters. Be thoughtful and kind to yourself and others.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/fowl-first-impression

Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

YOUR KIDS ON OUR SHOW: Contact our “Mr. Redge Hotline” for a chance for a shout out or featured in one of our episodes! Leave us a voicemail, email, video or use our color page - https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, edited by Molly Murphy, and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studios.
 

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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A seafaring tale of daring do in a long dress and petticoats! At the young age of 15, Ida Lewis helped her father with his lighthouse keeper’s duties on Lime Rock. She grew to become the small island’s sole keeper responsible for protecting and guiding ships to safe harbor. Throughout her life, Ida fearlessly rowed her small skiff out in rough storms and icy waters to rescue people (and a sheep). She became famous after saving two drowning soldiers in a snowstorm and was named, “the bravest woman in America.” But the lighthouse, not the limelight, was where Ida Lewis found her lifelong happiness. 

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/ida-lewis

Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

YOUR KIDS ON OUR SHOW: Contact our “Mr. Redge Hotline” for a chance for a shout out or featured in one of our episodes! Leave us a voicemail, email, video or use our color page - https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. 

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REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!