Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

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It’s the Folktale Forest’s annual Diamond Pitch Pennant! Mr. Redge is upset that his team, the Woodland Wonders, lost their first game. He’s sure that he alone is the reason his team is known as the understory underdogs. It takes the tale of one parched yet patient hedgehog with a brilliant idea to prove to him that his one, two, three strikes you’re out experience is why he’s the team’s M.A.C (Most Awesome Critter)! 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:This is our reimagining of the fable “The Crow and the Pitcher.” It’s a story about creative problem solving that leads to the understanding that success comes from practicing and building your skills step by step (or stone by stone according to the fable). It’s also an opportunity to reframe failure as a chance to learn and grow.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/hedgehogs-home-run/

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 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

In honor of Black History Month, we share an encore of our most popular Hidden Hero of History episode about George Washington Carver: It’s a story of perseverance and the power of plants! Despite the barriers thrust upon him, George Washington Carver overcame society’s challenges to ultimately become one of the nation’s leading botanists and agricultural inventors. Did you know he discovered over 300 uses for the peanut? Carver used his celebrity to speak on racial harmony, hoping to leave the world a better place.

This episode includes discussions about slavery and systemic racism. Links to resources for talking to children about these issues are on the episode webpage. The script for this episode about George Washington Carver was reviewed by a sensitivity reader from SensitivityReviews.com database.

Find more information about George Washington Carver and resources for talking to children about slavery: https://jonincharacter.com/george-washington-carver/

BLACK HISTORY MONTH PLAYLIST: https://bit.ly/BHMplaylist2022

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

After worrying that the forest creatures don't respect him, Mr. Wolf exits his cave at sunset and is surprised by his new fearsome and formidable shadow. Feeling large and in charge for the first time, he struts about declaring he’s now the forest’s fiercest foe! It takes the setting sun and one small sparrow to break his illusion, and help him realize he’s already admired for being his authentic ol’ softy self.

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is our retelling of the fable “The Wolf and His Shadow” with a self-acceptance message. The lesson is that your worth is not measured by your outward appearances, so you don’t need to pretend to be someone you’re not so others will like and respect you. Believe in yourself and take pride in who you are. 

Episode webpage:
https://jonincharacter.com/mr-wolfs-penumbra/

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 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

Two stories of trailblazing triumphs! Helen Liu Fong and Norma Merrick Sklarek broke new ground in building design to become two of the most innovative architects of the 20th Century. Talent and a never-give-up attitude were their blueprints for overcoming gender and racial discrimination in their professions, and served as the building blocks for their distinguished careers. Their lifetime of extraordinary accomplishments lives on in their architectural works, many considered cultural icons to this day.

Episode webpage:
https://jonincharacter.com/innovative-architects/

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. 

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

Listener Favorites’ Encore! Is the fancy fabric for the emperor’s new clothes really invisible to those who are not worthy? Or is this a case of double-dealing dupery by two wily weavers? As the emperor struts his stylish self through the streets of his kingdom, it will take one forthright boy to blurt out the naked truth.

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is a retelling of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and the lessons learned are that everyone makes mistakes, even an emperor, who admits his error and laughs with the crowd when he discovers he’s made an embarrassing mistake in judgement.

Episode webpage:
https://jonincharacter.com/the-emperors-new-quills/

Season 3 begins on January 13, 2022! Until then, visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website for our complete library of reimagined fairy tales and true hidden hero Stories:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-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 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

It's a beautiful day for a story! Welcome to the wonderful, wacky, wild world of Dorktales Storytime! Join our storytelling  hosts, Jonathan and Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog, who will take you through the land of Once Upon a Time for fairytales and fables reimagined, histories of hidden heroes, and journeys through the imagination! We promise twists and turns, and lessons learned--this is where the unexpected happens.

Discover more: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

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

Life in the Folktale Forest is merry and bright! Jonathan made a glorious holiday feast—including his pop-in-the-oven crescent rolls and his Aunt Mary Ann’s famous sugar cookie recipe—so he and Mr. Redge can grab a plate, gather by the crackling fire, and settle in to hear some Christmas cheer. Join the holiday happiness as they listen to “A Cratchit Christmas” from the Girl Tales Podcast!  

Girl Tales has reimagined Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in this charming story about how Belinda Cratchit and her siblings, using Belinda's inventions and their collective creativity, change Scrooge’s miserly heart and teach us all lessons in love and kindness.

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

HEY DORK SQUAD! Mr. Redge and Jonathan will be back to bring you Season 3 in January 2022! Until then, enjoy the entire Dorktales Storytime listening library of reinvented fairy tales and hero stories: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s introduction was written by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur.  Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Sound Studios. Special thanks to Girl Tales for letting us share their original holiday story, A Cratchit Christmas. You can find more of their stories wherever you listen to podcasts.

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

Pull up a log, gather ‘round the campfire with your cocoa and get ready for the Jolly Holly Day Spectacular! Jolly Holly has been passed down through generations of Folktale Forest hedgehogs—a day for sharing the year’s joyful moments, and the experiences that make hearts sing. Mr. Redge hosts this reason-for-the-season celebration filled with happy hedgehog traditions, podfriend guest appearances, and the debut of a hit holiday song by famous bird crooners, the Branch Sisters!

SHARE YOUR JOLLY HOLLY: Write or draw your “Jolly Holly” and send it to us and we’ll share it on social media. Download the Jolly Holly color page: https://bit.ly/myjollyholly 

PODFRIENDS IN THIS EPISODE: Thank you to our fellow Kids Listen podcast creators who shared their Jolly Hollys in this episode – 

• Mr. Eric | What If World
• Chad | America’s Test Kitchen’s Mystery Recipe
• Phoebe and Hank | The Adventures of Power Dog in Dogland
• Leela and Lyndee | Newsy Pooloozi
• Nate | REACH a Space Podcast for Kids
• Melly | Stoopkid Stories
• Rebecca | Girl Tales
• Chanel | Peace Out Podcast
• Bethany | The Ten News

Episode webpage:
 https://jonincharacter.com/jolly-holly-hedgehog/ 

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

CREDITS:  We have so many creative folks to thank for putting this bonus episode together:

• Storyteller and Character Voices: Jonathan Cormur
• Producer and Scriptwriter: Molly Murphy
• Sound Recording and Production: Jermaine Hamilton from Hamilton Sound Studios
• Jolly Holly Hedgehog Holiday Song by: Molly Murphy and Phil Harris
• Performed by: The Branch Sisters—Kristin Schmitz, Monique Hafen-Adams and Molly Murphy
• Composer: Molly Murphy
• Guitar: Jo Kroger
• Banjo and Musical Saw: Phil Harris
• Clarinet: Stefanie Schmitz
• Fanfare Trumpet Announcement Effect #3 by SoundEffectsFactory via YouTube 

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

Who’s on board to help Little Redge Hen sow some seeds, harvest the wheat, and grind it in to flour? “NOT I,” say the unbelievably unconcerned cow, the overly obstinate ostrich, and the sourly stubborn sheep, who are focused on their own selfish ways. Will the barnyard besties finally step up, or will Hen’s freshly baked bread fill them with the smell of regret?

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is a retelling of “The Little Red Hen” where you’ll find fun examples of alliterative word pairings to describe the farm animals. This story is a conversation starter about collaboration and teamwork, getting to share in the rewards when you help do the work, and the feelings of regret.

Episode webpage:
https://jonincharacter.com/little-redge-hen/

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 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 story of an extraordinary mission of mail and morale! Overcoming the prejudice of her time, Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams became the first Black woman to command her own battalion in World War II. Known as the “Six Triple Eight,” she and 855 Black female soldiers were assigned to take up a lost cause - sending 17 million warehoused letters and packages to the soldiers who were longing to hear from their loved ones. Though challenged with troops constantly on the move, thousands of common names, and missing addresses, the dedicated Six Triple Eight delivered the impossible in record time!

Episode webpage:
 https://jonincharacter.com/six-triple-eight/

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. 

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