Super Great Kids' Stories

A greedy King wants to reach the moon so he can capture it and make it part of his kingdom. Is that a good idea? No of course not, but you know how foolish kings can be. Listen to this story from the Dominican Republic told by Juliana Marin and find out if he succeeds.

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Storyteller Alton Takiyama-Chung tells two tales from Korea.'The Magic Spring' is an upbeat tale about an old couple who discover a magical stream which transforms their lives - and, 'The Story Bag' is a slightly dark tale about what can happen when we don’t look after our stories!

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A little old man finds a stinky old cooking pot in the forest and takes it home to his little old wife as a present. ‘Strange gift ‘– you might well think. But tada! This pot is about to change their lives. Listen to Nell Phoenix tell this delightfully silly story from China and discover how.

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A Countryside Ranger - who works too much, stops seeing the beauty in nature. Thanks to a magical godess, he ends up happy as a skylark. Listen to this heart-warming song-story from Xanthe Gresham and feel your spirits soar.

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A small snake befriended by two young boys turns into a big problem. Listen to storyteller Gayle Ross from the Cherokee Nation tell this gripping story and find out what the boys decide what to do and why there is a strong bond between the Thunder beings and the Cherokees. Warning - this story features young boys who use weapons to hunt and kill animals, and a frightening snake. It’s also beautifully told, so if you’re feeling brave, hold the hand of a grown-up and have a listen.

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This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive.

Did you know that Leopards haven't always been spotty? Once, their fur was a glossy, light brown colour - until one day, Leopard got greedy - and calamity struck. Have a listen to storyteller Wendy Shearer telling this fun 'How and Why' story from Ghana in West Africa and find out just how Leopard got his spots.

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An old man decides it’s time to do something about two mountains which are spoiling his otherwise perfect village. It’s not everyone who thinks they can move mountains. Listen to Kim telling this story from ancient China and see how he got on. It’s also got a silly song in it!

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Tiger can’t understand why super-strong water buffalo allows a weedy little farmer to boss him around and make him plough his fields. The buffalo explains that humans possess a magical skill called "wisdom" So, Tiger decides to get some of this wisdom for himself. Will he succeed? Listen to this How and Why tale told by Vietnamese storyteller - Ngo Phuong Lang and find out.

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A tiny mantis (a creature like a grasshopper) decides to catch a ride on the moon across the night sky. Is that a good idea? Find out by listening to Khwezi Becker a storyteller and poet from South Africa who tells this beautiful folktale from the San people of Southern Africa.

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Two thought-provoking stories about nature and the great outdoors beautifully told by Cara Silversmith and Nick Hennessey. Both storytellers live in, and love, the countryside.

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This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive. Anansi the trickster spider wants Nyame the Sky God’s box of stories. But It’s not going to be easy. He has to face many challenges to get it – but with a little determination, and a little trickery anything is possible! Listen to Tuup telling this lively story from West Africa.

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A tale from the Brothers Grimm in Germany about a clever servant Gretel who tricks her master and his guest out of their delicious chicken dinner. This delightful witty tale is told by Sarah Liisa Wilkinson who told us Tatterhood. Warning - there is much enjoyment of chicken and cider in this story!

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Lion needs a new best friend and all the animals are very excited. Bear, Crocodile and Little Grey Hare volunteer ,but they have to take a test to decide who gets chosen. And that test involves smelling Lion's disgusting breath. Is that a good idea? Find out by listening to tip-top storyteller new to Super Great Kids' Stories - Nell Phoenix.

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This story from the US island of Hawaii is a trickster tale about a boy who wants to fish, and a shark who wants to eat the boy. Which of them is the trickster and which one gets tricked? Have a listen to this entertaining story told by master storyteller Alton Takiyama Chung and find out.

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Mãori storyteller Emmy Bidois tells a traditional tale about Māui that trickster demi-god who goes in search of the secret of fire. Does Mãui's fearsome grandmother Mahuika -she of the fiery fingernails - help her grandson? Listen to Emmy tell this gripping story and discover if Mãui succeeds or gets burned to a cinder on his quest.

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A donkey finds a lion skin and just for fun - he tries it on. Donkey discovers that the animals he meets along the way are more respecful when they think he's a lion. But then donkey gets carried away and tries to frighten Fox. Does it work? Find out by listening to this delightful Aesop's Fable from Greece told by British/Belgian storyteller Rebecca Lemaire. See if you can join in with her song and guess her animal riddles.

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This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive.

Jack is not keen to help his grandmother do the chores. He’d much rather be exploring rock pools and playing his flute. He’s not bothered by stories about the hungry giant who lurks nearby looking for tasty snacks. Jack might be brave, but is he wise? Listen to Kim telling this song story from the Caribbean to see if the giant gets his dinner.

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A new series of trickster stories begins with Paul Alborough telling a funny version of 'The Emperor's New Clothes' by Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. A silly emperor who is very proud of his clothes is swindled by two tricksters who claim they can make a magnificent suit which is invisible to anyone who is not wise and clever. Everyone pretends to admire the Emperor's invisible clothes, until an honest little girl points out that the emperor is not wearing any pants! Enjoy this story told by Paul and be royally entertained.

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A woodcutter is treated badly by the people in his village because he looks a little different. One day he's had enough of the name-calling and runs away. In a clearing he discovers an exciting but scary goblin dance. He joins in, but notices all the goblins are staring at him. Will they also tease, and call him names? Listen to storyteller Sharon Jacksties tell this moving story from Japan and find out what happens. (The goblins in this story are a little bit scary.)

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In this tall tale from Japan, we meet a young man who has super strength. But is he strong enough to beat all other competitors at the great wrestling competition? Listen to storyteller Debbie Guneratne tell this delightful story, and find out if the young man can win the competition and claim the prize of ‘as much gold as he can carry’?

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A mean giant has moved into the Blackwoods near the Rhymney river and is terrorizing the fairies and animals who live there. What can be done? Can wise owl think of a plan? And will anyone be brave enough to carry it out? Listen to Welsh storyteller Cath Little who is new to Super Great Kids' Stories tell this lyrical 'song-story' and all will be revealed.

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Storyteller Alton Takiyama Chung tells two Ogre stories. 'The Pumpkin Seed' - from Korea - is about two brothers, one who is kind and one who is greedy. The second story 'The 3 Old Ogres of Ni'ihau' is from Hawai where Alton grew up. It's about 3 terrible ogres who take over an island and eat anyone who comes there to fish. Can the brave village chief outwit three enormous Ogres and stop the people from going hungry? Listen if you're feeling brave.

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This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive.

If you take one good girl, one not-so-good girl, a terrifying Sicilian ogress and a handful of toads, and spiders – then you have the ingredients for a cracking fairytale. Add in a talented singer/ storyteller Emily Hanna-Grazebrook, and you have a gripping listen. Warning: the ogress is a tad terrifying, but she’s only a story ogress so worth being brave.

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A poor boy helps a giant in distress and in return receives a golden loaf - but will that give him enough riches to win the hand of the princess who he loves? Listen to this delightful Romanian quest story told by Danielle Free and find out.

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The first of May isn’t just a celebration of the coming of summer with picnics and dancing. Some Europeans believe it’s the date when witches and other magical beings gather to cause trouble. Storyteller Jason Buck shares an exciting witchy story from Sweden to mark this magical day.

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Maori storyteller Emmy Bidois tells a traditional tale about a strange woman with feathers on her arms, claws on her hands and a beak for a mouth. Eek! Is it a bird? Is it a woman? No it’s a bird-woman! Can our hero Hatupatu escape her clutches? Listen to Emmy tell this gripping story and find out. Note to parents, this story is slightly scary but not super scary… and it has a happy ending. It's a good listen so worth being brave!

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Scottish storyteller Cara Silversmith tells a trickster tale about two cats and a fox, a story which was handed down by traveller and storyteller Duncan Williamson. Two cats go fishing and argue about who should keep the fish they’ve caught. Unable to agree, they ask Mr Fox to help them decide. Is that a good idea?

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This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive.

Is it a good idea to go to a frost giant’s party? The two friends in this Viking story decided it was a good idea - and even though they had superpowers, they only just escaped very big trouble. Here’s Tiernan Douieb to tell you how they did it.

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South African storyteller Nomakhwezi Becker tells us a lively song-story about a little turtle from Ivory Coast in West Africa. Tutu has lost her beautiful coloured shell and asks her animal friends to help her find it. Will they succeed? Listen to Nomakhwezi and find out.

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Danielle Free from Shropshire in England a storyteller new to this podcast, tells a French quest story. It’s about a cheeky chicken who won’t take no for an answer. Can she outwit the greedy farmer who stole her gold and get it back? Listen to Danielle tell this fun story and find out.

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Storyteller Alton Takiyama Chung tells a trickster tale about a Tanuki – a magical badger-like creature. The Tanuki’s tricks go too far and upset his friend Rabbit (Usagi). How can Rabbit help his friend Tanuki see that he needs to change his ways? Listen to Alton tell this thought-provoking story from Japan and find out.

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Scottish storyteller Cara Silversmith shares a How and Why story from the US which explains why bears hibernate. The little animals are going hungry because a big brown bear is rather too fond of food. Happily, a fox, a squirrel, a mouse and a hare team up to solve the problem.

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This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive.

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? Irish storyteller Kate Corkery explains all.

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Tuup shares a story from India about a good-hearted Brahmin (wise man) who helps some animals and a jeweller who are in trouble. Do you think they all help the Brahmin in return when he needs them? Have a listen to Tuup telling this ancient animal fable from India and see if you can spot the twist in the tale.

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In this story from South Africa, we meet Thokozani the Eland, a type of antelope who has magic powers to shape-shift into a human. When a series of fires sweeps through his area putting the animals at risk, Thokozani is chosen to talk to the villagers. Will they listen to him? Listen to Nokugcina Mhlophe tell this moving story and find out.

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Alton Takiyama-Chung tells us two lively tales which help explain some of the traditions celebrated in China and other parts of East Asia at Lunar New Year. One story is about how the twelve animals who represent the Lunar New Year Calendar were chosen - by having an exciting river race. And a second story is about the Nian, a terrifying monster who arrives after dark every New Year’s Eve - to eat the people and their animals. Until one year, a brave old man, comes up with a plan to stop him. This legend explains some of the traditions and celebrations which still take place today at this popular festival which marks the beginning of Spring.

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A farmer in ancient Japan saves a spider from the jaws of a huge black snake. The spider in turn helps the farmer. But who will protect the spider when the farmer isn’t there? Listen to Alton Takiyama-Chung tell this beautiful tale which explains the origin of the Japanese word for ‘cloud’.

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This is a: 'Best of Super Great Kids' Stories' selected from our Archive. Anansi the spider is up to his tricks again. In order to win the King's gold, he has to eat a large bowl of super hot pepper soup. Will he outwit the king and the other competitors? Listen to Tuup telling this lively song-story from West Africa and find out.

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The King is worried. Every night he locks the door to the bedroom where his 12 daughters sleep, and every morning their silk shoes are worn to tatters as if they have been dancing all night. What’s going on? "Whoever solves the mystery can marry a princess!.” declares the King. Can anyone help? Listen to Kim tell this magical song tale from Europe and find out.

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Anansi is up to his tricks again. Following a greedy feeding-frenzy he tries to distract elephant and his friends by persuading them that watermelons can talk. Does he succeed? Listen to this lively story from the Caribbean told by Wendy Shearer and find out.

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Alton Takiyama-Chung tells this magical fairytale from China about twin brothers who both want to marry the Dragon King’s daughter. To help her decide which one to choose, Princess Li Mei sends them on a quest to find a gleaming pearl from her father’s underwater palace. But which brother will be compassionate, honest and brave and win the heart of the princess? Listen to Alton and find out.

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Paul Alborough tells his upbeat version of this classic Brothers Grimm fairytale. Two siblings pit their wits against a hungry witch and a greedy king and win the day. Note to parents, this story has a scary witch, but the ending is a happy one (for everyone but the witch and the greedy king!)

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Tatterhood is a Norwegian fairytale about two sisters who are very different. Plum is sweet and gentle, Tatterhood is bold and wild and rides around on a goat! When witches steal Plum’s head and replace it with a cow’s, Tatterhood sets off with Plum (mooing loudly) determined to get it back. Listen to Sarah Liisa Wilkinson’s funny retelling of this lively tale and find out what happens. Note to parents, this story could seem unsettling, but only fleetingly and the ending is a happy one.

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A story from our archive: The Best of Super Great Kids' Stories.Talented storyteller Jason Buck narrates the classic French fairy tale "Puss in Boots" written down by Charles Perrault. In this story, a young man inherits a cat, who persuades his owner they can make their fortune if he can give him a hat, a sack, and some fancy boots. All dressed up, the cat charms the king, outwits an ogre and delights the king’s daughter. Tada!

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Tim Ralphs narrates this charming fairytale from Pakistan about Walidad, a simple grasscutter who doesn’t know what to do with all his savings. How can he solve this problem so he can carry on living simply and happily? A thoughtful story which shows us what’s really important in life.

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To mark New Year – Alton Takiyama-Chung – who’s new to Super Great Kids’ Stories, shares two tales from Asia: from Japan, "The Grateful Statues", and from China: "The Magic Pear Tree" about a farmer who encounters a beggar. Both stories have a theme of kindness and generosity and are sprinkled with a little bit of magic.

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A King and Queen living in a cold castle argue and their fire goes out, casting a chill and a gloom over the whole kingdom. They send a servant to fetch more hot coals from the neighbours. Will he succeed and return warmth to the castle in time for the winter festivities? Listen to Wendy Shearer tell this uplifting Christmas story and find out.

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A little fir tree, is not happy, he longs to leave his forest and go out to see the world like the bigger trees which are taken and decorated with sparkly things. Eventually his wish comes true, but does it make the tree happy? Listen to storyteller Anne Johnson's retelling of this Hans Christian Andersen tale to find out. (Note, this version has an upbeat ending.)

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This Cinderella-style story is set in the Appalachian mountains and told by Storyteller from Dragon Fly Tales: Emily Hanna-Grazebrook. It has all the ingredients of a great fairytale: a witch-woman, a mistreated orphan, a kind doctor’s son, some mean stepsisters and some stonkingly good singing from Emily.

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Tiernan Douieb is back with a fabulous fairytale from Finland about 3 brothers who are sent on a mission to find their bride. The youngest one heads for a forest and his brothers laugh, saying the only thing he'll find to marry there is a fox or a wolf. In fact, Veikko the youngest son finds something much more unlikely and wonderful. Listen to Tiernan tell this magical fairytale and discover how the youngest brother finds his true love.

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