Super Great Kids' Stories

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.’

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.