Explore every episode of the podcast Timeless Stories for Children

Robin Kermode reads this beautiful short story for children and adults by Oscar Wilde. 

It is the story of the Happy Prince. When he was alive he lived in the Palace of Sans Souci and did not know about human suffering. But now he has died, his statue is placed on a column, high above the city, where he can see the suffering of the poor. He develops a deep friendship with a little swallow, who flies around the city doing good deeds for the Happy Prince. 

It was first published in 1888 in the anthology 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales' which, in addition to its title story, also includes 'The Star Child', 'The Devoted Friend' and 'The Selfish Giant'.

Robin Kermode reads this wonderful short story for children and adults by Oscar Wilde. 

The story is about Little Hans and his best friend Big Hugh, the miller, 

The story is told by a linnet to a water-rat following a conversation about what it means to be a devoted friend.  

It was first published in 1888 in the anthology 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales' which, in addition to its title story, also includes "The Star Child" and "The Selfish Giant".

Robin Kermode reads this wonderful short story for children and adults by Oscar Wilde. 

A beautiful child is found in the forest and brought up by a shepherd. He grows into a cruel and selfish boy.  When he rejects his true mother, his beauty vanishes and he becomes as ugly as a toad. It is a story that underlines the pitfalls of pride and vanity and the redeeming qualities of humility and love.

It was first published in 1888 in the anthology 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales' which, in addition to its title story, also includes "The Devoted Friend" and "The Selfish Giant".

Robin  Kermode reads the classic story of the emperor who is so vain that he finds himself totally exposed before all his subjects.

Robin Kermode reads this classic story is about a humble tailor who tricks several giants and a ruthless king into believing he has incredible feats of strength and bravery. He doesn't, of course, but because they believe him, he eventually wins the King's daughter.

Robin Kermode read this classic story by Hans Christian Anderson is about how we can be friends with people who are different from us and shows how we can all grow into graceful Swans! 

Robin Kermode reads The Crab that played with the Sea - by Rudyard Kipling, from the Just So Stories. This is the tale of Pau Amma, the King Crab of all Crabs, who played with the Sea and caused the earth to have two tides a day.

Robin Kermode reads How the Rhinoceros got his Skin, from Rudyard Kipling's classic book, JUST SO STORIES. It is a timeless story for children of all ages.

Robin Kermode reads the best Oscar Wilde short story for children and adults. This is a timeless and magical story of forgiveness and redemption.

It was first published in 1888 in the anthology 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales' which, in addition to its title story, also includes "The Star Child" and "The Devoted Friend".