Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

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After tumbling down the rabbit hole, Alice and Redge find themselves smack dab in the middle of the Queen of Hearts’ kingdom. Seeing the queen’s subjects so sad over her very bad temper and impossible expectations, the two come up with a clever croquet challenge to help her learn that winning isn’t everything. Can the queen learn that good sportsmanship makes every game more fun, or will she keep sending everyone… OFF TO THEIR BEDS?!

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/alice-in-slumberland/

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/ep56freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is a reimagined story based on the "Queen's Croquet Ground" chapter from Lewis Carroll's classic, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Queen's behavior demonstrates unrealistic expectations, poor sportsmanship, and a lack of consideration for others. By the end of the story, she learns that cooperation, teamwork, empathy, and good sportsmanship lead to stronger relationships and more enjoyable experiences for everyone.  

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.

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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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As soon as the leaves fall, the Folktale Forest hedgehogs turn them into maple leaf medals. They award them to the trees every autumn for their exemplary service to the land and its critters. Now, Jonathan and Mr. Redge are adding to this annual tradition by honoring the unique talents and contributions of their forest friends. And what better way to celebrate than a razzle-dazzling awards show with dancing trios, wonderful wordsmiths, astonishing acrobats, and one famous rooster whose cockadoodle-do doesn’t miss a beat.

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This fall stories for kids episode celebrates gratitude by showing kids how appreciation can be expressed through recognizing the unique qualities and contributions of others. The story begins with the Folktale Forest hedgehogs honoring the trees for all they provide, then expands the tradition into a talent show celebrating the forest critters many different abilities. Kids can see that everyone has something valuable to contribute and that taking the time to notice and celebrate those qualities can help others feel appreciated and valued.

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/maple-leaf-legends
• FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/ 
• MORE STORIES FOR KIDS ADVENTURES: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-lore-stories/
• DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET/COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales55funsheet
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this stories for kids episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep55freePDF

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy. All 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

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“It’s a beautiful day for a story, adventure and glory, new friends, and old ones too!” We’re very excited to bring you, dear listeners, our original theme song, performed by the Folktale Forest’s resident bird band, the Branch Sisters. The lyrics are a tribute to YOU, our dork squad, who join Jonathan and Mr. Redge each episode as they set sail on adventures through the imagination—taking you to a “brand, new world with twists and turns and lessons learned, and journeys most exhilarating.” Thank you for helping us bring joy, magic, and good stories into the world!

AVAILABLE ON BANDCAMP: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

AVAILABLE ON BUY ME A COFFEE: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales/e/94779

FIND LYRICS on the episode webpage:
https://jonincharacter.com/once-upon-a-time-dorktales-theme-song/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Our show intro was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Our theme song was written, produced, and performed by Molly Murphy, and engineered & mixed by Andrew Sheron at Conveyor Studios in New York City. The song also features vocals from Monique Hafen Adams and Kristin Schmitz, drums from Phil Harris, and bass, piano, and additional instruments from Andrew Sheron. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studios. 

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

It’s alive! Deep in the Foreshadow, the ever-dark lands of Once Upon a Time, Hogenstein, the infamous warthog scientist, invented the potion, It’s Alive No. 5! Using his freaky formula, a lightning rod and a fierce thunderstorm, he and his loyal lab assistant, Lugo the bat, brought a super creature to life. Muahahaha! But wait…that’s not what’s so terrifying about this tale, because the scariest part is when the creature must go out into the world to face his fears alone.

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/hogenstein-a-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 is a reimagining of the classic, Frankenstein, where facing one’s fears is scarier than a spooky story. In our version, the creature goes out into the world on his own, tries things he has never tried before, and has the courage to never give up. He kept trying his best, even when the townspeople judged him before he had the chance to show them his big heart. 

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, edited, directed and produced by Molly Murphy. All characters were 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

A story of duty, dedication, and deliveries! Dr. Kazue Togasaki was one of the first Japanese American women to become a doctor in the US. Inspired by her experience in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, she overcame gender and racial barriers to start her own medical practice. But it was living in a Japanese internment camp during World War II where she showed her moxie - setting up make-shift facilities to provide vital health care to her community and delivering over 10,000 babies during the course of her career.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/kazue-togasaki/

Visit the 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 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

There's tension in the Folktale Forest! When two friends disagree over the blueprints for Midge the Pidge's new birdhouse, their argument starts to spin out of control. To help them see things differently, Jonathan shares the legendary tall tale of Pecos Bill, the rootinest-tootinest, roughest, toughest cowboy who rode a raging tornado and left behind one unforgettable legend about the Grand Canyon. Yippee-ki-yay! Will the friends learn to listen, compromise, and work together before their friendship blows away?

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/tornado-two-step/

• FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/ 
• DOWNLOAD FUNSHEET/COLOR PAGE:  https://bit.ly/dorktales9funsheet 
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep52freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:This story explores how misunderstandings and unspoken frustrations can quickly spiral into larger conflicts, just like the tornado in the legendary tale of Pecos Bill. Key lessons include the importance of communicating honestly, listening to others' perspectives, compromising when solving problems, and working together to protect friendships. The episode encourages kids to recognize conflict early and shows that respectful conversations often lead to better solutions for everyone.  

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about a retelling of a Pecos Bill tall tale, we think you’ll also enjoy this retelling of The Little Red Hen, episode 36, The Little Redge Hen: https://jonincharacter.com/little-redge-hen/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Amy Thompson, 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

Perhaps you've heard of a certain race between a smart-but-slow-moving tortoise and a quick-on-their-feet hare? In our bonus episode, Masterpiece Stories, our friends Alexa, Bristol, and Charlotte – the kids behind the mic of the magnificent ABC Story Sisters podcast – will whisk you off to classic fable land with the original “Tortoise and the Hare.'' Then, you will hear our Dorktales’ contemporary take, “Ready, Set, Slow!”, where Tortoise never gives up and never surrenders! Join us for this exciting literary journey – from the classic to the contemporary.

HEY LISTENERS! Mr. Redge and Jonathan will be back to bring you a rootin’ tootin’ reimagined tall tale on September 8.  Yeehaw! Find all episodes on the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

ABC Story Sisters Season 5, The Little Mermaid, is coming this October! Subscribe or follow their podcast to catch up on past seasons while you wait: https://abcstorysisters.com/

CREDITS: The Masterpiece Stories intro was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Ready, Set, Slow! was written by Amy Thompson, edited by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. Follow us on Instagram @dorktalesstorytime

ABC Story Sisters is written, produced and edited by Charity Robinson of Thirteen Media, and hosted by sisters Alexa, Bristol and Charlotte Robinson. If you’d like to learn more about their dedication to supporting children’s literacy through their podcast, you can visit their website at abcstorysisters.com. You can also find them on Instagram @abcstorysisters.

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

Mr. Redge wonders where he’ll get his daily dose of adventure while Jonathan takes a storytelling break to spend time planting and tending his garden. All it takes is turning on their magical radio to tune-in to Newsy Pooloozi, the Common Sense Media news podcast pick for curious kids (and hedgehogs). In this episode, mother-daughter duo, Lyndee and Leela, talk about the hopes for earth-saving plastic trees and the surprising benefits of zoo poo!

Find more Newsy Pooloozi news stories: https://www.newsypooloozi.com/

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

CREDITS: Today’s magical radio intro was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. Today’s episode was created and provided by the amazing Newsy Pooloozi team. You can find more of their work wherever you listen to podcasts, or on their website, newsypooloozi.com. Discover more of our tales at DorktalesStorytime.com. 

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

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.

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

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 

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