A selkie is a seal which can shape shift into human form by taking off its seal skin. Gillian Brownson relates this moving story from Ireland about a selkie who loses her beautiful skin and is trapped on land in the shape of a young woman. Will she get back to her seal family under the Irish sea? Or will she and her daughter be stuck on land forever? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this ‘How and Why’ story Emily Hennessey takes us back to a time when there was no vast beach near her home in the North West of England, back to a time when the sea was in danger of being swallowed up by a hungry giantess. Did the giantess succeed? Or did the sun, the moon the wind or the rain manage to stop her? Listen to Emily’s powerful story about the battle for sea and sand, and discover what part the little curlew bird had to play in the story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we have two two Wise bird tales. First up is the talented Tuup telling a tale about an eagle who was quite unaware of his amazing talents. He was convinced he was a humble chicken until one day, someone told him something different! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Golden Eagle is lonely high on this mountain ledge and looking for a new queen. Will the wise old owl living in the woods be the right match for him? Listen to storyteller and musician Nick Hennessey tell this beautiful tale and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A little bird isn’t able to fly with his family to the warm countries as winter approaches, will he find a tree to shelter him from the cold north wind? Listen to storyteller Chris Bostock with this lively retelling of a beautiful North American tale and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’ve got not one story but two. The first one is Henny Penny about a chicken who’s hit by an acorn and decides the world is coming to an end. The story is all about what happens on her way to tell the King. Listen to Rachel Murray telling this fun English version of an old tale. And then you can hear the original Indian version of the story - The Silly Hare. It’s one of the Jataka Tales which are an ancient form of Bhuddist teaching stories – similar to Aesop’s Fables. A little hare is sitting underneath a tree when a coconut falls next to him. Listen to Kim telling this version. There are plenty of differences for you to spot, but can you work out the message which they are both bringing? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Anxious Leaf – told by Tiernan Douieb . This story thoughtfully written over 150 years ago and told very beautifully by Tiernan Douieb, can be helpful for children who are dealing with loss. It’s only five minutes long, so grown ups, if you’re not sure if it’s right for your children, then do have a quick listen first. A little leaf becomes anxious when it sees its siblings being blown to the ground. But eventually it chooses to join the other leaves swirling down in a colourful dance, and finds comfort in the cycles of life. The Apple Tree Man – told by Kim. Can trees be friends and help us? In this old English story, two brothers live on a farm. There’s talk of hidden treasure somewhere on the land, but the saying goes that only the farm animals know where it is. Rumour has it that the animals will reveal the spot on Christmas Eve. But will it be too late? Listen to Kim telling this story to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all see the world differently. That’s obvious when we look at your unique pictures of our stories. But imagine being able to see the world through the eyes of a pixie. That’s what happens to the old woman in this folk tale from England told by Kim. Would you consider yourself lucky, or unlucky to be able to see two worlds at the same time? Have a listen to this traditional tale from Devon and see if it turns out to be a good thing for the old lady in this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mary didn’t like bedtime and found all sorts of excuses to avoid going to bed. So, when she saw a face at her bedroom window with ruby, red lips, her mum didn’t believe her. Arg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you do if you suddenly came across some fairies singing? That’s what happens to Lusmore in this fairy tale from Ireland told by Kate Corkery. Would you let them know you’re there? As we know, fairies can be tricky. Have a listen and find out if these ones are nasty or nice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Nisse’s New Suit - Is it possible to be too kind to a little magical Nisse who helps out on your farm? In this Scandanavian story, a young couple try to thank their Nisse for helping them. But little people can be tricky, and things don’t go as expected. Listen to Tiernan Douieb tell this story from Norway, and discover what goes wrong. The Ghost of the Bloody Finger - This ‘scary-not-scary’ story sets out perfectly why it’s probably not a good idea to brag about ‘not being afraid of anything’ – especially when it comes to ghosts! Fortunately, the tale has a funny ending. It’s a good one for beginners to have a go at telling themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We kick off our theme of stories about little people with this fun story set in Derbyshire in England from storyteller Rachel Murray. Jack and his brothers set off on a quest to seek their fortune. The first thing they find is a little red hairy man demanding some lunch. Will he help them find their treasure? Listen to Rachel telling her first super great story and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Mary make it across the dangerous bay to help her Grandfather who is ill? Or will she get pulled into a fishy kingdom beneath the sands and be married off to the bossy shrimp prince? Listen to Emily Hennessey telling this magical story set in Morcambe Bay in North West England, and all will be revealed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen to genius storyteller Jason Buck tell this funny tale of the Gingerbread Man complete with great animal sound effects. This story, about a plucky little Gingerbread man who leapt out of the oven and ran away - was published in the US in 1875 and its European counterpart: The Runaway Pancake was published in the late 1800's and they're still going strong. Jason’s version has a delightful twist in the tale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Cinderella-style story from Botswana is a bit sad, but it ends happily. Keeya loses her mother and gains a stepmother and stepsister. The stepmother is a nasty piece, and Keeya gets hungrier and hungrier. Luckily, a purple fish is looking out for her. How can a purple fish help a hungry little girl to find food and a happy ending? Listen to Kim tell this magical fairytale from Southern Africa and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you know what the Welsh flag has on it and why it came to be like it is? Storyteller and Comedian Tiernan Douieb tells us the story behind the Welsh flag. This story is not super scary, but there are two fighting dragons in it, and there is one scary moment, so if scary stories aren't for you, then maybe try listening to one of our funny stories like Anansi and the Hot, Pepper Soup or Why Crocodiles Sleep With Their Mouths Open.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Queen has died, so her son becomes the new King. But who will tell the King stories at bedtime now that the Queen has gone? In this moving story from Scotland retold by storyteller Amy Douglas, we hear about the King's quest to find a new storyteller - with an upbeat twist at the end of the tale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this fun retelling of an old Greek fable, we hear from storyteller Amy Douglas about the dangers of flattery. We also learn that if you listen carefully to stories, you can learn handy life skills like how to get a free lunch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi the trickster Spider and Turtle used to be friends, but not any more. This is a story about why they fell out. Sometimes tricksters find themselves being tricked. Who do you think gets tricked in this story, Anansi or Turtle? Listen to storyteller Emily Hennessey and find out what happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi the Spider man is up to his tricks again. The rains haven't come, and there's not enough to eat, but Anansi finds a magic food pot. Do you think he shares what he's found? Listen to Tuup's funny retelling of this trickster tale from the Caribbean and see if Anansi has learned how to share. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The mythical Griffin is half eagle, half lion, so it’s a very strong creature. In this story, a brave boy called Jack goes on a quest to find the Griffin and seek help for a young boy who is not well. The Griffin can be very frightening and bad tempered. Will Jack succeed in his quest? Listen to Kate Corkery telling this slightly scary tale and find out. (ps happy ending of course!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this story which is both a bird tale AND a trickster tale, The Raven uses his magical powers to pull a trick and get hold of something he wants. But, does he get it all his own way? Listen to Tiernan Douieb telling this traditional story from the Haida people to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The animals are all moaning about being too hot, so Suriya the Sun God decides to stop shining. Listen to Peter Chand telling this fun tale from India, and find how the birds persuade the sun to shine once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this How and Why tale from Papua New Guinea, we hear how turtle nearly ends up as soup for a family of hungry crows. Listen to storyteller Kate Corkery and find out how turtle got its shell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you ask for if you had a secret wishing ring? Jack uses it when he’s in danger, and it brings help from the most unexpected creatures in the most surprising ways. This Welsh Romani tale is beautifully told by writer and storyteller Daniel Morden who gave us the story ‘Hey Ho!’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this fun little tale from India, we hear about a greedy cat, a kind parrot, a little old lady, a king and his courtiers, and two cunning crabs who all end up in a cat’s tummy. Listen to Tuup telling this lively tale, and find out how they escape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Chinese 'How and Why' story, Kim tells us how four dragons help to save the people from drought, and why the dragons end up as the four main rivers which run through China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Momotaro goes on a quest to defeat the troublesome Onis (Ogres) on Oni Island. Along the way, he recruits and unlikely team : a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant to help him fight this daring battle. Who will win? Listen to children's comedian Tiernan Douieb tell this wonderful Japanese classic to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Best not to listen to this story just before bedtime. It’s a bit scary! In the sea just off the coast of Guyana lives a spirit – a Water Mama who is half woman half fish. She is said to enchant people and lure them under the sea. Will the sugar cane man be able to resist her magical powers? Listen to Tuup tell this story - and see if you think it’s a happy ending. If scary stories aren’t for you – then maybe try listening to one or our funny Anansi stories like ‘Anansi and the Hot Pepper Soup’ or ‘Anansi and the Tree with a Face.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thirteen wise men are on a journey which involves crossing a river. Will they all make it safely across, or will they be eaten by the snake monster who is said to live in that river? Listen to talented storyteller Peter Chand telling this funny, Indian Tale and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Humans are moving into the forest and most of the trolls are moving north to get away from them. But Troll Mother wants to live near the humans because she loves the smell of coffee and baking bread. How will it work out? Find out by listening to this magical song story told by gifted storyteller Emily Hennessey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this story from the sunny island of Zanzibar, Aadi goes to the beach with her big sisters and is captured by a demon Zimwiand shut away in his drum. How will she escape? Listen to Kim telling this entertaining ‘singing story’ from Tanzania and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Giant is very pleased with his cape made from 100% Kings’ beard. But there’s just one problem. It’s got a hole in it, and the only way to fix it is by shaving the beard off the great King Arthur. Will the Giant be able to defeat this noble King and mend the hole in his cape? Have a listen to this fun story told by Wilf Merttens and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Masha is told by her stepmother to visit Baba Yaga the witch who eats children to ask for a needle and thread. Is that a good idea? How will she escape the witch's clutches?With a bit of magic, and kindness and help from her friends. That's how. Listen to Kim telling this lively story from Russia to find how how Masha outwits the witch. You have to be a bit brave to listen to this story, but it does have a happy ending. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The King is very ill, but a young boy arrives at the palace with a special gift. Everyone who receives it gets 'a warm feeling in their heart, like honey'. What is the special gift? Listen to this beautiful tale told by storyteller Nick Hennessey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a story from Spain about a little chick who only has one eye, one wing and one leg. But he’s a determined little chick and rather proud. He decides to take himself off on an adventure to the Royal Palace in Madrid to see the King. As with many journeys, it doesn’t quite turn out how he expected. Listen to storyteller Rebecca Lemaire and find out what happened to him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen to this Scottish traditional tale told by storyteller Wilf Merttens about a lonely giant who sets off on a quest to find a wife so he won’t be lonely any more.  He fails miserably in his mission, but surprise! he finds the thing he was looking for was right there back at home - waiting for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The King is getting old - and he has no children. How will he decide who to choose as the next King or Queen? Listen to this fun, English retelling of a traditional Chinese story told by storyteller Amy Douglas and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's Native American story, Coyote, (half-dog, half-wolf, half- god) is full of questions. He climbs to the heavens seeking answers from the Creator, and surprises himself by creating something himself. Listen to storyteller Emily Hennessey to find out what, and how and why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Long time ago in Nigeria, people enjoyed eating the sky. But what happened when they ate too much? Listen to this thoughtful story from Kate Corkery and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you do if the fairies swapped your brother or sister for a green wrinkly old fairy? How would you get your sibling back? Listen to this Irish tale celebrating the first of May from Kate Corkery to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Priya finds an egg at school and is rather surprised when it hatches out. What would you do if you discovered a demanding creature with snapping teeth in your pocket? Would you keep it? Listen to Kim tell this fun How and Why story - and find out what happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mr Tortoise is in trouble, and his 6 children all come to help, but which of them will he reward, and what will he give them? Listen to Kate Corkery telling this 'How and Why' tale from Ghana to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the beginning times, Lord Plinlimon decided to share his land between his three daughters, but will they make it to the sea before sunset to claim their prize? Listen to top storyteller Amy Douglas tell this thoughtful Welsh ‘how and why’ story - to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Half the world is in darkness, so Possum, Buzzard, and Fox try to steal part of the sun. Then, Grandmother Spider decides to have a go at bringing light and warmth to her animal friends. Who will succeed? Listen to storyteller Kate Corkery telling this Native American story from the Cherokee people, and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anansi the trickster spider wants to go to Gloria’s birthday party. He hasn’t been invited because he’s too greedy and he cheats, but can he use his trickster powers to get himself invited? Listen to Kim telling this lively story from West Africa and find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this story from Aotearoa, New Zealand, a small bird who mysteriously loses her song, she wanders through the forest asking for help from her feathery friends. Will she get her song back? Listen to this beautifully told rhyming tale from Maori storyteller Eliza Bidois to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this traditional tale from North America, Coyote is mesmerised by a cunning spider. Luckily, he has a foxy friend who comes to his rescue. Listen to this fun tale told by storyteller Emily Hennessey to see how Fox saves the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? Gifted storyteller Kate Corkery explains all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this traditional tale from West Africa, a hunter learns an important lesson from a wise man. Listen to Kim telling this encouraging tale from West Africa and join in with the song. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices