Various Fairy Tales
Fairy tales from the world over including some of the famous English stories such as, Dicking Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Three Little Pigs. Also some very sweet stories from Japan.
The Demon Cat
AN Irish story about a spooky cat who demands fish ( by Lady Wilde )
How Anansi Brought Wild Animals into the World
Anansi, the anti-hero of West African folklore, refuses to follow instructions.
Katie and the Stray Dog
Katie helps an injured dog and invites him to stay in the house - but her magical and mischievous cat, Solomon, is not happy about her decision - and makes life difficult for the poor mutt ! Read the full text of Katie and the Stray Dog and see our…
The Doctor and the Fairy Princess
A doctor is called in the middle of the night to help a fairy princess. Will his reward make him rich or a prisoner of the fairy folk?
The Wheelie People
An unusual story from Ancient Greece about the meaning of love, originally told in Plato's Symposium.
4, Herodotus, the Burnt Temple
King Alyattes of Lydia is at war with the Greek city of Miletus. His soldiers accidentally burn down a temple of Athena. Alyattes falls ill. Coincidence? Or the curse of the Greek Goddess?
The Wicked, Wicked Polar Bear
A story that blows hot, cold and scorching, is one of the winners of our Children's writing competition. How would you like to go to the Arctic? asks Uncle Jeff to the Kids - Of course they would !
The Boy Who Loved to Draw Cats
A boy is training to be a zen monk in Japan. Life in the monastery is hard. There is one thing he loves to do - and it is not to study or work in the garden.
01: Uncle Christmas
Uncle Christmas is the younger brother of Father Christmas, otherwise known as Santa. He rides a motor trike, plays the guitar, and lives near Venice Beach. His life is seems perfect - but there is one thing missing. He wants to help his older brother deliver the presents. Read the…
Astropup and the Dog Master
Who is the strange character who looks a little like a human, but who has the smell of a dog? Astropup reveals all.
A Spooky Irish Story
For Halloween, a spooky story from Ireland about some witches with horns growing from their heads.
High Flight
A soaring poem written during World War II by a Spitfire pilot.
Thor’s Wedding
Thor the Thunder is often pictured carrying his hammer called Mjolnir, which he uses as a battle axe. In this Norse Myth, he has to dress up as a girl.
The Prehistoric Christmas Present – Competition Winner
Way back in time, a boy receives a pet as a present - but his mother says he can't keep it because it will grow, and grow and grow - one of the winners in our "best and worst" present competition .Read the full text of The Prehistoric Christmas Present…
The Night Before Christmas
The classic Christmas poem with festive music
2, Herodotus, Arion and the Dolphin
The remarkable story of a dolphin saving a man - but is it true?
The Evil Mouse
An old French story about an evil mouse who orders a young girl to play with fire.
In the Bleak Mid-Winter
In the bleak mid-winter Frosty wind made moan. The words have been used for a traditional carol, but they were originally a Christmas poem by Christina Rossetti. Listen to them read aloud by Natasha.
Beauty and the Beast Shorter Version
Do appearances matter? Or is the heart within the most important of all qualities? The classic tale.
Lady Bird, Lady Bird
Ladybird, Ladybird Fly away home! Your house is on fire, And your children all roam, Except little Nan, Who sits in her pan, Weaving her laces as fast as she can. Read by Natasha