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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Never Trust a Pelican
January 11, 2011 14:22 - 9 minutes - 18.6 MBHave you ever been outsmarted by a pelican? Find out how a group of animals living in a lake were tricked by their old friend the pelican in this story from Thailand. From the book and CD, The Barefoot Book of Animal Tales, retold and narrated by Naomi Adler and illustrated by Amanda Hall.
Who Lives in the Skull?
January 07, 2011 06:33 - 4 minutes - 7.86 MBHow many animals can fit into one old skull? Find out in this tale of a group of animals who all try to make the empty skull their home. From the book, Tales of Mystery and Magic, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton and illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi.
The Faery's Gift
December 22, 2010 07:28 - 11 minutes - 18.4 MBWhat happens when a generous woodcutter rescues a faerie and receives a wish in return? He must then decide whether to use it to help himself, his wife or his mother and father. From the book and CD, The Faerie’s Gift, retold by Tanya Robyn Batt, illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli and narrated by Niamh Cusack.
The Nutcracker
December 17, 2010 06:33 - 18 minutes - 33.8 MBFind out if young Clara and the nutcracker can defeat the evil Mouse King in the Land of Sweets in the classic Christmas tale, The Nutcracker. From the book and CD, 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 Ship of Bones
December 09, 2010 08:08 - 7 minutes - 13.2 MBGet ready to be spooked in this story about a shipwrecked crew that seeks shelter on a boat only to find out that their new shipmates are skeletons. From the book and CD, The Barefoot Book of Pirates, retold by Richard Walker, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Richard Hope.
The Beggar Princess
December 03, 2010 05:35 - 11 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this story from China, Mo Chi is a learned scholar who takes advantage of his loving wife as she helps him rise to power, but he will soon learn the error of his ways in this story of The Beggar Princess's courage. From the book and CD, The Barefoot Book of Princesses, retold by Caitlín Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Margaret Wolfson.
The Hill of Roses
November 24, 2010 07:45 - 15 minutes - 29.8 MBMeet Romeus and Julietta and find out if their love can overcome hatred in this story that inspired Shakespeare's most famous romance, Romeo and Juliet. From the book and CD, Shakespeare's Storybook, narrated by Patrick Ryan, illustrated by James Mayhew.
The Twelve Dancing Princess-The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories
November 17, 2010 07:58 - 16 minutes - 30 MBJoin actress and narrator Juliet Stevenson as she tells the story of a soldier’s kindness to a mysterious old lady that just may give him the key to solving the mystery of the twelve dancing princesses. From the book and CD, The Barefoot Book of Dance Stories, written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Helen Cann.
The Animal Boogie
November 10, 2010 06:40 - 5 minutes - 2.82 MBCan you boogie along with acclaimed performer Fred Penner? Down in the Indian jungle, the children and animals are learning about actions like leaping, stomping, shaking and flapping while meeting different jungle creatures. From the book and CD, The Animal Boogie, illustrated by Debbie Harter.
The Real Princess
November 03, 2010 08:17 - 14 minutes - 8.12 MBNarrated by actress Juliet Stevenson, this quirky take on "The Princess and the Pea" combines story and math skills. The King and Queen and their three sons are on the search for a real princess, but it is only the Queen who knows the secret. From the book and CD, The Real Princess: A Mathemagical Tale, written by Brenda Williams, illustrated by Sophie Fatus.
Jack and the Beanstalk
October 20, 2010 15:51 - 11 minutes - 6.53 MBClimb the beanstalk with Jack in this quirky take on the traditional tale. When there is no food in the cupboard, Jack goes to market to sell Daisy the cow. But rather than money, Jack procures magic beans and the promise of adventure. Read by Richard Hope. From the book and CD, Jack and the Beanstalk, written by Richard Walker, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey.
Incy Wincy Spider from Playtime Rhymes for Little People
October 04, 2010 20:53 - 2 minutes - 1.11 MBFollow the incy wincy spider as it climbs up the water spout. But you may want to stand back once the rain begins to fall! Sung by Susan Reed. From the book and CD Playtime Rhymes for Little People, illustrated by Clare Beaton.
Magic Train Ride
October 04, 2010 20:34 - 5 minutes - 2.98 MBHop aboard the magic train for a journey across many lands, deep down under the sea, and even up to space. This is a wonderful journey you will never forget. All aboard! Sung by Sally Crabtree. From the book and CD Magic Train Ride, written by Sally Crabtree, illustrated by Sonia Esplugas.
El Mundo
September 29, 2010 15:21 - 3 minutes - 2.12 MBSing along in Spanish about the wonders of our precious planet, from the trees in the forest to the fish in the ocean. You can connect with the whole wide, wonderful world and rejoice in the marvels of the environment. Sung by Javier Mendoza. From the book and CD El Mundo, illustrated by Christopher Corr.
Driving my Tractor
September 21, 2010 22:41 - 4 minutes - 2.32 MBChug along with a happy farmer who has one cow, two donkeys, three pigs, four sheep and five chickens in the trailer hitched to his tractor. What will happen when that trailer hits a stone? Rhyme and repetition present colors and counting in this delightful singalong. Sung by SteveSongs. From the book Driving my Tractor, written by Jan Dobbins, illustrated by David Sim.
Rhymes Combo
September 14, 2010 21:45 - 4 minutes - 2.49 MBTouch your head, shoulders, knees and toes – then your eyes, ears, mouth and nose! Susan Reed is back this week, with a whole bunch of familiar rhymes to sing and say. Performed by Susan Reed. From the book and CD Playtime Rhymes for Little People, illustrated by Clare Beaton.
The Wheels
August 31, 2010 18:53 - 2 minutes - 1.35 MBFollow the wheels on the bus as they go round and round. The repetition, sounds, humor and familiarity of this rhyme combine to keep children asking to hear it “just one more time!” Sung by Susan Reed. From the book and CD Playtime Rhymes for Little People, illustrated by Clare Beaton.
Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose Remembers
August 25, 2010 18:17 - 4 minutes - 2.5 MBSing along with these well known nursery rhymes, including “Humpty Dumpty”, “Bah Bah Black Sheep”, “Three Blind Mice” and more. Sung by Dave Townsend, Caroline Butler, Charles Spencer and Nick Hooper. From the book and CD Mother Goose Remembers, illustrated by Clare Beaton.
Juan y los frijoles magicos
August 18, 2010 05:25 - 13 minutes - 7.35 MBListen to Jack’s adventures “en español” this week. When this spirited boy turns his simple errand into a voyage beyond the clouds, his mother is understandably miffed. Will Jack’s independent spirit land him in trouble? Or will everything work out for this imaginative boy? Read by Pedro Sabino. From the book and CD Juan y los frijoles, written by Richard Walker, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey.
Counting Rhymes
August 11, 2010 17:22 - 5 minutes - 3.03 MBGet your ducks in a row this week with playful counting rhymes and songs that introduce numbers. Includes “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”, “Five Currant Buns”, and more. Sung by Susan Reed. From the book and CD Playtime Rhymes for Little People, illustrated by Clare Beaton.
Walking through the Jungle
August 04, 2010 05:40 - 2 minutes - 1.64 MBHike through the rainforest, scale a mountain, swim across the ocean, and still make it home for dinner. Rhyme and repetition make learning fun in this selection that teaches actions, animal sounds and exotic settings around the world. Sung by Fred Penner. From the book and CD, Walking through the Jungle, written by Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Debbie Harter.
The Farmyard Jamboree
July 28, 2010 05:05 - 7 minutes - 4.09 MBSing and dance along with a young boy who introduces different members of his family along with a new farmyard animal and animal baby in every verse of this rollicking song, inspired by a Chilean folk tale. The toe-tapping story offers a playful way to practice counting skills. Sung by Bob King. From the book and CD, The Farmyard Jamboree, written by Margaret Read MacDonald, illustrated by Sophie Fatus.
The Little Red Hen
July 21, 2010 05:07 - 4 minutes - 2.32 MBShould the little red hen share her bread with her lazy companions, even if they have not helped her to plant, cut, thresh or mill the wheat, nor make the flour or bake the bread? Find out in this funny but poignant tale, read by author Hugh Lupton. From the book and CD, The Story Tree: Tales to Read Aloud, illustrated by Sophie Fatus.
The Ugly Duckling
July 14, 2010 05:06 - 7 minutes - 4.27 MBWatch what happens as a misfit duckling tries to find his place in the world. Will he ever figure out where he fits in? Read by actor Jim Broadbent. From the book and CD, Storytime: First Tales for Sharing, written by Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Anne Wilson.
Dragon on the Doorstep
July 07, 2010 05:58 - 2 minutes - 1.48 MBA playful hide-and-seek game with a dragon, a crocodile, a gorilla and all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures. The rhyming lyrics explore familiar rooms of the house, and encourages imaginative play. From the book and CD, Dragon on the Doorstep, written by Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Debbie Harter, sung by Fred Penner.
If You're Happy and You Know It!
June 30, 2010 09:15 - 3 minutes - 2.13 MBClap your hands and sing along to this fresh take on a traditional singalong. The multicultural version of this early learner encourages action and imagination. Sung by Susan Reed. From the book and CD, If You're Happy and You Know It!, adapted by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Sophie Fatus.
Winter King, Summer Queen
June 23, 2010 10:10 - 10 minutes - 6.17 MBEnter the Land of Icy Darkness and the Land of the Flaming Sun and discover how their people learn to share the Earth, and how the rotating seasons of winter and summer are born. This imaginative story demonstrates the importance of balance, community and sharing. Read by Ellen Verenieks. From the book and CD, Winter King, Summer Queen, written by Mary Lister, illustrated by Diana Mayo.
Stone Soup
June 16, 2010 05:00 - 7 minutes - 3.98 MBTravel into the dark and snowy night to meet the big brown wolf, who has a very special recipe. This clever story about the power of community is read by actor Jim Broadbent. From the book and CD, Storytime: First Tales for Sharing, written by Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Anne Wilson.
Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
June 09, 2010 05:00 - 3 minutes - 1.71 MBFind out how four children from Mali, Europe, India and China go through their morning routines. The catchy song encourages creative movement and imagination, while focusing on familiar habits. Sung by Fred Penner. From the book and CD, Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush, illustrated by Sophie Fatus.
The House that Jack Built
June 02, 2010 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.8 MBFind out all about the house that Jack built in this traditional story that uses repetition and rhyme to make for a great read aloud that gathers pace and complexity as it tumbles across the page. Narrated by Ellen Verenieks. From the book and CD, The House that Jack Built, illustrated by Diana Mayo.
The Gingerbread Man
May 26, 2010 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.68 MBCatch him if you can! The gingerbread man is on the run in this quirky tale read by actor Jim Broadbent; he may be fast, but he is also about to learn an important lesson about taunting. From the book and CD, Storytime: First Tales for Sharing, written by Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Anne Wilson.
The Journey Home from Grandpa's
May 19, 2010 08:40 - 3 minutes - 2 MBHop in the yellow car and look out for all the other forms of transportation on the way home from Grandpa's. This singalong features cars, trucks, diggers and more, and introduces colors as well. Sung by Fred Penner. From the book and CD, The Journey Home from Grandpa's, written by Jemima Lumley, illustrated by Sophie Fatus.
Three Billy Goats Gruff
May 12, 2010 05:57 - 7 minutes - 4.4 MBJoin the three billy goats gruff in a lively romp as they trip-trap over a rickety bridge, take on a hungry troll, and journey to where the grass is greener. The repetitive text in this simple story imparts the all-in-it-together message. Narrated by Ellen Verenieks. From the book and CD, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, written by Mary Finch, illustrated by Roberta Arenson.
Monkey-See Monkey Do
May 05, 2010 05:01 - 4 minutes - 2.69 MBDid you know that what a monkey sees, a monkey does? In this humorous tale, a hat seller finds out just that when he pushed his cart through the Indian jungle one day, and came across a tree-full of monkeys who very much liked his hats! Read by author Hugh Lupton. From the book and CD The Story Tree: Tales to Read Aloud, illustrated by Sophie Fatus.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
April 28, 2010 05:14 - 5 minutes - 2.86 MBFollow Goldilocks as she ventures to the house of the three bears, and learns an important lesson about respecting the property of others. Narrated by actor Jim Broadbent, this story uses humor, drama and repetition to keep readers entertained. From the book and CD collection, Storytime: First Tales for Sharing, written by Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Anne Wilson.