Children have delighted in the telling of Clement Moore's classic "A Visit From St. Nicholas" -- with its famous opening line, "'Twas the night before Christmas" -- for nearly 200 years. Now our popular version for YourClassical Storytime includes charming illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Welcome to YourClassical Storytime from American Public Media, offering classic stories with a classical twist. Each episode features our storytellers recounting childhood favorites along with related classical music.

Kids & Family

Stories for Kids

What happens when a fisherman catches a magical fish that grants wishes? You might be surprised when it comes to ‘The Wish Fish’ — the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Scott Blankenship, music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and illustrations by Mia Jennings.

‘The Wish Fish’

What can small critters do when they’re too afraid to venture out into the forest? Find out in The Little Squirrel Who Worried, by Katie O'Donoghue — a special “quiet time” episode of YourClassical Storytime to help young listeners learn to relax, featuring narration by Andrea Blain and music by John Field.

‘The Little Squirrel Who Worried’

Once upon a time, the elephant had no trunk – until a young one had an unfortunate run-in with a crocodile. Find out the long and short of it in the charming folk tale The Elephant’s Child, the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring narration by Scott Blankenship, illustrations by E.J. Thompson and traditional classical music from India.

‘The Elephant’s Child’

What happens when a crafty fox tries to trick a friendly stork and a wary rooster? Find out in 'Outfoxed,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Valerie Kahler, music by Dmitri Kabalevsky and illustrations by Mia Jennings.

'Outfoxed'

The silver menorah has been in Reb Noson's family for 400 years, and it’s probably even older than that. But this Hanukkah, it’s gone missing! Find out what happens next in ‘The Lost Menorah,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring a story by Howard Schwartz, narration by Theodore Bikel and music by the Eaken Piano Trio.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

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