Shows
Dragonfly TalesEpisode 25 - Why Pigs are MuddyHello story lovers! This episode, we venture into the forests of Eastern India for this fun tale about why pigs are so very dirty! This is a 'pourquoi' story - a fun way our ancestors explained why things are the way they are. But if you want to know the real reason pigs roll around in mud, check out this linkhttps://www.worldanimalprotection.us/latest/blogs/clone-5-reasons-why-pigs-need-mud/Remember to join us over on Patreon. You also get early access, bonus content, videos and birthday shout outs!! So hop on over and...
2025-08-1524 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 24 - ***Summer Special*** The White CatHappy Summer Holidays, listeners! To celebrate the summer time, we have an extra long episode for you. And it's a fairy tale from France - where we are .on holiday!!You may have heard of the famous french writer Charles Perrault - he made many fairy tales famous (Sleeping Beauty, Beauty & the Beast, Blue Beard, Cinderella) but he wasn't the only one.A lady called Marie-Catherine D'Aulnoy also wrote dow some fabulous French fairy tales - and this is one of Emily's favourites!Remember to join us over on Patreon – Power Pixies could ge...
2025-08-0250 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 23 - The Billy Goats GruffHello listerners! It's the summer holidays and we're excited to be telling a classic on this episode. It's got a bridge, a troll and three goats! We know you love this story so make sure you join in with the telling.Remember to join us over on Patreon – Power Pixies could get to be a guest teller on the podcast! You also get early access, bonus content, videos and birthday shout outs!! So hop on over and help to support us. We really want to keep the podcast going, but we can’t do it witho...
2025-07-1920 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 22 - The Chimera Part 2Hey story lovers! Join us for the next exciting part of our Greek myth! Will Bellerophon manage to get help from Pegasus? Will they be able to defeat the deadly Chimera?Remember to join us over on Patreon – Power Pixies could get to be a guest teller on the podcast! You also get early access, bonus content, videos and birthday shout outs!! So hop on over and help to support us. We really want to keep the podcast going, but we can’t do it without your help!!!You can follow us and join us...
2025-07-0529 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 21 - The Chimera Pt 1Greetings listeners, and Happy Solstice! This episode we are off on an epic Greek quest with our hero Bellerophon. The son of a god, Bellerophon is sent on a perilous task to defeat a terrifying monster. In this first part of the story, we meet some familiar characters and some brand new ones from Greek mythology.Remember to join us over on Patreon – you could get to be a guest teller like Astrid, you get early access, bonus content, videos and birthday shout outs!! So hop on over and help to support us. We really wan...
2025-06-2125 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 20 - Kate CrackernutsHello story lovers! This episode's story is from Scotland – it’s a very old tale that can be traced back to the Orkney islands - about a bold lass who goes on a magical adventure. We've also got a riddle for you from Jonathan Swift.We are little airy creaturesAll of diff'rent voice and features,One of us in glass is set,One of us you'll find in jet,T'other you may see in tinAnd the fourth a box within,If you should the...
2025-06-0733 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 19 - The Pincoya ChildHello listeners! We hope you're enjoying the merry month of May! It's half term holidays here in the UK and I’m off to tell stories of shipwrecks and pirates at the famous Chatham Historic Dockyard. If you're in the area, come and say hello!This episode's story is also a tale from the sea - and comes all the way from Chile in South America. Off the coast of Chile there is a beautiful island called Chiloe – it is home to lots of rare and endangered animals – including penguins! But old stories tell of another creature that l...
2025-05-2426 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 18 - Falling Star Part 2 with Kim NormantonHi Story Lovers! In this episode, we are joined by Kim from Super Great Kids Stories. She shares a briliiant Japanese tale about some magical badgers!If you want to hear more from Kim, be sure to check out her podcast at https://www.supergreatkidsstories.comWe also rejoin Falling Star for Part 2 of our epic adventure from the Cheyenne tribe of the Great Plains.Remember to join us over on Patreon – you could get to be a guest teller like Astrid, you get early access, bonus content, videos and birthday shout outs!! So...
2025-05-0840 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 17 - The Legend of Falling Star Part 1Hello listeners! In this story from the Cheyenne Tribe of the Great Plains, our hero Falling Star must face danger to find his people and his place on earth.The Cheyennes were once a warrior tribe, but they have a great tradition of storytelling and living in balance with the land and nature around them. They respect nature so much …. Believe that nature is sacred and that everything has its own spirit. This story has warriors and lots of animals – and some monsters in it.There’s also a place called the ‘in-high’ up in the sky where the...
2025-04-2526 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 16 - The Dartmoor PixiesHi story lovers! We're off to look for pixies on Dartmoor for this lovely folktale. Dartmoor is a real place and it's very magical! It's situated in the county of Devon, in the west of England. People have inhabited the moorland for about 10,000 years, but the land is ancient, stretching back into the primordial mist. It's an important reserve for rare plants and animals, and of course, PIXIES!
Pixies are mischievous sprites, a bit like fairies. They can be trixy but can also be kind to those who respect them.
You can find out more about pixies HERE.
If you...
2025-04-1319 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 15 - The One Little PigHello listeners! This episode, our story is a Hungarian version of a classic fairytale. I'm sure you know the story of the three little pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. But I bet you haven't heard THIS version. There are far too many wolves in this story. Let's hope Little Pig can best them!
Remember to join us over on Patreon – you could get to be a guest teller like Astrid, you get early access, bonus content, videos and birthday shout outs!! So hop on over and help to support us.
We really want to keep the podcast going, but we...
2025-03-2818 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 14 - The Witch in the MarketBonjour listeners! This episode, our story is from the city of Paris, France. It's a fairytale created by a writer called Pierre Gripari in the 1960s. When he was a boy, he read lots of traditional French fairy tales by Charles Perrault – like sleeping beauty and little red riding hood. And he loved them!
But when he grew up, he realised that he wanted fairytales that were about where he lived – the streets of Paris. So he made up his own. And this is our version of one of his most famous – the Witch of the Rue Mouffetarde. ‘Rue’ means street in Frenc...
2025-03-1427 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 13 - The Story Bag with Sandra A AgardHello lovely listeners! This episode we welcome the fabulous storyteller Sandra A Agard.
Sandra ia a professional storyteller, author, and playwright. She‘s been sharing stories for over forty years in libraries, schools, festivals and museums. Emily has been lucky enough to work with Sandra and just loves listening to the way she brings stories to life.
If you want to read some of Sandra's books you can do so HERE.
Emily's story is a folktale from old Korea. Korea is a peninsula, divided into North and South, and its between China and Japan. There are some amazing mythological creatures from...
2025-02-2829 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 12 - Azizi and the Magic ManHello lovely listeners! This episode we travel deep into the forest to the cave of a mysterious man who seems to have a cave full of wonders...
This is a version adapted from a story by children's author Ruth Ainsworth. My sister and I heard the story when we were little and really liked the storyline - but because it was written a long time ago, some of the language was a bit old fashioned. We hope you like our version!
Remember to join us over on Patreon – you could get to be a guest teller like Astrid, you get ea...
2025-02-1423 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 11 - The Demon Riddle with AstridWe have TWO stories for you this episode. Our first is from Super fan Astrid, who tells us Why Ravens are Black. What a fantastic storyteller you are, Astrid!
Do you like riddles? We love them! Emily's story is a tale full of riddles, about a clever King and even more clever girl. It has versions all over the world, but this version is from what is now called Kahzakstan.
Remember to join us over on Patreon – you could get to be a guest teller like Astrid, you get early access, bonus content, videos and birthday shout outs!! So hop on o...
2025-02-0232 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 10 - Ceridwen's CauldronThis episode we have a famous legend from Wales, featuring the formidable witch goddess Ceridwen, who lives near the shore of Llyn Tegid.
The story of Ceridwen's Cauldron is very old and has many different versions, but they all feature her magic cauldron and a fabulous chase filled with transformation - thanks to the magic of Awen.
Awen is a Welsh and Breton word for 'inspiration', that magical feeling when your creativity flows beautifully. Think of a time when you have created or been part of something wonderful - maybe a drawing or painting, performing a song or some music...
2025-01-1729 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 9 ***Christmas Special - The Nutcracker Part 2***Happy New Year everyone! Here's Part 2 of our Christmas Special story - The Nutcracker.
The music on this episode is fromThe Nutcracker Suite and is by famous Russian composer Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
You can find out more about Mr Tchaikovsky HERE and listen to the music from the ballet HERE.
Remember to join us over on Patreon – you get early access, bonus content, videos and shout outs so hop on over and help to support us.
We really want to keep the podcast going, but we can’t do it without your help!!!
You can follow us and join us on:
Pat...
2025-01-0319 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 8 - ***Christmas Special - The Nutcracker Part 1***Happy Holidays everyone! We are delighted to share part 1 of our Christmas Special with you!
Have you ever loved a toy so much you wished it came to life? Have you ever dreamed that you went on wonderful adventures with that toy that seemed so real?
Well, over two hundred years ago an author named E.T.A Hoffman wrote a beautiful story that enchanted children and grown ups - The Nutcracker & the Mouse King.
In fact, people loved the story so much that the famous Russian composer Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote some wonderful music and the story was turned...
2024-12-3031 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 7 - Mareshka & the TwelveHello folks! This episode we're off to Eastern Europe to find Mareshka in the snowy landscape.
Winters there can be terribly cold in Slovakia – with lots of snow and ice. And long ago, it was really important to store food for the winter and to live by the seasons, AND get to know the personalities of the twelve months.
What do you think February would look like as a person? Or August? Draw a picture and send it to us!
REMEMBER - If you would like some extra special Dragonfly Tales content you can subscribe to our PATREON page for a s...
2024-12-1328 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 6 - Clumsy Jack & the 3 Magic GiftsHello lovely listeners! This episode we have a Jack story for you from France!
Do you remember Lazy Jack from Season 2? Well, this classic fairytale introduces another, more clumsy Jack and lots of magic. There are versions of this story by the Grimm brothers, Henri Pourrat, the Comtesse D'Aulnoy and Joseph Jacobs. I hope you like this one.
What are doing for the Holidays? How do you celebrate? And what is your favourite thing about the festive season? Let us know.
We are now on PATREON!
We have a special new club for superfans of our podcast. It’s free to...
2024-11-2929 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 5 - The King of Fish with Sarah RundleHello storylovers! This episode we have two great stories for you! Our first is from storyteller Sarah Rundle from West London.
Sarah has performed at Festivals all around the world, she’s told tales in museums and theatres, pubs and cafes. I love hearing Sarah’s stories because they’re often very funny and a bit crazy. And this is very famous old folktale called The Dauntless Girl. It's a slightly spooky story about a girl who thinks she’s not scared of anything – even ghosts!
If you would like to find out more about Sarah, you can do so HERE.
Emily...
2024-11-1532 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 4 **Halloween Special 2024**It’s Halloween and LEO'S BACK! This episode we introduce our special radio play - Horror at the Hotel de Ville! We had so much fun making this very silly story - we hope you enjoy it!
Huge thanks to all our spooky comedians for their hilarious jokes ...
Mila, Casimir, Sky, Magda, Bianca, Nara, George, Frankie, Tess, Farley and Elle.
We'd also like to say a BIG THANK YOU to our patrons - Little Sprites and Power Pixies:
Kuihi from New Zealand, Bea and Graham from Minnesota and Kennedy and Bryson from California! Extra goodies coming your way!
If you would...
2024-10-3132 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 3 - Dr Monkey with Suzanne ThomasWe are now on PATREON!
We have a special new club for superfans of our podcast. It’s free to join and we'll be posting pictures, facts and other little things on our patreon page.
But! If you would like some extra special Dragonfly Tales content – you can subscribe to our page for a small monthly fee. You can sign up to be a Little Sprite or a Power Pixie! And when you do, you get extra stories, videos of me telling, member shout outs, birthday shout outs and special content that is just for Sprites and Pixies.
So please please...
2024-10-1822 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 2 - Whuppity StoorieThis episode features an old tale from Scotland - all about the power of a name. There are many versions of this tale from around the world: Rumplestiltskin, Tom Tit Tot, Ricdin Ricdon. But Whuppity Stoorie is by far our favourite.
Remember to send in your spooky jokes for our Halloween Special! The easiest way to do it, is to record yourself on a smart phone and email it to us.
If you would like to send in a joke, or be a guest teller on our podcast, you can get in touch with us HERE
If you would like...
2024-10-0424 minDragonfly TalesSeason 6 Episode 1 - The Freedom Bird with Dave TongeWelcome to Season 6! This episode we welcome the Yarnsmith Dave Tonge to our podcast.
Dave has many a yarn to spin. He is a fabulous storyteller – and also a Historian and an award-winning author! He’s written books on Northfolk folktales for children, Medieval folk tales and Tudor tales too. So if you like a bit of history to your tales, you’ll love Dave’s books.
But today, he’s telling us a very old tale from Aesop about cunning. If you'd like to find out more about Dave Tonge, you can do so HERE.
And you can buy Dave's books...
2024-09-2029 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 19 - Coyote's Singing LessonIn this episode we introduce Coyote, a superstar of Native American folklore. We can’t believe it’s taken us this long to give him his own episode.
A coyote is a real animal, a wild dog that lives in the wide plains, forests and even urban areas of North America. They can be found right across the continent, but particularly in places like Texas, Colorado, California, and New Mexico.
They can make their home anywhere, which means they are cunning and able to adapt to their surroundings. They eat virtually anything so can always find a way to live off th...
2024-09-0617 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 18 - The Magic EarWe go way back to old Japan in this famous story of a poor young man who saves a fish. Japan is surrounded by water, so much of their folklore comes from the sea.
Japanese mermaids are called Ningyo, and they are not like European mermaids at all! Thankfully, our hero catches the Dragon king's daughter and sets her free. That's got to be worth a reward, right?
You can find out lots more about Japanese folklore in this wonderful book HERE.
If you would like to be a guest teller on our podcast, you can get in touch with...
2024-08-2332 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 17 - Bridget and the LeprechaunThis episode we travel to Ireland to learn about a famous Irish fairy - the Leprechaun. Young Bridget decides it's easier to catch a leprechaun and get his gold than working hard for what you want. But fooling a fairy is not that easy!
Leprechauns have existed in Irish mythology for hundreds, maybe thousands of years! Many believe they are descended from the old Irish gods, or are types of Fae or fairy.
They can grant wishes. bring you luck and even make you very rich! But catching a Leprechaun is very hard - they are full of trickery and...
2024-08-1021 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 16 - Ragnarok Part 3Hello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast with tales from around the world.
This episode is an emotional one (sniff), as it is Leo's last episode hosting with Emily. He's off on lots of adventures but has promised to stop by from time to time.
But stories go on...
In our story, it is the final stage of our epic norse tale and Odin, the All Father of the Norse gods. And the battle is about to begin for Asgard, for Midgard and all of the nine realms. YIKES!
You can lots about Norse mythology HERE.
If you...
2024-07-2634 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 15 - Ragnarok Part 2Hello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast with tales from around the world.
This episode, we welcome back LEO for part 2 of our epic! He also shares his top 4 favourite episodes of the podcast.
And because we have so many shout outs and lots of action still to come in our story, he's coming back for PART 3! Hurray!!!
In our story, we continue with our epic norse tale and Odin, the All Father of the Norse gods, is about to discover what Ragnarok is and what will come to pass in the future. It doesn't look good!
You...
2024-07-1134 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 14 - Ragnarok Part 1Hello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast with tales from around the world.
This episode, we welcome back LEO! Leo has been really busy lately and has grown up a lot! He is joining us for this special two part epic. He's also sharing his favourite stories from the whole podcast - it was a hard decision, as we've done over 100 EPISODES!
Leo won't be hosting on the podcast from now on, but he will be popping by now and then.
But, we still have lots of exciting things coming up this seasons - including NEW GUEST TELLERS...
2024-06-2528 min
Dragonfly TalesEpisode 13 - The ParasolHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast with tales from around the world.
This episode, we have a guest teller! Aurora, who is 6, tells us her own story 'The Girl of the Sun'.
We can't wait to hear it!
If you would like to be a guest teller on our podcast, you can get in touch with us HERE
Emily tells a folk tale from China, about a little girl who is given a parasol for her birthday.
Do you know what a parasol is? It's like an umbrella but you use it to shade you from the...
2024-06-1128 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 12 - The Chess PlayerHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast with tales from around the world.
This episode, Emily tells a folk tale from Mongolia, about two friends who have very different ideas about studying!
It features an ancient boardgame - chess! Can you play chess? If you're interested to give it a try, you can learn more about this famous game HERE.
If you would like a shout out, you can email us at emilydragonflytales@gmail.com or get in touch via social media.
You can follow us on:
Facebook
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Thanks for listening!
Theme Music by Leo Grazebrook on G...
2024-05-3131 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 11 - Two Silly WitchesHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast with tales from around the world. It is the merry month of MAY! This episode is all about witches, who love to flit through the moonlight on the eve of May day or Bealtaine. (BeeYALtinna) They have a bad reputation, but we think they're misunderstood. This story is about how people can be afraid of those who are different. We hope you like our little song, sung by Agatha, Mildred and Nancy. If you would like a shout out, you can email us at emilydragonflytales@gmail.com or get in...
2024-05-0731 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 10 - The Monster of Lough MaskHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast with tales from around the world.
This episode is brought to you from Ireland! Leo and I explored the capital city of Dublin, learned about an unsolved crime, did some sight-seeing and had some super Irish grub!
Leo tells a brilliant TRUE story about Dublin Castle.
We then headed west to the beautiful County Mayo, and the mysterious Lough Mask. There are many legends about Loughs in Scotland and Ireland, and Emily's story features a malevolent creature that lurks in the dark waters.
If you would like a shout out, you...
2024-04-2135 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 9 - How Elephant Learns Manners with Aaron OliverHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast with tales from around the world.
This episode, we feature guest teller Aaron Oliver and the story The Floating Heads.
Aaron is a Prop Maker and Storyteller based in London, passionate about creating stories, whether on the stage or behind the scenes!
Aaron performs for a variety of audiences at venues such as libraries, theaters, community centers and cabarets, telling folk tales and myths alongside original stories.
Aaron also co-runs Elephant Tales, a monthly storytelling for adults (16+) in Elephant and Castle, London.
If you'd like to find out more about Aaron...
2024-04-0131 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 8 - The Snow Queen Part 3Hello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
We've been away for a while but we're back with the final part of Hans Christian Anderson's Snow Queen! In part 3, Gerda must finally face her fears to save Kai. Will she succeed?Or is it too late?If you would like a shout out, you can email us at emilydragonflytales@gmail.com or get in touch via social media.
You can follow us on:Facebook InstagramTwitterThanks for listening! Theme Music by Leo Grazebrook on GarageBandStorytelling and singing by Emily Hanna-GrazebrookProduced by Andy GrazebrookArt by Light CreativeSound effe...
2024-03-0527 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 7 - The Snow Queen Part 2Hello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
Spring is coming! Here in the Northern Hemisphere, it mat feel cold and windy, but underneath the ground the seeds are stirring for Imbolc - the coming of Spring. We love to celebrate St Brigid's day by feeding the birds, lighting candles to scare away the dark, or perhaps by making a Brigid's Cross! We found a little video to show you how to make one from paper HERE, or you can try the traditional way and make them from rushes HERE.Our story - Part 2 of the...
2024-01-3132 minDragonfly TalesEpisode - 3 *** Howling Halloween Special ***Welcome to Season 5 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.
It’s our Halloween Special!!!!!! Wooooooo! You know we LOVE this time of year!
As with our previous Halloween shows, Leo and Emily will do something that’s not too scary. And then Emily will tell one that is a bit more scary
We also have the return of LISTENERS SPOOKY JOKES! Check out how freakishly funny these folks are!!!!
Leo came up with the idea of something witchy - and you can't get more witchy than the three weird sisters from William Shakespe...
2023-10-3134 minDragonfly TalesEpisode - 2 Big Cats and Little Cats with MagdaWelcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
This episode we welcome young guest teller Magda, who is 11, from Forest Gate London. Magda shares her brilliant story of a very skillful pussycat and her circus tricks! We absolutely love it!
We also share details of Chewing-gum artist Ben Wilson. Ben has been bringing magic to the streets and landmarks of London for over 10 years and now is lovely art is in peril of disappearing. Please sign his petition HERE and find out more about him HERE.
Our story is a very old folktale that has several versi...
2023-10-1527 minDragonfly TalesSeason 5 - Episode 1 When Good Friends Meet with Daniel MordenWelcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
It's Season 5 - season of mists and mellow fruitfulness!!
And stories! We're back and we can't wait to share our next season with you.
We are joined by an amazing storyteller and author Daniel Morden.
Leo does his first interview EVER, learns some amazing things about storytelling and story writing, and gets to be one of the first to read Daniel's amazing new book:
STRANGE TALES! We've read it and it's fantastic! You can buy Daniel's book (and we hope you do) by clicking HERE.
Our story takes us ba...
2023-10-0343 minDragonfly TalesBonus Episode - Songbook 2Welcome to Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
Season 5 is coming very very soon and we have lots of wonderful things to share with you.
So this bonus episode is a musical journey through our favourite stories, revisiting our songs and music.
Leo and I love singing and making ORIGINAL songs that go with our episodes, often accompanied on guitar by me or by professional guitarist Andy (Daddy producer).
We hope that the songs will remind you of your favourite tales so you can listen to them again!
If you would like a SHOUT OUT, or t...
2023-09-1033 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 21 - SEASON FINALE King PeacockHello and welcome to the season finale of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
We have been nominated in the Kids Category of The British Podcast Awards 2023!!!!
A big thank you to all our listeners for their continued support and for inspiring us to get this far - we are honoured and very proud!
Please check out the other kids Podcasts nominated, including our buddies at Super Great Kids Stories!
You can still vote for us in 'The Listeners Choice Category '
Here is the link and THANK YOU SO MUCH! https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
Our s...
2023-08-2838 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 20 - The Wondrous PumpkinHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.We're off to festivals to hear more stories!A big thank you to all our listeners for their continued support. We have entered the British Podcast Awards 2023!There is a special category called 'The Listeners Choice Vote' and we be absolutely THRILLED if you could take the time to vote for us.Here is the link and THANK YOU SO MUCH! https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
Our story is about a magical gift - a pumpkin! It's an old Turkish tale and definitely reminds of stories like the...
2023-07-1828 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 19 - The Serpent and the UnicornHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.A big thank you to all our listeners for their continued support. We have entered the British Podcast Awards 2023!There is a special category called 'The Listeners Choice Vote' and we be absolutely THRILLED if you could take the time to vote for us.Here is the link and THANK YOU SO MUCH! https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
Our story is about one of the most mystical of all beasts - the UNICORN! We hope you enjoyed our interesting facts about unicorns, and the nursery rhyme we tol...
2023-07-0333 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 18 - The Changeling ChildHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.We hope you like lullabys, as we've made another one. The words come from the wonderful poem by W.B.Yeats called Stolen Child.Where dips the rocky highlandOf Sleuth Wood in the lake,There lies a leafy islandWhere flapping herons wakeThe drowsy water rats;There we've hid our faery vats,Full of berrysAnd of reddest stolen cherries.Come away, O human child!To the waters and the wildWith a faery, hand in hand,For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand.
Where the w...
2023-06-1831 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 17 - Live from ZestFest!Hello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
This episode is brought to you from Zest Fest, an exhilarating new festival at Westenhanger Castle near Hythe in Kent, UK
We enjoyed everything from daring circus skills and performing arts to exploring how to nourish the mind, body and soul through yoga, breathwork, meditation, music, dance, mindful walks and much more.
We love telling stories to live audiences; there's nothing like the sparkling, rippling energy of interaction between people. And festivals are a great place for storytelling and magic making.
With lots of things happening at the...
2023-06-0750 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 16 - Two Japanese TalesHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
We hope you're looking forward to SUMMER TIME! We've been out in the garden weeding and tidying, learning new songs and playing instruments, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends. We've also been walking around London lots, exploring its hidden parts, picking up facts and stories.
Leo has also been getting into Japanese Anime and Manga. He grew up watching beautiful films from Studio Ghibli, and is now watching lots of Anime series. You can learn more about Anime HERE.
Leo's story is an old Japanese tale abou...
2023-05-2142 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 15 - Perseus and Medusa Part 2Hello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
Welcome, one and all to the Merry Merry month of May!
May day is a really lovely time of year – we celebrate the beginning of summer,
which in the Celtic wheel is called Bealtaine. (which is actually Gaelic for the month of May)
The earth is tilting towards the sun here in the northern hemisphere and the warm season is coming. If the sun were a few degrees nearer we would burn up. And if the sun were a few degrees farther away all life on earth would b...
2023-05-0736 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 14 - Perseus and Medusa Part 1Hello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
We can't wait to hear your stories so keep practising, record it and send it to us to listen to.So we want to tell you about a podcast we know you’ll enjoy. It's called the Kid Stories Podcast. It’s hosted by Phil Bechtel who reads original stories.
You can hear about The Ninjas of Valleytown , Dropkick Kittycat and Hummus Wrinklesmith the Chicken Wizard.
It’s zany, it’s mad, it’s brilliant ! If you like the sound of that, then just click Here and listen to the...
2023-04-2432 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 13 - The Heron BabiesHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
As it is Spring time, we would really like to have some new guest tellers join us. And it could be you!! Listen to our top tips and give it a go. We would love to hear your telling!
Our story is from the island of Cuba. Cuban folktales are full of different flavours - just like Cuban food. There are lots of different cultures mixing together in Cuba - Spanish, African and Caribbean. And this episode is a lovely bed time listen.
If you would like a shou...
2023-04-0917 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 12 - The Death of Baldur with EvieHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
Time is crazzzzzy! Here in England, we just lost an hour. Poof! Gone.And our producer (Daddy Andy) has been away travelling and he's no idea what time it is!
This episode we welcome another winner of the Otterpool Park Storywriting competition. Evie is 12 and she is from New Romsey in Kent in the UK. She brought us a very different Elizabeth - wild and freee! If only for a short time. We absolutely love her story and her telling. Well done, Evie! You can find out more abo...
2023-03-2724 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 11 - The Dwarf King with JasmineHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
We are so grateful to you folks for hanging on in there while we got ourselves better. It's been icy cold here in London, but things are looking greener and we could be heading off on holiday soon!
This episode we welcome another winner of the Otterpool Park Storywriting competition. Jasmine is 12 and she is from Cambridgeshire. We absolutely love her story and her telling. Well done, Jasmine! You can find out more about Westenhanger Castle and the new town project near Folkestone HERE.
Our story is a very...
2023-03-1128 minDragonfly TalesEpisode - 10 The Grain of Corn with ClementineHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
And We have a very special treat for our listeners this episode. Emily was fortunate enough to be asked to judge a story-writing competition based around the mysterious Westenhanger Castle, believed to be owned by Henry VIII.
There’s a possibly a new garden town being built nearby called Otterpool Park and they ran the storywriting competition.
The entrants were between the ages of 7 and 14 years old and the winners were given prizes, including doing a story workshop with Emily!
From over 40 entries, the judges chose 3 winners. We w...
2023-02-1921 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 9 - The Coming of SpringHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo.
Spring is coming! Here in the Northern Hemisphere, it mat feel cold and windy, but underneath the ground the seeds are stirring for Imbolc - the coming of Spring.
We love to celebrate St Brigit's day by feeding the birds, lighting candles to scare away the dark, baking tasty treats and getting the house and garden in order 'spring cleaning'.
Our story celebrates the battle between winter and spring - who do you think will win?
If you would like a shout out, you can email us at...
2023-02-0324 minDragonfly TalesEpisode - 8 The Kindness of Bear with Lucy LillHello and welcome to Dragonfly Tales a story podcast with Emily and Leo
Happy New Year!
We hope you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends.
We're bringing in the New Year with stories about winter, cozying down and dreaming of springtime.
We are so delighted to welcome our first guest teller of the New Year - Lucy Lill
Lucy is a performer from London and she works in museums, theatres, schools and festivals - anywhere people will let her tell stories!
You can often find her working with Alys Torrance as part of Story Jam, plotting events and show...
2023-01-2126 minDragonfly TalesEpisode - 7 ***Christmas Special with Kim Normanton***Hello and welcome to season 3 of Dragonfly Tales Podcast. Each episode we will tell you a story from around the world and share some fun and silly things with you.
IT’s CHRISTMAS!!!!!
We'd like to wish all our listeners a very HAPPY HOLIDAYS! We hope you enjoy our special festive episode.
Our first story is by Kim Normanton. She’s the host of one of our favourite podcasts Super Great Kids’ Stories!
If you haven’t checked out this amazing podcast you really should!
Super Great Kids’ Stories is an award-winning podcast of traditional tales from around the world retold by the...
2022-12-1837 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 6 - Stoneface with Grethe Mangala JensenHello and welcome to season 3 of Dragonfly Tales Podcast. Each episode we will tell you a story from around the world and share some fun and silly things with you.
A big HELLO! to all our new listeners and subscribers - welcome to the podcast family! Be sure to share your drawings and pictures in our Facebook Group.
Our first story is from our Guest Teller Grethe Mangala Jenson. It's the classic tale Jack and the Beanstalk, with a Grethe twist!Grethe, from Sandal Sticks Theatre, is a very gifted Storyteller and puppeteer of Sri Lankan and Danish heritage. She loves...
2022-12-0338 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 5 - Catching the MoonHello and welcome to season 3 of Dragonfly Tales Podcast. Each episode we will tell you a story from around the world and share some fun and silly things with you.
We’d like to thank our listeners for their patience – we’re always sorry when we have to postpone an episode but we all get sick sometimes.
Coming up this season on Dragonfly Tales:
- we will be joined by some amazing guest tellers
- We’ll have a Christmas competition for our listeners
- we also have a new Instagram account @dragonflytalespod where we will be showing your art work, clips...
2022-11-1824 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 4 - **HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2022**Welcome to Season 4 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.
It’s our Halloween Special!!!!!! Wooooooo! And we have some treats in store for you – or are they tricks?
As with our previous Halloween shows, Leo is going to tell a story that’s not too scary. And I’ll tell one that is a bit more scary
We also thought we would tickle your funny bone with some spooky Halloween jokes from our listeners! Huge thanks to Marcus Zoe, George, Sharon, Mila, Tom, Will and Jakey!!
Leo's story is a ghost story from England...
2022-10-2928 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 3 - The Artist's Apprentice with Jon MasonWelcome to Season 4 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.
We are feeling the Autumn breeze and seeing the leaves become lovely colours. Smelling the smokey, misty air and enjoying all the fruits of the harvest.
This week we are delighted to welcome fantastic guest Teller Jon Mason.
Jon is a Brighton-based storyteller known for his captivating delivery and love of roots: folktales and myths that connect our history and our present, our surroundings and ourselves. He performs regularly at festivals, in schools, online, and his shows have appeared in the Brighton Festival a...
2022-10-1431 minDragonfly TalesEpisode - 25 ***Emily's Favourites - The Wild swans***Hey folks! We hope you are enjoy the summer break, wherever you are.
This episode is one of EMILY's favourites and features the lovely Liz Weir MBE, telling one of her own lovely tales, based on Irish lore, The Mermaid's Gift.If you want to find out more about Liz Weir then you can visit her website HERE.Our story this episode is a classic fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen - but told with our own Dragonfly Tales flavour.Andersen wrote some of the most well loved fairy tales ever, including The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Tinder B...
2022-08-2735 minDragonfly TalesEpisode - 24 ***Leo's Favourites - Theseus and the Minotaur***Hey folks! We hope you are enjoy the summer break, wherever you are.
This episode features one of Leo's favourites from Season 2 - the classic Greek Myth about a brave hero who must defeat a hideous monster and escape a mysterious labyrinth.WARNING: it gets a bit scary when Theseus goes into the Labyrinth!For more great myths and legends, check out this fabulous collection by Anthony Horrowitz.If you would like a SHOUT OUT this season, then you can get in touch with us HERE or in our Dragonfly Tales Podcast Group, telling us your first name, your age an...
2022-08-2132 minDragonfly TalesEpisode - 23 *** Leo's favourites Zico & the Greedy Witch***Hey folks! We hope you are enjoy the summer break, wherever you are.
In this favourite episode, we venture into the Amazonian rainforest to hear a story from the Anambe people. You can find a version of today's tale, 'Ceuci the Witch who ate a lot' in this book: Amazonia - Indigenous Tales from BrazilIf you would like to watch Emily tell this story, you can do so HERE.
If you would like a SHOUT OUT this season, then you can get in touch with us HERE or in our Dragonfly Tales Podcast Group, telling us your first name, your a...
2022-08-1023 minDragonfly TalesEpisode - 22 *** Leo's Favourites - The Bremen Town Musicians***Welcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.While Emily is recovering, we have chosen one of our favourite episodes for you - with TWO stories.The first one is a fable by Aesop, brilliantly told by Leo! If you like this short fable, you can read more of them in this book - Orchard Aesop's Fables.And the second one is The Bremen Town Musicians. This is a very popular folk tale in Germany, most famously told by the Brothers Grimm. Bremen is a real place and there is actually a s...
2022-07-1623 minDragonfly TalesEpisode - 21 *** Leo's Favourites - Odysseus and the Cyclops***Welcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages. This is one of our FAVOURITE episodes - Odysseus and the Cyclops from Season 1.It is THOUSANDS of years old. It’s a very long epic and we only had time to tell a part of it. If you liked the story and want to follow Odysseus on the rest of his journey, we’d recommend this version by Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton – two amazing storytellers - The Adventures of Odysseus.
Here is a YouTube link to Sinbad and the Cyclops and here is a...
2022-07-0231 minDragonfly TalesBeating the Devil with Sharon CarrWelcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.
We're nearly at the end of Season 3 and we are so grateful that you are still here listening with us!
This week, we have the return of guest teller Sharon Carr, from our second season. She tells a tale of King who wants far too much. THE MOON!!
If you'd like to learn more about Sharon's storytelling, you can out HERE.
Our story is from Mexico and we LOVE the folklore from this area. It's full of transformation, tricksters, animals and religion.
And THIS...
2022-06-1724 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 19 - ***Leo's Favourites - The Faerie Thorn***Welcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages. This is one of our FAVOURITE episodes - The Faerie Thorn.It is a tale from Northern Ireland about the mystical and magical Faerie Thorn tree. I first heard the wonderful Liz Weir MBE tell a version of this at the Glens of Antrim Story Festival.Here is an extract from Jane Talbot’s wonderfully dark collection of fairy tales, The Faerie Thorn:
‘Now, if you don’t know about faerie thorns, you should. The Big People call these trees hawthorns, and in May you...
2022-06-0228 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 18 - The StarfishWelcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.This episode, we celebrate Leo's end of his first EVER exams. And he has chosen to tell a brilliant Anansi story. Our listeners know Anansi well, as a naughty trickster from the ancient tales of West Africa. The tales travelled across the ocean to the Caribbean and on then throughout the whole world.If you want to know more about Anansi and the Ashanti people, you can do so HERE.Emily's story is a tale that was collected by the famous Brothers Grimm, from...
2022-05-1933 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 17 - Peter and Water Sprite with Maria GillenWelcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.This episode, we welcome our guest teller Maria Gillen, from County Cork in Ireland. Maria is a great friend and a fabulous teller of tales. She loves stories of magic, healing and old wisdom and has told to big crowds and small. Maria is also the storyteller in residence at the Kerry Writer's Museum. If you want to see more of Maria telling you can do so HERE.Our story is a tale from Sweden about a clever lad who outwits a water spri...
2022-05-0726 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 15 - Spring Special - PersephoneWelcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.This episode, we are celebrating the Spring and Easter. There are many wonderful celebrations happening around the world at this time of year. You can find out about them HERE. Leo shares a lovely story about peace and friendship. You can read the original in Margaret Read Macdonald's wonderful book 'Peace Tales'. If you would like to tell a tale on the podcast, have a practise at telling a 5minute folktale. Then you can record it for us (an iPhone works great if you...
2022-04-0633 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 14 - The Raven KingWelcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.This week, we don't have a guest teller and we really need you! If you would like to tell a tale on the podcast, have a practise at telling a 5minute folktale. Then you can record it for us (an iPhone works great if you place it on a flat surface and keep one hands width away from the microphone). You can send it to us by emailing it to emilydragonflytales@gmail.com and we will have a listen.
Our story this episode, is f...
2022-03-2330 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 8 - **Christmas Special**Welcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.
It's the Holidays and it's Christmas Eve tomorrow! Hurray! We hope you enjoy this special episode to celebrate this special time of year.
Our first story is from Leo, who brings us the long awaited return of CINDERELLA: Assassination Santa - The Revenge of the Elves. Leo really really enjoyed coming up with part two of this story. We hope you love it too!
Our second story is from Norway, where they take their trolls very seriously! It's an old folktale, with lots of di...
2021-12-2226 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 6 - Antrim Special with Liz WeirWelcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.
This episode is brought to you from County Antrim in Northern Ireland. We stayed at the wonderful Ballyeamon Barn and explored all the magical sites of the Glens of Antrim. We saw the Fairy Thorn tree from Season1 Episode 5 and The Giant's Causeway from our very first episode. Leo even sang the song on the actual Causeway - you can see it in our Facebook Group.
The Barn is home to master storyteller Liz Weir MBE. Liz is the storyteller in residence for Nort...
2021-11-2538 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 4 - **HALLOWEEN SPECIAL**Welcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages.
It's our Halloween Special! WOOOOOOOOO!
We have lots of TREATS for you this episode, including the return of LEO'S TOP FIVE - and a few tricks too!
Firstly, we have a song that we learned from Kate Corkery and Winston Nzinga, also known as Spud and Yam! The Boogie Man song! We hope you join in at home.
Our first story is from Emily and she heard it from the lovely Liz Weir, who appeared in season 2. This is Liz's favourite spooky story for...
2021-10-3026 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 3 - Rola and the SistersWelcome to Season 3 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children (and grown ups) of all ages. We are so grateful to all our listeners for their patience - Leo and Emily have been a bit sick with colds - but we're SO glad to be back with a new episode!Our first story this episode is from our guest teller Pyn Stockman. Pyn is a professional storyteller who lives on a boat! She loves fairy tales, folktales, all sorts of stories! Pyn tells at festivals, community events, schools and libraries. She really enjoys using props and masks to bring her s...
2021-10-2024 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 23 - Season FinaleWelcome to the final episode of Season 2 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
Its the summer holidays here in England! Hurray!
We will be taking a break for the summer but will be back in September with brand new stories and guests for season 3. Yippee!
We thought it would be fitting to end the season with a story from Leo - he tells the tale that is sometimes called 'Regrets'. There are lots of different versions of this tale and it makes you think about choices you make. We all have regrets but it's best to le...
2021-07-2222 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 22 - ***Special Podcast Episode with Nuala***Welcome to Season 2 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
So this episode is a musical journey through our favourite stories, revisiting our songs and music.
Leo and I love singing and making ORIGINAL songs that go with our episodes, often accompanied on guitar by me or by professional guitarist Andy (Daddy producer).
We hope that the songs will remind you of your favourite tales so you can listen to them again!
Our guest teller is the absolutely brilliant young talent Nuala, who is 7 years old from Philadelphia USA. Nuala tells a Korean folktale; she practised an...
2021-07-0832 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 21 - Animal Antics with Sharon CarrWelcome to Season 2 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
So this episode's TOP FIVE is about Leo's favourite gods and goddesses. What are your favourites? Draw us a piccy and don't forget to post it in the FaceBook Group.
This episode, we welcome storyteller Sharon Carr to the podcast.
Originally from Canada, Sharon Carr, has lived in the Midlands for many years. She can trace her love of stories back to her Welsh mother who would share family tales of ghostly visits, ancient feuds and folklore that have been passed down through the generations. Sharon lov...
2021-06-2431 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 15 - Trickster Tales with Wendy ShearerWelcome to Season 2 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
This episode we launch on April 1st - also known as APRIL FOOLS DAY! Yes, it's a day for pranks and tricks - but keep them light-hearted and silly
If you want to more about the origins of April Fool's Day, you can read more HERE.
And for a list of silly and harmless pranks to pull on your family, you can go HERE.
This episode, we welcome storyteller Wendy Shearer to the podcast.
Wendy Shearer is a Storyteller and Writer, with a love for bringing fol...
2021-04-0129 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 14 - Lazy Jack with Sarah Lloyd-WinderWelcome to Season 2 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. Happy St Patrick's Day (for yesterday). As you know, Emily & Leo are of Irish heritage and on the 17th March we celebrate the patron saint of Ireland - Saint Patrick. But he wasn't actually Irish!If you'd like to learn more about St Paddy you can do so HERE. Our little Irish lullaby at the end is a famous song called 'The Castle of Dromore'. Emily's parents used to sing it to her and she sang it to Leo when he was a baby. There is an Iri...
2021-03-1738 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 12 - Mischief, Magic & Mayhem with Daniel MordenWelcome to Season 2 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
So there is lots going on right now. Hurray! Valentine's Day, Pancake Day (UK) and Chinese New Year!
And we have THREE amazing stories for you in this episode.
Our first is from our young guest teller, Sofia. She is 8 years old and is telling a traditional tale from her home in France - Fox and Crow. Animal tales appear in every culture on every continent, and this one is a lovely version of an Aesop fable. Fox fools crow with its cunning and wit to win so...
2021-02-1833 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 11 - Life is a Rainbow with Rachel Ann HardingWelcome to Season 2 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
So it's National Storytelling Week here in the UK! So we are celebrating everything story! If you would like to know more, then please visit The Society for Storytelling Website or Facebook Page and share your story fun.
We have two lovely stories for you and in this episode we welcome guest storyteller Rachel Ann Harding.
She is a traditional storyteller and musician, passionate about myth, and traditional tales. In 2018 she performed at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN and is the creator and producer of...
2021-02-0432 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 8 - Christmas Special: Spiders, Apples & AssassinsWelcome to Season 2 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. It's Christmas Eve! We are so excited and I hope we can get to sleep tonight!This episode we welcome guest storyteller Hannah Brailsford from Essex to the podcast.Hannah is a brilliant storyteller who is 'captivating, compelling, magic and fun'. She has been telling stories to both children and adults for nearly ten years! Hannah delivers storytelling work shops to Early years and Primary children under guise of Tiny Tales Storytellers. She also hosts amazing story nights for adults as Spinning Yarns Theatre.You can also...
2020-12-2331 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 7 - Wanda's Christmas with guest teller Joerg SteinkamperWelcome to Season 2 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This episode we welcome guest storyteller Joerg Steinkamper from Germany to the podcast. Joerg has been telling stories to all ages since 2009. He loves funny stories and his story is a modern version of an old Sufi tale featuring Nasruddin. If you would like to see Joerg storytelling you can visit his youtube channel HERE. Our story this episode is our version of a tale Emily heard a long time ago, on a series called 'Storyteller' by Marshall Cav...
2020-12-1026 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 4 - HALLOWEEN SPECIAL - The Boy who drew CatsWelcome to Season 2 of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
It's our Halloween Special! WOOOOOOOOO!
We have two stories for you. What a TREAT - not a trick!
Our first story is by Leo and is a version of the Hairy Toe. We found this version from master storyteller Margaret Read MacDonald, a very famous North American tale spinner who specialises in interactive storytelling.
Our little poem 'The Troll' was by poet Jack Prelutsky . You can find out more about him HERE.
Our main story is probably Emily's favourite story ever.... it's called The Boy Who D...
2020-10-2933 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 18 - Season Finale: Serpents, Sweets and SausagesSerpents, Sweets and Sausages
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
This episode is our last one of the first season. We'll be taking a break for the summer but we'll be back in September for more story fun.
For our finale, we bring you something a bit special - a special guest! Our friend Ella has been working on a story for our podcast and it's just brilliant! Ella presents a fantastic tale of her own design, based on a Greek myth - The Minator.
Leo also tells his own st...
2020-07-1426 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 17 - The Man whose Mother was a PirateThe Man whose Mother was a Pirate
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
This episode we head down to the sea in this beautiful story by Margaret Mahy. You find her story, and lots of other stories about pirates in this brilliant book The Kingfisher Treasury of Pirate Stories.
Leo's activity this week is all about Pirates! Head over to the Royal Museums Greenwich website for tons of Pirate facts and activities! ARRRRRRRR!
Finally, if you like our podcast and would like to donate a little something to keep us goin...
2020-07-0718 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 16 - Zico & The Greedy WitchZico & The Greedy Witch
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode we venture into the Amazonian rainforest to hear a story from the Anambe people. You can find a version of today's tale, 'Ceuci the Witch who ate a lot' in this book: Amazonia - Indigenous Tales from BrazilWe'd also like to thank our lovely friend and fellow storyteller Sef Townsend for helping us with the Brazilian nursery rhyme. Sef has been singing songs from lots of different cultures for many years to celebrate diversity and share common experiences. He...
2020-06-3022 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 15 - Mayita and the CrocodileEpisode 15 – Mayita and the Crocodile
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode we venture to Zimbabwe to hear a story from a clan of the Shona tribe - the Karanga! African storytelling is amazing and our telling would not have been possible without these two awesome books The Lion on the Path and Party Croc!Leo's activity this week is making banana bread - and it's DELICIOUS! Emily is now so into bananas! You can find the recipe at ZimboKitchen, where you can find lots of amazing recipes from Zimb...
2020-06-2323 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 14 - The Mermaid of Bulgham BayEpisode 14 – The Mermaid of Bulgham Bay
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode we had two stories!We hope you enjoyed Leo's excellent telling of The Frog and the Locust. It's a wonderful tale about working together and and making our voices heard to make the world a better place for everyone. We found it in this awesome book Earth Care.our story is from the magical Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man has a very rich history of folklore and fairy tales, and the pe...
2020-06-1621 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 13 - The Chinese Red Riding HoodsEpisode 13 – The Chinese Red Riding Hoods
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode our story is a Chinese version of a classic fairytale Little Red Riding Hood. But this one is a bit different. It was written by Isabelle Chang and can be found in this lovely book Womenfolk and Fairy Tales. Our activity this week is about the is all about the wonderful grey wolf! They are not at all the big bad wolves of fairy tales. Visit Wolf Watch UK to learn more about these shy animals and cre...
2020-06-0924 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 12 - The Fisherman and the GenieEpisode 12 – The Fisherman and the Genie
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode comes from the fabulous collection - The Arabian Nights. The stories are told by the character Scheherazade, who tells a story every night for 1001 nights so that her husband, the King, will keep her alive. Yikes!The famous composer Rimsky Korsakov took several of the stories from the collection and turned them into pieces of music. The voice of the storyteller Scheherazade was represented by a solo violin. You can listen to a clip here.Our activit...
2020-06-0221 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 11 - The Bremen Town MusiciansEpisode 11 – The Bremen Town Musicians
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode, we have TWO animal tales for you. The first one is a fable by Aesop, brilliantly told by Leo! If you like this short fable, you can read more of them in this book - Orchard Aesop's Fables.And the second one is The Bremen Town Musicians. This is a very popular folk tale in Germany, most famously told by the Brothers Grimm. Bremen is a real place and there is actually a statue there of all the ani...
2020-05-2623 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 10 - Mama DragaEpisode 10 - Mama Draga
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode, we are telling a folktale from Sicily, which is an island south of Italy. It has a volcano on the island, called Mount Etna!There are lots of versions of this type of folktale - but this is our version. If you would like to read more Sicilian Tales, we can recommend this lovely book Catarina the Wise and other Wondrous Folk and Fairy Tales.
And here is a youtube link to Leo's Coffee Filter Roses activity! We can...
2020-05-1933 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 9 - The TempestEpisode 9 - The Tempest
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages.
This episode, we are telling a tale written by the famous playwright William Shakespeare - The Tempest, which means the storm!
It's a story about a mystical island far far away across the sea.
If you'd like to find out more about William Shakespeare you can check out these Shakespeare Fun Facts!
And this is a nice introduction to Shakespeare's works by Michael Rosen & Sarah Nayler.
We'll put some photos of Leo's Puppet theatre in the Dragonfly Tales Podcast Group.
Pl...
2020-05-1217 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 8 - Anansi and TurtleEpisode 8 – Anansi and Turtle
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode, we introduce a classic story archtype - The Trickster!Anansi the spider is a trickster - he's sneaky, funny and a bit lazy too!The Anansi stories were first told by the Ashanti people in Ghana, a country in West Africa. They were not written but passed down through telling from generation to generation. Until they had spread far and wide. They spread across oceans to the Caribbean – they crossed continents and are now told all over the world.
Her...
2020-05-0525 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 7 - Odysseus and the CyclopsEpisode 7 – Odysseus and the Cyclops
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode, our tale is THOUSANDS of years old. It’s a very long epic and we only had time to tell a part of it. If you liked the story and want to follow Odysseus on the rest of his journey, we’d recommend this version by Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton – two amazing storytellers - The Adventures of Odysseus.
Here is a YouTube link to Sinbad and the Cyclops and here is a really nice blog about the genius...
2020-04-2831 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 6 - The Monkeys and the BellEpisode 6 – The Monkeys and the Bell
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode is a classic tale from India – there are many different versions of this story, but our favourite is in this lovely Usbourne book of Indian tales.
Here is a great link to Leo’s activity: Mango and Banana Smoothie.
Remember to ask a grown up for help with chopping and whizzing!
Please please leave us a lovely review and keep posting your pics and drawings in our Dragonfly Tales Podcast Group.
If you would like a shout out...
2020-04-2124 minDragonfly TalesEpisode 5 - The Faerie ThornEpisode 5 – The Faerie Thorn
Welcome to the next episode of Dragonfly Tales, a story podcast for children of all ages. This episode is a tale from Northern Ireland about the mystical and magical Faerie Thorn tree. I first heard the wonderful Liz Weir MBE tell a version of this at the Glens of Antrim Story Festival.Here is an extract from Jane Talbot’s wonderfully dark collection of fairy tales, The Faerie Thorn:
‘Now, if you don’t know about faerie thorns, you should. The Big People call these trees hawthorns, and in May you can see them scattering snow-blossoms in every di...
2020-04-1428 min