Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

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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.

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!

Find more information about George Washington Carver:
https://jonincharacter.com/george-washington-carver/

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

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.  

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

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“Nibble, nibble little mouse! Who is nibbling on my house?!” Is the cute little cottage in the woods Hansel and Gretel’s sweet new sanctuary, or are there more sinister plans awaiting them within? Only their wits and cleverness will guide them to a delicious ending.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/strudel-and-gretel/

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

Send us Fan Mail

On a bright sunny day, a man and his son head into town to sell their donkey in the market. Easy-peasy, right? So how did they end up a panting, sweating mess by the time they make it to the town square? Something stinks…and it’s not just the havoc their hee-hawing arrival creates.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/hee-haw-dilemma/

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

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

Meet Jack. Is he daft or the dealmaker of the century when he sells his cow for 5 beans? His mother thinks he’s out of his mind until they sprout into a giant beanstalk that reaches the sky, where he discovers a giant castle filled with bags of gold, the goose that lays the golden eggs, and a magical golden harp! Despite a kind welcome from the ogress, Jack keeps sneaking into the castle and taking its treasures so he and his mom can have a lovely cottage with all the modern conveniences…an outhouse, outdoor patio and jacuzzi.

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/beanstalk/ 
• FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/ 
• MORE FAIRY TALE STORIES FOR KIDS: https://jonincharacter.com/fractured-fairy-tales/ 
• DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET/COLOR PAGE:  https://bit.ly/dorktales12funsheet 
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this fairy tale episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep12freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This stories for kids episode is a retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale. It explores difficult choices, kindness, consequences, and perspective. Jack is trying to help his mother during a time when their family is struggling, but his choices also affect other people. The ogress, in particular, treats Jack with kindness by giving him food and protecting him from the ogre, even as Jack repeatedly takes things from her household. The story's ending invites listeners to look beyond the traditional hero-and-villain roles and consider how the same events might look from another character's point of view. 

CREDITS: This fairy tale episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Karen Simpson Gardiner. All 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

Send us Fan Mail

A story of adventure and record-breaking feats! Tenzing Norgay, a true pioneer of mountaineering, carved out new paths for future explorers by climbing up the road less traveled. Tenzing was the Sherpa guide responsible for getting Edmund Hillary to the final ascent of Mount Everest. They became the first recorded pair to reach the highest point on earth.

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/tenzing-norgay/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast 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

And they’re off! While the spectators shout, “Forget it! You’re not built to beat the hare,” Tortoise is determined to never give up and never surrender! Will Tortoise’s slow and steady pace ultimately win the hearts and minds of the forest creatures forever?

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/ready-set-slow/

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

Beware of the horrifying hedgewolf! Or maybe beware the bored shepherd boy who decides to entertain himself by playing the same trick over and over again. When the mischievous youngster cries “Hedgewolf” not once, not twice, but three times, the townspeople come running to help. But what will happen to the far-fetched fibber when he finally needs their help for real? Will anyone listen?

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/boy-who-cried-hedgewolf/ 

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/ep9freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this Dorktales' stories for kids retelling of the Aesop’s fable, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, young listeners explore the importance of honesty, trust, personal responsibility, and the consequences of their actions. The story encourages children to think about how trust is built, why truthfulness matters, and how their choices can affect others.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about a retelling of a favorite fable, we think you’ll also enjoy episode 22, The Lion and the Hedgehog: https://jonincharacter.com/lion-and-the-hedgehog/ 

CREDITS: This 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

A tale of Mississippi river boats, parasol parades and breaking racial barriers! A man that built a music legacy and a legacy beyond music—Louis Armstrong transformed jazz music and became the beloved “Ambassador Satch” who performed all over the world! So much of his life was about a deep passion for music and using it to bring people together. 

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/louis-armstrong/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast 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

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.

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

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

After the quacks and croaks of laughter from his siblings and bullying bullfrog, the poor little duckling waddles off through the marshes to find someone who will accept and love him. What about the gaggle of goslings? Or the brood of chicks? “No one understands me! I’ll never fit in,” he cries until he bumps into the best version of himself.

Episode Webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/prickly-duckling/

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