Journey with Story

Welcome to my children’s storytelling podcast.

My name is Kathleen T. Pelley and I am a picture book author, storyteller, and speaker.

I was born in Glasgow, Scotland, a country famous for its heather dappled mountains, lochs, tartan, shaggy highland cattle, soggy summer days, and of course – a veritable treasure chest of stories.

My own passion for stories stemmed before I could even read or write, by listening to them on the radio during the BBC Children’s Story Hour. It was there that I fell in love with the music of our language and the magic of stories.

I hope you will find some stories here to enchant your children into the marvelous world of STORY!

The Magic Tree

When a terrible drought covers the plains of Africa, the animals discover a magic tree filled with ripe, juicy fruits, but they cannot reach the fruit until they discover the name of the tree. A retelling of a Bantu folktale.

The Tiger’s Whisker

A young woman uses her experience with a wild tiger to gain the love of her new stepson.

The Frog Bride

When a young prince befriends an ugly toad who helps him complete the three tasks his mother has given him, he makes a surprising discovery. A fresh take on the familiar tale of The Frog Prince.

The Jumblies

A delightful nonsense poem about some colorful creatures who set out on an adventure across the sea in a….sieve.

The Boy Who Drew Cats

A Japanese folktale, translated by Lafcadio Hearn about a boy who is obsessed with drawing cats and ends up saving the temple from a fierce goblin when the cats he draws come to life. This slightly spooky tale is best for children aged 8-10.

The Brave Little Tailor

After killing seven flies in one stroke, a little tailor is inspired to set off into the world to seek his fortune. Shortened and adapted by Kathleen from the original Grimm’s fairy tale.

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod

Originally titled, “Dutch Lullaby,” this poem is a fantasy bedtime story about three children sailing and fishing among the stars from a boat which is a wooden shoe.

Moses

When a girl discovers a stray dog beside a river, she calls him Moses, takes him home and they become the best of friends, until….one day the girl rescues another stray – a little gray kitten, which causes Moses to become very jealous. A gentle story about love and friendship – originally published in Hopscotch magazine.

The Pobble Who Has No Toes

A delightful nonsense poem by Edward Lear about a made-up creature called a Pobble and how he happens to lose his toes.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

The beloved Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore also called A Visit from Saint Nicholas.

The Elves and The Shoemaker

A Christmas fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm about a poor shoemaker who receives help from a pair of kind and clever elves.

Why The Evergreen Trees Keep Their Leaves

An old Christmas Fairy Tale that explains why the leaves of the spruce, pine, and juniper trees area always green.

How Anansi Became Keeper of All Stories

A tale from Africa about a famous trickster called Anansi who takes the shape of a spider.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Written by Beatrix Potter, The Tale of Peter Rabbit is about a brave, but somewhat naughty bunny, who disobeys his mother by venturing into Mr. McGregor’s garden, where he narrowly escapes danger.

The King has Horses Ears

Long ago in Ireland, there once was a king who had horse’s ears. He manages to keep his misfortune a secret by growing his hair long and only having it cut once a year by a barber, who was then put to death. But, when a poor widow’s son is chosen to be his new barber, the King agrees to let him live, provided he never tell a living soul what he has seen.

Fair Brown and Trembling

Every Sunday, poor Trembling is left alone to clean and cook, while her two sisters, Fair and Brown, go off to church wearing their finest clothes. But when an old henwife pays her a visit, Trembling finds herself wearing a dazzling dress and riding off to church on a milk white mare. Now all the men, from the king to the poorest beggar want to meet her.

The Tale of Custard the Dragon

A humorous poem by Ogden Nash about a little girl called Belinda who lives in a little white house with a black kitten, a gray mouse, a little yellow dog, a little red wagon and a little pet dragon.

How the Camel Got His Hump

A classic tale by Rudyard Kipling, set in long ago Arabia that explains how the camel got his hump.

Maggie the Farmer’s Daughter

Originally published in Cricket Magazine, and written by Kathleen T. Pelley, this is the story of a young girl who uses her gift of storytelling to make a long road short and a king’s heart sing.

Introduction to Journey with Story

Scottish author and storyteller, Kathleen T. Pelley, shares a sample of her storytelling podcast for ages 4-10.

Original music and arrangements by Colette Jonas