The Hairy Toe

This is a story from our super great scary stories podcast usually for subscribers only - but a gift for you for Halloween. Once there was a woman who went out to look for fruit and roots, instead she found a great big hairy toe. She took the toe home with her, was that a good idea? Listen to talented storyteller Maia Ganatra from Tanzania in East Africa tell this terrifying story. We give it a rating of 😱😱😱 screams. Pretty darn scary.</p>

00:10:48

No Way José!

Poor José, he loves to sing – but he’s got a terrible voice. When he gets invited to a wedding, he’s very keen to go and sing for everybody and sets off on a tricky journey in order to get there. But will they all be thrilled to greet him? Listen to Baden Prince telling this entertaining chain story told in America and Mexico.</p><br /></p>

00:14:09

Baba Yaga and Little Brother

Three sisters have to rescue their little brother from the fearsome witch who eats children. Can they escape her as she chases them across the sky in her flying mortar? Listen to Kim telling this lively story from Russia and Eastern Europe to hear how the girls use their wits against the witch of all witches. It’s a scary story for haloween, so if you don’t like scary stories, we’ve also posted a funny tale about a daft chicken for you to enjoy instead. And if you do like scary stories, Yiha! You’ve got bonus stories to listen to this week.</p>

00:36:52

Brer Rabbit and the Big Wind

The animals are hungry and food is scarce, Tiger has plenty to eat, but he’s no good at sharing. Worse than that, he roars at any animals who comes near his food.</p>Who can help? Brer Rabbit that’s who. Storyteller Baden Prince Junior delights in revealing rabbit’s cunning plan.</p>

00:23:13

The Name of the Tree

In this old African 'How and Why' tale, – tortoise dreams about a magic tree which grows all kinds of delicious fruit, but which only appears if its name is called. All the animals want to find that tree – but all of them keep forgetting the name – all that is, except for one. Can you help Kenyan storyteller Wangari to remember the name of the tree, and help the animals? A great story for retelling.</p><br /></p>

00:31:36

The Sad Giant

A young King has to face a fearsome Giant who is scaring everyone away from the kingdom. The King is frightened, and doesn't know what to do. Luckily, there's a wise old woman on a hill who has the answer - if only the King can figure out what it means. Listen to Sef Townsend tell this intriguing story from Wales and see what the young King learns.</p>

00:19:06

Paca and The Beetle

Paca is a long-legged animal living in the Brazilian rainforest who is proud of his ability to run fast. So he's very happy when Parrot invites him to join a race against a tiny beetle. But things aren't always as straightforward as they seem. Who will win, and what will they choose as their prize? Listen to storyteller Julian Marin telling this 'How and Why' story and find out.</p>

00:19:09

How Tadpoles Lost Their Tails

Did you ever wonder what happens to tadpoles' tails when they turn into frogs? In this 'How and Why' story from the Caribbean, Kate Corkery reveals all. Oh, and if someone called 'Trouble' ever tries to persuade you to do something...... don't listen!</p>

00:25:25

How The Leopard Got His Spots

Did you know that Leopards haven't always been spotty? Once, their fur was a glossy, light brown colour - until one day, Leopard got greedy - and calamity struck. Have a listen to storyteller Wendy Shearer telling this fun 'How and Why' story from Ghana in West Africa and find out just how Leopard got his spots.</p>

00:23:09

How the Phoenix got its Bright Feathers

Once upon a time, the magical phoenix bird was grey, and all the other colourful birds in the forest, ignored her. But something happened which changed all that forever. Listen to Kim telling this ancient 'How and Why' story from China and find out why the Phoenix is no longer grey and now has lots of friends.</p>

00:19:29