The Devil's Bet

The Devil's Bet

Author: Barefoot Books October 24, 2012 Duration: 16:11
In the story that inspired Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” a woodsman named Jamie marries the beautiful but grumpy Nora. The Nicky Nicky Nye, a water demon, bets that Nora won’t last a week. From the collection Shakespeare's Storybook, retold by Patrick Ryan and illustrated by James Mayhew.

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
Fair, Brown and Trembling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:30
In this old Irish version of Cinderella, the king’s oldest daughters, Fair and Brown, forbid their younger sister, Trembling, from attending Sunday mass for fear that she will attract a husband before they do. From the b…
Monkey and Papa God [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:59
In this Haitian story, a monkey mistakenly believes the word misery to mean honey, and asks Papa God to give him more. From the book Tales of Wisdom & Wonder, retold and narrated by Hugh Lupton, and illustrated Niamh Sha…
Terror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:43
In this traditional tale from north India, a young king must find a hallowed horse to help squash rebellious chieftains who refuse to serve him. From the book Magic Hoofbeats, retold by Josepha Sherman, illustrated by Li…
The Horned Snake's Wife [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:36
In this Iroquois story, a picky young woman turns away all of the suitors in her village and leaves her home to become the wife of a mysterious stranger. From the book The Barefoot Book of Princesses, retold by Caitlín M…
Whole World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:53
Sing around the planet with Fred Penner, from high in the mountains to low in the valleys, in every town and every city, and with all the fish and birds, trees and flowers! From the book Whole World, illustrated by Chris…
Pirate Grace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:06
Find out what happens to a brazen chieftain when he crosses the notorious Grace O’Malley, the most famous pirate in Ireland. From the book The Barefoot Book of Pirates, retold by Richard Walker, illustrated by Olwyn Whel…
Yogodayu and the Army of Bees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:06
When a Japanese samurai helps save the life of a bee, he finds an unlikely ally in a fierce battle to defend his lands from his brother-in-law. From the book The Barefoot Book of Knights, retold by John Matthews, illustr…
The Timid Hare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:58
A hare mistakenly believes that the earth is falling apart and causes widespread panic amongst the animals of the jungle. From the book Storytime, retold by Stella Blackstone, illustrated by Anne Wilson and narrated by J…
The Faeries and the Cake Baker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:12
Everyone loves the cakes Margaret makes, including faeries. Fed up with not even being able to enjoy leftover crumbs, the faeries decide to kidnap her so she can make them cake for all eternity. From the book The Barefoo…
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…