Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Who Love Big Adventures
Welcome to the wonderful, wacky, and wildly imaginative world of Dorktales Storytime, an award-winning kids and family podcast with stories for kids and their pop-culture loving grownups. Join hosts Jonathan Cormur and Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog as they explore the land of Once Upon a Time through three kinds of tales: clever and geeky retellings of classic fairy tales and fables, original Once Upon a Time lore stories about magical places and friendly creatures, and inspiring stories about the Hidden Heroes of History. Every tale is packed with twists, turns and lessons learned. Step through our portal into a story-filled...
Mr. Redge Hotline | Kids Podcast Q&A and Shout Outs
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In this fall/winter edition of Mr. Redge’s Hotline, Jonathan and Redge answer listener questions about favorite trees, forest friends, quills, and Redge’s favorite color. They celebrate fans’ creative ideas, share the stories behind listener-inspired episodes, and give shout outs to fans from around the world. Plus, discover how to take part in the Dorktales community beyond listening to the Dorktales Storytime podcast!
Stories for Kids Mentioned in this Episode:
Jolly Holly Hedgehog: https://jonincharacter.com/jolly-holly-hedgehog/ Jack and the Golden Ladder: https://jonincharacter.com/jack-and-the-golden-ladder/ The Radi...Jack and the Golden Ladder | Jack and the Beanstalk Stories for Kids
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Mysterious thund-earths are shaking things up in the Folktale Forest and no one knows why. Jack suspects the Ogress is still angry over his shady shenanigans, so he builds a golden ladder to return to the land of the giants. Why would he ever want to go back? He’s on a mission to make amends for stealing a bag of gold, a hen that lays golden eggs and a golden harp. But he and his friends are in for an astonishing surprise when they discover that two big, very happy feet are th...
Beanstalk (Classic) | Fairy Tale Stories for Kids
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Meet Jack. Is he daft or the dealmaker of the century when he sells his cow for 5 beans? His mother thinks he’s out of his mind until they sprout into a giant beanstalk that reaches the sky, where he discovers a giant castle filled with bags of gold, the goose that lays the golden eggs, and a magical golden harp! Despite a kind welcome from the ogress, Jack keeps sneaking into the castle and taking its treasures so he and his mom can have a lovely cottage with all the modern conveniences…an o...
Haunting of Raven’s Roost | Haunted House Halloween Stories for Kids
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Redge has a mop and a dream! He wants to turn Raven’s Roost mansion into a beautiful bed and breakfast for the magical and mysterious residents of the Foreshadow. Even the raven’s warning of spirits, ghouls, and frights dwelling within won’t keep him and Jonathan from their cleanup. But when flying sponges, dancing mops, a piano that plays itself, and an endless hallway send them scrambling, they realize that the house may be unfixable. Can they convince its ghostly resident to stop haunting and help them turn the eerie estate into a...
Maple Leaf Legends | Autumn Stories for Kids
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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 whose cockadoodle-do doesn’t miss a beat.
This Dorktales Storytime stories for kids ep...
The Loch Ness Legend | Mythical Creature Stories for Kids
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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 he...
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.
<...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...
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 ki...
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.
WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/ariels-day-out-little-mermaid-stories-for-kids/ MORE LITTLE MER...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...
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...
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 bou...
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 Dorkta...
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.
WEB...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.
EPISODE: https://jonincharacter.com/you-only-live-nine-lives/<...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...
Dr. Vera Rubin | Dark Matter Astronomer, History Stories for Kids
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A story of galactic grit and refusing to give up! Dr. Vera Rubin’s love of science and the stars began early. At 14, she and her father built a cardboard telescope so she could track meteors. She dreamt of becoming an astronomer, a career many believed was impossible for a woman at the time. But Vera never let limitations hold her back. From her school days to her work as a scientist, she followed her curiosity, overcame obstacles, and made discoveries that changed astronomy forever. Explore the inspiring life of the astronomer whose gr...
The Boy Who Cried Hedgewolf (Classic) | The Boy Who Cried Wolf Fable Stories for Kids
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Beware of the horrifying hedgewolf! Or maybe beware the bored shepherd boy who decides to entertain himself by playing the same trick over and over again. When the mischievous youngster cries “Hedgewolf” not once, not twice, but three times, the townspeople come running to help. But what will happen to the far-fetched fibber when he finally needs their help for real? Will anyone listen?
This reimagined Aesop fable, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, is a Dorktales stories for kids Classic episode.
Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/boy-who-cried-hedgewolf/
FAN...
Athena’s Magical Flute | Athena Greek Mythology Stories for Kids
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Athena and her best friend Pallas love playing beautiful music together, so they eagerly sign up for Litropia’s first Fabulous Flautist Competition. Both are determined to do their best while cheering each other on along the way. But Athena’s prideful father, Zeus, zaps Pallas’s confidence when he tries to give Athena an unfair advantage. Athena must help her friend find the courage to stay and teach the king of the gods a lesson about honest competition, friendship, and the joy of celebrating the success of others.
Episode webpage: https...
Mr. Redge Hotline | Kids Podcast Q&A and Shout Outs
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In this summer edition of the Mr. Redge Hotline, Jonathan and Redge share exciting news about the brand-new Dorktales Fan Page, introduce the first-ever FAN-TALES fan zine, and answer listener questions from around the world. They chat about Rapunzel, Scribbleton, spy missions, the Foreshadow, and celebrate a whole bunch of wonderful listener ideas. Plus, there are shoutouts, and a few top-secret hints about stories still to come.
Important News Alerts:
Introducing FAN TALES, Dorktales Fan-Powered Fun Zine, Issue 1: https://bit.ly/fantales1
I...
The Golden Peanut | Pirate Treasure Hunt Stories for Kids
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Hoist the sails for a pirate adventure across the Fantasea! Join our crew on a high seas quest to find the rare Golden Peanut. Their treasure hunt begins with cracking the mysterious Corvid Code on an ancient map that guides them to the hidden Legume Lagoon. ’Tis a wild journey filled with encounters including a giant squid, wandering whales, and bouncy jellyfish. But when a rival crew of squirrel pirates tries to claim the treasure first, our pirate friends must decide whether to battle for the prize or join forces to discover its ma...
Three Billy Goats Buff (Classic) | Three Billy Goats Gruff Fairy Tale Stories for Kids
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Three goat siblings set off on a quest to reach the hill with the healthiest snacks when they butt heads with a very hangry troll. Are they fit for the challenge? Will it take brains or brawn to beat the troll and cross the bridge? Each goat must use their own special strengths to outsmart the greedy troll and protect one another. Clever tricks, sibling teamwork, and one very surprised flying troll will leave you rolling in clover.
his Dorktales stories for kids classic episode is the reimagined Norwegian fairy tale...
Redge’s Fantastical F1 | Grand Prix Stories for Kids
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Get ready for a high-speed adventure! Redge suits up for the Folktale Forest Grand Prix, a magical Formula 1 race across Once Upon A Time. With help from his pit crew, he solves riddles that guide his route, taking him to princess castles in Mythdom, the foggy waters of Legend Lake and the towering skyline of Litropia. But the race isn’t just about speed, Redge must navigate tricky turns, fierce competition, and a rival team willing to cheat to win. As he zooms towards the finish line, he makes a surprising choice that ch...
RumpleTaleSpin (Classic) | Rumpelstiltskin Fairy Tale Stories for Kids
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“Rump, who?” asks Redge as Jonathan spins the tall tale of Daphne, the Miller’s daughter, who must spin thread into gold for a greedy king. Facing an impossible challenge, Daphne must think fast, make tough choices, and outsmart a tricky deal. It’s an epic yarn involving a mysterious little man, a clever guessing game, and a Wizard of Oz–inspired ending full of surprises.
This fairy tale stories for kids episode about Rumpelstiltskin is a Dorktales Classic.
WEBPAGE: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-rumpletalespin/ DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bi...David Unaipon | Aboriginal Inventor, History Stories for Kids
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A story of big ideas and bold curiosity! David Unaipon was an Aboriginal Australian inventor, author, preacher, and lifelong learner who never stopped asking “what if?” His invention of mechanical sheep shears helped farmers go from shearing 30 to 300 sheep a day. It was life-changing! He used scientific thinking and Aboriginal knowledge to create solutions far ahead of his time, including concepts for rotary-wing flight before helicopters existed. David traveled across Australia, sharing ideas about science, storytelling, and culture, inspiring people wherever he went. Today, he appears on Australia’s 50-dollar note, a tribute to his...
Hercules and the Heroes | Hercules Greek Mythology Reimagined
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Hercules and his Greek mythological heroes are getting ready to rock the house at Mythic Mania, Legend Lake’s annual battle of the bands. But Hercules keeps finding excuses to leave rehearsals so he doesn’t have to play the drums. After chasing Cerberus the three-headed dog, helping Hydras build an aquatic stage, and tracking down the elusive Golden Deer, everyone begins to wonder what’s really going on. With the clock ticking and the crowd waiting, the band rallies together to help Hercules find his inner strength to rock the beat for one of...
The Mini Golf Masters | Dinosaur Stories for Kids
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Jonathan and Redge return to the land of dinosaurs to compete in the Mini Golf Masters with their Maiasaura friend, Minh. If they can win the Quotatious Period’s biggest golf tournament, the grand prize means Minh can be the first dinosaur to go to space camp. They drive and putt through a wild prehistoric course full of giant frog obstacles, sneaky Pterosaurs, and a twisting Brontosaur’s tail. But when an erupting volcano shakes up their final shot, everything changes, and a happy surprise shows that the ending can be even better than...
The Enchanted Sidequest | Fantasy Quest Stories for Kids
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Jonathan and Redge wake up early to get in line for Sidequest, the Folktale Forest’s very first game and hobby shop. Redge hopes to find the last, and rarest, card he needs to complete his Cards of Enchantment deck, But before the doors even open, the elusive card escapes and its magic begins causing mystical mishaps! Jonathan and Redge team up with the shop owner in a race to catch the runaway card before everything spirals out of control. Using the powers of Redge’s deck, they play their way through the chao...
Mr. Redge Hotline | Kids Podcast Q&A and Shout Outs
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The red telephone is ringing and the Question Hat is ready for action! In this spring edition of Mr. Redge’s Hotline, Jonathan and Redge announce the winners of the T.A.L.E. Tour Dorktales Merch Prize Pack Giveaway, answer listener questions, reveal Redge’s least favorite snack, share Jonathan’s favorite superhero, countdown to Season 7 and end with lots of listener shoutouts.
Important News Alerts:
Season 7 launches March 19 with “The Enchanted Sidequest,” set in the Folktale Forest’s first-ever game and hobby shop features a magical ca...Scribbleton Scramble | Tiny Town Adventure (T.A.L.E. Tour Rewind & Giveaway)
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Jonathan and Redge take one last T.A.L.E. Tour rewind to Scribbleton, Once Upon a Time’s tiniest town. After nibbling a Wonderland cookie and shrinking to size, they explored colorful streets made of leaves and mushrooms and met some very small (and very friendly) locals. When it was time to get ready for the Scribbleton Scramble Parade, there was a lot to do and not much time. As they dashed from task to task, Jonathan and Redge discovered a special kind of magic in helping others, working together, and celebrating wh...
Red Herring Reef Mystery | Little Mermaid Adventure (T.A.L.E. Tour Rewind & Giveaway)
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Jonathan and Redge plunge back into the Fantasea, when the magical minivan transformed into a submarine and carried them to the vibrant underwater village of Red Herring Reef. The adventure started as a dazzling tour of colorful coral and amazing art, until an empty frame led to an unexpected mystery to solve. As clues rippled to the surface, they discovered a special kind of magic hiding beneath the waves about finding the confidence to share who you are.
Listen to the original episode 113, Riddle of Red Herring Reef: https://jonincharacter.com...
Welcome to Dorktales Storytime | Stories for Kids Podcast Trailer
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Welcome to Dorktales Storytime, the award-winning kids podcast for imaginative listeners and their pop-culture-loving grownups.
Join voice actor and storyteller Jonathan Cormur and his best hedgehog buddy, Reginald T. Hedgehog, as they take you on adventures through the magical land of Once Upon a Time.
You’ll hear:
Wacky, geeky retellings of classic fairytales and fablesOriginal lore-filled adventures in a world of curious creatures and hidden traditionsTrue stories of history’s Hidden Heroes - real people who changed the world in surprising waysEvery episode is made for...
The Color Pillars | Ancient Civilization Mystery (T.A.L.E. Tour Rewind & Giveaway)
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Welcome back to the T.A.L.E. Tour Rewind! Jonathan and Redge revisit their climb into the Cliffhanger Mountains and their unforgettable visit to the Color Pillars. What starts as a search for ancient, shimmering ruins takes a surprising turn, leaving you on a cliffhanger before revealing a special kind of magic hidden in the natural world.
Find the full Color Pillars Episode: https://jonincharacter.com/the-color-pillars/
We’re having a special Dorktales Storytime merch giveaway: https://jonincharacter.com/tale-tour-adventures-rewind/
NOTE: This giveaway has...Magical Minivan | Fantasy Car Stories for Kids (T.A.L.E. Tour Rewind & Giveaway)
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Welcome to the T.A.L.E. Tour Rewind! In The Magical Minivan, Jonathan and Redge return to the extraordinary vehicle that launched their adventures. It is part home, part library, part snack station, and powered by imagination. Sometimes the magic begins before you even arrive.
Find the full Magical Minivan Episode: https://jonincharacter.com/magical-minivan-tale/
We’re celebrating 2026 and the T.A.L.E. Tour Rewind with a special Dorktales Storytime merch giveaway ahead of Season 7:
https://jonincharacter.com/tale-tour-adventures-rewind/ NOTE: This giveaway has concluded. Find more fun a...Belonging and Independence | Kids Listen Big Emotions
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Happy New Year! Today we’re sharing our participation in the Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings. This episode focuses on Belonging and Independence, two emotions that may seem opposite but often work together as children explore who they are and where they fit. You’ll be guided through stories about friendship, self-discovery, and finding one’s place while finding one’s voice by Abbe Opher and Kelly MacBride from Koala Kids. You’ll also hear familiar voices from Dorktales Storytime alongside our friends from Culture Kids and Stoopkid Stories.
This t...
The Jolly Holly Herald | Holiday Stories for Kids
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It’s Jolly Holly season, and everyone in town is brimming with holiday cheer. The Society of Bards and Balladeers has come together to build the festive set for their annual event. There’s just one tiny problem: Redge has no idea what this year’s show should be! From classic Quilliam Shakespeare plays, to poetry readings and ballets, to comedy jests and holiday whodunnits, they've already done it all. Just when Redge thinks the show won't go on, Jonathan has a brilliant idea. So cue the lights, sparkle the snowflakes, and raise the cu...
Pixie Dust Fuss | Tinkerbell Fairy Tale Stories for Kids
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Jonathan and Redge come home in the middle of the day to find that the Folktale Forest folk are fast asleep and no one can wake them up! The mystery leads to Tinkerbell, who’s created a pixie dust harvesting mix-up of magical proportions. In an attempt to fix things, she borrowed a bit of stardust and accidentally sent all of Once Upon a Time into a super-deep slumber. Determined to make things right, she and her friends put their clever tinkering skills to work, turning the season’s first snowfall into an ench...
Lair of the Rat King | Train Stories for Kids
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Redge takes Jonathan on a wild ride through the city of Litropia, heading straight through a brick wall into the hidden tunnels of a secret lair. Deep beneath the streets, they meet Rat King Cam M. Bert, a cheese-loving, pun-tastic ruler who keeps Once Upon a Time’s magical trains running on schedule. From the buzzing Bee-Train to the groovy Bandstand Train and the twinkling Jolly Holly Express, every ride is full of surprises. But when a jolly jam threatens to derail the fun, Jonathan and Redge join the Rat King to keep th...
Maiasaura and the Moon | Dinosaur Stories for Kids
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Cast off on another T.A.L.E. (Thrilling and Astounding Lore Expedition) Tour and take an unexpected turn, straight through a waterfall and into the Quotatious Period! It’s a dino-tastic world of plesiosaurs, pterosaurs, and prehistoric parties. But one young Maiasaura isn’t in the mood to celebrate. He’s being teased because no one believes his theory about the power of the moon’s pull. But when his auntie’s nest suddenly disappears, his scientific curiosity and careful lunar observations just might be the key to saving the day.
Go to th...
