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Something spooky is afoot in the Folktale Forest! This autumn, chaos is striking every seasonal celebration. Decorations are being destroyed. Party snacks keep disappearing. And terrified witnesses claim they’ve seen a howling creature on the loose. Everyone’s pointing paws at Big Bad Wolf, but he says he’s innocent. That’s when his junior detective friends, Redge, Jonathan and Wabbitson step in to crack the case. As the clues lead them toward something far scarier than they ever imagined, can these sleuths solve the mystery before the full moon rises?

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/a-howl-noir-mystery/

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP119colorpage

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep119freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this nod to a film noir mystery, kids learn the value of looking past assumptions, supporting friends, and working together to solve problems. The story shows how trust and teamwork can uncover the truth and reminds kids that even scary situations can be better understood when faced with curiosity and courage.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY you’ll find even more Halloween spooky-ish tales on our Dorktales Storytime Halloween playlist: https://jonincharacter.com/halloween-stories-for-kids-playlist-thats-more-fun-than-fright/

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

We love the new book Hope in the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings! Out September 30th and available for pre-order now!

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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
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Talk Like a Pirate Day be here, and we be settin’ sail once more on our pirate adventure for all ye story-lovin’ listener buccaneers!

Ahoy, me hearties! Hop aboard Captain Edgarrr Matey's ship for an epic journey to Davey Jones Diner and the Plot Hook islands—where the seafaring folk sing shanties and tell tales of lost pirate booty. Armed with a secret map, our Folktale Forest friends go hunting for Swashbuckle Joe’s buried riches. When they're greeted by his gregarious ghost, he leads them to the precious treasures he values the most.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/the-tale-of-swashbuckle-joe/

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Overall, the story encourages us to find treasure in the intangible aspects of life, such as friendships, adventures, and the appreciation of the present moment, rather than solely chasing material wealth.

If you liked this story, you may also enjoy episode 69, Eel for One and One for Eel, a daring adventure with the three Hedgeketeers: https://jonincharacter.com/eel-for-one/

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

We love the new book Hope in the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings! Out September 30th and available for pre-order now!

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• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
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• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

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A tale of imagination, invention and real-life magic! Lanny Smoot is an Imagineer and electrical engineer with more than 100 patented inventions for Disney theme parks. He’s the mind behind the real-life lightsaber and a floor that makes you feel like you’re moving through other worlds. His inventive spirit started early, inspired by his father and a fascination with the lightbulb. He went from building his own unicycle as a kid to being honored in the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his work with Disney. Lanny brings joy to millions and his journey lights the way for future inventors.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/lanny-smoot/

Get a free activity guide on Lanny Smoot: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep118freePDF

If you enjoyed this story about Lanny Smoot, you may also enjoy learning about Lewis Latimer, the inventor and patent draftsman who helped improve Thomas Edison’s light bulb: https://jonincharacter.com/lewis-latimer/

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 Pacific Grove Soundworks.

We love the new book Hope in the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings! Out September 30th and available for pre-order now!

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

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Today we have something extra special for you here on Dorktales Storytime. We’re sharing A Very Suspicious Island, the very first episode of a brand-new podcast called Tales from the Cloud Sea.

This funny, completely made-up-as-they-go adventure follows Amelia and Arthur, two kids who discover a secret in their attic that whisks them away to a world of floating sky islands, pirate airships, clanky robots, and all sorts of strange and silly characters.

And the best part? Their wild world is brought to life by a talented crew of comedians, actors, and storytellers who are masters at making things up on the spot. They create big laughs, surprising twists, and unforgettable characters out of nothing but their imaginations.

CREDITS: A big thank you to the Tales from the Cloud Sea crew for letting us share this episode with you. You can hop aboard their Skytanic anytime and sail off on brand-new journeys by following Tales from the Cloud Sea on your favorite podcast app. Learn more, go to: https://www.talesfromthecloudsea.com/

We love the new book Hope in the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings! Out September 30th and available for pre-order now!

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

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High above the Folktale Forest, teams of geese, sparrows, falcons and seagulls show off their best stunts in the annual sky surfing competition. With flips, spins, swirls, and daring dives, the teams dazzle the cheering crowds and impress the judges. When a member of the Sky Soaring Seagulls gets injured mid-flight, the team’s hopes rest on Shrimp, the nervous fifth alternate’s out-of-town swing’s understudy (try saying that five times fast). Worried he’ll let his teammates down, Shrimp learns from an unexpected source that even the wobbliest wings can still do wonderful things.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/sky-surfing-spectacular/

DOWNLOAD COLOR PAGE: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP117colorpage

GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep117freePDF

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In this story, young listeners hear that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless, it means trying your best even when you’re nervous. With themes about teamwork, fairness, and including others, the episode encourages children to celebrate their own strengths, support others, and understand that everyone has an important role to play in a community.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY about a competition, you may also enjoy the story of the Tortoise and the Hare in EP10: Ready, Set… SLOW!: https://jonincharacter.com/ready-set-slow/

CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It 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 Pacific Grove Soundworks.

We love the new book Hope in the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings! Out September 30th and available for pre-order now!

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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A tale of athletic feats and unstoppable spirit! Meet three superstars who took their shot and ruled their sport. Althea Gibson, the first Black woman to win a tennis championship, smashed records and shattered barriers on and off the court. Lusia Harris made history with the very first basket in Olympic women’s basketball, earning her crown as the “Queen of Basketball.” During World War II, Marge Villa was one of only 11 Latinas to play in the first professional women’s baseball league, and her stats at the plate put her in a league of her own. These astounding athletes proved that grit, talent, and a never-give-up attitude are the winning game plan for change.

Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/astounding-athletes/

Get a free activity guide on Alan Turing: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep116freePDF

If you enjoyed this story about Astounding Athletes, you may also enjoy learning about Wilma Rudolph, known as the fastest woman in the world: https://jonincharacter.com/wilma-rudolph/

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 Pacific Grove Soundworks.

We love the new book Hope in the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings! Out September 30th and available for pre-order now!

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!

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It’s time for a story replay! This one’s all about starting something new - like a brand new school year - and all the feelings that can come with it. You might be excited, nervous, or even a little bit of both. Jonathan and Redge’s friend Big Bad felt the same way when it was time for him to go back to school. With help from his friends and some calming tools, he learned how to face his fears and feel more confident.

So if you’re feeling some back-to-school jitters, just remember that you are not alone. There are people around you who care and want to help. And don’t forget, you already have the strength inside you to take on new challenges. We believe in you!

Big Bad Goes Back to School webpage:
https://jonincharacter.com/big-bad-goes-back-to-school/

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: Back-to-school season often brings a mix of excitement and anxiety for kids. In Big Bad Goes Back to School, those emotions take center stage as Big Bad works through his worries with help from friends and calming strategies. This story gently encourages emotional resilience, self-regulation, and using your support systems. It also includes two guided mindfulness exercises - perfect tools for easing into the new school year.

Get your free Dorktales Resource Library Card: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card

If you liked this story with Big Bad and Serena the caring capybara, you may also enjoy episode 49, Big Bad’s Big 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.

We love the new book Hope in the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings! Out September 30th and available for pre-order now!

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

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While Jonathan and Redge take a summer break, we have a special treat from our new pod pals at Cozy Critters, the podcast perfect for bedtime or anytime you need a calming adventure. And guess what? The episode we’re sharing is all about hedgehogs! Dougie Pickles and his purr-fest host, Miss Meow Meow will tell you more about these cute and cozy critters - with soothing sounds, fun facts and relaxing breathing exercises to help you wind down.

Big shout-out to Finn, age 5, who wanted to learn more about us prickly pals. Jonathan shared a few fun facts on the summer edition of Mr. Redge’s Hotline, but now everyone can learn even more about Redge’s favorite subject.

Find more Cozy Critters episodes: https://www.cozycritterspodcast.com/

CREDITS: Many thanks to Dougie Pickles, Miss Meow Meow, and the entire Cozy Critters team for letting us share this snuggly episode. If your young listener wants to request an animal for their show, visit CozyCrittersPodcast.com to send in their ideas.

We love the new book Hope in the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings! Out September 30th and available for pre-order now!

Support the show

REACH OUT!

• Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
• Send us an email: dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com
• DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
• Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
• One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
• Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music

Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!