Kids podcasts designed for fantasy and the imagination
Hello again!
This is a continuation of my 4-part series on podcasts for kids and families. In the last post, I had covered non-fiction and science podcasts. In this part, we move on to the very amazing world of fiction, literature and fantasy.
These storytelling podcasts are very enjoyable and imaginative and can really take you to new places and people. Not to mention they really do a good job in bringing principles of old time radio shows to the modern age.
Here are a few of my picks in the Fiction and Literature categories.
Eleanor Amplified
(WHYY)
Photo credit: WHYY Facebook page
If you love stories with very adventurous themes, this podcast is for you!
It follows esteemed journalist Eleanor Amplified, as she foils evil plots involving fake news in pursuit of the true story.
To me, it's a very gripping podcast. In my view as I was binge-listening to this podcast is that it really washed me up in all the stories involved and all the whodunnits and it left me hooked and wondering what Eleanor would do next. It will leave you hooked and hung up for hours.
Also, a little reminder. While the show has four seasons and individual episodes run for roughly 15 minutes, there are also these compilations called "Road Trip Specials" which run for 2 hours per season. In other words, it's like a movie for your ears.
WHERE TO LISTEN: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, NPR
Book Club for Kids
(Kitty Felde)
Photo credit: Book Club for Kids Facebook page
Haven't been able to read in quite a while?? Then check this podcast out!
Public radio veteran Kitty Felde hosts this very amazing podcast where she goes around the US searching for kids who love to read books and can share the wonder of all the books they had read.
I really like this podcast because the stories of the books really fascinate me and really want to make me read more about it. One such example is an episode where they discuss the book "Stella Diaz has Something to Say" about a Latina-American who always gets discriminated and made fun of. Another example is one called "Ghost Boys" about the story of the Black Panthers, who were behind the Civil Rights Movement in America in the 1960s.
Also, the one where the covered the classic "Tuck Everlasting" was also engaging for me.
This podcast has inspired me to make a list of what books to watch out for and to read after the pandemic. If you want an engaging read, then check this out!
WHERE TO LISTEN: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts
The Fina Mendoza Mysteries
(Kitty Felde)
Photo credit: The Fina Mendoza Mysteries Facebook page
Also from Kitty Felde is the interesting podcast, The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, about a Latina-American named Fina Mendoza who is the daughter of this Californian representative in Washington DC. She spends most of her after-school hours in the US Capitol, and she is quite intrigued by this mysterious "Demon Cat". I am also quite hooked up as to what will happen next. Is this Demon Cat real? This will really have me (and hopefully you) thinking.
WHERE TO LISTEN: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts
LINKS: https://kittyfelde.com/
Circle Round
(WBUR Boston)
Photo credit: Circle Round Facebook page
This is a fantastic, one of a kind podcast because it features various one of a kind stories and folktales from around the world.
I really like the fact that this podcast is brought to life with amazing celebrity guests. Among them are Santino Fontana of Frozen, Iain Armitage of Young Sheldon, Philippa Soo of Hamilton, and Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz of Wow in the World (as mentioned in Part 1)
I really like the fact that that they also bring it to life with beautiful sound effects and and location settings, as this features folktales from all around the world.
My personal favorite episode in this podcast is "The Enchanted Paintbrush" about using your powers for good. And that's another thing about the show. It instills good moral values that leave you thinking. It's a really wholesome show
WHERE TO LISTEN: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, NPR
Story Pirates
(Gimlet Media)
Photo: Story Pirates Facebook page
This podcast, to me is the epitome of all kids fiction podcasts.
It really is very awesome largely due to the fact that they take in stories from kids of all ages, and the Story Pirates, a well-known performing arts organization, turn them into sketch comedy and songs.
I think that the show is fun and hilarious, especially the stories, and also the songs are worth head-banging to. Not to mention, the podcast is also very unexpected. You never know what stories you will find.
Photo credit: Story Pirates Facebook page
And speaking of unexpected surprises, they also have unexpected celebrity guests to sing and share the stories or even just a short vignette. Notable examples include the great Dame Julie Andrews (pictured above), Kristen Bell (of Frozen), Lin-Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton), and Alex Brightman (of Broadway's hit Beetlejuice).
The stories here are very original and the "unexpected" aspect is what keeps me coming back to the podcasts for new episodes, wondering what could possibly happen.
WHERE TO LISTEN: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts
And with that, we end Part 2 of this series on kids podcasts.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we feature the best entertainment/variety podcasts!
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