• 19 minutes 48 seconds
    The Great Acorn Incident (Classic) | Henny Penny Folk Tale Stories for Kids

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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.

    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.

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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.

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    10 September 2026, 7:00 am
  • 15 minutes 47 seconds
    Dr. Fe Del Mundo | Filipina Pediatrician, History Stories for Kids

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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.

    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.

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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!

    3 September 2026, 7:00 am
  • 13 minutes 6 seconds
    The Valley Hen Taylor (Classic) | Fairy Tale Stories for Kids

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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.

    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.

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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!

    27 August 2026, 7:00 am
  • 22 minutes 36 seconds
    Ariel’s Day Out | Little Mermaid Stories for Kids

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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.

    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.

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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!

    20 August 2026, 7:00 am
  • 20 minutes 10 seconds
    Big Bad Goes Back to School (Classic) | Back to School Anxiety Stories for Kids

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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/ 

    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.

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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!

    13 August 2026, 7:00 am
  • 14 minutes 56 seconds
    Wonderland Poetry Slam | Alice in Wonderland Stories for Kids

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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.

    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.

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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!

    6 August 2026, 7:00 am
  • 16 minutes 17 seconds
    Alice’s Birthday Bummer | Alice in Wonderland Stories for Kids Playlist

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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.

    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.

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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!

    30 July 2026, 7:00 am
  • 16 minutes 51 seconds
    Jabberwock This Way | Alice in Wonderland Stories for Kids Playlist

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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.

    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. 

    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.

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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!

    23 July 2026, 7:00 am
  • 16 minutes 32 seconds
    Alice in Slumberland | Alice in Wonderland Stories for Kids Playlist

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    After tumbling down the rabbit hole, Alice and Redge find themselves smack dab in the middle of the Queen of Hearts’ kingdom. Seeing the queen’s subjects so sad over her very bad temper and impossible expectations, the two come up with a clever croquet challenge to help her learn that winning isn’t everything. Can the queen learn that good sportsmanship makes every game more fun, or will she keep sending everyone… OFF TO THEIR BEDS?!

    This reimagined Lewis Carroll portal fantasy tale, Alice in Slumberland, is a Dorktales Classic.

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This is a reimagined story based on the "Queen's Croquet Ground" chapter from Lewis Carroll's classic, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Queen's behavior demonstrates unrealistic expectations, poor sportsmanship, and a lack of consideration for others. By the end of the story, she learns that cooperation, teamwork, empathy, and good sportsmanship lead to stronger relationships and more enjoyable experiences for everyone.  

    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.

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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!

    16 July 2026, 7:00 am
  • 22 minutes 7 seconds
    You Only Live Nine Lives | Spy Adventure Stories for Kids

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    Jack A. Lope and Double 0 Quills race across the stars to uncover the mysterious disappearance of the science vessel Biblio 5 and its crew. Their mission leads them through floating space junk, cosmic dust bunnies, and a gerbil triple threat until they land right in the clutches of the evil cat captain of the Star Scratcher. With the fate of Once Upon a Time hanging by a thread, the spies must outsmart this clever feline before his purr-fectly twisted plan turns it into a hopeless tangle.

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this Dorktales spy adventure stories for kids episode, Jack, Redge, and Kit work together to rescue a missing research ship, listeners learn how believing in one another helps overcome fear, solve unexpected problems, and accomplish goals that would be impossible alone. This story encourages listeners to recognize their own strengths while appreciating the unique talents others bring to a team. There’s a subtle, but important, underlying message that confidence can be borrowed from people who believe in us until we're able to believe in ourselves.

    MORE DOUBLE 0 QUILLS SPY ADVENTURE STORIES FOR KIDS: 

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

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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!

    9 July 2026, 7:00 am
  • 15 minutes 14 seconds
    The Tornado Two Step (Classic) | Pecos Bill Tall Tale Stories for Kids

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    There's tension in the Folktale Forest! When two friends disagree over the blueprints for Midge the Pidge's new birdhouse, their argument starts to spin out of control. To help them see things differently, Jonathan shares the legendary tall tale of Pecos Bill, the rootinest-tootinest, roughest, toughest cowboy who rode a raging tornado and left behind one unforgettable legend about the Grand Canyon. Yippee-ki-yay! Will the friends learn to listen, compromise, and work together before their friendship blows away?

    This reimagined tall tale, The Tornado Two Step, is a Dorktales Storytime Classic stories for kids adventure.

    Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/tornado-two-step/

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

    DOWNLOAD FUNSHEET/COLOR PAGE:  https://bit.ly/dorktales52funsheet

    GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
    https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep52freePDF 

    PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This stories for kids episode explores how misunderstandings and unspoken frustrations can quickly spiral into larger conflicts, just like the tornado in the legendary tale of Pecos Bill. Key lessons include the importance of communicating honestly, listening to others' perspectives, compromising when solving problems, and working together to protect friendships. The episode encourages kids to recognize conflict early and shows that respectful conversations often lead to better solutions for everyone.  

    IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about a retelling of a Pecos Bill tall tale, we think you’ll also enjoy this retelling of The Little Red Hen, episode 36, The Little Redge Hen: https://jonincharacter.com/little-redge-hen/ 

    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.

    CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

    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!

    2 July 2026, 7:00 am
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