Barefoot Books Podcast
135 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 11 years ago - ★★★★ - 177 ratingsDiscover a weekly selection of award-winning children's stories and songs from Barefoot Books. We are an independent publisher specializing in carefully crafted books, gifts and digital content for children that combine the best of the present with the best of the past to educate our children as the caretakers of tomorrow. These classic children’s stories, fairy tales, poems and songs tap into the wisdom of many cultures, while never forgetting that childhood is a time for fun.
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Episodes
The Princess and the Pea
January 05, 2012 07:20 - 7 minutes - 13.3 MBIn this classic Danish story, a prince unsuccessfully searches for a true princess. Will he ever find a girl fit to be his bride? From the book The Barefoot Book of Princesses, retold by Caitlín Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Margaret Wolfson.
The Black Bull of Norroway
December 28, 2011 10:47 - 17 minutes - 29.1 MBA brave young girl journeys for seven long years to find her lost love in this tale from Scotland. From the book Tales from Celtic Lands, retold by Caitlín Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Niamh Cusack.
Sir Cliges and the Cherry Tree
December 21, 2011 06:56 - 14 minutes - 27.4 MBSir Cliges is devastated when he learns that he cannot celebrate Christmas in a grand fashion; however, he finds hope in a magical, gift-bearing tree. From the book The Barefoot Book of Knights, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna, and narrated by Anthony Head.
Winter and Summer
December 15, 2011 05:54 - 6 minutes - 11.5 MBWill Winter be able to warm his cold bones? Find out in this story from the Seneca people of North America. From the book Tales of Mystery and Magic, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi.
Swan Lake
December 08, 2011 06:35 - 25 minutes - 46.3 MBAfter being cursed by an evil count, Queen Odette lives her days as a swan until her true love can break the spell. From the book The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Rebecca Guay and narrated by Juliet Stevenson.
The Cloth of the Serpent Pembe Mirui
December 01, 2011 09:12 - 14 minutes - 26.6 MBTo prove his love to Fatima, Amadi will set out on a dangerous journey to find the most beautiful cloth in the entire world in this Swahili story. From the book The Fabrics of Fairytale, retold and narrated by Tanya Robyn Batt, and illustrated by Rachel Griffin.
The Knight of the Kitchen
November 17, 2011 06:41 - 19 minutes - 35.9 MBAfter working as a kitchen boy, a young man earns King Arthur’s respect and is trusted with a mission to save a maiden. From the book The Barefoot Book of Knights, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna and narrated by Anthony Head.
Dancing with the Birch Fairy
November 17, 2011 06:28 - 16 minutes - 28.9 MBIn this tale from the Czech Republic, merry Betushka gets to dance with the magical Birch Fairy, while she learns a valuable lesson about the importance of gratitude. From the book The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Helen Cann and narrated by Juliet Stevenson.
A-Man-Among-Men
November 10, 2011 06:31 - 7 minutes - 12.4 MBA boastful—yet cowardly— man learns the importance of being modest when he encounters a fearsome giant in this West African tale. From the book The Barefoot Book of Giants, Ghosts and Goblins, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna and narrated by Jerry Nelson.
The Hunter's Five Sons
October 27, 2011 10:17 - 6 minutes - 11.2 MBIn this West African story, a family learns the value of keeping loved ones alive through memories. From the book Tales of Mystery and Magic, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi.
Tam O'Shanter
October 20, 2011 07:34 - 8 minutes - 15.3 MBThough he knows better than to visit the haunted old church, daring Tam O’Shanter cannot resist the urge for adventure. But what will he do when he is confronted by the witches who roam after dark? Find out in this dance story from Scotland. From the book The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Helen Cann and narrated by Juliet Stevenson.
The Lass Who Couldn't Be Frightened
October 13, 2011 06:49 - 8 minutes - 13.4 MBIn this Scottish tale, a beautiful young girl lives alone in the forest and claims she doesn’t need a man to protect her. Although she is brave enough to take on a goblin, is there truly nothing that frightens her? From the book The Barefoot Book of Giants, Ghosts and Goblins, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna and narrated by Jerry Nelson.
The Patchwork Coat
October 06, 2011 06:47 - 12 minutes - 24 MBThis Jewish tale proves that looks can be deceiving, as a dirty, ragged old coat is worth more than could be imagined. From the book The Fabrics of Fairytale, retold and narrated by Tanya Robyn Batt, and illustrated by Rachel Griffin.
Daphnis and Chloe
September 29, 2011 06:03 - 16 minutes - 29.1 MBIn this tale from Ancient Greece, Daphnis must rescue his true love Chloe from the clutches of evil pirates. From the book The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Rebecca Guay and narrated by Juliet Stevenson.
Snowdrop
September 22, 2011 07:30 - 13 minutes - 26.1 MBIn this story that inspired the play As You like It, a young princess is chased out of her kingdom by a wicked king and must take refuge with a band of friendly thieves. From the book Shakespeare’s Storybook, retold and narrated by Patrick Ryan, and illustrated by James Mayhew.
Robin Hood and the Pirates
September 15, 2011 06:10 - 7 minutes - 13.5 MBIn search of adventure, Robin Hood leaves Sherwood Forest for a seaside vacation. Though the holiday is uneventful for the first few days, his journey takes an exciting turn when he sets sail on the high seas. From the book The Barefoot Book of Pirates, retold by Richard Walker, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Richard Hope.
The Old Woman Who was Right
September 08, 2011 07:14 - 10 minutes - 19.4 MBWhen her cranky husband complains about how she makes his oatmeal, an old woman challenges him to switch places for a day. From the book Grandmothers’ Stories, retold by Burleigh Mutén, illustrated by Siân Bailey and narrated by Olympia Dukakis.
The Boy Who Didn't Know
September 01, 2011 06:34 - 14 minutes - 24.3 MBIn this tale from Brittany, a young boy and his horse are set a series of seemingly impossible tasks by the King of France and his bride-to-be. From the book Tales from Celtic Lands, retold by Caitlín Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Niamh Cusack.
The Magic Porridge Pot
August 25, 2011 08:17 - 9 minutes - 17.7 MBAfter sharing some food with a hungry old woman, a little girl is rewarded for her generosity with a magical gift that can help many people when used correctly. From the book The Story Tree, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated by Sophie Fatus.
Robe of Feathers
August 18, 2011 09:04 - 7 minutes - 13.3 MBA Japanese maiden enchants a fisherman when she performs a powerful dance. From the book The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Helen Cann and narrated by Juliet Stevenson.
The Boy Who Rode to the Land of the Dead
August 11, 2011 06:30 - 17 minutes - 33 MBA young boy tries to find a way to reach the land of the dead to deliver a letter to the king’s father. From the book Magic Hoofbeats, retold by Josepha Sherman, illustrated by Linda Wingerter and narrated by Ellen Verenieks.
Coppelia
August 05, 2011 06:38 - 24 minutes - 43.9 MBWhen her fiancé breaks her heart, clever Swanilda plots her revenge and discovers Dr. Coppélius’s dark secret. From the book The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Rebecca Guay and narrated by Juliet Stevenson.
The Birdcage Husband
July 28, 2011 07:28 - 9 minutes - 18.7 MBAfter being tricked by a mysterious old woman, a princess must perform challenging feats to win back her husband in this story from central Asia. From the book The Barefoot Book of Princesses, retold by Caitlín Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Margaret Wolfson
Cap-o-rushes
July 21, 2011 06:01 - 13 minutes - 25.7 MBIn this story that inspired Shakespeare’s play King Lear, a banished princess disguises herself as a kitchen maid and catches the eye of a prince. From the book Shakespeare’s Storybook, retold and narrated by Patrick Ryan, and illustrated by James Mayhew.
The Kobald and the Pirates
July 13, 2011 08:39 - 7 minutes - 13.6 MBIn this German story, a cabin boy develops a friendship with an invisible sea spirit who holds great power. From the book The Barefoot Book of Pirates, retold by Richard Walker, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Richard Hope.
The Little Sweep
July 13, 2011 07:56 - 16 minutes - 26.8 MBIn this heartwarming tale of friendship, a group of children work together to free a downtrodden chimney sweep from his cruel masters. From the book The Barefoot Book of Stories from the Opera, retold by Shahrukh Husain, illustrated by James Mayhew and narrated by Miranda Richardson.
The Goblin, the Grocer and the Student
July 07, 2011 08:07 - 6 minutes - 10.3 MBIn this Danish story, a goblin becomes enchanted by the beauty and magic of poetry. From the book The Barefoot Book of Giants, Ghosts and Goblins, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna and narrated by Jerry Nelson.
Perronik the Fool
June 28, 2011 08:15 - 19 minutes - 36.6 MBThough he longs to become a knight, young Perronik must first work as a mere cowherd. When he uses his wits to outsmart his opponents, he proves that it has what it takes to be knighted. From the book The Barefoot Book of Knights, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna and narrated by Anthony Head.
Old Mother Holle
June 23, 2011 06:22 - 15 minutes - 29.8 MBTwo step-sisters learn the importance of helping others in this German folktale. From the book Grandmothers’ Stories, retold by Burleigh Mutén, illustrated by Siân Bailey and narrated by Olympia Dukakis.
The Feather Cloak
June 16, 2011 06:14 - 13 minutes - 24.9 MBEntranced by the beautiful spirit of Kanikani-aula, Eleio will stop at nothing to bring her back to life. From the book The Fabrics of Fairytale, retold and narrated by Tanya Robyn Batt, and illustrated by Rachel Griffin.
The Mightiest Mouse That Ever Nibbled Fat
June 09, 2011 06:21 - 6 minutes - 11.2 MBDetermined to make his mark on the world, a little mouse learns the importance of patience and perseverance in this Inuit story. From the book Tales of Mystery and Magic, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi.
Ashboy
June 02, 2011 08:56 - 13 minutes - 25.1 MB"In this story that inspired Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Ashboy’s wicked mother and uncle arrange the death of the king. Can Ashboy expose their crime before he too falls victim to one of their evil schemes? From the book Shakespeare’s Storybook, retold and narrated by Patrick Ryan, and illustrated by James Mayhew. "
Petit Jean and the White Horse
May 26, 2011 06:09 - 16 minutes - 30.8 MBWhen Jean runs away from home, he winds up the prisoner of an evil witch. His only chance of escape is to trust her white horse. From the book Magic Hoofbeats, retold by Josepha Sherman, illustrated by Linda Wingerter and narrated by Ellen Verenieks.
Oisín in Tír na nÓg
May 19, 2011 06:20 - 12 minutes - 22.9 MBOisín follows his beautiful bride to a land of everlasting youth but secretly pines for his homeland, Ireland. From the book Tales from Old Ireland, retold by Malachy Doyle, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey and narrated by Maura O’Connell.
The Mountain Princess
May 11, 2011 13:34 - 11 minutes - 21.5 MBMany men compete to the death for the hand of the beautiful—but cold—Princess Turandot. Will any of them be able to figure out the key to her mysterious riddles, and to her heart? Find out in this Persian story. From the book The Barefoot Book of Princesses, retold by Caitlín Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Margaret Wolfson.
The Strange Visitor
May 05, 2011 09:36 - 5 minutes - 10.1 MBIn this Scottish story, a lonely old lady wishes for a visitor. Little does she know that when one finally arrives, he will completely defy her expectations for a nice bit of company. From the book Tales of Mystery and Magic, retold by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi.
The Prince's Bedtime
April 28, 2011 06:26 - 5 minutes - 3.35 MBMeet a young prince who refuses to go to sleep! The entire kingdom comes out to lend a hand in this rhyming bedtime adventure. There is a hullabaloo of activity - jugglers juggling, magicians hypnotizing, dancers dancing - but it is the wonder of a good story that finally does the trick. Read by actor Jim Broadbent. From the book and CD, The Prince's Bedtime, written by Joanne Oppenheim, illustrated by Miriam Latimer.
The Beautiful Crone of Cordoba
April 14, 2011 06:17 - 9 minutes - 17.6 MBJoin actress and narrator Olympia Dukakis as she tells the tale of a kind, beautiful witch from the Mexican city of Cordoba who must use her magic and charm to get out of a sticky situation. From the book and CD, Grandmothers’ Stories, retold by Burleigh Mutén and illustrated by Siân Bailey.
Lone Boy and the Old Dun Horse
April 07, 2011 13:39 - 8 minutes - 15.2 MBAn orphan named Lone Boy teams up with a magical horse to protect his village in this Pawnee tale about kindness, bravery and respect. From the book and CD, Magic Hoofbeats, retold by Josepha Sherman, illustrated by Linda Wingerter, and narrated by Ellen Verenieks.
We All Go Traveling By
March 25, 2011 07:14 - 5 minutes - 10.2 MBRide along on the yellow school bus, and learn about different modes of transport—from planes and trains to trucks and boats! From the book We All Go Travelling By, written by Sheena Roberts, illustrated by Siobhan Bell and sung by Fred Penner.
Sleeping Beauty
March 25, 2011 06:49 - 22 minutes - 40 MBAfter being cursed by the wicked Carabosse, Princess Aurora waits for a handsome prince to wake her from her slumber in this classic fairytale. From the book The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Rebecca Guay and narrated by Juliet Stevenson.
The Little Bird Who Went Dancing
March 18, 2011 06:23 - 7 minutes - 13.8 MBRomantic Lawali longs to be with the beautiful Tiyoro, but in order to woo her he must completely transform himself. From the book The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Helen Cann, and narrated by Juliet Stevenson.
The Cailleach of the Snows
March 11, 2011 08:02 - 21 minutes - 34.8 MBWith the help of a talking bird, a young peasant girl conquers her evil mistress in this Scottish folktale about the changing of the seasons. From the book Tales from Celtic Lands, retold by Caitlin Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Niamh Cusack.
Son of an Otter, Son of a Wolf
March 04, 2011 06:20 - 15 minutes - 28.5 MBWith the help of a talking bird, a young peasant girl conquers her evil mistress in this Scottish folktale about the changing of the seasons. From the book Tales from Celtic Lands, retold by Caitlin Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Niamh Cusack.
The Silk Brocade
February 25, 2011 07:12 - 18 minutes - 34.1 MBAfter having her beautiful brocade ripped from her hands by a cruel wind, a devastated old woman puts her faith in her sons to retrieve the stolen masterpiece. From the book Fabrics of Fairytale, retold and narrated by Tanya Robyn Batt, and illustrated by Rachel Griffin.
The Blackbird and his Wife
February 18, 2011 06:25 - 7 minutes - 12.8 MBIn this Indian love story, a courageous blackbird recruits the help of a fox, some ants, and even a river while on the journey to save his wife from a cruel king. From the book Tales of Mystery and Magic, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi.
Orpheus and Eurydice
February 11, 2011 06:26 - 17 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this classic Greek legend, Orpheus faces the challenge of a lifetime when he must abide by strict rules issued by the god Amor in order to bring his wife, Eurydice, back from the Realm of the Dead. From the book The Barefoot Book of Stories from the Opera, retold by Shahrukh Husain, illustrated by James Mayhew and narrated by Miranda Richardson.
Little Lord Feather Frock
February 04, 2011 06:35 - 8 minutes - 4.56 MBWhen a villainous fox invades their happy forest home, a cat, a blackbird, and a rooster show the importance of friendship and cooperation in this Russian story. From the book The Story Tree, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated by Sophie Fatus.
The Sweetest Song
January 28, 2011 06:22 - 5 minutes - 9.49 MBPick flowers with Little Daughter on her journey to the far-side of the fence, but beware the talking wolf who lurks beyond the gate. From the book The Story Tree, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton, illustrated by Sophie Fatus.
The Crocodile's Blessing
January 21, 2011 06:36 - 15 minutes - 30.3 MBWe’ve all heard the classic story of Cinderella, but have you heard the Indonesian version that features a crocodile as the fairy godmother? Tune in to this memorable tale from the book and CD, The Fabrics of Fairy tale, retold and narrated by Tanya Robyn Batt, and illustrated by Rachel Griffin.