Scottish storyteller Cara Silversmith shares a How and Why story from the US which explains why bears hibernate. The little animals are going hungry because a big brown bear is rather too fond of food. Happily, a fox, a squirrel, a mouse and a hare team up to solve the problem.

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This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive.

The Giant’s Causeway on the coast of Antrim in Northern Ireland is an awe-inspiring staircase of huge rocks stretching far out into the sea. But how did it get there? Was it the work of Irish Giant Finn McCool and if so why? Irish storyteller Kate Corkery explains all.

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Tuup shares a story from India about a good-hearted Brahmin (wise man) who helps some animals and a jeweller who are in trouble. Do you think they all help the Brahmin in return when he needs them? Have a listen to Tuup telling this ancient animal fable from India and see if you can spot the twist in the tale.

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In this story from South Africa, we meet Thokozani the Eland, a type of antelope who has magic powers to shape-shift into a human. When a series of fires sweeps through his area putting the animals at risk, Thokozani is chosen to talk to the villagers. Will they listen to him? Listen to Nokugcina Mhlophe tell this moving story and find out.

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Alton Takiyama-Chung tells us two lively tales which help explain some of the traditions celebrated in China and other parts of East Asia at Lunar New Year. One story is about how the twelve animals who represent the Lunar New Year Calendar were chosen - by having an exciting river race. And a second story is about the Nian, a terrifying monster who arrives after dark every New Year’s Eve - to eat the people and their animals. Until one year, a brave old man, comes up with a plan to stop him. This legend explains some of the traditions and celebrations which still take place today at this popular festival which marks the beginning of Spring.

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A farmer in ancient Japan saves a spider from the jaws of a huge black snake. The spider in turn helps the farmer. But who will protect the spider when the farmer isn’t there? Listen to Alton Takiyama-Chung tell this beautiful tale which explains the origin of the Japanese word for ‘cloud’.

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This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive. Anansi the spider is up to his tricks again. In order to win the King's gold, he has to eat a large bowl of super hot pepper soup. Will he outwit the king and the other competitors? Listen to Tuup telling this lively song-story from West Africa and find out.

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The King is worried. Every night he locks the door to the bedroom where his 12 daughters sleep, and every morning their silk shoes are worn to tatters as if they have been dancing all night. What’s going on? "Whoever solves the mystery can marry a princess!.” declares the King. Can anyone help? Listen to Kim tell this magical song tale from Europe and find out.

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Anansi is up to his tricks again. Following a greedy feeding-frenzy he tries to distract elephant and his friends by persuading them that watermelons can talk. Does he succeed? Listen to this lively story from the Caribbean told by Wendy Shearer and find out.

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Alton Takiyama-Chung tells this magical fairytale from China about twin brothers who both want to marry the Dragon King’s daughter. To help her decide which one to choose, Princess Li Mei sends them on a quest to find a gleaming pearl from her father’s underwater palace. But which brother will be compassionate, honest and brave and win the heart of the princess? Listen to Alton and find out.

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Paul Alborough tells his upbeat version of this classic Brothers Grimm fairytale. Two siblings pit their wits against a hungry witch and a greedy king and win the day. Note to parents, this story has a scary witch, but the ending is a happy one (for everyone but the witch and the greedy king!)

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