Storytime Anytime 4U: Recent Episodes
Cynthia
Children's stories whenever you're in the mood for one. Classic tales and poems as well as original works can be found here. Expand your world through the magic of books.
Send us a text
The 12th in the Zapato Power series by Jacqueline Jules, Freddie becomes a scientist and conducts tests to see if yellow gloves increase his strength. Listen to learn what happens by the end of the book.
Send us a text
The 12th in the Zapato Power series by Jacqueline Jules, Freddie becomes a scientist and conducts tests to see if yellow gloves increase his strength.
Send us a text
Two original offerings from Cynthia, who recently published Decades: Journeying Through Life. The book is a collection of poems about the ups, downs, and in-betweens of life and what can sustain us through it all. This book is available in the US and in many global Amazon markets in paperback and ebook formats.
Send us a text
Written by Cynthia Cobb, this is new content for Storytime Anytime 4U. Thanks so much for continuing to listen to your favorite episodes! We are humbled and so very grateful.
Send us a text
Just in case you skipped listening to this in our first year of podcasting. There's a second episode sharing some fun peacock facts we relaunched today as well.
Send us a text
Provided by Jacqueline Jules, you may also want to listen to Feathers for Peacock.
Send us a text
Written by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, and read by members of our reading community, enjoy this story in honor of Earth Day. Thanks, Cruz, Gerald, Jeanne, and Taylor for reading!
Send us a text
The story of No Sam!, the Petersons, and others concludes. This book is written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Mike Lowery.
Send us a text
The story of No Sam!, the Petersons, and others continues. This book is written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Mike Lowery.
Send us a text
The story of No Sam!, the Petersons, and others continues. This book is written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Mike Lowery.
Send us a text
It's a special episode on this St. Patrick's Day. May you enjoy this Drew Daywalt/Oliver Jeffers story!
Send us a text
This is a book from the very popular Drew Daywalt. Book is illustrated by Mike Lowery.
Send us a text
Might be a good episode to enjoy if you need to settle down for a nap or for the night.
Send us a text
New readings coming to you this month. In the meantime, enjoy this relaunch from our first year of Storytime Anytime 4 U. The book was illustrated by Olivier Tallec and written by Drew Daywalt, one of our listeners' favorites.
Send us a text
Sharing another podcast episode from our first year. New stories are coming soon!
Send us a text
First launched in June 2020, we are bringing this story to your attention, Listeners. Looking forward to bringing you new stories and poems soon!
Send us a text
We know listeners LOVE the Drew Daywalt Crayon books. We want to bring to your attention this fun/funny story. We first brought it to you in 2020, our first year of Storytime Anytime 4U. How we wish Drew would write another book featuring Huggie and Stick!!
Send us a text
Two perspectives on the current season. Which resonates more with you? Have any other reasons you'd add to your choice?
Send us a text
You made it to the end of the story! Thanks for listening to The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
Send us a text
We are almost to the end this classic tale. Just one more episode after this one and we'll find out if Dorothy makes it back to Kansas with Toto along for the ride.
Send us a text
Continuing the classic tale. See what's next for Dorothy and her new friends.
Send us a text
We apologize for our November technical difficulties. Thanks for your grace. This is the a new recording of our 11/7/24 episode.
Send us a text
We apologize for several of our recent episodes that could not be heard after they had been published. This is a fresh recording of the classic tale, The Wizard of Oz. Additional chapters will be brought to you over several episodes. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Send us a text
First shared in 2020, we thought this would be a good story for this US Thanksgiving weekend.
Send us a text
What could Happy Jack be doing that he has no time for his pal Peter Rabbit?
Send us a text
Peter Rabbit is on a quest for information. Will Ol' Mistah Buzzard be able to help?
Independence Day was just celebrated in the US. We're relaunching one of our 2021 episodes for your in 2024.
We continue our journey through The Adventures of Peter Cottontail. This collection of short stories was written by Thomas Burgess.
We continue our journey through The Adventures of Peter Cottontail. This collection of short stories was written by Thomas Burgess.
We begin our journey through The Adventures of Peter Cottontail. This collection of short stories was written by Thomas Burgess.
Thank you, Frank and Sleeping Bear Press, for giving SA4U permission to read this book and others by Frank. Today's book was illustrated by Karla Harren.
An original poem by Cynthia Cobb. This episode also includes tips for how adults can encourage children in their lives to read.
"The First Snow" by Evaleen Stein, "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost, and "The Snow Storm" by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
An original work - "Winter is Coming" - by Cynthia Cobb plus "A December Day" by Robert Fuller Murray, and Evaleen Stein's "The First Sleigh Ride" as well as "Sleigh Bells",
It's the fourth adventure we're reading for you. Uncle Wiggly and his young friend Billie Bushytail are exploring the woods.
Uncle Wiggly is on vacation and having another adventure. Will he be able to escape capture by two alligator brothers?
Dr. Possum has a prescription for Uncle Wiggly to help him feel better. Listen and see if you think her prescription worked.
Written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, it's another story about our beloved crayons. Enjoy!
Book is available for purchase from the author at:
https://a.co/d/9usFe7R
Storytime Anytime 4U receives none of the proceeds from any book sales.
Read, by the author, this is a story about respect, compassion, and forgiveness as well as how families can achieve peace and harmony.
Book is available for purchase at: https://a.co/d/9usFe7R
Storytime Anytime 4U receives none of the proceeds from any book sales.
Written by John Godfrey Saxe, this poem illustrates how people can have different opinions based upon their experiences. After listening, maybe discuss or write about other examples of where this occurs.
Jacqueline Jules' Pluto is Peeved included some interesting information. Be educated, entertained, and inspired.
If you missed Pluto is Peeved (5/6/23), we encourage you to check it out. Our community of readers (Ama, Amanda, Cynthia, Gerald, Jonathon, Paula, Roneida, and Sherman) enjoyed sharing the book with our listeners.
Brought to you by members of our reading community, this story follows Pluto on his journey through a museum to discover why he lost his status as a plant in the solar system.
When you read, you learn. This episode shares some of what we learned women have done for the world. This is just, as is said, "the tip of the iceberg" and we hope you will be inspired to read more about this topic or another topic in which you are interested.
Read by Gerald Chaney, a new member of our reading community and a talented vocalist who frequently sings the National Anthem for professional sporting events.
March is Women's History Month so let's celebrate a few female poets - Marianne Moore, Christina Rosetti, and Edna St. Vincent Millay plus a bonus poem with an anonymous author.
The ever popular crayons are back with their ideas about which colors are for Christmas. Enjoy!
By Jacqueline Jules, we bring you another excerpt that teaches you more about Hanukkah traditions and give you much to think about that can affect our thoughts, words, and actions.
This book is written by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Kristina Swarner, and was published by Kar-Ben Publishing.
Two by Ralph Waldo Emerson, one by J.A. Shedd, and one by us - that's this week's episode. How about trying your hand at writing about Thanksgiving?
Poems by Lydia Maria Child and Edgar Albert Guest, both of whom lived in the 1800's, which gives you some idea of how long Thanksgiving has been a holiday.
Beautifully illustrated by Hector Borlasca, try finding this book at your local library or anywhere books are sold.
Source and Author - Unknown for this poem, which has been revised to be more inclusive.
A classic tale by Lewis Carroll. Admittedly, this story is a bit unusual at times. It will be good for you to listen and determine which parts of this story you like and which are simply to strange, in your opinion.
You may have heard a nursery rhyme about Humpty Dumpty, but this story (published in 1903) is about his son of the same name.
The Thirsty Pigeon; The Ass, the Cock, and the Lion; and The Bat and the Weasels. Useful lessons are offered by these three fables.
Our original writing using the alphabet as our guide as was done in A Apple Pie (which would now be entitled An Apple Pie).
A scorpion is one of the main characters of these two tales. As you listen, note the similarities and differences between the two. What do you think about the scorpion's explanation of its actions? Talk it out.
Published by Albert Whitman & Company, illustrated by Keiron Ward, and written by Jacqueline Jules, this is the 11th book in the Zapato Power series. We thank the author for giving us permission to share her works with our Storytime Anytime 4U listeners.
It's another story about Pooh and his friends. Can Eyeore, who is a gloomy donkey, have a joyful birthday? Listen and find out.
This book has a title, but we're keeping that a secret until you hear the story. What might you name this book? How do you feel about the story?
It's the end of our journey through Tag Your Dreams - Poems of Play and Persistence by Jacqueline Jules with illustrations by Iris Deppe. Published by Albert Whitman & Co.
We continue our journey through Jacqueline Jules' Tag Your Dreams - Poems of Play and Persistence. This book is illustrated by Iris Deppe and was published by Albert Whitman and Company.
We continue reading poems of play and persistence written by Jacqueline Jules. This book is beautifully illustrated by Iris Deppe. We thank Albert Whitman & Co. for publishing it.
A book of poems of play and persistence by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Iris Deppe, and published by Albert Whitman & Co. Storytime Anytime 4U thanks Ms. Jules for allowing us to read her works.
What are Pooh, Piglet, and Christopher Robin up to now? While listening you may hear two unfamiliar words: gorse (a yellow-flowered shrub native to Western Europe and North Africa) and jiggeting (moving in a jerky way).
Pooh visits his friend Rabbit and can't seem to leave. How will he get out of his predicament?
Do you know Winnie-the-Pooh? Do you know how he got his name? Listen to this classic story that comes from a book that is almost 100 years old!
In this episode we share more selected readings from Thoughts of Idle Hours by Myra Viola Wilds, an African American poet who penned her book after losing her eyesight due to many hours as a dressmaker. This book was published in 1915.
We are taking a break from Myra Viola Wilds' poetry to share a tale from the Ashanti. Join us next week for a final reading of Mrs. Wilds' poems from her book, Thoughts of Idle Hours. In the meantime, enjoy this episode and thanks for listening to our podcast.
In this episode we share selected readings from Thoughts of Idle Hours by Myra Viola Wilds, an African American poet who penned her book after losing her eyesight.
You may have never heard of her, but Myra Viola Wilds wrote her book "Thoughts of Idle Hours" in 1914-1915 after losing her eyesight and being very ill. She is an African-American poet listed among the American Academy of Poets.
You may have heard, read, or seen a version of this story, but this one was written well before any of the more modern versions. Listen for differences between this one and that with which you are already familiar. Thanks for listening!
Written in 1843, this Hans Christian Anderson story tells of the duckling's journey to who he was born to be.
We are doing something different for this week's episode. Please listen to hear how three reading advocates are bringing the joy of books to others.
Have you ever heard the expression, "Teamwork makes the dream work"? See how that might apply to this fable.
Nope. There's no typo in the title. Listen and see if you can figure out what a hart is in this tale.
Aesop sure loved using animals as main characters in his fables. In what situation do these three "B" ones find themselves?
We excited to have our first male reader in our community bringing you a classic tale he remembers from his childhood. Enjoy!
Here's a chance for you to listen to an old fable and perhaps be inspired to update it.
The Ass and His Driver, The Wolf and His Shadow, and The Oak and the Reeds. What happens when folly makes for poor choices?
Sometimes those we call friends aren't really friends at all. Poor Hare! Will she get the help she needs?
One theory about why flies buzz is explained in this tale. You decide whether or not that's why it really happened.
Read by Paula Grier, this is a West African fable as retold by Jessica York, who gave her permission. We are most appreciative of Jessica for doing that for our Storytime Anytime 4U listeners!
Written by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Miguel Benitez, and published by Albert Whitman & Co, this is the 9th Zapato Power adventure with Freddie Ramos as the main character (and aspiring super hero).
Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers bring insight to another aspect of the crayons. This is a good story to jumpstart your own discussion about your feelings.
Jacqueline Jules and Miguel Benitez bring us the 8th Freddie Ramos adventure. We thank them and Albert Whitman & Co for the stories about Freddie and his large circle of family and friends.
Written by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Jef Czekaj, and published by Charlesbridge, this book included some additional information to further explain the first United States and some of the challenges and successes resulting from the journey from separate states to united ones.
Written by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Jef Czekaj, and published by Charlesbridge, this story is a perfect one to help you learn how the United States of America became united after the American Revolution. It was quite a journey!
Did you ever wonder why a turtle's shell looks cracked all over? The author shares his theory. You get to decide if you believe it or not.
It's the 7th Zapato Power adventure for Freddie Ramos. Will he use his three super powers in the best possible ways? We invite you to listen and decide. This book was written by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Miguel Benitez, and published by Albert Whitman & Co.
The Martinez Family is headed off for their annual vacation. What's in store for them this time?
Never heard mountains described as being in labor? Listen and learn in this Aesop's fable.
Jacqueline Jules and Kim White have brought you another Sofia Martinez story. What will happen as Sofia prepares to attend a very special celebration?
From James Baldwin's collection of stories about famous people, this short story is about St. Francis, a gentle and loving man.
Be careful about making swift judgements about people based on their appearance or first impression.
In this Jacqueline Jules and Kim White book, Sofia Martinez is creating a family time capsule. Listen to see what happens.
Storytime Anytime 4U is excited to welcome back author Jill R. Salatino with her second book celebrating special people she's come to know.
It's the first anniversary (or birthday) for Storytime Anytime 4U and almost the end of Black History Month.
A classic tale with details you may not have heard before plus questions to help you recall key points from the story.
Sofia's cousin has the hiccups. How can Hector get rid of them so they can go to the movies with Abuela?
What happens when a woman-in-training starts making plans and what about her motivations behind her plans?
Sofia's family experiences a power outage. What do they do? Listen to find out how this close-knit family makes the most of this unexpected situation.
Illustrations are by Olivier Tallec. If you like a story about best friends, we bet you'll like this one. Assuming you do, please feel free to listen to the other two Money and Cake episodes we've shared.
Just have time for a short tale? Fables are perfect to that plus you get a bonus moral of the story.
Written by Frank Murphy and published by Sleeping Bear Press, who both gave their consent for us to bring this book to you, we think you'll enjoy this story about being the best you that you can be. Kayla Harren is its illustrator.
Freddie and his mom are headed to New York City to visit his Uncle Jorge. It's Freddie's first trip to NYC and, of course, adventures await him.
Thank you to Frank Murphy and Sleeping Bear Press for giving us their consent to read this book to you, our special listeners! We trust you'll enjoy this story written by Frank Murphy and Carla Murphy. This book was illustrated by Kayla Harren.
When Tuyet finds out her Vietnamese family is having duck rather than turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, she is upset. Find out what she does and learns. This book is written by Jacqueline Jules with pictures by Kathryn Mitter. Published by Albert Whitman & Company.
James Baldwin wrote many short stories about important leaders in history he respected. His tales also give us life lessons worth applying.
Character and caring can carry you a long way in life. Hear a short tale about a young lawyer who became President of the United States. Can you guess who it is?
Jacqueline Jules and Miguel Benitez have collaborated again for this Freddie Ramos adventure. Find out what happens when a March snowstorm hits Starwood Park.
What's an Emperor who LOVES clothes to do when two supposed weavers make a special suit he can't see?
A mother shares the value of reading with her inquisitive son. Episode also tells a bit about James Baldwin, an important American literary figure.
Also by Aesop, we invite you to listen, learn, and discuss the questions that follow the reading of this fable. We've read and will continue to read some of Aesop's writings. Look for a future episode to tell you about who Aesop was.
There are questions at the end of this episode. What questions came to your mind when you listened to this fable? What moral or lesson do you think the jay could learn?
Aesop wrote LOTS of fables. What do you think of about the dog in this one? What did you learn from the dog's behavior?
We continue bringing you classic fables. However, this episode and the three that follow include discussion questions. Thanks for listening!
Stopping a bully, overcoming fear about being underwater, and helping friends - Freddie has a lot to do in this third book of the series by Jacqueline Jules with illustrations by Miguel Benitez. Visit your local library to enjoy this book again in your own voice.
What is Freddie up to now? It's always something for this aspiring superhero. Hope you enjoy this installment by Jacqueline Jules.
This is the first book in the Freddie Ramos series by Jacqueline Jules with illustrations by Miguel Benitez. What is Zapatos Power? List to find out. If you had something that gave you power, what would you like it to be and what power would you like to have?
It's another Sofia Martinez adventure as she and her family shop for school supplies. What can you learn from their experience? Book written by Jacqueline Jules.
Read by Marcella, a new member of our reader community, discover why there's a time for work and a time for play as well as other considerations for using resources wisely.
While Feathers for Peacock, while enjoyable and illustrates the power of kindness, is fiction. Here are some actual facts about peacocks. Maybe it will inspire you to go your library to find books about other animals.
Ever wondered how the peacock got his feathers? In a tale adapted from another story, Jacqueline Jules offers her answer. This book is illustrated by Helen Cann and published by Wisdom Tales Press. Check it and other creative works at your local library.
Evyn, the youngest reader in our community of reading enthusiasts, brings you the humorous My Tooth is Lost! by Drew Daywalt. After listening to this, let someone know what you think about the book. What story might you write that others could enjoy?
Never Say A Mean Word Again is written by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard, and published by Wisdom Tales Press.
Jacqueline Jules describes this as "a charming story of conflict resolution between two boys." Be sure to listen to the other episode published today for more information about this "Tale from Medieval Spain" and learn some history.
We bet you've played the game. Now hear how it all began with the three great warriors - Rock, Paper, and Scissors. This is a NY Times bestseller by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Adam Rex.
Illustrated by Kim Smith and published by Picture Window Books, this is another Sofia Martinez adventure. This one starts in her Abuela's (Grandmother's) kitchen. After the story there are a few discussion questions.
Is there a writer inside of you? Maybe listening to these two poems will ignite your writing spark (or not - either way is OK). As always, we hope you enjoy our episodes and will join us for future ones.
Paul Galdone's classic folktale teaches a great life lesson. Listen and see if you can figure it out, then go our our next episode for an idea that might lead you to learn even more life lessons.
Storytime Anytime 4U welcomes Evyn Grace to our community of readers with this classic story that could lead to some great discussion!
Sharing your opinions about stories and looking at them from different perspectives can be great discussion. Try it out with The Little Red Hen.
Illustrated by Scott Campbell, this humorous story may sound familiar to children who have had problems going to sleep and their adults who have valiantly tried to find the solution. Enjoy!
Gives listeners the back story to who Paula and Cynthia are to each other. As it turns out, this book is one of shared favorites.
Read by Paula Grier, this is the story of a stuffed rabbit, a boy, and the magic that occurs because of their relationship.
Author Drew Daywalt and illustrator Oliver Jeffers bring back their familiar characters to share their thoughts about love with love. Visiting your library is a great way to be able to see the books as well as read them for yourself.
Another story about a mouse, but this one was written by Jacqueline Jules and also features Sofia Martinez, the spunky 7-year-old with a zest for life.
Beatrix Potter loved writing books where animals were the featured characters. This tale of a mouse and his new friends describes different home environments and how what you know can influence your reaction to new experiences.
Sofia Martinez and her family have an idea for a special birthday surprise for Abuela (Grandmother), but will they be able to make it happen? Listen to find out.
Holly Bea, the third author to permit us to read her books on this podcast, has written a delightful book about Hope's quest (and questions) to find out where God lives.
Jacqueline Jules granted permission for us to share her many stories with you! This is the first of many Sofia Martinez tales we will read to you over the months to come. We hope you enjoy this lively seven-year-old's adventures!
It is our privilege to bring this special episode to our listeners! This book, dedicated to some very precious children, is written and read by Jill Salatino, our podcast's first (but not last) guest reader. The book is available on Amazon (no money is received by Storytime Anytime 4U) if you enjoy it as much as we did.
Which is stronger - a single stick or a bundle? How does that apply to families and other relationships?
Sometimes it's best to be thankful for what you already have as this fable illustrates.
Duncan's crayons have more things to say in this Drew Daywalt story that was illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. We encourage you to visit a local library to see the images Oliver created to accompany the story.
Two "friends" (it depends upon who's speaking) have an unexpected trip around the world. This is another entertaining book written by Drew Daywalt, illustrations by David Spencer.
A few words of acknowledgement for those who have supported my journey to this podcast.
Most of Duncan's crayons are feeling out of sort. Why? You're invited to listen to find out. Thank you, Drew Daywalt, for granting permission for me to read your fun book illustrated by Oliver Jeffers.