Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

Latest Episodes:

Maple Leaf Legends | Autumn Stories for Kids Sep 24, 2026

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As soon as the leaves fall, the Folktale Forest hedgehogs turn them into maple leaf medals. They award them to the trees every autumn for their exemplary service to the land and its critters. Now, Jonathan and Mr. Redge are adding to this annual tradition by honoring the unique talents and contributions of their forest friends. And what better way to celebrate than a razzle-dazzling awards show with dancing trios, wonderful wordsmiths, astonishing acrobats, and one famous rooster who cockadoodle-doesn’t miss a beat.

This Dorktales Storytime stories for kids episode celebrates autumn’s season of gratitude.

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This fall stories for kids episode celebrates gratitude by showing kids how appreciation can be expressed through recognizing the unique qualities and contributions of others. The story begins with the Folktale Forest hedgehogs honoring the trees for all they provide, then expands the tradition into a talent show celebrating the forest critters many different abilities. Kids can see that everyone has something valuable to contribute and that taking the time to notice and celebrate those qualities can help others feel appreciated and valued.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/maple-leaf-legends
FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
MORE STORIES FOR KIDS ADVENTURES: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-lore-stories/
DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET/COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales55funsheet
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this stories for kids episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep55freePDF

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy. All characters performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures: https://www.madebymortals.org/armchair-adventures/

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GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

The Loch Ness Legend | Mythical Creature Stories for Kids Sep 17, 2026

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Nessie comes to Legend Lake every summer for one thing: some peace and quiet! All she wants is some time alone to study the amazing rock collection she found deep in the hidden caves beneath her loch. But when a crowd of mythical creatures shows up hoping to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster, her safe haven turns into a chaotic mess. Her friends try to help, but their diversion just makes things worse. Now, Nessie must find the courage to step out of the shadows and show everyone there’s more to her than her legend.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/the-loch-ness-legend/
FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
MORE STORIES FOR KIDS: https://jonincharacter.com/fractured-fairy-tales/
WORKSHEETS AND COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales138funsheet
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep138freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This mythical creatures stories for kids episode explores boundaries, self-advocacy, empathy, and the importance of respecting others’ needs. It shows why having a place where you can feel safe and comfortable matters. Listeners are reminded that there is more to a person than the assumptions or labels others may place on them.

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Monique Hafen Adams, directed and produced by Molly Murphy, and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

The Great Acorn Incident (Classic) | Henny Penny Folk Tale Stories for Kids Sep 10, 2026

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When an acorn strikes a blow onto Henny Penny’s head, she mistakenly fears the worst and believes that the whole sky is falling! As she waddles off to warn the farmyard, her fine-feathered friends join in the panic. When a fiendish fox offers to help, Henny Penny realizes that she and her bird buddies are in for some real trouble. Can her sense of danger help her save the day?

This stories for kids episode, The Great Acorn Incident, is a Dorktales Classic reimagining of Henny Penny or Chicken Little.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/the-great-acorn-incident/
FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET/COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales26worksheet
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep26freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Dorktales Storytime stories for kids episode is a reimagined traditional European folktale, Henny Penny or Chicken Little. It explores worry, anxiety, uncertainty, and how strong feelings can sometimes make a situation seem much bigger or scarier than it really is. The story also shows that fear can sometimes be an important signal when something truly feels unsafe and dangerous.

IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, you may also like this stories for kids episode about a hen who was brave enough to be herself in EP66 The Valley Hen Taylor: https://jonincharacter.com/the-valley-hen-taylor/

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Amy Thompson, edited and produced by Molly Murphy, and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures: https://www.madebymortals.org/armchair-adventures/

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We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Dr. Fe Del Mundo | Filipina Pediatrician, History Stories for Kids Sep 03, 2026

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A tale of a trailblazing Filipina doctor and her life-saving invention! Inspired by her sister’s dream of becoming a doctor, Dr. Fe Del Mundo devoted her life to helping children. She broke barriers to study medicine and became the first Filipino and first person of Asian background to study at Harvard University. In the Philippines, she cared for children during World War II, opened the first pediatric hospital, and brought healthcare to children in rural communities. She also invented an incubator that didn’t need electricity, using bamboo baskets, hot water bottles, and other simple materials. Her remarkable work saved countless lives and earned her the title of National Scientist of the Philippines.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/dr-fe-del-mundo/
MORE HEROES OF HISTORY STORIES FOR KIDS: https://jonincharacter.com/hidden-heroes-of-history/
FOR DORKTALES STORYTIME FANS: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales136funsheet
FREE ACTIVITY GUIDE on Dr. Fe Del Mundo: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep136freePDF

CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. This history stories for kids episode was written by Rebecca Cunningham, directed and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures: https://www.madebymortals.org/armchair-adventures/

Support the show

REACH OUT!

Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
Support Our Storytime for Kids pod: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1267991/supporters/new
Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

The Valley Hen Taylor (Classic) | Fairy Tale Stories for Kids Aug 27, 2026

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Taylor the Valley Hen is new to the neighborhood, and even though she’s got plenty to be proud of, she’s still nervous about making new friends. When the giants hear about her spectacular six-grain feat, they invite her to boogie down at the biggest bash ever! Taylor fears she’ll look foolish at the party and no one will like her. Will her nerves get the best of her, or will she find the courage to be herself and dance her way into some wonderful new friendships?

This stories for kids episode, The Valley Hen Taylor, is a Dorktales Classic reimagining of the Grimm’s fairy tale, The Valiant Tailor.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/the-valley-hen-taylor/
FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET/COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales66funsheet
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep66freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Dorktales Storytime stories for kids episode is a reimagined fairy tale based on Grimm’s The Valiant Taylor. It’s about finding the courage to make new friends in a new situation and not letting fear of rejection stop you. Taylor builds her own self-confidence by recognizing her own strengths and deciding to be herself rather than trying to impress others. The giants model how being welcoming and accepting can help newcomers feel comfortable enough to be themselves.

IF YOU LIKED THIS STORY about a brave hen, you may also like this stories for kids episode about an overly anxious hen in EP26 The Great Acorn Incident. It’s our reimagined folk tale traditionally known as Henny Penny or Chicken Little: https://jonincharacter.com/the-great-acorn-incident/

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Amy Thompson, produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures:

Support the show

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We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Ariel’s Day Out | Little Mermaid Stories for Kids Aug 20, 2026

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Redge is taking Ariel, the little mermaid, on a photography adventure through Once Upon a Time to find the most magical and extraordinary things the land has to offer. Her search quickly turns into a day of delightful distractions, from flipping flapjacks at Granny’s Diner, to exploring little thing-a-ma-jigs in the community garden, to having fits of fascination over the library. As Ariel zooms in on unexpected details, she discovers that magical moments can be found in the most ordinary places.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/ariels-day-out-little-mermaid-stories-for-kids/
MORE LITTLE MERMAID STORIES FOR KIDS: https://jonincharacter.com/riddle-of-red-herring-reef/
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WORKSHEET AND COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktales136funsheet
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep136freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This little mermaid adventure stories for kids encourages them to slow down, pay attention to the world around them, and find magic in everyday moments. Ariel’s fascination with everyday objects highlights the value of observation and perspective-taking. When Ariel worries that she has failed at her photography mission, Redge helps her reframe her disappointment and recognize she did achieve what she set out to do, even though the day didn’t go as planned.

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. This story was written by Kristin Schmitz and Molly Murphy. Ariel and Cat were performed by Sophie, who you can find streaming on twitch.tv/s0ph. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

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We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Big Bad Goes Back to School (Classic) | Back to School Anxiety Stories for Kids Aug 13, 2026

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If your child is experiencing back to school anxiety, this story for kids will validate their feelings and build confidence before a new school year begins. We explore first day of school worries and share gentle ways to help anxious kids conquer their fear of the unknown.

Big Bad Wolf is starting a new school year and he’s having back to school jitters. He’s worried his wolf classmates will continue to make fun of him over his embarrassing incident during last year’s howl-at-the-moon final exam. Enter his Folktale Forest friends, including Serena the Capybara. They talk him through his new class nerves and guide him back to his calm, cool and collected canine self and send him off with the confidence he needs to become a Master Howler!

This story about back to school jitters is a Dorktales Classic.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/big-bad-goes-back-to-school/

FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/

DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET/COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/ep74worksheet
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep74freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: A new school year often brings back to school anxiety. In Big Bad Goes Back to School, Big Bad works through his first day of school worries with help from friends and calming strategies. This story gently encourages emotional resilience, self-regulation, and using your support systems. It features two guided mindfulness exercises for back to school anxiety, useful coping tools for easing into the new school year.

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written by Amy Thompson, directed and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Jonathan Cormur and Chanel Tsang from Peace Out podcast. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures:

Support the show

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Does your child have a question? Send it to us here.
We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Wonderland Poetry Slam | Alice in Wonderland Stories for Kids Aug 06, 2026

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The Mad Hatter is facing the Cheshire Cat in the final round of the Wonderland Poetry Slam, where rhymes and wordplay take center stage. When his allergies threaten to turn every line into a giant sneeze, his friends must think fast to save the show. Without a moment to spare, a little Wonderland nonsense, a spoonful of honey from a singing bee, and a bit of quick-thinking improvisation help turn an unexpected setback into a clever comeback.

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Alice in Wonderland stories for kids episode teaches that unexpected challenges can become opportunities instead of reasons to give up. As the Mad Hatter struggles with his allergies before an important performance, his friends work with him to solve the problem while reminding him that success doesn't require perfection. The story reinforces flexible thinking, cooperation, recognizing others' strengths, and adapting when life doesn't go according to plan.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/wonderland-poetry-slam/
FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
WONDERLAND STORIES FOR KIDS PLAYLIST: https://jonincharacter.com/wonderland-podcast-playlist-for-kids/
COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/dorktalesWonderland
ACTIVITY: https://bit.ly/dorktales135funsheet
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep135freePDF

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We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Alice’s Birthday Bummer | Alice in Wonderland Stories for Kids Playlist Jul 30, 2026

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In Wonderland, nothing is ever quite what it seems, including Alice’s birthday. The White Rabbit, who promised to celebrate with her, keeps darting off in all directions. Even the Mad Hatter deflates her hopes for a special day when he un-invites her to tea—because it’s not her unbirthday. Feeling lost and forgotten, Alice wonders if anything can turn the day around—until the Cheshire Cat appears with a curious new path to follow. In a land where left is right and up is down, a day full of bummers might just bounce back into the best birthday yet.

This reimagined Lewis Carroll portal fantasy tale, Alice’s Birthday Bummer, is a Dorktales Classic.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/alices-birthday-bummer/
FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
WONDERLAND PLAYLIST: https://jonincharacter.com/wonderland-podcast-playlist-for-kids/
COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/dorktalesWonderland
ACTIVITY: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP114colorpage
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep114freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In Alice’s Birthday Bummer, young listeners journey through the emotional ups and downs of a birthday that doesn’t go as planned. As Alice faces disappointment, confusion, and the chaos of Wonderland, she also learns the importance of expressing her feelings, leaning on her friends, and staying open to unexpected joy. The story gently encourages emotional resilience, empathy, and the idea that a bad day can still hold a happy ending.

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, edited and produced by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Sabrina Glow for voicing the character, Alice. All other characters performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, Armchair Adventures:

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We love our fans! Find free goodies: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
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Music & Lullabies: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Jabberwock This Way | Alice in Wonderland Stories for Kids Playlist Jul 23, 2026

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OH NO! Alice accidentally summoned the Jabberwock who’s causing chaos across Wonderland. She’s frantic to banish the bullying beast when the Cheshire Cat pops in to lend a paw or… tail? Can this feline mischief-maker help Alice and her friends find a way out of this monster jam? Purrrhaps. Or, maybe what’s called for is a little curiosity and self-discovery to show Alice she already glows with the power to send the creature back to his home.

This reimagined Lewis Carroll portal fantasy tale, Jabberwock This Way, is a Dorktales Classic.

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/jabberwock-this-way/
FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
WONDERLAND PLAYLIST: https://jonincharacter.com/wonderland-podcast-playlist-for-kids/
COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/dorktalesWonderland
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep64freeFDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Jabberwock This Way is a reimagined story inspired by the poem "Jabberwocky" from Lewis Carroll's classic, Through the Looking Glass. This adventure explores how feelings of fear, shame, and self-doubt can grow after making a mistake. With the encouragement of trusted friends, Alice learns to challenge her negative self-talk, recognize her own strengths, and remember that asking for help is a sign of courage. Ultimately, she discovers that self-confidence, kindness, and believing in herself are the real sources of her greatest power.

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