Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

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Oh helloooo, boils and ghouls! It is I… Jonathan Cormur, the SCARE-rator! If you've been following our Kooky Spooky Countdown, it has all been leading up to this: Elise Parisian, the host of Unspookable, sits down with Adam Gidwitz, the creator and host of Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest and New York Times best-selling author, to talk about scary stories themselves. Why do we tell them? What purpose do they serve? And what has Adam learned in all his years of studying and retelling Grimms’ Fairy Tales?

So gather close, our little creatures of the night. It's a conversation you don't want to miss!

The Kooky Spooky Countdown

Three award-winning, family-favorite children’s podcasts - Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest (Pinna), Unspookable (Soundsington Media), and Dorktales Storytime - have teamed up this October for the Kooky Spooky Countdown, a seasonal, screen-free listening event for families and classrooms everywhere. Participants are challenged to listen to 13 “spooky-ish” podcast episodes to earn rewards, including exclusive congratulatory videos from all three podcast hosts.

The challenge celebrates October’s festivities with safe thrills, playful storytelling, and engaging experiences. It launched on October 2nd and runs until October 31, 2025. You can download the challenge materials at https://jonincharacter.com/kooky-spooky-countdown/ 

About the Podcasts

Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest (Pinna)

It's Grimm fairy tales like you've never heard before! On every episode of Pinna Original Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest, bestselling author Adam Gidwitz retells a classic fairy tale to a group of inquisitive kids, who anticipate plot twists, crack jokes, and share their own perspectives on these very Grimm stories.

Unspookable (Soundsington Media)

Unspookable is a family-friendly podcast that explores the history, brain science, and real-world influences behind spooky stories, myths, and urban legends. Host Elise Parisian takes the scare out of spooky stories by digging into the real history behind them, the cool facts, and why people keep telling them.

Dorktales Storytime

Be the hero of your own story with Dorktales Storytime, a podcast for kids and their pop culture loving grownups. Hosts Jonathan Cormur and Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog share reimagined fairytales and fables with SEL themes, stories of hidden heroes, and wildly imaginative folklore.

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 artistry, innovation, and lasting legacy! Makoto Hagiwara, a Japanese American landscape architect, transformed a World’s Fair exhibit into San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden. It's the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, still cherished as a place of peace and natural beauty. Makoto was also the inventive mind behind the modern fortune cookie! Despite wartime hardships and lost recognition, his creativity, friendship, and tasty experiments turned a simple crunchy cookie into a sweet symbol of good fortune enjoyed around the world.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/makoto-hagiwara/          

Get a free activity guide on Makoto Hagiwara:  https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep121freePDF 

This episode of Dorktales Storytime is presented by Red Comet Press, and their hardcover children’s book, Fortune Cookies for Everyone: The Surprising Story of the Tasty Treat We Love to Eat by Mia Wenjen with illustrations by Colleen Kong-Savage. This Smithsonian collaboration unwraps the mystery of the fortune cookie and the immigrant stories behind it: https://www.redcometpress.com/nonfiction/fortunecookie

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY, try this playlist of Asian American Hidden Heroes of History who were belonging builders and community creators like Makoto Hagiwara: https://bit.ly/belonging-and-community  

CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story 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

Don your finest mythical attire and set off for a day of frolic and festivity at Mythdom’s annual Fairy Faire. Let the Fairy Godmother, Fey, be your enchanting guide on a grand tour through stalls brimming with splendid finery and magical wares crafted by the fair folk of Fairie. Meet a pint-sized blacksmith who forges armor fit for legends, wander the lanes in search of joyful jousting and jesting, and take your best shot with Rapunzel’s Accurate Archer 5000 at the archery competition. Then, cheer for the Kings and Queens at their Royal Decree before a thrilling ride on the Fairy-Go-Round, powered by pure fae magic!

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/ye-olde-fairy-faire/       

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP120colorpage     

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep120freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In “Ye Olde Fairy Faire,” Jonathan, Redge, and their friend Fairy Godmother Fey spend a day exploring a lively renaissance style fair and each stop along the way highlights curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Children learn the value of expressing themselves, supporting their friends, and celebrating the diverse talents that make a community thrive. It’s a gentle, imaginative reminder that everyone brings their own kind of magic to the world.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY with the Fairy Godmother, Fey, you may also like her appearance in EP90 Cinderella and the Dough Ball: https://jonincharacter.com/cinderella-and-the-dough-ball/ 

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

The leaves are crunching, the apples are baking, and Redge is wearing his favorite autumn sweater… He’s ready to for another round of your curious, clever, and heartwarming questions. 

In this autumn edition of the Mr. Redge Hotline, Jonathan and Redge talk favorite sports, real-world friends, and the finest forest snacks. They share a collection of your brilliant ideas, heartfelt reviews, and a flurry of shoutouts. Grab your headphones, coziest blanket, a favorite snack, and get ready for a cheerful harvest of listener love.

JOIN THE KOOKY SPOOKY COUNTDOWN CHALLENGE and earn rewards:
https://jonincharacter.com/kooky-spooky-countdown/ 

FOR THE GROWNUPS: We want to hear from your kids! Email us at [email protected] with your their first name, age, and their awesome question—written or recorded! You can also reach us through our contact form at https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/, leave a comment on Spotify, or include a question in a 5-star review. We’ll do our best to feature as many as we can!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 

• EP41 A Hedgehog’s Homerun: https://jonincharacter.com/hedgehogs-home-run/ 
• EP71 Zinnia Fig and the Droop: https://jonincharacter.com/zinnia-fig-and-the-droop/

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

Something spooky is afoot in the Folktale Forest! This autumn, chaos is striking every seasonal celebration. Decorations are being destroyed. Party snacks keep disappearing. And terrified witnesses claim they’ve seen a howling creature on the loose. Everyone’s pointing paws at Big Bad Wolf, but he says he’s innocent. That’s when his junior detective friends, Redge, Jonathan and Wabbitson step in to crack the case. As the clues lead them toward something far scarier than they ever imagined, can these sleuths solve the mystery before the full moon rises? 

• WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/a-howl-noir-mystery/      
• MORE 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   
• DOWNLOAD PUMPKIN-A-PALOOZA COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP119colorpage
• GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep119freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Halloween stories for kids episode is a nod to the old black and white film noir mysteries. Kids will learn the value of looking past assumptions, supporting friends, and working together to solve problems. The story shows how trust and teamwork can uncover the truth and reminds kids that even scary situations can be better understood when faced with curiosity and courage. 

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written, directed, 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

Talk Like a Pirate Day be here, and we be settin’ sail once more on our pirate adventure for all ye story-lovin’ listener buccaneers!

Ahoy, me hearties! Hop aboard Captain Edgarrr Matey's ship for an epic journey to Davey Jones Diner and the Plot Hook islands—where the seafaring folk sing shanties and tell tales of lost pirate booty. Armed with a secret map, our Folktale Forest friends go hunting for Swashbuckle Joe’s buried riches. When they're greeted by his gregarious ghost, he leads them to the precious treasures he values the most. 

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-tale-of-swashbuckle-joe/       

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Overall, the story encourages us to find treasure in the intangible aspects of life, such as friendships, adventures, and the appreciation of the present moment, rather than solely chasing material wealth. 

If you liked this story, you may also enjoy episode 69, Eel for One and One for Eel, a daring adventure with the three Hedgeketeers: https://jonincharacter.com/eel-for-one/ 

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written and produced by Molly Murphy. All characters are 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 imagination, invention and real-life magic! Lanny Smoot is an Imagineer and electrical engineer with more than 100 patented inventions for Disney theme parks. He’s the mind behind the real-life lightsaber and a floor that makes you feel like you’re moving through other worlds. His inventive spirit started early, inspired by his father and a fascination with the lightbulb. He went from building his own unicycle as a kid to being honored in the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his work with Disney. Lanny brings joy to millions and his journey lights the way for future inventors.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/lanny-smoot/              

Get a free activity guide on Lanny Smoot: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep118freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about Lanny Smoot, you may also enjoy learning about Lewis Latimer, the inventor and patent draftsman who helped improve Thomas Edison’s light bulb: https://jonincharacter.com/lewis-latimer/ 

CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Rebecca Cunningham, 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

Send us Fan Mail

Today we have something extra special for you here on Dorktales Storytime. We’re sharing A Very Suspicious Island, the very first episode of a brand-new podcast called Tales from the Cloud Sea.

This funny, completely made-up-as-they-go adventure follows Amelia and Arthur, two kids who discover a secret in their attic that whisks them away to a world of floating sky islands, pirate airships, clanky robots, and all sorts of strange and silly characters.

And the best part? Their wild world is brought to life by a talented crew of comedians, actors, and storytellers who are masters at making things up on the spot. They create big laughs, surprising twists, and unforgettable characters out of nothing but their imaginations.

CREDITS: A big thank you to the Tales from the Cloud Sea crew for letting us share this episode with you. You can hop aboard their Skytanic anytime and sail off on brand-new journeys by following Tales from the Cloud Sea on your favorite podcast app. Learn more, go to: https://www.talesfromthecloudsea.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

High above the Folktale Forest, teams of geese, sparrows, falcons and seagulls show off their best stunts in the annual sky surfing competition. With flips, spins, swirls, and daring dives, the teams dazzle the cheering crowds and impress the judges. When a member of the Sky Soaring Seagulls gets injured mid-flight, the team’s hopes rest on Shrimp, the nervous fifth alternate’s out-of-town swing’s understudy (try saying that five times fast). Worried he’ll let his teammates down, Shrimp learns from an unexpected source that even the wobbliest wings can still do wonderful things. 

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/sky-surfing-spectacular/    

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP117colorpage         

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep117freePDF 

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this story, young listeners hear that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless, it means trying your best even when you’re nervous. With themes about teamwork, fairness, and including others,  the episode encourages children to celebrate their own strengths, support others, and understand that everyone has an important role to play in a community.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about a competition, you may also enjoy the story of the Tortoise and the Hare in EP10: Ready, Set… SLOW!: https://jonincharacter.com/ready-set-slow/ 

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

Send us Fan Mail

A tale of athletic feats and unstoppable spirit! Meet three superstars who took their shot and ruled their sport. Althea Gibson, the first Black woman to win a tennis championship, smashed records and shattered barriers on and off the court. Lusia Harris made history with the very first basket in Olympic women’s basketball, earning her crown as the “Queen of Basketball.” During World War II, Marge Villa was one of only 11 Latinas to play in the first professional women’s baseball league, and her stats at the plate put her in a league of her own. These astounding athletes proved that grit, talent, and a never-give-up attitude are the winning game plan for change.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/astounding-athletes/        

Get a free activity guide on Alan Turing: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep116freePDF 

If you enjoyed this story about Astounding Athletes, you may also enjoy learning about Wilma Rudolph, known as the fastest woman in the world: https://jonincharacter.com/wilma-rudolph/  

CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Rebecca Cunningham, 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