Barefoot Books Podcast

Though 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.

In 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.

This 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

When 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.

In 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.

After 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.

A 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.

A 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.

When 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.

After 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

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

Though 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.

Two 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.

Entranced 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.