Barefoot Books Podcast

A farmer's son becomes groom to the tsar of Russia and is set a series of impossible tasks. But his friend, the ugly but clever humpbacked horse prooves a valuable companion on his adventures.

This Native American Tale takes place when the world was still in darkness. When the animals learn about light, they send their bravest to catch it. From The Barefoot Book of Animal Tales, retold and narrated by Naomi Adler, illustrated by Amanda Hall.

A farmer digs up gold in his field of turnips, but he knows his wife will spread his secret and the whole village would know of his fortune. He devises a cunning plan to show her that it is not wise to spread gossip. From Tales of Wisdom and Wonder, retold by Hugh Lupton and illustrated by Niamh Sharkey.

Old Heena works hard all her life and is always kind to others. See where Rainbow leads her to relax! From the collection Grandmothers' Stories, retold by Burleigh Mutén and illustrated by Siân Bailey.

Princess Fifine escapes from marrying an evil spirit disguised as a Golden Prince. The White Mare protects her with magic that swallows the evil spirit into the earth for seven years, and then for eternity. From our Magic Hoofbeats collection, retold by Josepha Sherman and illustrated by Linda Wingerter. Narrated by Ellen Verenieks.