Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

Latest Episodes:

Sleepy Hallow’s Eve (Replay) | Sleepy Hollow Halloween Stories for Kids Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

It’s time to grab your candy, turn off the lights, and get ready for our encore presentation of Sleepy Hallow’s Eve, a tale that will give you just the right amount of shivers and giggles!

Hello boils, ghouls, and non-corporeal entities! Our SCARE-rator is here to tell you a spooky tale that will send shivers up your quivers and make your teeth chatter with delight! It’s party time at Katrina’s house and Ichabod Crane is having the time of his life. Jealous of his fun, Brom Bones gathers the guests to tell the chilling tale of the Headless Horseman, because he knows it will make sweet, but superstitious, Ichabod shriek and head for home. And when he does, poor Ichabod encounters something sinister in the woods. Is it the bully Brom playing an evil prank or the legendary ghoulish ghost?

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/sleepy-hallows-eve/
FAN PAGE FUN: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktalesfans/
MORE (NOT SO) SPOOKY HALLOWEEN STORIES FOR KIDS: https://jonincharacter.com/halloween-stories-for-kids-playlist-thats-more-fun-than-fright/
DOWNLOAD DORKTALES HALLOWEEN COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/DorktalesHalloweenColorFun

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Halloween stories for kids episode is a reimagined telling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Besides being a spooky story with some geeky references to Sonic the Hedgehog, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, there is an opportunity to talk to kids about jealousy, bullying, and standing up for yourself.

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, 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

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.

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

Simon Tam | Asian American Rock Musician and Activist Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

Send voice or text msg

An inspiring story that will rock your world! Meet Simon Tam, the visionary founder of the Asian American band, The Slants. Follow his path from a young music lover to a trailblazing activist who stood up for free speech and fair representation. His desire to reclaim a hurtful term and turn it into something positive and empowering became a groundbreaking case at the U.S. Supreme Court. Discover how his fight for the band’s name became a victory for artistic expression. Simon’s story shows us that resilience, courage and using one’s voice—and music—can make a difference.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/simon-tam/

Get a free activity guide on Simon Tam: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep99freePDF

This episode of Dorktales Storytime is presented by Red Comet Press, and their hardcover children’s book, We Sing From the Heart, by Mia Wenjen with illustrations by Victor Bizar Gómez. This Junior Library Guild Gold Selection inspired this Hidden Heroes of History story. Purchase this beautiful book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or from your favorite independent book store: https://www.redcometpress.com/picturebooks/wesing

Learn about more Asian American and Pacific Islander hidden heroes of history: https://jonincharacter.com/kids-podcast-playlist-for-aapi-heritage-month/

CREDITS: Dorktales’ Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. This episode was written and produced by Molly Murphy. Howie was voiced by Asher Kim from the Culture Kids Podcast. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

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

That’s A Wrap! | Kooky Halloween Stories for Kids Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Send voice or text msg

Jonathan and Redge adventure into The Tomes, the vast desert of Once Upon a Time, when they stumble into a mysterious tomb, and find themselves on a ghoulish (and very goofy) game show. The two must solve haunting riddles, guess what’s missing in an ancient witch’s potion, and test their courage in the chilling, thrilling Malevolent Maze of the Mummy! Can they work together to tackle all the terrifying twists and turns or will they be lost in The Tomes desert forever?

WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/thats-a-wrap-halloween-story/
MORE HALLOWEEN STORIES FOR KIDS: https://jonincharacter.com/halloween-stories-for-kids-playlist-thats-more-fun-than-fright/
DOWNLOAD DORKTALES HALLOWEEN COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/DorktalesHalloweenColorFun
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep98freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Halloween stories for kids episode has lessons in problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional resilience as Jonathan and Redge navigate a spooky maze and solve the mummy's riddles. It encourages self-awareness and recognizing and managing big emotions, especially when faced with fear or uncertainty. Through teamwork and responsible decision-making, Jonathan and Redge show how collaboration and staying calm under pressure can help overcome challenges.

CREDITS: This spooky stories for kids episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written 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

Knock on Wood | Good Luck and Bad Luck Story for Kids Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Send voice or text msg

Jonathan is having the worst day ever—gum stuck in his hair, soaked clothes, and he's even missing a shoe! Redge thinks the wood nymphs caused Jonathan's series of unfortunate mishaps because he forgot to knock on wood. The two friends shrink down to the size of a speck of dust and go into the floorboards to investigate. But are the wood nymphs really creating bad luck or is it all an itty bitty misunderstanding?

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/knock-on-wood/

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep97freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This episode was inspired by the superstition to “knock on wood,” for good luck. Through Jonathan’s challenges, kids learn about: 1) the resilience of turning bad days around through a positive outlook; 2) curiosity and how asking questions and investigating the unknown can lead to creative solutions, and 3) critical thinking and separating facts from fiction. (Aligns with CASEL Social and Emotional learning framework)

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about shrinking down and exploring tiny places, go on an adventure to Once Upon a Time realm’s tiniest town in EP85 The Scribbleton Scramble: https://jonincharacter.com/the-scribbleton-scramble/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Monique Hafen Adams, edited and produced by Molly Murphy, and 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:

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

Mr. Redge Hotline | Kids Podcast Q&A and Shout Outs Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

Send voice or text msg

It’s hotline time! In this fall edition, Redge and Jonathan answer listener questions and give shout-outs to our Dorktales friends from around the world. From the reason behind Redge’s happy dance after every story, to the most important tale Jonathan’s ever told, there’s a whole lot of fun, laughter, and heartwarming moments waiting for you. There are also some super cool shout-outs to our amazing listeners and even a secret reveal about Redge’s mysterious middle name. Let’s celebrate our Dorktales community together!

Grown-ups, your feedback is invaluable to us, so please take a moment to fill out our survey and receive a special map of Dorktales Once Upon a Time lands as a thank you. Young listeners, keep your questions coming for a chance to be featured in a future Mr. Redge’s Hotline episode.

SURVEY: Grownups, help us make stories your family loves to hear by filling out this quick survey: https://forms.gle/LWq6r2v5WDpVqzBX8

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Great Acorn Incident: https://jonincharacter.com/the-great-acorn-incident/
View the illustration that shows Mr. Redge’s hovel: https://jonincharacter.com/jolly-holly-hedgehog/
Hedge Knight in Training: https://jonincharacter.com/redges-knight-school/

WAYS TO SEND IN YOUR QUESTION:

Record your child saying their first name, age and their awesome question. Send the recording to us at dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com

Use the contact us form on our website: https://jonincharacter.com/contact-the-podcast/

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

Operation Golden Tie | Spy Adventure Stories for Kids Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Send voice or text msg

Your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to follow agents Jack A. Lope and Double-Oh-Quills on their action-packed spy-tacular adventure! When the meanie minotaur, Bull Dozer, steals Niko the Unicorn’s magical golden bow tie, it’s up to the quirky agents to retrieve it before all of Legend Lake falls into chaos. Armed with cool spy gadgets, clever disguises and their own good sense, they race against time to outsmart the baddies and save unicorn magic.

EPISODE: https://jonincharacter.com/operation-golden-tie/
TRY THE I SPY GAME CHALLENGE: https://jonincharacter.com/double-0-quills-spy-adventures/
DOWNLOAD the I SPY game card: https://bit.ly/dorktalesISPYgamecard
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF LIST of conversation questions for this spy adventure: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep96freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This Dorktales spy adventure stories for kids episode is a Saturday morning cartoon-like spy adventure that speaks to the magic of our imaginations. Some of the key lessons from this story include: the power of teamwork, creative problem solving, trust and supportive friendships, clear communication, resilience and perseverance, and the joy of pretending.
MORE DOUBLE 0 QUILLS SPY ADVENTURE STORIES FOR KIDS:

EP107 Mysterious Mr. Yes - https://jonincharacter.com/mysterious-mr-yes/
EP134 You Only Live Nine Lives - https://jonincharacter.com/you-only-live-nine-lives/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written and produced by Molly Murphy and 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:

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

Rapunzel’s Hopscotch Hypothesis | STEM Princess Fairy Tale Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

Send voice or text msg

Mr. Redge starts acting strange after a mysterious encounter in the garden. Jonathan grows worried because his best hedgehog friend has lost interest in their day of adventure. To solve this mystery, Jonathan asks his STEM princess friend Rapunzel for help. What could be causing Redge’s unusual behavior? With her love for science, Rapunzel proposes a hypothesis and sets up a hopscotch experiment to get to the root of Redge’s strange behavior. Will they solve the mystery and hop Redge back into his energetic, fun-loving self?
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/rapunzels-hopscotch-hypothesis/
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF LISTof conversation questions for this episode: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep95freePDF
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:Our STEM princess returns in "Rapunzel's Hopscotch Hypothesis," where the power of curiosity, teamwork, and scientific problem-solving takes center stage. Through a fun and imaginative tale, this episode offers kids a chance to reflect on how they approach challenges, work with others, and explore the world around them.(Aligns with CASEL Social and Emotional learning framework)
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY with Rapunzel, you may also enjoy our reimagined Rapunzel tale inepisode 43, Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down Your Science Experiment: https://jonincharacter.com/rapunzel/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Melissa Victor, edited and produced by Molly Murphy, and 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:

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

Moss Hart | Broadway Playwright and Director Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

Send voice or text msg

A captivating tale of determination and the bright lights of Broadway! From his beginnings in a Bronx tenement, Moss Hart became one of the most talented figures in American theater history. His journey from office boy to legendary playwright, stage director and screenwriter is a testament to the power of dreams and perseverance. His award-winning collaborations with George S. Kaufman and Irving Berlin left a lasting mark on the arts. And, his autobiography, “Act One” continues to inspire creative artists to this day.
Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/moss-hart/
Get a free activity guide on Moss Hart: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep94freePDF
If you enjoyed this story about a hidden hero who came from New York, you may also enjoy learning about Emma Lazarus: https://jonincharacter.com/emma-lazarus/
CREDITS: Hidden Heroes of History is a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Rebecca Cunningham, edited and produced by Molly Murphy and 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:

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

Big Bad Goes Back to School (Replay) | New School Year Stories for Kids Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

Send voice or text msg

With a new school year just around the corner, we know many of you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Our friend Big Bad also had back-to-school jitters, and he found comfort and support from his friends. They helped him manage his fears and guided him back to his calm and confident self.

As you prepare for a new school year or start something new, remember that it's okay to feel nervous. Learning to calm yourself and seeking support from friends and family can make a big difference. And always remember, we believe in you and know that you've got this!
Enjoy this replay of Big Bad Goes Back to School:
https://jonincharacter.com/big-bad-goes-back-to-school/
Get your free Dorktales Resource Library Card: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: As back-to-school season approaches, it’s not uncommon for young minds to be filled with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. In Big Bad goes Back to School, these worries take center stage, only to be met with empathy and understanding. The lessons that emerge from this story provide comfort, encouragement, and tools for navigating the overwhelming feelings that can happen when a new school year begins. The episode includes two guided mindfulness exercises.
If you liked this story with Big Bad and Serena the caring capybara, you may also enjoy episode 49, Big Bad’s Big Feelings, where you’ll discover more mindfulness exercises to help kids self-regulate their anxious feelings: https://jonincharacter.com/big-bads-big-feelings/
CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, and edited and produced by Molly Murphy. Jonathan, Mr. Redge and Big Bad were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Serena was performed by Chanel Tsang, the host of Peace Out podcast and author of Peace Out: Calm Down Workbook for Kids. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

Go on even more adventures with our pod friends, 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

Around the World with Newsy Pooloozi | News Stories for Kids Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

Send voice or text msg

In our last episode, “Ticket to a Strange New World,” Mr. Redge took you on a magical tour to some of Once Upon a Time’s most popular places. While he and Jonathan take a short break from their storytelling adventures, we asked our friends from Newsy Pooloozi to share a few interesting stories about places from around the globe.
Keep listening to hear a special report on Chinese New Year customs and celebrations, what’s up with the United Kingdom’s “blood rain” and how the Italians are using doggie DNA for “poop patrol.”
Find more Newsy Pooloozi news stories: https://www.newsypooloozi.com/
Listen to Ticket to a Strange New World: https://jonincharacter.com/ticket-to-a-strange-new-world/
Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/
CREDITS: Special thanks to Leela and Lyndee for letting us share this Newsy Pooloozi episode with you. Newsy Pooloozi is a weekly world news podcast for kids and their grownups. Make sure you subscribe to both Dorktales Storytime AND Newsy Pooloozi for a playlist library overflowing with interesting stories for curious minds like yours.

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected