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YourClassical Storytime

Welcome to YourClassical Storytime from American Public Media, offering classic stories with a classical twist. Each episode features our storytellers recounting childhood favorites along with related classical music.

American Public Media

Get ready to move and gallop in ‘Toroi Bandi,’  the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime featuring traditional Mongolian folk music and original illustration and animation by Joseph Midthun and Daniel Hoffstrom. 

'Franklin the Frog'

'Toroi Bandi'

What happens when a foolish young man is gifted a magical horse with fantastical powers? Find out in 'Sivka-Burka: The Magic Horse' — the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, with narration by Inés Guanchez, illustrations by E.J. Thompson, and music by Aida Isakova and Nikolai Medtner.

'A Visit to the Aquarium'

'Sivka-Burka: The Magic Horse'

What happens when three Billy Goats Gruff run out of food to munch on their mountainside? Will they dare go up against the evil troll, who's blocking the way to a field filled with delicious green grass and sweet clover? See what musical surprises await in the YourClassical Storytime episode 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff,' featuring music from Bedrich Smetana and art by Nancy Carlson!

'The Three Billy Goats Gruff'

Everyone barfs once in a while. Right? Find out how to deal with this awkward fact of life in Nancy Carlson's hilarious story 'Sometimes You Barf' — the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, with narration by Scott Blankenship and music by Sergei Prokofiev.

'Sometimes You Barf'

An injured little bird needs to find a safe home, but will the trees of the forest come to her rescue? Find out in the charming tale ‘Why Evergreens Never Lose Their Leaves,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime — featuring narration by Valerie Kahler, illustrations by Nancy Carlson and music by Mihály Hajdú.

'Why Evergreens Never Lose Their Leaves'

What happens when an old man goes out on a trip to find his wife the perfect cat and returns with far too many mouths to feed? Find out in ‘Millions of Cats,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime — featuring narration by Alex Simpson, music by Bohuslav Martinú, and illustrations and story by Wanda Gág.

'Millions of Cats'

What happens when two frogs, one from Kyoto and the other from Osaka, decide to travel the rest of Japan and cross paths along the way? Find out in ‘Two Frogs,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring narration by Aerin O’Malley, illustrations by Mia Jennings and Japanese classical music.

‘Two Frogs’

Who needs to prepare for winter when you can play all day during the other seasons? But is it possible to have too much fun? Find out in ‘The Ant and the Grasshopper,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring narration by Scott Blankenship, illustrations by Mia Jennings and music by Antonio Vivaldi.

‘Fall in Love With Your Brain’

‘The Ant and the Grasshopper’

Transported mysteriously to Mars, our hero John Carter meets a weird ten-legged companion. But is this strange creature a friend or foe? Find out in ‘A Dog of Mars,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – with storytelling by Randy Salas, illustrations by E.J. Thompson and music by Gustav Holst.

‘A Dog of Mars’

What if the wind and the sun had a friendly competition to see which one was the strongest? That’s exactly what happens in ‘The Wind and the Sun,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – with storytelling by Julie Amacher, illustrations by Nancy Carlson and music by Ludwig van Beethoven.

‘The Wind and the Sun’

When a turtle finds a flute on the rainforest floor, she opens up a world of possibilities! But what happens when a curious stranger hears her play? Find out in ‘The Turtle and the Flute,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Ines Guanchez, Brazilian music and illustrations by E.J. Thompson.

‘The Turtle and the Flute’

What happens when a fisherman catches a magical fish that grants wishes? You might be surprised when it comes to ‘The Wish Fish’ — the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Scott Blankenship, music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and illustrations by Mia Jennings.

‘The Wish Fish’

What can small critters do when they’re too afraid to venture out into the forest? Find out in The Little Squirrel Who Worried, by Katie O'Donoghue — a special “quiet time” episode of YourClassical Storytime to help young listeners learn to relax, featuring narration by Andrea Blain and music by John Field.

‘The Little Squirrel Who Worried’

Once upon a time, the elephant had no trunk – until a young one had an unfortunate run-in with a crocodile. Find out the long and short of it in the charming folk tale The Elephant’s Child, the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring narration by Scott Blankenship, illustrations by E.J. Thompson and traditional classical music from India.

‘The Elephant’s Child’

What happens when a crafty fox tries to trick a friendly stork and a wary rooster? Find out in 'Outfoxed,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Valerie Kahler, music by Dmitri Kabalevsky and illustrations by Mia Jennings.

'Outfoxed'

The silver menorah has been in Reb Noson's family for 400 years, and it’s probably even older than that. But this Hanukkah, it’s gone missing! Find out what happens next in ‘The Lost Menorah,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring a story by Howard Schwartz, narration by Theodore Bikel and music by the Eaken Piano Trio.

'The Lost Menorah'

Fry bread takes only a few ingredients to make, but it brings a lot of people together. Find out why it has special meaning for American Indians in ‘Something from Nothing: The Story of Fry Bread,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime.

'Something From Nothing: The Story of Fry Bread'

What happens when a little man from the Maya city of Uxmal plays the instrument that activates an ancient prophecy? Find out in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, ‘The Little Man From Uxmal.’

'The Little Man From Uxmal'

What happens when the nicest and best cow has a clumsy run-in with the Ice Fairy? Find out in ‘Sweet Arabella,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime.

'Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!'

'Sweet Arabella'

It’s Graduation Day at the Service Dog School, and you’re invited to the ceremony! Find out how these highly trained pups help the people who need them most in ‘Dog Days of Summer,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime.

'Dog Days of Summer'

Bruce the goose always swims his morning laps alone, until his life changes forever on one fateful summer day. Find out what happens in ‘Goose, Goose, Baby Goose!’ – the new episode of YourClassical Storytime, with narration by Ryan Lohr, music by Charles Koechlin and illustrations by Mia Jennings.

'Goose, Goose, Baby Goose!'

Nancy Carlson’s classic charmer ‘I Like Me’ is a short but sweet tale of a young pig who learns how to practice good habits of self-esteem and pride – embracing how she looks, what she likes to do and, most importantly, how to be kind to herself. And it’s the newest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring storytelling by Ines Guanchez with the help of a bunch of kids and the music of Luigi Boccherini.

'I Like Me!'

What happens when the world’s greatest harpist gets thrown into the sea by jealous pirates? Find out in the YourClassical Storytime telling of the ancient Greek myth ‘Arion and the Dolphin,’ with art and narration by Ana Freeberg and Ally Thompson, and enchanting harp music performed by Susann McDonald.

'Arion and the Dolphin'

What happens when a poor, lonely woodcutter meets a talking fox? He becomes Mighty Mikko! Find out how their adventures unfold in this charming adaptation of a Finnish folk tale, the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring narration by Lynn Norris, music by Jean Sibelius and illustrations by Raul Villanueva.  

'Mighty Mikko!'

When the river creatures face a disappearing water supply, they must turn to the land animals for help. But will the crying Crocodile be able to make peace with the Lion to find a new home? Find out in “Why Crocodiles Have Tears,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Jeffrey Yelverton and music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.

'Why Crocodiles Have Tears'

Ever wonder why you never see an owl in the daytime? The answer makes for quite a story. This classic folk tale from Puerto Rico is one of the misplaced feathers, a colorful coat, and a lesson about selfishness and sharing. Find out more in this episode of Your Classical Storytime, featuring storytelling by John Birge, music by Gioachino Rossini, and illustrations by Mia Jennings.

'Why the Owl Only Comes Out at Night'

There are many different versions of ‘The Snow Maiden,’ but this one reminds us to treasure winter as a special time of year instead of always wishing for warmer weather. Find out more in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring storytelling by Valerie Kahler, music by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'The Snow Maiden'

Thanksgiving is coming, but Lurkey the turkey is nowhere to be found. Can you help the farmer find the wayward bird? Grab paper and crayons and follow along as narrator Melanie Renate and artist Xee Reiter tell the story, with guitar music by Justin Holland, in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime.

'Lurkey Is Lost!'

Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is dedicated to remembering loved ones who have passed. Learn more about this special day in the latest episode of ‘YourClassical StoryTime,’ featuring narration by Inés Guanchez, illustrations by Raul Villanueva and traditional Mexican music.

'Día de los Muertos'

Harriet ends up with quite a haul after she goes trick-or-treating. But what will she do with all of those sweets? Find out in 'Harriet's Halloween Candy,' the new episode of YourClassical Storytime, with a story and art by Nancy Carlson and music by Augusta Holmes.

'Harriet's Halloween Candy'

How does a sleepless king deal with clock towers that simply won’t chime together in his kingdom? Find out in the timely tale “Bells in the Night,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – with storytelling by Valerie Kahler and Michael Barone, music by Leopold and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and illustrations by EJ Thompson.

'Bells in the Night'

Once upon a time there was a beautiful, clever storyteller named Scheherazade. Find out how her magical tales captured the heart of a bitter king in “Scheherazade,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Jillene Khan, music by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'Scheherazade'

“After the sun has slipped away and the orange sky turns dark blue, fireflies put on a display like only they know how to do!” Go on a sparkly summertime adventure with “Backyard Night Lights,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music by Edvard Grieg, illustrations by Mia Jennings and storytelling by Scott Blankenship.

'Backyard Night Lights'

Once upon a time, there was a girl who was no bigger than a thumb – which made her just the right size to be kidnapped by a frog! Find out what happens to her in the wild adventures of “Thumbelina,” the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by Julie Amacher, music by Maurice Ravel and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'Thumbelina'

How much can one vegetable grow? Find out in ‘The Giant Carrot,’ the tale of a root so big that it’s going to take some teamwork to get it out of the ground. It’s the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring Lynne Warfel, with music by Johannes Brahms and illustrations by E.J. Thompson.

'The Giant Carrot'

What happens when a happy-go-lucky wanderer takes over a village bakery? Find out in the hilarious tale ‘The Merry Prankster,’ the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime – featuring music by Richard Strauss, illustrations by Mia Jennings and narration by Valerie Kahler.

'The Merry Prankster'

What happens when a boy named Jack climbs a towering beanstalk into the sky? Hint: It involves a magical harp, a golden goose and an ornery giant named Basil. Go on a wild musical adventure with “Jack and the Beanstalk,” featuring storytelling by Scott Blankenship, with illustrations by Nancy Carlson and music by Leos Janacek.  

'Jack and the Beanstalk'

Rabbit has a problem. After working hard all year to gather vegetables for the winter, Bear comes along and eats them up! What is Rabbit to do? Find out how Rabbit gets out of this mess in the African-American folktale Why the Bear Sleeps All Winter, the new YourClassical Storytime episode — featuring Jeffrey Yelverton, with music by Scott Joplin and illustrations by Xee Reiter and Al Reiter.

'Why the Bear Sleeps All Winter'

Ada Ríos soñaba con tocar el violín. Sin embargo, ella creció con poco dinero en un pequeño pueblo de Paraguay construido sobre un vertedero. ¿Cómo pudo cumplir su sueño? Disfruta de la historia verdadera de la Orquesta Reciclada de Cateura, Paraguay, una orquesta compuesta por niños que tocan instrumentos construidos con basura reciclada, en el episodio más reciente de YourClassical Storytime, “El Violín de Ada,” narrado por Inés Guanchez en español e inglés.

YourClassical Storytime: 'El Violín de Ada'

Ada Ríos dreamed of playing the violin. She grew up with little money in a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. How could Ada fulfill her dream? Enjoy the true story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash, in the newest YourClassical Storytime episode, Ada's Violin, featuring Ines Guanchez as she shares the story in Spanish and English. 

'Ada's Violin'

Can you have too many presents, too much holiday food, too much cheer? When little Noelle wishes for Christmas every day, she gets more than she bargained for in the delightful new YourClassical Storytime episode “Christmas Every Day,” featuring traditional music of the holiday season and art by Nancy Carlson.

'Christmas Every Day'

What happens when a stranger shows up in town with a magical backpack, a small stone and a giant, black pot? It's a lesson in sharing with 'Stone Soup,' the new episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring art by Xee Reiter and music by Francis Poulenc.

'Stone Soup'

What happens when an impatient young apprentice tries to cast his own magic spells for the first time? It's a water catastrophe! Find out how his adventure unfolds in 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice,' the latest installment of YourClassical Storytime, featuring illustrations by acclaimed children's author Nancy Carlson.

'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'

Four friends -- a violin, viola, cello and bass -- are nervous about meeting their new owners. Will the young musicians learn to play properly and treat their string instruments with care? Find out in 'KinderLute,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and illustrations by Eusebius Williams.

'KinderLute'

The first day of school can be overwhelming with new friends, new places and new experiences. Especially, if you are a very special kitty. Enjoy the latest YourClassical Storytime episode 'Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten,' by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata.

'Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten'

Click the player above or YouTube video below to listen, or download the story to your own device for easy playback at any time.What happens when an old man discovers a love for singing after a magical flying boat takes him on a journey of self-discovery? See what musical surprises await in the latest YourClassical Storytime episode, Old Nasuk and the Flying Song, an Inuit folk tale that features traditional Inuit throat singing and enchanting music by Claude Debussy, with John Nasukaluk Clare as the guest storyteller and original art by Xee Reiter!(See more of her illustrations in the gallery.)YourClassical Storytime is supported by Minnesota College Savings Plan.More: Other YourClassical Storytime adventuresEducators: YourClassical Storytime meets Common Core StandardsAvailable in major podcast portals!YouTube Watch nowPlaylistOur telling of Old Nasuk and the Flying Song includes excerpts from the following work:Claude Debussy: Images for Orchestra: No. 1 GiguesJun Markl, conductorLyon National OrchestraNocturnes (Nuages, Fêtes, Sirenes)Ernest Ansermet, conductorSuisse Romande OrchestraCourtesy of Naxos of America Inc.Jean Oqhena / Frank Kuptana‘Three connected songs’‘The song floats up within me’Courtesy of Smithsonian FolkwaysDonald James RossThroat SingingCreditsStoryteller: John Nasukaluk Clare Adaptation: Valerie KahlerIllustrations: Xee Reiter Producer: Valerie KahlerDigital producer: Jeffrey YelvertonSenior digital producer: Randy Salas Program director: Julie Amacher Gallery                             

'Old Nasuk and the Flying Song'

Are you ready for the cutest dog ever? See what musical surprises await in 'Old Mother Hubbard' -- the new episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring art by Nancy Carlson!

'Old Mother Hubbard'

'Run, run as fast as you can! You can't catch me. I'm the Gingerbread Man!' Who can catch this speedy pastry? Find out in 'The Gingerbread Man.' It's the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, with music by Johannes Brahms and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'The Gingerbread Man'

Why does the king throw every person that cuts his hair into jail? What is he hiding? Find out in 'The King with Donkey Ears.' It's the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, with music by Hamilton Harty and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'The King With Donkey Ears'

What happens when four musical animals set off an adventure together and stumble upon a gang of thieves? Find out in the hilarious tale 'The Bremen Town Musicians.' It's the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, with music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Mendelssohn and Rossini, and illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'The Bremen Town Musicians'

A vain emperor gets more than he bargained for when two weavers promise to make him a suit with special powers. What happens when he puts it on? Find out in 'The Emperor's New Clothes,' an episode of YourClassical Storytime for the new year!

'The Emperor's New Clothes'

Children have delighted in the telling of Clement Moore's classic "A Visit From St. Nicholas" -- with its famous opening line, "'Twas the night before Christmas" -- for nearly 200 years. Now our popular version for YourClassical Storytime includes charming illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

What happens when a magical girl comes face to face with a cunning tiger in her quiet village? Find out in the Hmong folk tale 'Yer and the Tiger,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring traditional music, narration by Ka Vang and illustrations by Xee Reiter.

'Yer and the Tiger'

Do you know how the smooth-backed camel who said nothing but "Humph!" got its hump? Find out in the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music by Alexander Borodin and original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'How the Camel Got Its Hump'

Do you know what a 'tall tale' is? Well, it's a story that's just a little bit bigger than real life. And here's part of one of the biggest, tallest tales of all time: the story of Paul Bunyan and his best buddy, Babe the Blue Ox. It's the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring narration by MPR News great Gary Eichten, music by Erich Korngold and original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'Paul Bunyan'

Do you like apples? Find out about the real man who loved apples so much that he traveled the country to share the fruit with everyone he met in 'Johnny Appleseed.' It's the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music from Dvorak's 'New World Symphony' and original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'Johnny Appleseed'

What happens when a quiet boy named Ronan attends an orchestra concert for the first time? Find out in Todd Boss' amazing story, based  on a real event that rocked the classical music world. It's 'The Boy Who Said Wow,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music by Mozart and original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'The Boy Who Said Wow'

Where does your food come from? Farmers, of course! Hear a famous poem about the hard work of growing food in 'A Farmer's Tale,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring traditional Chinese folk tunes and original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'A Farmer's Tale'

Once upon a time, in Ireland, there lived a 'gloomery' little girl named Nora. Restoring her smile would take a magical adventure and the intervention of woodland fairies. Listen to the Irish folk tale 'Nora Mavourneen and the Fairy Queen,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring Irish music plus original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

An Irish Folk Tale

Harriet loves ballet class, but when her teacher announces a recital, she comes down with a bad case of stage fright. Will Harriet overcome her fears before the big performance? Find out in "Harriet's Recital," the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring an original story and illustrations by Nancy Carlson and music by Tchaikovsky.

'Harriet's Recital'

Go on a magical adventure with a girl named Clara as she is whisked away by a nutcracker prince to the Kingdom of Sweets. Give the gift of classical music by sharing this classic tale — and Tchaikovsky's unforgettable melodies — with your little ones this holiday season.

'The Nutcracker'

Welcome to YourClassical Storytime! Today's story is all about a young woman who has many names all around the world, but you probably know her best as Cinderella. Our classical version is based on Rossini's famous opera and features illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'Cinderella'

Once upon a time, a brother and sister named Hansel and Gretel were abandoned deep in the forest. They were taken in by a wicked witch, who planned to cook the children for dinner. Find out what happened next in 'Hansel and Gretel,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music by Engelbert Humperdinck and Richard Strauss, with original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'Hansel and Gretel'

There once was a hare who loved to brag about his speed. The hare also loved to tease other animals, until one day, when the slowest animal in the forest challenged him to a race. Who won? Find out in 'The Tortoise and the Hare,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music by Alexander Borodin and original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'The Tortoise and the Hare'

Casey steps up to the plate for the Mudville Nine, but can he save the day for the woeful baseball team? Find out what happens in 'Casey at the Bat,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring Americana classical music and original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'Casey at the Bat'

Disney pitched 'Beauty and the Beast' as a 'tale as old as time,' but we're retelling the 18th-century French story with a classical twist as the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime — featuring music by great French composers and enchanting illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'Beauty and the Beast'

Once upon a time, there was a happy-go-lucky dog named Apollo. He seemed to have a lot going for himself, but he wanted more -- especially when it came to food. Find out what happened to our greedy pup in 'The Dog and the Bone,' the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music by Edward Elgar and original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'The Dog and the Bone'

Once upon a time, there was a mouse named Minerva who was captured by a lion. He let her go, not realizing that the tiny creature would soon be a big help. 'The Mouse and the Lion' is the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, featuring music by Gustav Mahler and original illustrations by Nancy Carlson.

'The Mouse and the Lion'

In the latest episode of YourClassical Storytime, cellist Amit Peled tells the enchanting tale of how he came to play a 300-year-old cello once favored by legendary performer Pablo Casals.

A Cello Named Pablo

What happens when an adventurous girl discovers a house in the woods owned by bears and filled with classical recordings? Find out in 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears,' the latest installment of YourClassical Storytime -- featuring illustrations by acclaimed children's author Nancy Carlson. Share the power of classical music with your little ones today!

'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'

Welcome to the latest installment of YourClassical Storytime, classic stories with a classical music twist. Today we share our version of 'The Three Little Pigs.' Listen or download now to find out what happens when our favorite piglets venture out on their own.

'The Three Little Pigs'

You might know 'The Little Mermaid' as a Walt Disney movie, but the story is much older than that. And classical composers have been fascinated by the tale, too. Hear how our version goes in the latest production of YourClassical Storytime -- classic tales with a classical twist.