Super Great Kids' Stories

An old Welsh farming couple mourn the loss of their farm assistant. Shortly after, they’re joined by a mysterious creature called a Bwca who starts helping them at night - unseen and uninvited. But suddenly he stops being helpful, and starts causing big trouble. Can the farmer and his wife make friends with the Bwca, once again, or will they have to flee their home? Listen to master storyteller Daniel Morden weave another of his magical tales from Wales. Warning: this slightly scary story has a death in it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Take one fierce hairy Buggane (an ogre-like creature), a trickster tailor, and a ruined church and you have the setting for quite a story told by Kim. Be a little bit afraid. Feel the fear and listen anyway. Warning: this story is a little bit scary because it has a hairy monster in it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A grumpy witch, an overworked donkey, and a mean merchant. Amy Douglas tells this entertaining story from Shropshire in England about an animal-loving witch who gets revenge and teaches locals a lesson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To conjure up our new theme - Stories of Magic, we have: a powerful wizard, a book full of secrets, a curious boy, wriggling words, and a clawed creature determined to be free. It’s all here, blended into one magical story told by master storyteller from Wales: Daniel Morden. Don’t miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A long time ago - back in the Dreamtime, the animals hold a competition to decide who is best at jumping, dancing, singing and running. Joolah the Lyrebird wants to dance, but he’s too shy and embarrassed by his straggly tail feathers to compete. So Joolah stands apart to watch the events. But watching and listening can bring its own reward. Listen to Warren Foster Junior tell this moving story to discover who the real winner is in these games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A long time ago- back when the animals could talk, the earth is dark and cold. But when a lightning storm sets fire to a tree in the distance, the animals delight in the light and warmth - and agree they want some of that for themselves. But how can they safely fetch it and bring it back across the water to their camp? Listen to Lisa La-Rue Baker tell this beautiful story of ingenuity and courage and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A word to the grown-ups: this story told by Jason Buck is not scary, it’s very funny – and brilliantly told, but it’s does include toilet humour including quite a few sound effects - so, if you want to discourage giggles about ‘p-o-o’ this is probably not the story for your children. We also have another fun story this week from Greece called The magical sneeze. In this funny story from Scandanavia, told by Jason Buck, a poor family are asked to donate a barrel of their finest ale to a troll. Would you give a troll a barrel of beer? Well it’s just as well this family did, because they were given a magic barrel in return for their kindness, and it’s a gift which keeps on giving. But listen on, there’s a twist in the tale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, a storyteller new to Super Great Kids’ Stories - Despina Ariou tells a fun quest tale about 6 animal friends who meet a pedlar and then mysteriously lose their voices. They head into the forest to find the pedlar and discover what they need to do in order to recover their lost voices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Indigenous Australian, Warren Foster Senior, tells a dreamtime story about Bungoo the Flying Fox. Bungoo is bored, because all his friends want to do is search for fruit. So he decides to go off in search of more exciting friends. Bungoo finds himself caught up in battles between the furry and the feathered creatures. Listen to this ‘How and Why’ story, and find out what Bungoo learns on his travels about friends and family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know that in many Spanish speaking countries, children who lose a tooth are visited by Ratoncito Pérez – a tooth mouse! Juliana Marin the travelling storyteller from Colombia tells a story about a little boy who happens to be a King, and a rather hairy tooth fairy …ok he’s a mouse really. What gift will the tooth mouse give the young King? Listen to Juliana tell this heart-warming tale and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Word has it that Bad King John is coming to the village of Gotham for a royal hunt. The villagers know that this greedy King will kill and eat all the wild animals in their woods. So, they come up with a cunning plan: when the King’s Herald arrives to organise the hunt for the King, he’s greeted by a bunch of ‘ninny-hammers’ or sillies. Will the villagers succeed in stopping, the King from coming? Listen to storyteller Dave Tong and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A selkie is a seal which can shape shift into human form by taking off its seal skin. Gillian Brownson relates this moving story from Ireland about a selkie who loses her beautiful skin and is trapped on land in the shape of a young woman. Will she get back to her seal family under the Irish sea? Or will she and her daughter be stuck on land forever? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this ‘How and Why’ story Emily Hennessey takes us back to a time when there was no vast beach near her home in the North West of England, back to a time when the sea was in danger of being swallowed up by a hungry giantess. Did the giantess succeed? Or did the sun, the moon the wind or the rain manage to stop her? Listen to Emily’s powerful story about the battle for sea and sand, and discover what part the little curlew bird had to play in the story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this old Japanese legend – a fisherman, ‘Urashima Taro’ is rewarded by the Emperor of the Sea, for rescuing a small turtle. He’s taken underwater to the Palace of the Dragons where he meets the Emperor's daughter, and spends three happy years. The daughter gives Taro a box to take home with him, but makes him promise not to open it. Listen to Japanese storyteller Masako Carey, and see if he keeps his promise. (It’s a sad ending.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jebro is a small boy who lives on an island with his nine older brothers in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. With the seas rising, they have to find a new island to live on, but who will be their leader? Their wise mother suggests they decide with a race. When that day arrives, Jebro has to make a decision which might well mean he loses the race. What should he do? Listen to storyteller Marion Leeper, share this thoughtful traditional tale from the Marshall Islands and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have a legendary Welsh water monster to kick off this month’s theme of watery stories. The Afanc is described as a cross between a crocodile and a giant beaver. This enormous creature is causing floods and eating anyone who comes near. Many brave souls have tried to kill it, but its hide is so tough that no spear, or arrow can pierce it. How can the local people stop the Afanc from flooding their land? Listen to Welsh singer/storyteller Gillian Brownson and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to this Cherokee legend, Unetlanvhi, The Great One, created little corn people to help the first woman on earth, with the chores. The corn people were very beautiful, but spent more time admiring their reflection, than helping out. The Creator was not happy, and did something dramatic to teach them an important lesson about beauty. Listen to Lisa La Rue Baker tell this traditional tale from the Cherokee Nation and discover what happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thor, the Norse god of thunder goes on a quest to ask a favour from Hymir the stone giant. The two of them embark on a fishing competition. Thor comes close to disaster when he hooks out of the ocean a ……. Listen to Jason Buck tell this entertaining Norse tale to find out what he pulls out of the sea. Will he survive to complete his quest? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An old Japanese folktale about an inch high boy who becomes the guardian of a princess and bravely takes on a dreaded giant red ogre. Will his cunning and courage be enough to see the beast off and save the Princess? Listen to storyteller Masako Carey and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Long ago, the people in Kemmy’s village regularly fed the beautiful Rain Bird who would reward their kindness by making sure the rains always came and the food always grew. But gradually, people forgot about the beautiful bird, and then came the drought and the hunger. What could they do? Listen to Maia Ganatra tell this moving story from Southern Africa and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our second story this week is from Paraguay and is told by travelling storyteller Juliana Marin - which is about a brave little humming bird whose courage inspires all the animals in the rainforest to work together to prevent a big disaster from ruining their home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we have two two Wise bird tales. First up is the talented Tuup telling a tale about an eagle who was quite unaware of his amazing talents. He was convinced he was a humble chicken until one day, someone told him something different! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen to genius storyteller Jason Buck tell this funny tale of the Gingerbread Man complete with great animal sound effects. This story, about a plucky little Gingerbread man who leapt out of the oven and ran away - was published in the US in 1875 and its European counterpart: The Runaway Pancake was published in the late 1800's and they're still going strong. Jason’s version has a delightful twist in the tale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you ask for if you had a secret wishing ring? Jack uses it when he’s in danger, and it brings help from the most unexpected creatures in the most surprising ways. This Welsh Romani tale is beautifully told by writer and storyteller Daniel Morden who gave us the story ‘Hey Ho!’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a story from Spain about a little chick who only has one eye, one wing and one leg. But he’s a determined little chick and rather proud. He decides to take himself off on an adventure to the Royal Palace in Madrid to see the King. As with many journeys, it doesn’t quite turn out how he expected. Listen to storyteller Rebecca Lemaire and find out what happened to him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this story from Aotearoa, New Zealand, a small bird who mysteriously loses her song, she wanders through the forest asking for help from her feathery friends. Will she get her song back? Listen to this beautifully told rhyming tale from Maori storyteller Eliza Bidois to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you ask for if you were granted one wish? In this Native American tale told by Cherokee storyteller Lisa LaRue Baker, the animals are each rewarded with a wish for good behaviour. All is going well, until Owl is overcome with curiosity and breaks the rules by taking a peek as The Great One – Unetlanvhi works to make the wishes come true. Listen to Lisa LaRue Baker and find out what happens to poor Rabbit as a result. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greedy Anansi is at his tricks once again. Can he trick his friends so he can share everyone’s dinner without having to help them? Or will it backfire? Listen to storyteller Emily Hennessey tell this fun ‘How and Why’ story and find out. A good story to learn to tell yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The national bird of New Zealand is the Kiwi. It has brown hairy feathers, a very long beak and no wings. Listen to Maori storyteller Emmy Bidois tell this moving legend which explains how the brave little bird gave up its wings and became a national hero. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Long time ago, in the African Bush, things were not as they are today. Elephant had a small nose, and Giraffe a short neck - so what happened? It all began with the little animals disobeying their parents. Listen to this lively, story told by Wangari from Kenya to find out more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi is keen to join the birds at their feast on a mountain ledge. But can Anansi fly? With a little help from his feathered friends – he can! But once he’s abandoned by the birds, how can he save himself? Listen to this fun ‘How and Why’ story from Ghana, shared by storyteller Tuup, and find out how Anansi learns a very useful skill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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