Welcome to season two of Story Surprise. This season, we are focused on impactful stories, diversity, representation, and inclusion! 

It’s important to mind your manners and always lead with kindness. Join Anthony, Lauren and Teddy bear Mick for a story, a song and The Manners Championship of the world! 

About the book:

This small king has everything he’s ever wanted: ice cream, a magical moose, and playtime whenever he likes! Until an accident occurs and the king starts to wonder… has he taken his kinghood a little too far?

Drum roll please, on your knees…. It’s time for Story Surprise. 

Story: ‘This Small King’ by Lauren J Streifer and Rita Ivanova 

Song: ‘The Tooth Tooth Train’ by Anthony & Lauren and Dominic from Story Surprise

Introductions: Sophie C. 

This podcast is proudly presented by The Moonee Valley City Council as part of the Clocktower Centre Podcast residency program. 

Our Links @storysurpriseau

Website: www.storysurprise.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storysurpriseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storysurpriseau

Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@storysurpriseau

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 2, Ep 11 – Solo Dan

Welcome to season two of Story Surprise. This season, we are focused on impactful stories, diversity, representation, and inclusion! 

All families are different. Some people are born into their family while other families are made up of people who are not bound by blood but instead by love. Today we are exploring the many different kinds of families. Who is in your family?

About the book:

A story for all the wonderful people who open their hearts and homes to children who need a place to belong.

Drum roll please, on your knees…. It’s time for Story Surprise. 

Story: ‘Solo Dan’ by Teena Raffa-Mulligan & Kym Langfield

Song: ‘Beary Best Friend’ by Anthony & Lauren and Dominic from Story Surprise

Introductions: Sophie Collins 

This podcast is proudly presented by The Moonee Valley City Council as part of the Clocktower Centre Podcast residency program, in conjunction with Little Rockers Radio. 

Our Links @storysurpriseau

Website: www.storysurprise.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storysurpriseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storysurpriseau

Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@storysurpriseau

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that some kids have the most magical and extraordinary ability to think in worlds that most of us could never even fathom! We call this neurodiversity. Sadly, neurodiverse children often feel like they come from another planet, and they are in a world of their own. This podcast celebrates neurodiverse children!

About the book:
A story about imagination, belief and adventure… it’s out of this world. Let’s go to space!

Drum roll please, on your knees…. It’s time for Story Surprise.

Story: ‘Koalas in Space’ by Eliza Cooper, illustrated by Binx in collaboration with Funky Sock Co.

Song: ‘Let’s Go on an Adventure’ by Anthony & Lauren from Story Surprise

Introductions: Sophie Collins

Get your reading socks from Funky Sock Co: www.funkysockco.com.au

This podcast is proudly presented by The Moonee Valley City Council as part of the Clocktower Centre Podcast residency program, in conjunction with Little Rockers Radio.

Our Links @storysurpriseau

Website: www.storysurprise.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storysurpriseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storysurpriseau

Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@storysurpriseau

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s lots to celebrate here at Story Surprise. You’re invited to join us for celebrations at The Sharktown Strutters Ball. A tantalizing rhyming tale! 

About the book:
Get yourself down to the Sharktown Strutters Ball… for a night of exquisite delightment!

Drum roll please, on your knees…. It’s time for Story Surprise.

Story: ‘The Sharktown Strutters Ball’ by Robert H. Price & Susan McLaren

Song: ‘Take a Deep Breath’ by Anthony, Lauren & Dominic Woodhead

Introductions: Sophie Collins

Support us! Vote for Story Surprise in the Australian Podcast Awards: https://australianpodcastawards.com/vote  

This podcast is proudly presented by The Moonee Valley City Council as part of the Clocktower Centre Podcast residency program, in conjunction with Little Rockers Radio.

Our Links @storysurpriseau

Website: www.storysurprise.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storysurpriseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storysurpriseau

Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@storysurpriseau

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are lots of different reasons why a person might move to a new country.

They might move for an awesome opportunity to do something cool in a new place. They might move to a new country to experience a new culture.

If they live in a country which is unsafe, they might be a refugee and start a new life in a new country which is safer. That’s an important reason to move to a new country.

Today’s episode celebrates friends from around the world who have moved to Australia and now call Australia home.

About the book:

War ends, yet its dark shadow remains, a family is forced to flee their home. As they journey through hunger, long cold nights and homelessness, a heart locket whispers words of hope. And a country that's faraway calls for those that are no longer wanted. It offers new beginnings and a precious place, once more to call home. 

This is the perfect story time resource for initiating conversations about refugees and multiculturalism in our country. Lots of people move to Australia every day for lots of different reasons. It’s important that we make them feel welcome and part of our big Australian family.

Guest Storyteller:

Tamanna Kaul helps us share today’s story. Tamanna and her family moved from India to Australia when she was a child. If you’d like to learn more about Tamanna’s story of coming to Australia, check out our Sit Down Session’s interview with Tamanna and mother on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Drum roll please, on your knees…. It’s time for Story Surprise.

Story: ‘Home’ by Karen Hendriks and Alisa Knatko https://www.daisylanepublishing.com/

Mick’s Mate: Dominic was born in Vietnam, lives in America and is moving to Australia in 2022!

Song: ‘Happy Song’ by Anthony & Lauren

Introductions: Sophie Collins

Support us! Vote for Story Surprise in the Australian Podcast Awards: https://australianpodcastawards.com/vote  

This podcast is proudly presented by The Moonee Valley City Council as part of the Clocktower Centre Podcast residency program, in conjunction with Little Rockers Radio.

Our Links @storysurpriseau

Website: www.storysurprise.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storysurpriseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storysurpriseau

Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@storysurpriseau

We are proud to be nominated for ‘The Bullseye Award’ in the 2021 Australian Podcast Awards.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Story Surprise, Anthony & Lauren remind kids NOT to judge a book by its cover. Sometimes, things are not what they seem, and everyone is unique and special in their own way!

About the book:

Owl, Mouse, Snail, Bird, Lion, Bee, Hippo, and Bat are tired of all these idioms. They are sick of people who still use silly phrases to define them. Are you kidding? This cheeky story uses rhyme, repetition, and rhetorical questions to send a powerful message to the world. Being true to yourself is more valuable to the world than the opinions of others.

This is the perfect story time resource for teaching children not to judge a book by its cover.

Drum roll please, on your knees…. It’s time for Story Surprise.

Story: ‘Are You Kidding Me’ by Trent Long, illustrated by Kris Lillyman

Purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/Are-you-kidding-Trent-Long-ebook/dp/B09CDFJ4SF

Mick’s Mate: Billi

Song: ‘I’ve Got Spots’ – originally by Danielle Wheeler & Nick Davio, covered by Anthony & Lauren

This podcast is proudly presented by The Moonee Valley City Council as part of the Clocktower Centre Podcast residency program, in conjunction with Little Rockers Radio.

Story Surprise is recorded and produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, and we acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Our Links @storysurpriseau

Website: www.storysurprise.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storysurpriseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storysurpriseau

Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@storysurpriseau

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s Story Surprise is all about leading the way with self-worth.

With a smart mind, you can plan and explore. With a strong body, you can jump and climb. With a kind heart you can love, care, and protect. These qualities make you truly beautiful inside and out! 

About the book:

After talking with Mum, Rosie believed she was the most beautiful girl in the whole entire world – but the day she met Penelope Pennington she wasn’t so sure. Penelope Pennington had the perfect hair, perfect clothes, the perfect shoes and even the perfect cat! So, when Rosie and Penelope unexpectedly walk home together, they both make some meaningful discoveries along the way.

This is the perfect story time resource for teaching children that true beauty comes from character, self-acceptance, and compassion for others.

Drum roll please, on your knees…. It’s time for Story Surprise.

Story: ‘Rosie Leads the Way by Renee Irving Lee, illustrated by Lisa Coutts

https://reneeirvinglee.com/

Mick’s Mate: Sophie Collins

Song: ‘The Finger Family’ by Anthony, Lauren & Dominic Woodhead

Check it out on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0kyo9WTTVJGEwvO1e6XiVf?si=c53249059f7e4631

This podcast is proudly presented by The Moonee Valley City Council as part of the Clocktower Centre Podcast residency program, in conjunction with Little Rockers Radio.

Story Surprise is recorded and produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, and we acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Our Links @storysurpriseau

Website: www.storysurprise.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storysurpriseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storysurpriseau

Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@storysurpriseau

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come Home Ella

Today’s story is about premature babies.

 About Come Home Ella:

My baby sister couldn’t wait to see the world. That’s why she came so early. She probably didn’t realise she would be stuck inside the hospital. She probably didn’t know that I wouldn’t be allowed to see her. Come Home Ella light heartedly follows the journey of a family after their baby’s early arrival. Told through the eyes of Baby Ella’s older sibling, it aims to educate children about premature babies and help families experiencing similar situations deal with the emotions involved. 

This is the perfect story time resource for initiating conversations about babies, siblings, and family with your kids!

One in ten babies are born premature. Today’s podcast is dedicated to children who were premature babies, or the sibling of a premature baby. Welcoming a premmie baby into the world is a life changing experience for a family. We hope that by sharing this story children will feel less alone.

Interested in learning more about how you can support premature or sick babies and their families? Or perhaps you are the parent or sibling of a premature baby and you’re seeking support? Check out our ‘Sit Down Session’ interview with Melinda from Miracle Babies Foundation: https://youtu.be/MPXVbGh_RmM

Drum roll please, on your knees…. It’s time for Story Surprise.

Story: ‘Come Home Ella’ by Chelsea Davies, illustrated by Lisa Coutts http://www.empoweringresources.com.au/come-home-ella  

Mick’s Mate: Mahli Ella (Chelsea’s Daughter and inspiration for the story)

Song: ‘Germs!’ by Anthony, Lauren & Dominic Woodhead (Remember to wash your hands to get rid of germs before touching a newborn baby)

Introductions: Pippa and Baxter Riley

Support: https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/

This podcast is proudly presented by The Moonee Valley City Council as part of the Clocktower Centre Podcast residency program, in conjunction with Little Rockers Radio.

Our Links @storysurpriseau

Website: www.storysurprise.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storysurpriseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storysurpriseau

Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@storysurpriseau

 www.littlerockersradio.com.au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fun at Home! With Story Surprise & Friends

Welcome to a very special BONUS edition of Story Surprise.

This episode is for all children who are spending lots of time at home due to Covid.

Have you run out of ways to keep the kids entertained? If your answer is “YES! (AHHHHH),” then pop on this podcast, pop on the kettle and pop into your comfiest seat because we’ve got you covered!

Anthony & Lauren from Story Surprise have been staying home for so long that they have run out of activities to do!

Never fear… Say hello to Mr Snot Bottom, Emily Who and Bree from B Minor Music. Our kids entertainer pals from around the country have a bunch of great ideas to keep the kids busy at home.

Join us for a topsy-turvey tea party, singing, dancing, music, scavenger hunt, craft, games and more!

What’s even better is that this gives your family a chance to turn off your screens and switch on your imagination!

All the activities for kids featured in this episode can be done in the comfort of home with things you have around the house.

Prepare yourself. Story Surprise & friends make staying home the MOST FUN EVER!

Thanks for keeping your community safe during these Covid times by staying home just like us!

Don’t forget to subscribe to Story Surprise on Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify!

If you’d like to learn more about the legendary entertainers featured in this episode, check out these links:

Mr Snot Bottom: https://linktr.ee/mrsnotbottom

Emily Who: https://www.youtube.com/c/emilywho

B Minor Music: https://bminormusic.com/linktree

The arts and entertainment is one of the hardest hit industries in Australia. If you’re a fan of our work and you’d like to support the podcast, we’d love for you to check out our Patreon page!

https://www.patreon.com/storysurprise

Our Links @storysurpriseau

Website: www.storysurprise.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storysurpriseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storysurpriseau

Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@storysurpriseau

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is about responsibility! Join Anthony and Lauren for a ‘paw-some’ rhyming tail about Milo the Cat!

From the Publishers: When Milo doesn’t come home after dark, his humans soon realise he’s missing! With the whole neighbourhood on the hunt for the beloved pet, it becomes clear that little Milo has been keeping a very sneaky secret. Can you guess what it might be?

In this episode we talk about the important responsibility of owning a pet. You’ve got to feed them, bathe them, love them, give them a warm place to sleep and feed them lots of delicious treats like the ones Milo eats in our story.

Mick the Teddy takes a ‘meow-ment’ with his mates, Oscar & Frankie to see what they would feed their dream pet, and Anthony & Lauren imagine the many kinds of pets you could have with a cat-tastic song. It’s called ‘People Wave’ and it was written by Anthony’s mum, Bernadette.

“People wave and people smile, and people say hello
But if you were a cat, what would you say when you meet someone you know?”

MEOW!

Jam packed with ‘paw-sibly’ too many cat puns! We hope you love this episode!

Drum roll please, on your knees…. It’s time for Story Surprise.

If you would like to support Anthony & Lauren’s podcast, you can do so via Patreon. All ideas, concepts, scripts, editing and production is done by Anthony & Lauren. Your support can help to continue to bring this podcast to families. Check out the podcast tier on our Patreon page. Your support means the world to us!

https://www.patreon.com/storysurprise

Story: ‘Milo’s Little Secret’ by Rebecca Ralfe, illustrated by Gabriella Petruso

Song: ‘People Wave’ by Bernadette Sherriff

Published by Larrikin House: https://larrikinhouse.com/  

Mick’s Mates: Oscar & Frankie Robertson

Introductions: Pippa and Baxter Riley

This podcast is proudly presented by The Moonee Valley City Council as part of the Clocktower Centre Podcast residency program, in conjunction with Little Rockers Radio.

Our Links @storysurpriseau

Website: www.storysurprise.com.au

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storysurpriseau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storysurpriseau

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storysurpriseau

Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@storysurpriseau

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.