Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

Send us Fan Mail

Jonathan and Redge take one last T.A.L.E. Tour rewind to Scribbleton, Once Upon a Time’s tiniest town. After nibbling a Wonderland cookie and shrinking to size, they explored colorful streets made of leaves and mushrooms and met some very small (and very friendly) locals. When it was time to get ready for the Scribbleton Scramble Parade, there was a lot to do and not much time. As they dashed from task to task, Jonathan and Redge discovered a special kind of magic in helping others, working together, and celebrating what makes a community special.

Listen to the original episode 85, The Scribbleton Scramble: https://jonincharacter.com/the-scribbleton-scramble/ 

We’re having a special Dorktales Storytime merch giveaway: https://jonincharacter.com/tale-tour-adventures-rewind/ 

• NOTE: This giveaway has concluded. Find more fun activties and challenges on our fan page: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was 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

Jonathan and Redge plunge back into the Fantasea, when the magical minivan transformed into a submarine and carried them to the vibrant underwater village of Red Herring Reef. The adventure started as a dazzling tour of colorful coral and amazing art, until an empty frame led to an unexpected mystery to solve. As clues rippled to the surface, they discovered a special kind of magic hiding beneath the waves about finding the confidence to share who you are.

Listen to the original episode 113, Riddle of Red Herring Reef: https://jonincharacter.com/riddle-of-red-herring-reef/ 

We’re having a special Dorktales Storytime merch giveaway: https://jonincharacter.com/tale-tour-adventures-rewind/ 

• NOTE: This giveaway has concluded. Find more fun activties and challenges on our fan page: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was 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

Welcome to Dorktales Storytime, the award-winning kids podcast for imaginative listeners and their pop-culture-loving grownups.

Join voice actor and storyteller Jonathan Cormur and his best hedgehog buddy, Reginald T. Hedgehog, as they take you on adventures through the magical land of Once Upon a Time.

You’ll hear:

• Wacky, geeky retellings of classic fairytales and fables
• Original lore-filled adventures in a world of curious creatures and hidden traditions
• True stories of history’s Hidden Heroes - real people who changed the world in surprising ways

Every episode is made for all ages, with big laughs for kids and clever nods for grownups.

Start anywhere. Explore everywhere.

Let our once-upon-a-time together begin!

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

Welcome back to the T.A.L.E. Tour Rewind! Jonathan and Redge revisit their climb into the Cliffhanger Mountains and their unforgettable visit to the Color Pillars. What starts as a search for ancient, shimmering ruins takes a surprising turn, leaving you on a cliffhanger before revealing a special kind of magic hidden in the natural world.

Find the full Color Pillars Episode: https://jonincharacter.com/the-color-pillars/

We’re having a special Dorktales Storytime merch giveaway: https://jonincharacter.com/tale-tour-adventures-rewind/ 

• NOTE: This giveaway has concluded. Find more fun activties and challenges on our fan page: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was 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

Welcome to the T.A.L.E. Tour Rewind! In The Magical Minivan, Jonathan and Redge return to the extraordinary vehicle that launched their adventures. It is part home, part library, part snack station, and powered by imagination. Sometimes the magic begins before you even arrive.

Find the full Magical Minivan Episode: https://jonincharacter.com/magical-minivan-tale/ 

We’re celebrating 2026 and the T.A.L.E. Tour Rewind with a special Dorktales Storytime merch giveaway ahead of Season 7: 

• https://jonincharacter.com/tale-tour-adventures-rewind/ 
• NOTE: This giveaway has concluded. Find more fun activties and challenges on our fan page: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was 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

Happy New Year! Today we’re sharing our participation in the Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings.  This episode focuses on Belonging and Independence, two emotions that may seem opposite but often work together as children explore who they are and where they fit. You’ll be guided through stories about friendship, self-discovery, and finding one’s place while finding one’s voice by Abbe Opher and Kelly MacBride from Koala Kids. You’ll also hear familiar voices from Dorktales Storytime alongside our friends from Culture Kids and Stoopkid Stories.

This theme closely reflects the heart of Dorktales Storytime, which centers on helping young listeners feel valued, supported, and encouraged as they grow into their unique selves.

Download a worksheet for this episode: https://dorktale.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Ep+4+-+Belonging+and+Independence+-+Human+Bingo.pdf

Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings is a seven-part audio series created to help kids and grownups better understand, name, and talk about their feelings together. Each episode explores two connected emotions through imaginative stories contributed by children’s podcasters from around the world. 

Discover the complete series on Big Emotions: https://pod.link/1502915722 

Learn more about Kids Listen: https://kidslisten.org/

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 Jolly Holly season, and everyone in town is brimming with holiday cheer. The Society of Bards and Balladeers has come together to build the festive set for their annual event. There’s just one tiny problem: Redge has no idea what this year’s show should be! From classic Quilliam Shakespeare plays, to poetry readings and ballets, to comedy jests and holiday whodunnits, they've already done it all. Just when Redge thinks the show won't go on, Jonathan has a brilliant idea. So cue the lights, sparkle the snowflakes, and raise the curtain for this ode to our friends in Once Upon a Time and a heart-full tribute to our listeners (that’s YOU) who are the magic that makes our adventures so extraordinary.

Jolly Holly Hedgehog Holiday, our original song is featured in this episode! The full song with lyrics is available on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/album/jolly-holly-hedgehog-holiday 

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-jolly-holly-herald/  

GIFT FOR OUR FANS: Redge has a special video message for all of our listeners and you can download it here: https://bit.ly/2025RedgeHolidayMessage

DOWNLOAD JOLLY HOLLY WORKSHEET: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP125worksheet    

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about Jolly Holly, you may also enjoy EP102: Pinocchio’s Jolly Holly Jumble: https://jonincharacter.com/pinocchios-jolly-holly-jumble/ 

CREDITS: This 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

Jonathan and Redge come home in the middle of the day to find that the Folktale Forest folk are fast asleep and no one can wake them up! The mystery leads to Tinkerbell, who’s created a pixie dust harvesting mix-up of magical proportions. In an attempt to fix things, she borrowed a bit of stardust and accidentally sent all of Once Upon a Time into a super-deep slumber. Determined to make things right, she and her friends put their clever tinkering skills to work, turning the season’s first snowfall into an enchanted wake-up call.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/pixie-dust-fuss/ 

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep124freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In Pixie Dust Fuss, Tinkerbell’s earnest intentions to fix a problem goes awry puts the entire land into a deep slumber. Through her journey to set things right kids learn about responsibility, problem-solving, and the importance of asking for help when things go wrong. The story highlights how mistakes can become meaningful learning moments when approached with openness and honesty.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about a fairy, you’ll also enjoy this story about Hesper, the Fairy of the Evening Star, in episode 75: Once Upon a Lullaby: https://jonincharacter.com/once-upon-a-lullaby/   

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Monique Hafen Adams, edited, directed and produced by Molly Murphy.  Monique Hafen Adams voiced Tinkerbell and all other 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

Redge takes Jonathan on a wild ride through the city of Litropia, heading straight through a brick wall into the hidden tunnels of a secret lair. Deep beneath the streets, they meet Rat King Cam M. Bert, a cheese-loving, pun-tastic ruler who keeps Once Upon a Time’s magical trains running on schedule. From the buzzing Bee-Train to the groovy Bandstand Train and the twinkling Jolly Holly Express, every ride is full of surprises. But when a jolly jam threatens to derail the fun, Jonathan and Redge join the Rat King to keep the tunnels full of holiday cheer.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/lair-of-the-rat-king/      

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP123colorpage 

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep123freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: “Lair of the Rat King” celebrates curiosity, teamwork, and joyful problem-solving. When Jonathan and Redge drive into the secret tunnels of Litropia, they meet the Rat King, who proudly oversees a bustling network of magical trains. Together, they discover the importance of working cooperatively to solve problems, think creatively under pressure, and spread kindness to keep the holiday cheer on track. The story highlights how humor, gratitude, and collaboration can make tricky situations turn into times of connection and fun.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about the Rat King, you may also enjoy EP79 A Big City Adventure where Redge visits Once Upon a Time’s city of Litropia and first hears about the Rat King: https://jonincharacter.com/big-city-adventure/ 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Special shout out to Owen Sullivan for voicing Ronnie the Rat. 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

Cast off on another T.A.L.E. (Thrilling and Astounding Lore Expedition) Tour and take an unexpected turn, straight through a waterfall and into the Quotatious Period! It’s a dino-tastic world of plesiosaurs, pterosaurs, and prehistoric parties. But one young Maiasaura isn’t in the mood to celebrate. He’s being teased because no one believes his theory about the power of the moon’s pull. But when his auntie’s nest suddenly disappears, his scientific curiosity and careful lunar observations just might be the key to saving the day.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/maiasaura-and-the-moon/      

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP122activity       

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep122freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In “Maiasaura and the Moon,” young listeners join Jonathan and Redge on a prehistoric adventure where curiosity and science key themes. Through Minh, a thoughtful young dinosaur who studies the moon and tides, kids see how observation, persistence, and self-confidence can lead to problem-solving and understanding. The story encourages scientific thinking, celebrates the value of staying true to one’s ideas, and models empathy and cooperation when helping others.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about a special place on the T.A.L.E. Tour, you may also enjoy the time when the tour took Jonathan and Redge to the Cliffhanger mountains in EP108 The Color Pillars: https://jonincharacter.com/the-color-pillars/  

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Monique Hafen Adams, edited 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