Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

Send us Fan Mail

A story of artistic triumph and long-lasting legacies! Ruth Asawa is one of California's most beloved sculptors and was an influential advocate for arts education. She persisted through extreme prejudice and the injustice of Japanese internment camps to become a master at her craft. Today, her remarkable work lives on—from installations in famous museums, to monuments in city parks, to The Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts! 

Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast where you’ll discover more hidden heroes in science, technology, engineering, arts, math and human rights who changed the world. Join us as we uncover the stories of the STEAMers and dreamers who made history!

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/ruth-asawa/

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

OUR PODCAST FRIEND: We wanted to let you know about our friends at “The Ten News.” The podcast is ten minutes of news and fun for the new generation of curious thinkers!

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s hero 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

Once rejected and cast aside, a group of farm and forest animals come together and dream of becoming a busking band of musicians. While on their journey to the town square, they encounter a loathsome lot of thieves celebrating their haul of stolen loot. The group conducts a clever a cappella plan that frightens off the ne'er do wells, turning the Townspeople into their most devoted fans forever!

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:This episode teaches that everyone has value, no one should be underestimated, and the power of collaboration.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/merry-band-of-bremen/

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 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 head-twirling tale of fairies, firebirds and en pointe feats! Maria Tallchief is a trailblazing dancer who leapt into fame to become America’s first Prima Ballerina. Her technical precision and unique style of dance—full of energy, speed and passion—put American ballet on the map. Early in her career, she was told to change her last name, but Ms. Tallchief refused to hide her Native American heritage and Osage roots. Her successful dance career and worldwide adoration proved the naysayers wrong!

Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast where you’ll discover more hidden heroes in science, technology, engineering, arts, math and human rights who changed the world. Join us as we uncover the stories of the STEAMers and dreamers who made history!

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/maria-tallchief/

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

OUR PODCAST FRIEND: We wanted to let you know about our friends at “Fairies and Dragons, Ponies and Knights!” They have created a fairy-tale podcast for humans of all ages where you can join Beatrice, a mother dragon and her five draglings on their adventure to find their stolen egg. Check them out wherever you listen to podcasts or go to dirtroadtheater.com.

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s hero 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

The strong and stubborn King of the Jungle gets in an entangled predicament when he pauses while on his favorite Savana prowl. Will his snarling, thrashing and roaring release him from his hopeless bind? Or will it take a mighty nibble from one tiny, sweet creature to free the feisty feline? Acts of kindness, empathy, and a clever idea are the answer to the lion’s plight!

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is our reimagining of the classic fable, "The Lion and the Mouse." It teaches lessons about empathy, kindness and trust.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/lion-and-the-hedgehog/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast website for Season 1 and Season 2 episodes.

OUR PODCAST FRIEND: We wanted to let you know about our friends at “Fairies and Dragons, Ponies and Knights!” They have created a fairy-tale podcast for humans of all ages where you can join Beatrice, a mother dragon and her five draglings on their adventure to find their stolen egg. Check them out wherever you listen to podcasts or go to dirtroadtheater.com.

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s hero 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

The Dorktales Broadcasting System presents a Tinseltown tale of scientific experiments and world-changing inventions! Who knew that Hollywood’s famous film star in the 1930’s was one of the most brilliant minds of her time? Adored by the public as “the most beautiful woman in the world,” Hedy Lamarr’s real talent was technological innovation and invention—from light up dog collars to aircraft wing design! But her most extraordinary achievement was the frequency-hopping technology she developed in the 1940s. It is the foundation of every cell phone, GPS, Bluetooth and wi-fi network in use today. 

Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast where you’ll discover more hidden heroes in science, technology, engineering, arts, math and human rights who changed the world. Join us as we uncover the stories of the STEAMers and dreamers who made history!

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/hedy-lamarr/

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

SPECIAL THANKS! The Hedy Lamarr Light Up Dog Collar Jingle was performed by Molly Murphy, Kristin Schmitz and Monique Hafen Adams.

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s hero 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

Winter is over and the renewal of spring is here! Jonathan hosts a vernal equinox celebration for all the characters in his stories, but Mr. Redge gasps at the guest list because only the villains have RSVPed! Should he really judge these scoundrels by their stories? Party on with Redge as he discovers that they’ve pledged to stop their dastardly deeds and change their wicked ways. Can the Witch, Rumpelstiltskin, and Big Bad Wolf awaken him to golden truths that will blow him away?

PARENTS, TEACHERS, HOMESCHOOLERS: This episode explains the vernal equinox and how spring is a season of renewal. It also emphasizes that we shouldn’t judge others—everyone has the potential to change, do better, and grow in character.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/redges-spring-awakening/

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

NOTE: This story brings back the mischief-makers from previous tales so you’ll enjoy it so much more if you listen to these Dorktales Storytime Podcast episodes first:

• EP2: Three Little…Hogs?!  https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-three-little-hogs/
• EP3: Little Red  https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-little-red/
• EP4: RumpleTaleSpin https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-rumpletalespin/
• EP14: Strudel and Gretel https://jonincharacter.com/strudel-and-gretel/

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 bat caves, field notes and righting a wrong reputation! Merlin Tuttle has spent his career studying bats and proving why they are an incredibly vital part of the ecosystem. His research, books, lectures and National Geographic style photography have led to the knowledge that bats are not spooky but spectacular! Meet the hero who showed the world that the some of the smallest creatures are making the biggest contributions. He’s the real batman and champion protector of nature’s delightful, dark-winged, do-gooders. 

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/merlin-tuttle/ 
• MORE HISTORICAL FIGURE STORIES FOR KIDS: https://jonincharacter.com/hidden-heroes-of-history/
• FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/ 
• COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales19colorpage
• FREE ACTIVITY GUIDE on Merlin Tuttle: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep19freePDF 

CREDITS: This stories for kids episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written 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

Three goat siblings set off on a quest to reach the hill with the healthiest snacks when they butt heads with a very hangry troll. Are they fit for the challenge? Will it take brains or brawn to beat the troll and cross the bridge? Each goat must use their own special strengths to outsmart the greedy troll and protect one another. Clever tricks, sibling teamwork, and one very surprised flying troll will leave you rolling in clover.

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/three-billy-goats-buff/
• DOWNLOAD FUNSHEET/COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales18funsheet 
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep18freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this playful retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, kids explore how problem-solving can take many forms. Each goat sibling uses a different strength to face a hangry troll, showing that intelligence, creative and strategic thinking, and physical strength all have value. The story also encourages self-confidence, healthy habits, perseverance, and recognizing that everyone approaches challenges differently.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORIES FOR KIDS retelling of Three Billy Goats Gruff, we think you’ll also enjoy EP9, The Boy Who Cried Hedgewolf: https://jonincharacter.com/boy-who-cried-hedgewolf/ 

 CREDITS: This fairy tales stories for kids 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

An Olympian tale with a golden outcome! Told as a child she’d never walk again to becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics, Wilma Rudolph was a champion on and off the track. She used her popularity as the “fastest woman in the world” to become a world-record-breaking voice for civil justice and women’s rights.

Join us for future "Hidden Heroes of History" episodes of the Dorktales Storytime Podcast where you’ll discover more hidden heroes in science, technology, engineering, arts, math and human rights who changed the world. Join us as we uncover the stories of the STEAMers and dreamers who made history!

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/wilma-rudolph/

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

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s hero 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

Uh oh! Our heavenly celestial superintendent (AKA the sun) has challenged the wind in a friendly wager to prove who’s best. Can two powerful forces of nature have a peaceful match or will their breezy competition cause an epic flare up? Button up, it’s going to be a blustery ride!

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This episode is a lesson in PUNS and teaches that power and strength can come from being kind and gentle.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/wind-sun-and-porcu-pun/

Dorktales Storytime website: 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