Barefoot Books Podcast

In this Irish folktale, four children are transformed into swans by their evil stepmother and cursed to remain that way for nine hundred years. From the book Tales from Old Ireland, retold by Malachy Doyle, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey and narrated by Maura O’Connell.

Before giving birth to the sun god's children, Ruditdidit learns of the healing powers of dance from the goddess Isis. 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.

In this story that inspired Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice, a foolish young man makes a deal he cannot keep and must rely on the duke’s daughter to save him. From the book Shakespeare’s Storybook, retold and narrated by Patrick Ryan, and illustrated by James Mayhew.

In this ancient Irish tale, the clever and beautiful Oona uses her wits to save her husband’s life after he is threatened by the fearsome giant Cuchulainn. From the book The Barefoot Book of Giants, Ghosts and Goblins, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna, and narrated by Jerry Nelson.

A vain princess refuses to give a bird a strand of her beautiful golden hair to help build its nest and ends up cursed. Will anyone be able to break the spell that has made the princess bald? From the book The Barefoot Book of Princesses, retold by Caitlín Matthews, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Margaret Wolfson.

Prince Tamino finds himself drawn into a quest to find the kidnapped Princesses Pamina in this retelling of Mozart’s famous opera. From the book The Barefoot Book of Stories from the Opera, retold by Shahrukh Husain, illustrated by James Mayhew and narrated by Miranda Richardson.

Though he’s one of the bravest and most courageous knights in the land, Ilya Murom of Rus proves himself to be a true hero through his good deeds he performs for others. From the book The Barefoot Book of Knights, retold by John Matthews, illustrated by Giovanni Manna, and narrated by Anthony Head.

After his fellow monks flee the abbey, sleeping Brother John is left as the only guard of their treasured bells. Will he be able to defend their home and precious belongings from thieving pirates all by himself? From the book The Barefoot Book of Pirates, retold by Richard Walker, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan and narrated by Richard Hope.

With the help of beautiful and clever Anaeet, Prince Vachagan uses his wits and his newfound trade to outsmart his evil captors in this Armenian love story. From the book The Fabrics of Fairytale, retold and narrated by Tanya Robyn Batt, and illustrated by Rachel Griffin.

With the help of a magical fairy, beautiful and kindhearted Cinderella attends a royal ball in disguise. 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.

In 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.

A 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 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.

Will 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.

After 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.

To 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.

After 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.

In 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 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.

In 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.