Tale by Belle

Published in 2008, author Minfong Ho offers us the chance to question the false choices we inherit, chicken or hawk, good or bad, and see how much of ourselves gets buried under those labels. Shadow work, like Lani’s flight, is the courage to embrace what was once condemned and discover it is not our enemy but the very part of us that lets us soar.

Published in 2010, author Chua explores the profound and enduring impact of unrequited, or "shadow" love. Retold in Rose's dignified, perceptive, and quietly heartbreaking voice. Lace up, let’s run to the same sinking feeling but a different Titanic.

Published in 2010, author Chua shows us his journey to Venus, a landscape of barbed affections and quiet sabotage, where a mother and daughter orbit each other in mutual mistrust, each guarding their claim to beauty, love, and power. Lace up, let’s run to the haunted house.

Published in 2008, author Minfong Ho encourages us to carry the hopes and challenges of new beginnings, like a tropical flower blooming quietly in cold ground. Lace up, let’s run to a Laotian’s home in America.

Published in 2010, author Chua enlightens us what happens when love, pride, and sambal collide. Lace up. Let’s run to the nasi lemak stall together.

Published in 2008, author Minfong Ho invites us to a birthday celebration that casts quiet light on what success and wealth often leave in the shadows. Lace up. Let’s run to the fancy party together.

Tales for Running

Wilfred Owen (1893–1918), one of the most powerful voices of World War I poetry, used his verse to reveal the struggles of ordinary people. While best known for his war poems, Miners takes a different yet equally powerful approach. Written after a mining disaster, it draws a striking parallel between the sacrifices of miners and soldiers—both toiling in the dark, often unnoticed. It’s a fitting reminder for International Workers’ Day that everything we rely on: every comfort, every bit of progress, comes from the hard work of people we don’t always see. Owen’s poem urges us to acknowledge those whose efforts shape the world, even when they remain in the shadows.

Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) was a master of words, capturing both the strength of the individual and the power of community. His poem If— is a timeless guide to resilience, patience, and integrity—offering wisdom on how to navigate life’s trials with dignity and stillness. But Kipling also understood that no one stands alone. In The Law of the Jungle, taken from The Jungle Book, he explores the balance between personal strength and the responsibilities we owe to others (Season 2 Episode 2). Together, these poems remind us that success isn’t just about endurance—it’s about knowing when to trust yourself and when to stand with others.

U.A. Fanthorpe (1929–2009), a poet known for finding extraordinary meaning in ordinary moments, brought a keen eye and quiet wit to her writing. Leaving her career as a teacher to become a poet, she often explored themes of human connection, social divides, and personal reflection. Fanthorpe’s poetry, like Half-term, captures life’s fleeting moments with gentle precision, turning everyday experiences into something quietly profound. Her words remind us that even the smallest encounters can hold deep significance.

William Blake (1757–1827), often seen as both a poet and a painter of dreams, was a visionary artist whose work explored the delicate balance between innocence and experience. Known for his illustrated poetry collections like Songs of Innocence and of Experience, Blake used striking imagery and symbolic language to challenge societal norms and explore the human spirit.

William Blake (1757–1827), often seen as both a poet and a painter of dreams, was a visionary artist whose work explored the delicate balance between innocence and experience. Known for his illustrated poetry collections like Songs of Innocence and of Experience, Blake used striking imagery and symbolic language to challenge societal norms and explore the human spirit.Credit to: Fearless Motivation Instrumentals - You did the Impossible - Song Mix (Epic Music) | Walter Bergmann | Art of Silence - by Uniq ♪ Regret (Prod. by MX Audio Library) • Regret - No Copyright Music Sad Emoti...

William Blake (1757–1827), often seen as both a poet and a painter of dreams, was a visionary artist whose work explored the delicate balance between innocence and experience. Known for his illustrated poetry collections like Songs of Innocence and of Experience, Blake used striking imagery and symbolic language to challenge societal norms and explore the human spirit.

Dorothy Wordsworth (1771-1855), often known as the quiet force behind her brother William’s famous works, was a gifted writer and keen observer of nature in her own right. Her journals, filled with vivid descriptions of the Lake District and daily life, inspired many of William's poems. But Dorothy’s own voice shines through in poems like Address to a Child During a Boisterous Winter Evening, where her warmth, wit, and love for storytelling take centre stage.

John Keats (1795–1821) was one of the most prominent figures of the Romantic movement, known for his rich, sensuous poetry and exploration of beauty, nature, and mortality. Though his life was tragically short, Keats produced an extraordinary body of work, including his famous odes. To Autumn, written in 1819, is often considered one of his finest poems. It reflects his signature style—vivid imagery, musical language, and a deep appreciation for fleeting moments. Keats believed in the power of "negative capability," the ability to embrace uncertainty and mystery without rushing for answers. To Autumn perfectly captures this philosophy, celebrating the season's quiet abundance while gently acknowledging the inevitable passage of time.Credit to: MusicalDrift

William Wordsworth (1770–1850) was a central figure in the Romantic movement, known for his poetry that celebrated nature, emotion, and the beauty of ordinary life. Born in England's Lake District, his surroundings deeply influenced his work, inspiring poems like Daffodils, where he reflects on how nature’s simple moments can bring lasting joy. Wordsworth believed poetry should capture "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings," often drawn from everyday experiences. As Poet Laureate from 1843 until his death, his legacy endures as one of the most influential voices in English literature.Credit to: S.M. Rokibul Kabir | William Wordsworth: Biography & Works ; Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Acoustic Inspiring Folk by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Wake Up ; Alec Koff Label | Background music for storytelling / storytelling music; Oтогами | [寝る前に] Музика за отдих и учене; Song: Jazz Hop Trumpet By Snail Music (Loop)Author: ‪@SnailMusicES‬

Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593) was an influential playwright, poet, and contemporary of William Shakespeare. Known for his bold writing style and dramatic themes, Marlowe helped shape Elizabethan theatre with works like Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine the Great. He was also a master of pastoral poetry, as seen in The Passionate Shepherd to His Love, where he paints an idealised vision of love and nature. Beyond his literary achievements, Marlowe led an intriguing life, rumoured to be involved in espionage. His untimely death at just 29 only adds to the mystery surrounding his legacy.Credit to: Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ | Acoustic Inspiring Folk by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Wake Up ; Song: Jazz Hop Trumpet By Snail Music (Loop) | Author: ‪@SnailMusicES‬

Dive into the fascinating world of the Chinese Zodiac as we explore the legend of the Snake and what the Year of the Snake symbolizes. Discover timeless lessons from folklore and a fresh perspective on embracing your zodiac year with positivity and purpose.

Unwrap the vibrant history and meaning behind red packets in this episode. From legends to traditions, we explore how these little envelopes symbolize more than just money—they carry blessings, joy, and a deep cultural legacy.

Shuffle the tiles and settle in for a lively monologue about Mahjong! This episode dives into the charm of the game, its rich traditions, and how it brings people together—whether you're playing in person or remotely.

Crack open the surprising story behind fortune cookies in this episode! From their unexpected origins to their role in modern culture, we explore how these delightful treats have become symbols of wisdom, luck, and a little bit of mystery.

On New Year’s Eve, families gather around the table for a meal that’s more than just food—it’s tradition, connection, and sometimes a little chaos. In this episode, we explore the meaning behind the reunion dinner and why it remains the heart of the Lunar New Year celebration.

For the final episode of this Christmas limited podcast season, let's tie a bow on all the holiday cheer we’ve shared! While Rudolph, Frosty, Della and Jim, and Santa had their moments in the spotlight in earlier episodes, this one’s all about YOU. Tale by Belle would like to take a moment to thank all our incredible fans—the real unsung heroes of this season. Let’s toast to the joy, the cheer, and a season well spent! 🎄✨

Written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1823. This classic poem is the very reason why we picture Santa Claus as a jolly man in a red suit, sliding down chimneys, and bringing joy to children all over the world.

A classic Christmas tale from 1905...Have you ever wanted to buy a perfect gift for someone so bad that you'd rather lose something you treasured most? The gifts Jim and Della received may not be practical anymore, but the love behind them is what truly matters. May we all learn to sacrifice for our loved ones in this merry season.

Much like the Jack-O’-Lantern, the corncob-piped snowy creature came to life, adding much-needed hope at this special time of the year! Because we all need a little reminder to go about our mundane days through the lens of this coal-eyed hero who made the most out of his fleeting life.

Meet Rudolph, an extraordinary fella, like the ugly duckling, was ostracized. Yet, Santa got him a special task, a task that fit him perfectly. If you were serving in the wrong place, your life would be miserable, yet when placed in your rightful post, you would shine bright like a diamond or as glowing as Rudolph’s nose.

🎃 For this Halloween bonus episode, we’re diving into the eerie fun of Mr. Macklin’s Jack O’Lantern by David McCord — a tale where a pumpkin carving takes on a life of its own in the flickering dark! And a special shoutout to my co-host, Halloween, my orange tabby who’s turning 24 today. With her pumpkin-coloured coat, she’s the perfect companion for this spooky episode on Tale by Belle! 🎃 Credit: TipToes by Myuu -Music presented by Mew & Mew Music - ( / @mewmewcuteness ) Music: Kevin MacLeod - Prelude No. 1

This episode is dedicated to all Year 6 pupils of local schools in Malaysia who own the book, Anthology of Poems. Special shoutout to Oliver Tang from class 6S & Ayreen Toh from class 6R! Thanks for your wonderful renditions and for joining my podcast journey. XOXO Music from https://freetouse.com/musicInnocence by ROA

This episode is dedicated to all Year 6 pupils of local schools in Malaysia who own the book, Anthology of Poems.Music from https://freetouse.com/musicInnocence by ROASwimming Pool by Aftertune / itsaftertune Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/38mKQ4ZMusic promoted by Audio Library • Swimming Pool – Aftertune (No Copyright)

This episode is dedicated to all Year 6 pupils of local schools in Malaysia who own the book, Anthology of Poems. ▶️Music Promoted byEpic Music Waves - / @epicmusicwaves The Illusionist by Scott Buckley | / scottbuckley Music provided by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/

This episode is dedicated to all Year 6 pupils of local schools in Malaysia who own the book, Anthology of Poems. Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 Music promoted by Copyright Free Music - Background Music For Videos 👉 / @podcastbackgroundmusic

This episode is dedicated to all Year 6 pupils of local schools in Malaysia who own the book, Anthology of Poems.

This episode is dedicated to all Year 5 pupils of local schools in Malaysia who own the book, Anthology of Poems.

This episode is dedicated to all Year 5 pupils of local schools in Malaysia who own the book, Anthology of Poems.

This episode is dedicated to all Year 5 pupils of local schools in Malaysia who own the book, Anthology of Poems. PS: Another rendition of Watching a Bumble Bee

This episode is dedicated to all Year 5 pupils of local schools in Malaysia who own the book, Anthology of Poems.

In the refuse of procrastination lies a heap of hilarity and heaps more to ponder. Silverstein’s pen crafts a cautionary tale wrapped in rubbish, where chores undone can stack up faster than you can say ‘garbage day.’

Step into the shade of Shel Silverstein’s beloved tale about a tree and a boy. It’s a story that grows deeper than roots, exploring themes of selflessness and the enduring bond between giver and receiver

Ever wondered what it really means to be ‘smart’? Shel Silverstein turns the question on its head with humour and charm, offering a fresh perspective that might just redefine your idea of intelligence.

Frost's iconic poem invites us to contemplate the choices we make and the paths we take, highlighting the complexity fo decision-making and the uncertainty that often accompanies it.

The first time I listened to this poem, I was in awe. Though couched in the language of the animal kingdom, it offers valuable insights into human behavior, community living, and personal conduct. We have so much to learn from these beautiful creatures who abide by the law even without literally taught by anyone.

"The Cookie Thief" resonates with me on a personal level. In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to jump to conclusions about others and forget to empathize with their perspectives. This poem reminds us to pause, reflect, and consider the complexities of human interaction.

Join us for a trip down memory lane! In this special finale episode, we recap some of the most insightful stories in this season and dive just a bit deeper to unpack what was left unsaid.

What better way to end the first season of Tale by Belle than with the story of Master Oogway - our all-time favourite character from the Kung Fu Panda franchise? With a little imagination, we link the story of this humble tortoise from the Galápagos Islands with the famous Aesop fable - The Hare and the Tortoise, to honour his journey of self-actualisation.

This short story is read across Malaysian primary schools for children aged 11. You can read it on https://anyflip.com/wvziu/ency/

This short story is read across Malaysian primary schools for children aged 11. You can read it on https://anyflip.com/wvziu/ency/

This short story is read across Malaysian primary schools for children aged 11. You can read it on https://anyflip.com/wvziu/ency/

This short story is read across Malaysian primary schools for children aged 11. You can read it on https://anyflip.com/wvziu/ency/

On this Teacher's Day, we celebrate Erin Gruwell, an inspiring teacher best known for her work with the Freedom Writers, a group of at-risk high school students in Long Beach, California. #2007filmFreedomWriters