Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

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Poor Redge! His dreams of putting on the Bards and Balladeers winter play are doomed. The Fun Funk has set in throughout the Folktale Forest and no one has signed up to audition. In dashes Albert Spice whose cookie-fueled enthusiasm is sure to lift spirits and ignite everyone’s joy of performance and camaraderie. It’s a race against time to turn around the low turnout. Can he run and run as fast as he can to save the play? Of course, he can, he’s the Gingerbread Man!

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-gingerfriend-man/       

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF LIST of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/EP81freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This reimagined tale about the Gingerbread Man serves up valuable lessons for kids, weaving in themes of courage, friendship, embracing one’s own imperfections, and the joy of sharing passions with others. (Aligns with CASEL Social and Emotional learning framework for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making.)

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY, you may also enjoy, episode 24, Merry Band of Bremen, where 5 unlikely friends band together on an a cappella plan that turns the townspeople into their most devoted fans: https://jonincharacter.com/merry-band-of-bremen/ 

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

Support the show

GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

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Are you ready for some festive fun? Follow Jack Frost, your easy-freezy emcee, for your VIP entrance into the Folktale Forest’s Jolly Holly Day celebrations. Experience the treasured tinsel traditions, winterberry bush wishes, and the happy folk with their hand-decorated parasols on parade. You have an all-access pass to this year’s Grand Feast for Mr. Redge’s quill-tingling speech, stories of gratitude and the most delicious holiday snacks. Then it’s off to your beds, where the Fairy of the Evening Star will send you to the land of dreams where you’ll relive this magical day!

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/snow-time/     

DOWNLOAD YOUR JOLLY HOLLY PARASOL COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/parasol-colorpage   

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF LIST of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/EP80freePDF     

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This original story celebrates traditions and fosters a sense of belonging and cultural appreciation. The characters’ camaraderie and inclusivity underscore the importance of empathy, cooperation and understanding. Additionally, the episode has an emphasis on gratitude, joy, a positive outlook and the sheer delight of shared celebrations.  (Aligns with CASEL Social and Emotional learning framework for self-awareness and relationship skills.)

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY, you may also enjoy, episode 59, A Winter’s Tail, where Jack Frost makes his first appearance to show his Folktale Forest friends the many reasons for enjoying the winter season: https://jonincharacter.com/a-winters-tail/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written and produced by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Kyle Elliot who voiced the character Jack Frost. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

Music in Jolly Holly Parasol Parade Scene: On Bourbon Street, Royalty free music by Giorgio Di Campo for FreeSound Music

Support the show

GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

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Rodge takes his cousin, Redge, on a tour of Litropia, Once Upon a Time's biggest city! The hedgehog duo enjoys a day full of delights as they cruise through downtown with the help of Litropia’s finest cab driver, Sal A. Mander. They sing along to the toe-tapping musical “Squawkin’ in the Rain", have a whirling-twirling time at Litropia Lane’s skating rink and hang wishes on the famous Un-Fir-gettable Tree. But how can they put the cherry on top of a perfect day? Why a visit to Fairy Godmother’s Sweet Shop for a Glass Slipper Sundae, of course!

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/big-city-adventure/

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF LIST of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/EP79freePDF       

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This original story takes listeners on a journey through the imaginary city of Litropia where valuable lessons unfold, including embracing new experiences, appreciating differences, friendship enduring challenges, creativity, expressing gratitude and kindness always goes a long way. (Aligns with CASEL Social and Emotional learning framework for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making.)

HOTLINE ALERT! After the story, listener Seraphina, age 10, host of the podcast, “Seraphina Speaks: For Children Who Think,” calls the Mr. Redge Hotline to ask, “What is the most important emotional lesson Jonathan has taught you?” Listen to Mr. Redge’s response, then send in your questions with the help of your grownup to [email protected]

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY, you may also enjoy, Special Delivery, Redge’s day with the O.U.T.P.S. (Once Upon a Time Postal Service) delivering mail to the critters who dwell in Dorktales’ Land of Once Upon a Time: https://jonincharacter.com/special-delivery/

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.

Support the show

GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

When a sibling rivalry ignites a wild ruckus, Mr. Redge enlists Jonathan's help to end the unfriendly feud. Using his skills as a storytelling problem solver, Jonathan weaves a tale on the wisdom of unity and the strength that lies in working together. It inspires the brothers to bundle up their bickering and squelch their scuffles, proving their sibling bonds are truly unbreakable.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/a-scuffle-of-sticks/           

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this modern twist on Aesop’s fable, “A Bundle of Sticks” sibling rivalry takes center stage. What unfolds are lessons in the power of cooperation, problem solving, understanding others, the value of listening and the importance of family bonds. (Aligns with CASEL Social and Emotional learning framework for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making.)

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY, you may also enjoy the brother, Percy, Porky, and Peregrin’s origin story, The Three Little…Hogs?!: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-three-little-hogs/

The three hedgehog brothers also make an appearance in Little Red: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-little-red/

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

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

Support the show

GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

A wave-splashing tale of the First Lady of Limu! Dive into the fascinating life of Isabella Aiona Abbott. From her early days in Hawaii to becoming a world-renowned expert on Pacific Ocean algae, her journey was filled with scientific curiosity and groundbreaking accomplishments. Drawing on the wisdom passed down through generations, she showed us how to connect with the natural world and use the oceans gifts for food and more. Ms. Abbott broke barriers by being the first Hawaiian woman to earn a PhD in science, discovering over 70 edible seaweeds, and leaving an enduring legacy in marine botany and Hawaiian ethnobotany.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/isabella-aiona-abbott/     

If you liked this story about Isabella Aiona Abbott, you might like learning about other American Asian and Pacific Islanders who forged new paths in the arts and sciences: https://jonincharacter.com/kids-podcast-playlist-for-aapi-heritage-month/

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

Support the show

GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

Chills, thrills and shrieks of nervous laughter fill the night air as Stephon Stork, Heron Stone and Gabby Goose, AKA the popular Stork Squad, tell the tale of their eerie encounter with the Goop Hog! It’s the slimy, ooey-gooey, algae-dripping creature who rose from the deepest depths of Lumen Lagoon and lunged at the terrified trio. But beware, brave listeners, things are never as they seem. Soon, they uncover the truth about the mysterious Goop Hog and learn a valuable lesson about giving others a chance.          

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/goop-hog-halloween-tale/
• FAN PAGE FUN:  https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/ 
• MORE (NOT SO) SPOOKY HALLOWEEN STORIES FOR KIDS: https://jonincharacter.com/halloween-stories-for-kids-playlist-thats-more-fun-than-fright/ 
• DOWNLOAD DORKTALES HALLOWEEN COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/DorktalesHalloweenColorFun

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Halloween stories for kids episode combines the entertainment of a spooky tale with an opportunity to learn essential life lessons about kindness, understanding, and what comes from embracing others’ differences. The story is a reminder that it’s easy to jump to conclusions and misunderstandings based on someone’s looks or actions. It encourages the values of welcoming others and being open-minded. 

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

Support the show

GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

Nighttime has fallen and starry skies are twinkling and that means it’s go time for Hesper, the enchanting fairy of the Evening Star, and her talking moth companion, Vesper! They’re off on their evening’s journey to bring restful sleep and wondrous dreams to all the creatures of the Folktale Forest. So, tuck your dear ones under the covers and get ready for a slumber time adventure filled with stardust magic and the sweetest bedtime traditions, all bundled up in a beautiful lullaby.

Dorktales sleep story: https://jonincharacter.com/once-upon-a-lullaby/

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In the story, listeners are introduced to a diverse cast of characters from the Folktale Forest, each with their unique bedtime rituals and cultural practices. By showcasing these different bedtime routines and traditions, the story promotes an understanding and appreciation of diversity and cultural awareness. (Aligns with Social Awareness competency within the CASEL SEL Framework.)

Looking for more recommendations for your bedtime routines? Here are some of our personal favorites:

• For another great Dorktales story, try “Alice in Slumberland” 
• Bedtime History podcast will relax kids into sleep while they hear stories about famous people and places in history.
• Dreamful is a soothing, sleep story podcast with musical accompaniment that will ease you into slumber.
• The Sleepytime Club is an essential part of a parent’s tool kit for establishing intentional and memorable bedtime routines with their children.

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

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written and produced by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Molly Murphy who performed the character Hesper, the fairy of the evening star. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. The song ‘Once Upon a Lullaby’ was written, produced and performed by Molly Murphy and mastered by Jermaine Hamilton. Sound recording and production for the episode by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. 

Support the show

GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

If your child is experiencing back to school anxiety, this story for kids will validate their feelings and build confidence before a new school year begins. We explore first day of school worries and share gentle ways to help anxious kids conquer their fear of the unknown.

Big Bad Wolf is starting a new school year and he’s having back to school jitters. He’s worried his wolf classmates will continue to make fun of him over his embarrassing incident during last year’s howl-at-the-moon final exam. Enter his Folktale Forest friends, including Serena the Capybara. They talk him through his new class nerves and guide him back to his calm, cool and collected canine self and send him off with the confidence he needs to become a Master Howler!

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/big-bad-goes-back-to-school/       

FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/ 

• DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET/COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/ep74worksheet  
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep74freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:A new school year often brings back to school anxiety. In Big Bad Goes Back to School, those emotions take center stage as Big Bad works through his worries with help from friends and calming strategies. This story gently encourages emotional resilience, self-regulation, and using your support systems. It features two guided mindfulness exercises for back to school anxiety, perfect tools for easing into the new school year. 

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, and edited and produced by Molly Murphy. Jonathan, Mr. Redge and Big Bad were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Serena was performed by Chanel Tsang, the host of Peace Out podcast and author of Peace Out: Calm Down Workbook for Kids. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Support the show

GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

Artemis feels like she knows all of the magic in the woods of Akva Nova. As far as she’s concerned, there’s nothing new to discover. But maybe, just maybe, there’s more magic and wonder in the woods than meets the eye?

Episode webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/13354906

Girl Tales is a podcast that offers a feminist twist on classic fairytales, fables, myths and original stories like this one. Discover more: https://girltalespodcast.com/

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

CREDITS: Special thanks to Rebecca Cunningham for letting us share “Artemis and the Hunt for Magic” with you. It’s written by Molly Murphy, performed by Rebecca Cunningham, and produced by Tessa Flannery. You’ll find Girl Tales wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure you subscribe to both Dorktales Storytime AND Girl Tales for a playlist library overflowing with magical tales. 

Support the show

GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Send us Fan Mail

Meet Nathaniel, a cool kid who loves his family, having fun and riding his bike. One day he runs into a bully from the neighborhood and must choose giving into peer pressure or standing up for himself. What’s his ultimate decision? Listen to this original story from the Stoopkid Stories podcast. 

Episode webpage:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/13354874

Melissa Victor, or Melly to her friends and listeners, is part of Dorktales’ Once Upon a Time world! She’s Rapunzel, the STEM princess and you can hear her in our episode 43: Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down Your Science Experiment: https://jonincharacter.com/rapunzel/

Melly is also the creator and storyteller for Stoopkid Stories, where you get to follow 7 young, Black characters who have new adventures and overcome different obstacles with their friends, family, school and community. Discover more: https://stoopkidstories.com/

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

CREDITS: Special thanks to Melly for letting us share “Nathaniel and His Bike” with you. Stoopkids Stories is made by Melissa Victor and you’ll find it wherever you listen to podcasts! Make sure you subscribe to both Dorktales Storytime AND Stoopkid Stories for a playlist library overflowing with imaginary tales. 

Support the show

GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

REACH OUT!

• Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
• We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
• Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new 
• Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music