Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

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OH NO! Alice accidentally summoned the Jabberwock who’s causing chaos across Wonderland. She’s frantic to banish the bullying beast when the Cheshire Cat pops in to lend a paw or… tail? Can this feline mischief-maker help Alice and her friends find a way out of this monster jam? Purrrhaps. Or, maybe what’s called for is a little curiosity and self-discovery to show Alice she already glows with the power to send the creature back to his home.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/jabberwock-this-way/

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

• WONDERLAND PLAYLIST: https://jonincharacter.com/wonderland-podcast-playlist-for-kids/ 
• COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/dorktalesWonderland 
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep64freeFDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Jabberwock This Way is a reimagined story inspired by the poem "Jabberwocky" from Lewis Carroll's classic, Through the Looking Glass. This adventure explores how feelings of fear, shame, and self-doubt can grow after making a mistake. With the encouragement of trusted friends, Alice learns to challenge her negative self-talk, recognize her own strengths, and remember that asking for help is a sign of courage. Ultimately, she discovers that self-confidence, kindness, and believing in herself are the real sources of her greatest power. 

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, edited and produced by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Sabrina Glow for voicing the character, Alice. All other characters 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

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Welcome to Redge’s K.N.I.G.H.T. School, the Knowledgeably Noble Institution for Gallant Hero Training! Here Hedge Knights in training discover their own inner powers, cultivate their courage, celebrate everyone as they are, defend the realm from darkness, and BRAVELY bring about the light. Young Archie doubts he has the right stuff, afraid that he will never be worthy enough to take such a hedge pledge. He’s ready to leap when he learns that he already possesses exemplary knighthood qualities—a kind heart, the curiosity to learn, and the power of his own story!

This episode includes the song, Firefly Light, an anthem to our own heroic journeys and the importance of our communities and the stories we share together.

SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR PARENTS AND EDUCATORS: In our stories, we incorporate empowering messages and lessons for kids, especially those who are being marginalized and misunderstood. This is an important episode for our team because both of the voice actors are on the autism spectrum—one who is a seasoned professional and the other who is just beginning his acting career. They embody the themes in this story: to be yourself, share your gifts, empower others, and brave your fears to bring about the light. They are working together to find their places in a world that doesn’t always accept those who are different.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/redges-knight-school/

If you liked this story, you may also like Episode 32 The Princess and the Pincushion, a reimagined fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea,” a lesson on true friendship and more knights’ fun, Huzzah! https://jonincharacter.com/the-princess-and-the-pincushion/

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

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Langston Sardella who voiced the character Archie, the young hedge knight in training. Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog was performed by Jonathan Cormur. The song ‘Firefly Light’ was written and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Monique Hafen Adams, Kristin Schmitz, and Molly Murphy. It features Phil Harris, guitar from E.W. Harris, and additional vocals from Jenni Messner and Dani Lencioni. It’s available at dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com. 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

Rude! Ill-mannered! Uh oh! After only one night of their visit, Mr. Redge declares that his cozy, country inn experience is over for his city cousin, Rodge. It seems that these two are set on squabbling instead of enjoying their time together. Does Rodge really feel superior because he lives in Litropia and not the Folktale Forest? See how this tale of competing and comparisons turns into acts of mutual appreciation.

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This story was inspired by Aesop’s fable, “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse.” The narrative illustrates how easy it is to make the wrong assumptions about someone else’s behavior, and how we can envy what others have instead of appreciating all the good things in our own lives. Be gracious and grateful instead of judgmental and resentful.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/country-redge-vs-city-rodge/

If you liked this story, you may also like Episode 45 A Fowl First Impression, a reimagined fable, “The Peacock and the Crane,” with a lesson on being too quick to cast judgments on others: https://jonincharacter.com/fowl-first-impression/

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 and edited by Molly Murphy. All characters are 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

We’ve got stories of chart-topping trailblazers! Ritchie Valens broke cultural barriers with his musical style, and sparked the game-changing Chicano rock movement. Carol Kaye was the only woman on the famous ‘Wrecking Crew’. Always in high-demand, she laid down iconic bass tracks during 10,000 recording sessions. Sister Rosetta Tharpe crossed boundaries in sound and performance to become the Godmother of Rock and Roll, and creator of one of the very first recorded rock tracks. These three groundbreaking music makers played to the beat of their own drums and changed the tune of music history forever.

Go to the episode webpage:https://jonincharacter.com/groundbreaking-music-makers/ 

If you liked this story about music making hidden heroes of history, you may also like Episode 8: Louis Armstrong, a man who built a music legacy and a legacy beyond music: https://jonincharacter.com/louis-armstrong/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur, Molly Murphy, Kristin Schmitz and Monique Hafen Adams. 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

After missing out on the latest aPhone release, the Acorn-product-obsessed Mr. Redge makes a desperate deal with a dark magic sorcerer. Quivering over almost losing his quills, he meets Acorn founder Beeve Hogs. Beeve tells him the story of King Midas and his love of gold, and the wizard that grants Midas' greedy wish. Will the story's unintended consequences touch Redge’s heart and remind him what he should value the most?

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This story was inspired by the mythological story of King Midas and the Golden Touch. It’s a lesson to never forget what matters most in one’s life—friendships, connection, caring for others. It highlights the perils of valuing things over people. 

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-golden-touch-screen/

GRAB YOUR FREE CONVERSATION STARTERS PDF for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/EP60freePDF

If you liked this story, you may also like Episode 30: The Goldiquills Effect, a retelling of the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears: https://jonincharacter.com/the-goldiquills-effect/

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 and edited by Molly Murphy. All characters are 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

We booked you another reservation on Brave Aviator Airlines, where stories take flight! Join Jonathan and Mr. Redge on this encore adventure through time to meet four pioneers of aviation: Bessie Coleman, Hazel Ying Lee, Maggie Gee and Mae Jemison. From flying circuses and Avenger Field to the space shuttle Endeavor, these women broke through racial and gender barriers to reach new heights of acceptance in the field of aviation and beyond!

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/brave-aviators/

This episode comes with a "Use Your Imagination" Activity guide! It's free when you sign up for our newsletter: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/SignUp

Season 4 begins on January 26, 2023! Until then, visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website for our complete library of reimagined fairy tales, fables, hidden hero histories and lore stories: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-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. 

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

While Jonathan and Mr. Redge rest after all their merrymaking and the joyful tales they’ve told this season, Rebecca Cunningham makes a visit from Girl Tales to share an original story about Shelby Ann Catskills Cunningham. Ms. Cunningham LOVES to lasso and wishes she had more time to do it. Well, right before New Year’s Eve, she lassoes someone who can give her the power to twirl her rope as much as she wants. Seems like her wish will finally come true… but also there might be a few unexpected consequences too!

Find more Girl Tales episodes: https://girltalespodcast.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Jonathan and Mr. Redge will be back in January 2023 with a brand new season of Dorktales Storytime. Until then, find our full library of reimagined fairy tales and fables with social emotional themes, histories of hidden heroes and anything-is-possible lore stories on our website: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

CREDITS:Special thanks to Girl Tales for letting us share their original holiday story, Catching Tanya Time. It was written, produced and performed by Rebecca Cunningham. Girl Tales is a kids' podcast of feminist stories for a new generation. They reimagine fairytales, fables, myths, and legends so that girls are the heroes. You can listen and follow Girl Tales wherever you get your podcasts and sign up for even more on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/girltales 

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

“Poppycock, nonsense and hedge-hogwash!” declares Mr. Redge when he learns winter is responsible for all the cold white stuff making his wallaby friend’s toes and tail freeze. Before emotions heat up to a high degree, the magical weather pixie known as Jack Frost pops in to share what’s so cool about the chilly season. Can he ultimately prove to the Folktale Forest’s creatures that there’s no business like snow business?

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This story was inspired by the tale of Jack Frost, a personification of frost, ice, snow, sleet, and winter. The story points out the many reasons to enjoy winter—from special activities indoors and out—and how you can appreciate the gifts that each season brings.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/a-winters-tail/

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

SPECIAL THANKS: Our chill Jack Frost is performed by Kyle Elliot, a professional voice over talent: https://www.kyleelliot.com

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson and edited by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Kyle Elliot for voicing the character, Jack Frost. All other characters 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

‘Tis the season of good cheer and you, dear listeners, are our reason to be merry! Once Upon a Times’ traditional hedgehog holiday has almost begun—but before the festivities commence, Mr. Redge has invited the Folktale Forest’s Society of Bards and Balladeers to give you a glimpse into the magic of Jolly Holly Day. So, with narrative expressions of joy and great glee they present the poem, ’Twas a Night Most Jolly Holly. 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This episode was inspired by “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” to describe a holiday tradition from our imaginative land of Once Upon a Time. It demonstrates another important form of storytelling: the narrative poem. Poetry is a form of self-expression and it helps us understand and appreciate the world around us. 

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/twas-a-night-most-jolly-holly/ 

Listen to our Jolly Holly Hedgehog Holiday BONUS episode: https://jonincharacter.com/jolly-holly-hedgehog/

Our special guest voice actors originally performed their characters in these episodes:

• Eric O’Keeffe as Sherlock Nettlesbee: https://jonincharacter.com/mary-had-a-little-yes-and/
• Erika Ludwig as Isabella, the book-loving bear: https://jonincharacter.com/pura-belpre/
• Sabrina Glow as Alice in Slumberland: https://jonincharacter.com/alice-in-slumberland/
• Chanel Tsang as Serena the caring capybara: https://jonincharacter.com/big-bads-big-feelings/
• Melissa Victor as Rapunzel the STEM Princess: https://jonincharacter.com/rapunzel/

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

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written written by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to our special guest voice actors Eric O’Keeffe, Erica Ludwig, Sabrina Glow, Chanel Tsang, and Melissa Victor. All other characters were 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 taste of kitchen creativity and a recipe for success! Lucille Bishop Smith was a Black American culinary entrepreneur, educator, inventor and corporate founder. Her “Lucille’s All Purpose Hot Roll Mix” revolutionized home cooking. 21 different recipes could be made from its base, adding a dash of time-saving convenience to meal-making! She used her success to give back, uplifting her community and teaching others the secret ingredients needed to navigate the domestic service industry.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/lucille-bishop-smith/

See images of Lucille Bishop Smith and some of her culinary inventions on the Prairie View A&M University website: https://www.pvamu.edu/tiphc/exhibits/biscuits-and-business/

Lucille’s Restaurant by Lucille Bishop Smith’s great-grandchildren: https://www.lucilleshouston.com/index.html

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