Episode Four – Whispers Through Time: The History of Folktales for Kids

🎧 A storytelling podcast for curious kids, homeschoolers, and young writers ✍️ Includes a creative writing prompt + kid-friendly reading listHost:  Rosie Talley, Author of the Linus the Troll series Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories Website: https://sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/past-and-penEmail: [email protected]🎙️ Episode Summary:In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re traveling back in time to explore the magical world of folktales for kids. These powerful stories have been passed down for thousands of years—from ancient oral traditions to bedtime favorites around the globe.✅ What makes a folktale a folktale?✅ The oldest known folktales—some over 4,000 years old!✅ How stories evolved from ancient myths to modern retellings✅ A creative writing prompt that turns kids into young storytellers!Whether you're a parent, homeschooler, or educator, this episode is packed with inspiration and educational value for middle-grade learners (ages 8–12).✍️ Writing Prompt:No need to wish upon a star—your imagination is all you need for today’s writing prompt. Create your very own folktale! Imagine you live thousands of years ago—before science could explain thunderstorms, the stars, or earthquakes. Create a short folktale to explain a natural event!Is thunder just the sound of a giant’s belly rumbling after too many bean burritos?Is the fog just a lazy cloud looking to take a nap?Is the wind just created by invisible dragons beating their wings as they soar through the sky?📩 Send your story to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in a future episode!📚 Reading List: This list contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.Ready to turn the page on happily ever after? Check out these books!📖 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin – A beautifully written fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore, following a girl’s journey to change her family’s fortune.📖 The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill – A Newbery Medal-winning fantasy with a folktale feel, featuring a magical girl, a tiny dragon, and an ancient witch.📖 Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff – A humorous and clever retelling of Rumpelstiltskin from the misunderstood character’s perspective.📖 The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste – A Caribbean folklore-inspired adventure featuring mythical creatures and a brave girl facing dark magic. This book includes some spooky moments which might be a little scary for sensitive readers.📖 Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia – Blends African American folktales and West African mythology in an action-packed adventure.This book deals with themes of grief and loss, as the main character struggles with the death of a friend. It’s handled well for middle-grade readers, but it’s something to be aware of.📖 The Serpent’s Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond) by Sayantani DasGupta – A fast-paced fantasy rooted in Bengali folklore, following a girl who learns she’s a princess from another dimension.📖 Treasury of Magical Tales from Around the World by Donna Jo Napoli – A gorgeously illustrated collection of folktales from different cultures, perfect for young readers.📖 Best-Loved Folktales of the World by Joanna Cole – A classic collection of folktales from around the world, with simple and engaging storytelling.📖 D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire – A beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse mythology, perfect for middle-grade readers.Join the Fun!✅ Subscribe to Past and Pen for more historical deep dives and creative prompts. ✅ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps! ✅ Support the podcast on Patreon for exclusive perks.✅ Fuel the Folktales on Ko-fiThanks for listening! Stay curious and keep writing your story.