Old Mother Holle

Old Mother Holle

Author: Barefoot Books June 23, 2011 Duration: 15:45
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.

Each week, the Barefoot Books Podcast opens a treasure chest of audio for young listeners and their families. You'll find a gentle, curated mix of narrated stories and songs, all drawn from the publisher's beloved collection. As an independent creator of children's media, Barefoot Books has a knack for blending timeless tales with contemporary warmth, and that same careful craftsmanship shines through in this audio format. The selections are more than just entertainment; they're little bridges to different cultures and traditions, offering classic folktales, playful poems, and melodic tunes that carry a sense of wisdom and wonder. It’s a space for shared quiet time or imaginative play, where the rhythm of a good story takes center stage. Tuning into this podcast feels like a natural extension of curling up with a beautifully illustrated book, but for your ears. The result is a listening experience that feels both fresh and familiar, designed to spark curiosity and a love for narrative in its youngest audience while providing a moment of connection for the whole family.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Barefoot Books Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Children of Lir [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:07
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 b…
When the Goddess Danced [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:35
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, illus…
A Bargain is a Bargain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:24
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 n…
Oona and the Giant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:24
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, r…
The Princess who Lost her Hair [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:14
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 B…
The Magic Flute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:58
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, ill…
The Three Journeys of Ilya Murom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:14
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…
The Abbey Bells [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:43
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…
Clever Anaeet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:07
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…
Cinderella [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:28
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 Re…