Super Great Kids' Stories

Maui the trickster is fed up with Ra the Sun. Ra is so lazy, that he’s always rushing across the sky to get back to his bed again. This leaves the days so short that Maui doesn’t have enough time to do all his chores. Maui and his brothers set out on a quest to capture the sun, and teach him a lesson. But is it possible to stop something so hot and powerful? Listen to Maori storyteller - Emmy and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lively re-telling of a traditional African tale, Anansi might be cunning, but he’s also just a small, spider, so can he really beat Elephant in a tug of war? Listen to gifted storyteller Emily Hennessey and find out if brains are more important than size. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can a cheeky, talking pot save the day for a poor farmer and his wife who are down on their luck? Listen to this lively, interactive tale from Denmark told by master storyteller Daniel Morden and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi is always boasting about how clever he is. The king is not happy. He decides to set Anansi an impossible challenge - one which will he thinks will get rid of that trickster once and for all. Anansi is confident he can trick anyone out of anything….but can he trick Death - the master trickster? Listen to Wendy Shearer telling this captivating tale, and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you ever feel that everything is against you and unhappiness is following you around like a smelly dog? Well, you’re not alone. In this trickster tale from Poland, nothing seems to go right for a young couple. Until one day, they decide to try a bit of trickery. Can they succeed in banishing misery from their lives? Listen to this tale brilliantly told by storyteller Emily Hennessey and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To mark St Patrick’s Day, Kate Corkery is back with a hair-raising tale about Finn McCool. It’s a quest story stuffed with giants, witches and princes in peril. Can Finn rescue the kidnapped princes from a wicked witch? With a little help from his friends, anything is possible. Warning this story is a teeny bit scary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brer Rabbit is up to his tricks again – trying to steal water from Brer Wolf’s well. But after he’s caught once, will he be sensible and leave the well alone? You’d think so wouldn’t you, but this is Brer Rabbit we’re talking about. Listen to Baden Prince Junior’s delightful telling of this old tale and see how Brer Rabbit uses his wit to escape from Brer Wolf’s trap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A forest elf or ‘sylph’ is made homeless by a careless woodcutter. Luckily, he’s adopted by a kind couple. But what happens to the dreamy woodcutter who cut down his tree? Will he be punished, or will he marry the princess of his dreams? Listen to Belgian storyteller Rebecca Lemaire tell this delightful tale, and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Brothers’ Grimm fairytale, beautifully told by Simone Schümmelfeder – a poor cobbler discovers elves in his house, and finds they’re remarkably good at lending a hand and helping him out of poverty. But what happens when he wants to help them back? Have a listen to Simone tell this magical tale which comes from the forest near her childhood home, and be awed! There’s even a song in it too! ---- Super Great Kids' Stories is now available on Storybutton. Visit www.storybutton.com and enter code supergreat10 to get 10% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Kim retells the story of Nián, the terrifying monster who emerged from the sea every New Year’s Eve - to eat cattle, and people, and crops. Until one year, a brave old man, came up with a plan. This old tale explains some of the traditions and celebrations which still take place today at this popular Festival to mark the beginning of Spring. ---- Super Great Kids' Stories is now available on Storybutton. Visit www.storybutton.com and enter code supergreat10 to get 10% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this moving Cinderella-style story, beautifully told by storyteller Nick Hennessey, a young girl is sent away from home by her Dad who misunderstands her declaration of love. But she doesn’t despair, she dusts herself down, and sets off disguised in a cap made of rushes to prove him wrong. Nick accompanies this old English fairytale with beautiful music which he’s written and arranged. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A enchanting quest, tale from Norway about a bewitched prince and a determined girl. This story includes a troll princess, a magic potion, a snow bear, some witchy women, ooh, and even a song! Listen to this story retold by Kim and be transported to a far-away land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two Fairy stories set in Northern Ireland - told by veteran storyteller Liz Weir. One is about a boy named Jim who has a scarily close encounter with fairies who drag him beneath the fairy hill, the second story is about two boys in need, who find a fairy fisherman willing to help them – since this is a fairy story – each of them gets what they deserve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One snowy day, a young boy drops his mitten - a mole finds it and uses it to shelter away from the cold wind. One by one, various woodland animals come along and ask for shelter in the mitten. Eventually a bear decides to join them in the warmth. Is that a good idea? Listen to Masako Carey retell this kindly old tale from Ukraine and enjoy the unexpected ending! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An old German fairytale about a boy who is born lucky. A fortune teller predicts that the boy will marry a princess and one day become King. Will the boy's luck last long enough for him to outwit the jealous King? Listen to Jason Buck bring this story to life with his funny voices and genius sound effects - and lose yourself in another world.  Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An old English fairy tale about an impish creature who helps a young girl with an almost impossible task. But can she answer his question or will she have to pay the terrible price in return for his help? Listen to Rachel Murray’s version of this familiar tale and be enthralled. This story is a little bit scary, but the way Rachel tells it – it’s more ‘scary-not-scary.’ Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A poor man tries selling his wife's kimonos to get money for rice cakes to celebrate new year. As he returns home without having sold a thing, the man helps some Child God Statues who are freezing in the snow. Will his kindness be rewarded? Listen to this upliftig new year's tale told by storyteller Masako Carey and find out. Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"The Tinder Box" is an old fairytale from Denmark written by Hans Christian Andersen, and retold with great wit by Paul Alborough. When an old soldier acquires a magic tinder box he finds he can summon three enormous magical dogs. In order to help a princess in distress, he needs the loyalty of these hounds and a lot of derring do. This story is scary and funny in equal amounts. Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Christmas day, the days are short and the nights are long and bitterly cold, the dog is out looking for food…..but he and his friends work together to help an old lady who is all alone. This delightful tale of transformation and friendship comes from Scotland and was shared by the late traveller and storyteller Duncan Williamson. Amy Douglas shares it with us and sprinkles a little sparkly magic into our Christmas Eve. (nb Don’t try using your pet peacock as a Christmas tree at home – he might not like it.) Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This magical, slightly scary Inuit tale tells a story of kindness and betrayal. Three Hunters and their dogs pursue Nanuq, The Great White Bear across the snowy land. Listen to Nick Hennessey tell this beautifully crafted ‘How and Why’ sound story to see where the bear and hunters end up in this great chase across land and space. Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Storyteller Liz Weir tells two beautiful wintery tales. 'Wee Hugh and the Silver Angel' is a moving Scottish story from late traveller Duncan Williamson. This story is a little sad but has an upbeat ending. And 'How the Snow got its Colour' is a delightful gem of a 'How and Why' story from Norway. Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this tale from Japan an old woodcutter donates his logs to the Dragon God. In return he's given a young boy with a runny nose to look after. Fed up of caring for the child, the old man decides to give him back. Is that a good idea? Listen to Japanese storyteller Masako Carey and find out. ------ Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frau Holle can bring sunshine, and she can bring snow. She can also make it rain - toads. Nice touch. So when she’s visited by two sisters – one kind, the other mean and bad tempered – she rewards each girl very differently. Listen to storyteller Paul Alborough telling his version of this old German tale and be prepared to laugh! ------ Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A piper knows a magical tune, but rather wisely, he never plays it. Until one day, down by the sea shore, he gets a bit carried away and tada! he finds himself playing it - with fairly dramatic results. Listen to Kate Corkery telling this strange tale from Ireland to find out what happens. ------ Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s a drought, and all the animals are hungry. The old tortoise is on his last legs, searching for something to eat in the bush, when he comes across a magic drum which provides all the food you can eat. Surely that's a good thing? Or is it? Listen to storyteller Wangari tell this magical song story from Kenya and see what you think? Buy a colouring book HERE or a T Shirt HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A man frees a tiger from a pit, and very nearly gets gobbled up as a result of his kindness. Happily, a clever rabbit hops along to save the day and teaches that tiger an important lesson. Listen to Sef Townsend telling this Korean version of a wise old tale, and learn how to greet people in Korean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once upon a time there was a greedy Raven and a sly Fox. The Raven had a thing for sheep cheese and kept rather a lot of it in his stinky nest. The other animals were rather fed up with Raven, so asked Fox to use his quick wits to help them. Listen to this hilarious modern take on an ancient Greek Fable told by talented storyteller Paul Alborough/aka 'Professor Elemental' and find out what happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi’s up to his tricks again. As usual, he’s trying to con his animal friends out of their food. He’s doing rather well – until he meets Guinea Fowl who knows exactly the same tricks. Who will be the greatest trickster in this story? Listen to storyteller Wangari tell this fun West African tale, and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a story from our super great scary stories podcast usually for subscribers only - but a gift for you for Halloween. Once there was a woman who went out to look for fruit and roots, instead she found a great big hairy toe. She took the toe home with her, was that a good idea? Listen to talented storyteller Maia Ganatra from Tanzania in East Africa tell this terrifying story. We give it a rating of 😱😱😱 screams. Pretty darn scary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Poor José, he loves to sing – but he’s got a terrible voice. When he gets invited to a wedding, he’s very keen to go and sing for everybody and sets off on a tricky journey in order to get there. But will they all be thrilled to greet him? Listen to Baden Prince telling this entertaining chain story told in America and Mexico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three sisters have to rescue their little brother from the fearsome witch who eats children. Can they escape her as she chases them across the sky in her flying mortar? Listen to Kim telling this lively story from Russia and Eastern Europe to hear how the girls use their wits against the witch of all witches. It’s a scary story for haloween, so if you don’t like scary stories, we’ve also posted a funny tale about a daft chicken for you to enjoy instead. And if you do like scary stories, Yiha! You’ve got bonus stories to listen to this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The animals are hungry and food is scarce, Tiger has plenty to eat, but he’s no good at sharing. Worse than that, he roars at any animals who comes near his food. Who can help? Brer Rabbit that’s who. Storyteller Baden Prince Junior delights in revealing rabbit’s cunning plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this old African 'How and Why' tale, – tortoise dreams about a magic tree which grows all kinds of delicious fruit, but which only appears if its name is called. All the animals want to find that tree – but all of them keep forgetting the name – all that is, except for one. Can you help Kenyan storyteller Wangari to remember the name of the tree, and help the animals? A great story for retelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A young King has to face a fearsome Giant who is scaring everyone away from the kingdom. The King is frightened, and doesn't know what to do. Luckily, there's a wise old woman on a hill who has the answer - if only the King can figure out what it means. Listen to Sef Townsend tell this intriguing story from Wales and see what the young King learns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paca is a long-legged animal living in the Brazilian rainforest who is proud of his ability to run fast. So he's very happy when Parrot invites him to join a race against a tiny beetle. But things aren't always as straightforward as they seem. Who will win, and what will they choose as their prize? Listen to storyteller Julian Marin telling this 'How and Why' story and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you ever wonder what happens to tadpoles' tails when they turn into frogs? In this 'How and Why' story from the Caribbean, Kate Corkery reveals all. Oh, and if someone called 'Trouble' ever tries to persuade you to do something...... don't listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know that Leopards haven't always been spotty? Once, their fur was a glossy, light brown colour - until one day, Leopard got greedy - and calamity struck. Have a listen to storyteller Wendy Shearer telling this fun 'How and Why' story from Ghana in West Africa and find out just how Leopard got his spots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once upon a time, the magical phoenix bird was grey, and all the other colourful birds in the forest, ignored her. But something happened which changed all that forever. Listen to Kim telling this ancient 'How and Why' story from China and find out why the Phoenix is no longer grey and now has lots of friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two curious little mice investigate what lies beyond the fence - a place where their parents have warned them not to play. Was that a good idea? Listen to this delightful traditional tale from Cuba told by storyteller Juliana Marin and discover how learning languages can be a life saver. You might just pick up a few words of Spanish into the bargain! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once there was a girl who was always asking questions. So when she learned about a magical fish – the ‘Salmon of Knowledge’ which had all the answers, she set off on a quest to find the well where it lived. Was that a good idea? Listen to this beautiful Irish Myth from Kate Corkery about the origin of the River Shannon and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know that when Lakes feel unloved, they can fly away? Listen to this thought-provoking story from Estonia, told by storyteller Sef Townsend. And, we add another moving little story from the Indian Jataka tales which is also about taking care of our planet. It features a brave little bird who loved her forest so much she was prepared to risk her life to save it. ‘The Humming Bird and the Forest Fire’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a beautiful 'How and Why' love story from Colombia about how the sea was created. Sounds simple? But love is rarely straightforward. There are jealous and mischievous elements blowing around in the shadows. The story is retold by talented Colombian storyteller Juliana Marin, who learned it from her storytelling teacher Jota Villaza. At times, this story is a little bit scary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coyote is up to his tricks again. He doesn’t really believe in giants until he walks right into a giant’s mouth. How is he and all the other people swallowed by the giant going to escape? Have a listen to this lively, song story from North America told by Kim and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi is up to his tricks again. Can he persuade his friend Tiger to dig up all his yams? Have a listen to this lively story from the Caribbean, told by Kate Corkery, and find out if Anansi gets his fancy yam supper, or if it all goes horribly wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A boy in search of a job meets a well dressed stranger in the desert. He's offering a good pay and the job sounds interesting. Should he go and work for him? Is that a good idea? Have a listen to this lively imaginative story from Mexico by Colombian storyteller Juliana Marin and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Till is a proper prankster and trickster. He even manages to trick his dad into thinking he’s a perfect angel. Till decides to try tricking some clever teachers into thinking he can teach a donkey to read. Can he get away with it? Listen to Tiernan telling this old story from Germany and all will be revealed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is not keen to help his grandmother do the chores. He’d much rather be exploring rock pools and playing his flute. He’s not bothered by stories about the hungry giant who lurks nearby looking for tasty snacks. Jack might be brave, but is he wise? Listen to Kim telling this song story from the Caribbean to see if the giant gets his dinner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How brave are you? Would you tackle a giant? In this story from Germany, collected by the Brothers Grimm, the brave little tailor kills seven flies with one blow, and armed with wit, cunning and trickery, goes on to tackle a giant. Talented storyteller Jason Buck tells this fun story with humour, and with his magnificent vocal skills conjures up a marvellous giant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What can a little lamb do when a terrifying wolf with a mouth full of teeth wants to eat her? Why, trick him, of course...and keep her cool, and trick him again...and once again! Listen to Chris Bostock do a lively retelling of this humorous Mexican folk tale about a hungry wolf a resourceful lamb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this traditional story from West Africa and the Caribbean, Anansi is up to his tricks again. It's hot, and his friend Tiger wants to go for a swim. Anansi offers to help. Is that a good idea? Listen to Tuup tell this exciting and slightly strange trickster tale to see if Anansi gets away with his tricks this time. And do join in with the song too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This traditional story from Mexico is a tale of victory of the smallest over the largest. But how can a little boy stop a greedy Ram from eating all the chilli peppers growing in his chilli patch? Maybe with a little help from one of his smallest friends? Listen to Kim tell this Mexican traditional tale and maybe even learn how to tell it yourself. Why don't you join in the song too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lou Lou’s Grandad says that River Mumma can be found sitting on rocks and combing her long, black hair, and that sometimes she hands out treasure. But, others warn: “don't even look at her, because she can drag you down into her watery kingdom.” What happens when Lou Lou hears River Mumma singing her song? Will the little girl go missing, or come home with treasure? Listen to Kate Corkery tell this old Jamaican tale and be a little bit afraid. This story is a little bit scary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you have a magic tree where you live? In this story from Russia, a birch tree acts a bit like a fairy godmother, and transforms the life of a young girl and her mother. Listen to storyteller Chris Bostock tell this enchanting story to find out what happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every day a woman carries two pots of water from the river to her home. One is perfect, and one is cracked. The perfect pot mocks the cracked pot, but the cracked pot discovers that not being perfect, can have it's benefits too. An inspiring story, reminding us to enjoy being ourselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A farmer plants some turnips and discovers one of them is so big it's impossible to pull out of the ground alone. He asks for help from family and even animals. How will he ever get that beast of a vegetable out of the ground? Lisen to storyteller Jason Buck to find out. A jolly tale about team work and cooperation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A thirsty crow finds a water jug full of cool water, but the neck is too narrow and too high and he can't drink out of it. What can he do? Listen to this lively version of an Aesop's fable from Greece told by Nadine Wild-Palmer to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The birds want a king, but how do they choose which bird should lead them? They decide to hold a competition. Listen to Kim tell this very old fable from Greece to find out who wins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this moving story from Scotland - told by storyteller Amy Douglas, a boy has no friends in his village, except for animals. When he suddenly disappears, the animals turn to wise owl for help and a beautiful bird is called upon to come to his rescue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this thoughtful Japanese story, a farmer leaves out food for some starving badgers. A simple act of kindness. Little does the farmer know that soon, he's also going to need help. But who are the wrestlers who come to protect him and where have they come from? Listen to Kim tell this quirky, shape-shifting story and find out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A trickster tale from India told by Tuup - about a trickster crane and some rather foolish fishes. Fortunately. there's a clever crab in the story. Will he be able to stop the trickster in his tracks and save his friends from the greedy bird? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once upon a time….. all good stories were called ‘Tiger Stories,’ but one day.. Anansi, the trickster spider decided to shake things up a bit, and get that name changed! Listen to Baden Prince Junior, telling this lively tale from the Caribbean, and find out how that cunning little spider got his way again! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A tiger cub is sent by his uncle to fetch fire from the village, but on the journey there he gets distracted. By the time he gets to the village, he’s forgotten what he was sent to fetch. This touching How and Why tale from India, told by storyteller Rachel Murray, offers an explanation as to why tigers eat their food uncooked and why cats live with people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A poisonous snake is biting the village children as they take their cows to pasture. A holy man decides to intervene. Will the snake pay attention and change its ways? Listen to talented storyteller and musician Tuup tell this thought-provoking story from India and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stories are often worth more than gold. Listen to this bonus story for Saint Patrick's day told by Irish storyteller Kate Corkery and discover what happened to the boy who didn't have a story. It's a scary one - be afraid - be very afraid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you had to leave your family and move in with a group of animals, which animal group would you choose? Listen to Kim telling this Native American story and see how this young boy fares living with bears. (Warning this story is a little bit scary.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you do if you were confronted by a stupendously mean and strong troll. Jason Buck tells this traditional Norwegian tale with amazing skill and certainly brings the troll to life. Have a listen. It is a bit scary. Eek! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When spiders unite, they can tie up a lion.' Or so the Ethiopian proverb tells us. But what can a squirrel do when confronted by a hungry lion? Listen to Baden Prince tell this delightfully funny tale from Southern Africa and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One stormy day, a flying elephant crash-lands into the King's secret garden. A young gardener stumbles across this enormous creature. What will happen? To find out, listen to storyteller Kate Corkery tell this wise Indian tale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A young boy living on an island, heads out with his brothers across a frozen sea on a quest to find fire. He has to be very brave in the face of great danger. Listen to storyteller Shane Ibbs tell this moving story from Iceland, and found out what happens when boy meets bear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A hat seller heads out to market carring a sack full of hats for sale. He settles down under a tree for a little nap in the heat of the day, and when he awakes, the sack is empty. The tree above him is full of monkeys wearing his hats. What can he do? What would you do? Listen to Baden Prince telling this popular story told in India and Africa and many other countries - to find out what happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are many versions of Rapunzel - the story of the girl locked in a tower whose hair is climbed by a witch. Today, storyteller Sef Townsend tells a Persian version of the story. Have a listen, and see if you can spot the difference between Sef's story and the one told by The Brothers Grimm. Warning it has a scary witch, so if you don't like the Baba Yaga stories, you might want to avoid this one. Of course, like most fairytales it has a happy ending. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Storyteller Jason Buck uses extraordinary sound effects and great characterisation to retell this funny English classic. Will the old woman succeed in persuading her pig to jump over the style? It’s a chain story so it would be a good one to have a go at telling yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A girl is sent into the snowy woods by her step-mum, and step-sisters to find strawberries in mid-winter. It seems impossible, but she’s helped by a group of 12 mysterious people. Who are they and why are they helping her? Listen to storyteller Rachel Murray tell this popular Russian Fairy tale to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ha! Storyteller and comedian Tiernan Douieb finds humour in everything. Have a listen to this classic Italian Fairytale about a rather well-dressed trickster cat - to see how he outwits an ogre and charms his young owner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you take one good girl, one not-so-good girl, a terrifying Sicilian ogress and a handful of toads, and spiders – then you have the ingredients for a cracking fairytale. Add in a talented singer/ storyteller Emily Hanna-Grazebrook, and you have a gripping listen. Warning: the ogress is a tad terrifying, but she’s only a story ogress so worth being brave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's amazing what can happen on a magical Christmas night. An old traveller walks through the village cold and hungry. Will he be greeted with the kindness of strangers, or will the door be slammed in his face? Listen to storyteller Amy Douglas sharing this heart-warming story with a humorous twist in the tale and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Christmas Eve, bitterly cold and the animals are hungry...but they all work toegther to help an old lady who is unwell. This delightful tale of transformation and friendship comes from Scotland and was shared by the late travellerand storyteller Duncan Williamson. Kate Corkery weaves her magic and leaves us spellbound. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our second pre-Christmas story this week is a little bit scary, so if you don't like scary stories perhaps listen to story 130 The Scarecrow and the Hare instead or story 75 Father Frost and Star Child. This magical and scary fairytale from Norway tells of 3 brothers who go to the forest to find a Christmas tree on Chistmas Eve. But a grumpy troll is not at all pleased to have someone trying to steal a tree out of his forest. The youngest son challenges him to an unusual completion, Who will win the and claim the tree? Listen to Emily Hennessey telling this compelling story and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the first of two stories this week. One gentle story, and one a bit more scary. This magical fairytale from the late Scottish Traveller: Duncan Williamson, is a gentle story about a scarecrow whose dreams come true on Christmas Eve. It’ll make you believe in magic. Beautifully told by Storyteller Shane Ibbs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The King of Norway asks his friend Halvor to take a Christmas Present to the King of Denmark. A nice idea, but there are two problems: the present is a White Bear; and it's nearly Christmas Eve when trolls and goblins come out to make mischief. Will Halvor complete the challenge and make his way through the spirited woods with a bear in tow? Listen to Storyteller Chris Bostock telling this magical tale and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Golden Eagle is lonely high on this mountain ledge and looking for a new queen. Will the wise old owl living in the woods be the right match for him? Listen to storyteller and musician Nick Hennessey tell this beautiful tale and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A little bird isn’t able to fly with his family to the warm countries as winter approaches, will he find a tree to shelter him from the cold north wind? Listen to storyteller Chris Bostock with this lively retelling of a beautiful North American tale and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’ve got not one story but two. The first one is Henny Penny about a chicken who’s hit by an acorn and decides the world is coming to an end. The story is all about what happens on her way to tell the King. Listen to Rachel Murray telling this fun English version of an old tale. And then you can hear the original Indian version of the story - The Silly Hare. It’s one of the Jataka Tales which are an ancient form of Bhuddist teaching stories – similar to Aesop’s Fables. A little hare is sitting underneath a tree when a coconut falls next to him. Listen to Kim telling this version. There are plenty of differences for you to spot, but can you work out the message which they are both bringing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Anxious Leaf – told by Tiernan Douieb . This story thoughtfully written over 150 years ago and told very beautifully by Tiernan Douieb, can be helpful for children who are dealing with loss. It’s only five minutes long, so grown ups, if you’re not sure if it’s right for your children, then do have a quick listen first. A little leaf becomes anxious when it sees its siblings being blown to the ground. But eventually it chooses to join the other leaves swirling down in a colourful dance, and finds comfort in the cycles of life. The Apple Tree Man – told by Kim. Can trees be friends and help us? In this old English story, two brothers live on a farm. There’s talk of hidden treasure somewhere on the land, but the saying goes that only the farm animals know where it is. Rumour has it that the animals will reveal the spot on Christmas Eve. But will it be too late? Listen to Kim telling this story to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all see the world differently. That’s obvious when we look at your unique pictures of our stories. But imagine being able to see the world through the eyes of a pixie. That’s what happens to the old woman in this folk tale from England told by Kim. Would you consider yourself lucky, or unlucky to be able to see two worlds at the same time? Have a listen to this traditional tale from Devon and see if it turns out to be a good thing for the old lady in this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mary didn’t like bedtime and found all sorts of excuses to avoid going to bed. So, when she saw a face at her bedroom window with ruby, red lips, her mum didn’t believe her. Arg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you do if you suddenly came across some fairies singing? That’s what happens to Lusmore in this fairy tale from Ireland told by Kate Corkery. Would you let them know you’re there? As we know, fairies can be tricky. Have a listen and find out if these ones are nasty or nice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Nisse’s New Suit - Is it possible to be too kind to a little magical Nisse who helps out on your farm? In this Scandanavian story, a young couple try to thank their Nisse for helping them. But little people can be tricky, and things don’t go as expected. Listen to Tiernan Douieb tell this story from Norway, and discover what goes wrong. The Ghost of the Bloody Finger - This ‘scary-not-scary’ story sets out perfectly why it’s probably not a good idea to brag about ‘not being afraid of anything’ – especially when it comes to ghosts! Fortunately, the tale has a funny ending. It’s a good one for beginners to have a go at telling themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We kick off our theme of stories about little people with this fun story set in Derbyshire in England from storyteller Rachel Murray. Jack and his brothers set off on a quest to seek their fortune. The first thing they find is a little red hairy man demanding some lunch. Will he help them find their treasure? Listen to Rachel telling her first super great story and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Mary make it across the dangerous bay to help her Grandfather who is ill? Or will she get pulled into a fishy kingdom beneath the sands and be married off to the bossy shrimp prince? Listen to Emily Hennessey telling this magical story set in Morcambe Bay in North West England, and all will be revealed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Cinderella-style story from Botswana is a bit sad, but it ends happily. Keeya loses her mother and gains a stepmother and stepsister. The stepmother is a nasty piece, and Keeya gets hungrier and hungrier. Luckily, a purple fish is looking out for her. How can a purple fish help a hungry little girl to find food and a happy ending? Listen to Kim tell this magical fairytale from Southern Africa and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you know what the Welsh flag has on it and why it came to be like it is? Storyteller and Comedian Tiernan Douieb tells us the story behind the Welsh flag. This story is not super scary, but there are two fighting dragons in it, and there is one scary moment, so if scary stories aren't for you, then maybe try listening to one of our funny stories like Anansi and the Hot, Pepper Soup or Why Crocodiles Sleep With Their Mouths Open.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Queen has died, so her son becomes the new King. But who will tell the King stories at bedtime now that the Queen has gone? In this moving story from Scotland retold by storyteller Amy Douglas, we hear about the King's quest to find a new storyteller - with an upbeat twist at the end of the tale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this fun retelling of an old Greek fable, we hear from storyteller Amy Douglas about the dangers of flattery. We also learn that if you listen carefully to stories, you can learn handy life skills like how to get a free lunch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi the trickster Spider and Turtle used to be friends, but not any more. This is a story about why they fell out. Sometimes tricksters find themselves being tricked. Who do you think gets tricked in this story, Anansi or Turtle? Listen to storyteller Emily Hennessey and find out what happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi the Spider man is up to his tricks again. The rains haven't come, and there's not enough to eat, but Anansi finds a magic food pot. Do you think he shares what he's found? Listen to Tuup's funny retelling of this trickster tale from the Caribbean and see if Anansi has learned how to share. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The mythical Griffin is half eagle, half lion, so it’s a very strong creature. In this story, a brave boy called Jack goes on a quest to find the Griffin and seek help for a young boy who is not well. The Griffin can be very frightening and bad tempered. Will Jack succeed in his quest? Listen to Kate Corkery telling this slightly scary tale and find out. (ps happy ending of course!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this story which is both a bird tale AND a trickster tale, The Raven uses his magical powers to pull a trick and get hold of something he wants. But, does he get it all his own way? Listen to Tiernan Douieb telling this traditional story from the Haida people to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The animals are all moaning about being too hot, so Suriya the Sun God decides to stop shining. Listen to Peter Chand telling this fun tale from India, and find how the birds persuade the sun to shine once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices