Stories for my kids
- Episodes
- 113
- Format
- Series – listen from the start
- Latest episode
- Jul 29, 2026
About the podcast
Bedtime stories to get your kids sleeping
Season 1 laurie reads stories by wonderful authors
Season 2 guest readers of our favorite stories, often featuring our daughters
Season 3 Laurie reads longer stories for an older crowd, 7-12 year olds.
Season 4 made-up stories. At bedtime my daughter asks for a story. She tells me the main character and off I go. 3-10 minute creatively imagined, stream of consciousness tales. Occasionally they also make up a story on their own.
License: Renditionstudios
Episodes 113
Simon and the Better Bone (w Jules and Ellie)
In Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor, a happy dog named Simon finds a great bone by a pond, but drops it into the water after trying to steal a "better bone" belonging to his own reflection. Realizing …
Show notes
In Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor, a happy dog named Simon finds a great bone by a pond, but drops it into the water after trying to steal a "better bone" belonging to his own reflection. Realizing his mistake, Simon generously shares a new bone with the water
Goldilocks and the Three Bears (w Ellie & Jules)
Goldilocks disobeys her mother's instructions and goes through the forest on her way to pick up muffins. She visits the home of the three bears while they are out, and a later confrontation with them really …
Show notes
Goldilocks disobeys her mother's instructions and goes through the forest on her way to pick up muffins. She visits the home of the three bears while they are out, and a later confrontation with them really scares her. Animated version of James Marshall's Caldecott Honor Book that revisits a familiar fairy tale.
Madeline’s rescue
In Madeline's Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans, the fearless little Parisian falls into the river and is saved by a brave stray dog named Genevieve. The twelve girls adopt the pup, but a strict trustee, Lord …
Show notes
In Madeline's Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans, the fearless little Parisian falls into the river and is saved by a brave stray dog named Genevieve. The twelve girls adopt the pup, but a strict trustee, Lord Cucuface, bans her from the school. They eventually find her after a city-wide search, and Genevieve surprises everyone by having twelve puppies—one for each girl.
Tabby McTat
Tabby McTat by Julia Donaldson is a heartwarming tale of friendship between a busker named Fred and his musical cat, Tabby. After being separated by an accident, both must navigate new lives, eventually …
Show notes
Tabby McTat by Julia Donaldson is a heartwarming tale of friendship between a busker named Fred and his musical cat, Tabby. After being separated by an accident, both must navigate new lives, eventually reuniting and expanding their family with a littlest kitten who carries on their musical legacy.
Corduroy (w Laurie & Jules)
In Don Freeman's 1968 classic, Corduroy, a small, lonely teddy bear wearing green overalls sits on a department store shelf waiting to be adopted. He is passed over because he is missing a shoulder button. He …
Show notes
In Don Freeman's 1968 classic, Corduroy, a small, lonely teddy bear wearing green overalls sits on a department store shelf waiting to be adopted. He is passed over because he is missing a shoulder button. He goes on a nighttime quest to find it, but instead discovers friendship and acceptance with a young girl named Lisa
The scarecrow (w Laurie & Jules)
A heartwarming and beautifully illustrated picture book about an imposing scarecrow who spends his days alone guarding the golden fields. His lonely life is changed forever when a fragile baby crow falls from …
Show notes
A heartwarming and beautifully illustrated picture book about an imposing scarecrow who spends his days alone guarding the golden fields. His lonely life is changed forever when a fragile baby crow falls from the sky. The scarecrow breaks his pole and saves the bird, leading to a tender, unlikely friendship that changes with the seasons. Fall.
Benji, the Bad Day, and Me (w Laurie & Jules)
In Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla, Sammy has a terrible day at school and feels ignored at home because his family is accommodating his autistic younger brother, Benji. However, Benji notices …
Show notes
In Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla, Sammy has a terrible day at school and feels ignored at home because his family is accommodating his autistic younger brother, Benji. However, Benji notices Sammy's sadness and unexpectedly comforts him by wrapping him up in a cozy "blue-blanket burrito," flipping the caretaking dynamic.
The Paper Bag Princess (w Laurie & Jules)
In The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, a clever princess named Elizabeth is set to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon destroys her castle, burns her clothes, and kidnaps the prince. Elizabeth dons a paper …
Show notes
In The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, a clever princess named Elizabeth is set to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon destroys her castle, burns her clothes, and kidnaps the prince. Elizabeth dons a paper bag, outwits the exhausted dragon, and rescues Ronald, who ungratefully criticizes her messy, unconventional appearance.
The Little Pea (w Laurie & Jules)
A green pea plant grows in a garden. Inside one pod, a small green pea decides that he is not going to be like all the other peas; he is going to be different. His journey leads him to meet a beautiful peacock …
Show notes
A green pea plant grows in a garden. Inside one pod, a small green pea decides that he is not going to be like all the other peas; he is going to be different. His journey leads him to meet a beautiful peacock, a ferocious tiger, and a noisy elephant. Each of these animals inspires Little Pea and he takes something from each of them back to the garden?but will the others accept Little Pea’s desire to be different?Full of humor and optimism, this touching story of a little pea is at once an adventure story and a celebration of uniqueness. The simple illustrations reinforce the strength and poetry of Battut’s signature style. Ages: 4?8.
Kindness Is (w Laurie & Jules)
Kenzie starts her first day at a new, welcoming elementary school painted with words of love. Her teacher assigns the class to write about what kindness means, and with her parents' help, Kenzie proudly shares …
Show notes
Kenzie starts her first day at a new, welcoming elementary school painted with words of love. Her teacher assigns the class to write about what kindness means, and with her parents' help, Kenzie proudly shares the true, empathetic meaning of kindness with her peers.
The man with the violin (w Ellie)
The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson is a children's picture book that tells the story of a little boy who notices a street musician playing exquisite music in a subway station. While his mother and the …
Show notes
The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson is a children's picture book that tells the story of a little boy who notices a street musician playing exquisite music in a subway station. While his mother and the busy crowds rush past without paying attention, Dylan is captivated by the beautiful melodies and tries to get the adults around him to stop and listen.
Sniffles for Bear
“The Sniffles for Bear" by Bonny Becker. In this humorous children's book, the curmudgeonly Bear gets a terrible cold and acts incredibly dramatic, prompting his relentlessly cheerful friend Mouse to step in …
Show notes
“The Sniffles for Bear" by Bonny Becker. In this humorous children's book, the curmudgeonly Bear gets a terrible cold and acts incredibly dramatic, prompting his relentlessly cheerful friend Mouse to step in and play nurse with stories, songs, and homemade soup.
Three Ninja Pigs (w Laurie & Jules)
The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz (illustrated by Dan Santat) is a fractured fairy tale told in playful limerick verse. In this fun martial-arts twist, three pigs tire of a bullying wolf and train in …
Show notes
The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz (illustrated by Dan Santat) is a fractured fairy tale told in playful limerick verse. In this fun martial-arts twist, three pigs tire of a bullying wolf and train in different disciplines. While the brothers quit early, the diligent third pig masters karate, ultimately saving the day
Mary wears what she wants (w Ellie)
Mary Wears What She Wants is a children's picture book by Keith Negley that highlights the true story of 19th-century trailblazer Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. It celebrates individuality, self-expression, and …
Show notes
Mary Wears What She Wants is a children's picture book by Keith Negley that highlights the true story of 19th-century trailblazer Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. It celebrates individuality, self-expression, and courage, gently challenging societal and gender norms by showing young readers they can choose to wear whatever makes them happy.
Otis and the Scarecrow (w Ellie)
In Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long, a friendly little tractor named Otis attempts to welcome a new, scowling scarecrow to the farm. When the scarecrow ignores the animals, he is left alone. Later, during a …
Show notes
In Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long, a friendly little tractor named Otis attempts to welcome a new, scowling scarecrow to the farm. When the scarecrow ignores the animals, he is left alone. Later, during a cold autumn rain, Otis feels sympathy for the lonely figure and sits quietly beside him, inspiring the other animals to join them.
Fauja Singh Keeps Going (w Ellie)
Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Run a Marathon by Simran Jeet Singh is an inspiring picture book biography. It chronicles the remarkable life of Fauja Singh, a British Sikh who …
Show notes
Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Run a Marathon by Simran Jeet Singh is an inspiring picture book biography. It chronicles the remarkable life of Fauja Singh, a British Sikh who overcame childhood disabilities and late-in-life tragedies to break world running records at age 100.
The book with no pictures (w Ellie)
The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak is an uproarious, interactive children's book that operates on one strict rule: the reader must say everything written on the page. Despite having no illustrations, it …
Show notes
The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak is an uproarious, interactive children's book that operates on one strict rule: the reader must say everything written on the page. Despite having no illustrations, it tricks the adult reader into saying utterly ridiculous, nonsensical words and singing silly songs, much to the delight of the child.
Super worm (w Ellie)
Superworm by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a fun rhyming picture book about a super-long, super-strong worm who acts as a beloved neighborhood superhero. He spends his days saving friends and playing …
Show notes
Superworm by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a fun rhyming picture book about a super-long, super-strong worm who acts as a beloved neighborhood superhero. He spends his days saving friends and playing games, until he is kidnapped by the evil Wizard Lizard to dig for hidden treasure.
Company’s going (w Ellie)
Company's Going by Arthur Yorinks and illustrated by David Small is a humorous children's picture book and the sequel to Company's Coming. In this space-faring adventure, an Earth couple travels to an alien …
Show notes
Company's Going by Arthur Yorinks and illustrated by David Small is a humorous children's picture book and the sequel to Company's Coming. In this space-faring adventure, an Earth couple travels to an alien planet to cater an extraterrestrial wedding, resulting in a hilarious clash of cultures
The Little Library (w Ellie)
Everyone in Mr. Tiffin's class couldn't be more excited that the new school library has finally opened. Everyone except Jake. Jake is a slow and careful reader. Sometimes he reads the same page more than once …
Show notes
Everyone in Mr. Tiffin's class couldn't be more excited that the new school library has finally opened. Everyone except Jake. Jake is a slow and careful reader. Sometimes he reads the same page more than once to figure everything out. And he often feels left behind on class Library Day. All that changes when Librarian Beck notices Jake running his fingers across the grooves of a brand-new bookshelf and offers him an old, worn book: Woodworking for Young Hands. Jake checks the book out, studies the pictures and instructions, and renews the book again and again. When the school year comes to an end, Jake has the perfect gift idea for the librarian who changed his life--and he makes it with his own two hands.
Oh, the Places You'll Go! (W Amy)
Oh, the Places You'll Go! is a classic Dr. Seuss book, first published in 1990, that serves as an inspirational graduation speech in verse, celebrating life's potential while acknowledging its challenges, from …
Show notes
Oh, the Places You'll Go! is a classic Dr. Seuss book, first published in 1990, that serves as an inspirational graduation speech in verse, celebrating life's potential while acknowledging its challenges, from high heights to "bang-ups and hang-ups". It encourages readers of all ages to embrace new phases of life, make their own choices, and find success through perseverance, making it a popular gift for graduates from kindergarten to college.
Dumbo the flying elephant (w Ryan)
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a classic Disney story and iconic theme park attraction. It follows a baby elephant who turns his exaggerated ears into a superpower. Mocked for his appearance, he overcomes …
Show notes
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a classic Disney story and iconic theme park attraction. It follows a baby elephant who turns his exaggerated ears into a superpower. Mocked for his appearance, he overcomes adversity with the help of a loyal mouse, learns to fly, and becomes a circus star.
We Don't Eat Our Classmates ( w Ms Malyskco)
We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins is a hilarious and sweet picture book about Penelope Rex, a little T-Rex who struggles to make friends because she keeps eating her human classmates.
Hattie and Hudson (w Ms Malyskco)
Hattie and Hudson by Chris Van Dusen is a children's picture book that tells the story of an adventurous girl named Hattie who befriends a misunderstood, enormous lake monster she names Hudson. The story …
Show notes
Hattie and Hudson by Chris Van Dusen is a children's picture book that tells the story of an adventurous girl named Hattie who befriends a misunderstood, enormous lake monster she names Hudson. The story explores themes of overcoming prejudice, acceptance, and looking past appearances.
Penguinaut! (w Ellie)
Penguinaut!, by Marcie Colleen and illustrated by Emma Yarlett, is an inspiring picture book about a little zoo penguin named Orville. Tired of being left out of his larger friends' big adventures, Orville …
Show notes
Penguinaut!, by Marcie Colleen and illustrated by Emma Yarlett, is an inspiring picture book about a little zoo penguin named Orville. Tired of being left out of his larger friends' big adventures, Orville builds a spaceship to fly to the moon, only to discover that the most meaningful adventures are those shared with friends.
Officer Buckle and Gloria (w Ellie)
Officer Buckle and Gloria is a popular children's book by Peggy Rathmann that tells the story of a dedicated but boring police officer who gives safety presentations. His speeches are completely transformed …
Show notes
Officer Buckle and Gloria is a popular children's book by Peggy Rathmann that tells the story of a dedicated but boring police officer who gives safety presentations. His speeches are completely transformed when a lively police dog named Gloria secretly pantomimes the dangers and hilarious results of the safety tips behind his back.
Those Darn Squirrels
Those Darn Squirrels! by Adam Rubin is a humorous children's picture book about a grumpy old man named Old Man Fookwire who loves to paint birds. When the birds fly south for the winter, he tries to keep them …
Show notes
Those Darn Squirrels! by Adam Rubin is a humorous children's picture book about a grumpy old man named Old Man Fookwire who loves to paint birds. When the birds fly south for the winter, he tries to keep them around by building elaborate bird feeders, leading to a hilarious battle of wits with clever, thieving squirrels who want the food.
The house that Jack Built
The traditional children’s rhyme "The House That Jack Built" has been adapted into several picture books. Generally, these editions receive 4 to 5-star ratings online from early childhood educators and parents …
Show notes
The traditional children’s rhyme "The House That Jack Built" has been adapted into several picture books. Generally, these editions receive 4 to 5-star ratings online from early childhood educators and parents, who praise their rhythmic, repetitive text that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Miss Nelson is Missing
The classic children's book Miss Nelson Is Missing! by Harry Allard follows a class of unruly students who treat their kind teacher with disrespect. When Miss Nelson mysteriously disappears, she is replaced by …
Show notes
The classic children's book Miss Nelson Is Missing! by Harry Allard follows a class of unruly students who treat their kind teacher with disrespect. When Miss Nelson mysteriously disappears, she is replaced by the strict Miss Viola Swamp, who assigns piles of homework and forces the kids to behave.
Caps for Sale
"Caps for Sale" is a classic children's picture book about a cap peddler who balances his entire inventory on his head. After mischievous monkeys steal his hats while he naps, the clever peddler uses the …
Show notes
"Caps for Sale" is a classic children's picture book about a cap peddler who balances his entire inventory on his head. After mischievous monkeys steal his hats while he naps, the clever peddler uses the monkeys' natural habit of imitation to trick them into returning the caps
These are the latest 60 of 113 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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