April Eight Songs and Stories

Hello Dear Gentlefolk, today I'm excited to share that I'm part of the Kids Listen Mash Up, a seven part series of kids podcasts about Big Emotions. The story that I have in the "Fear and Bravery" mix is about our fairy friends Sar and Nieva - The Two Sister and The Wolf. I'm delighted to share storytime space with my fellow Kids Listen Friends: Forever Ago, PJ Library Presents, Afternoons With Mimi, and the whole episode is hosted by: Eric from What If World. Loved this story? Find more and join the Gentlefolk community at April Eight Songs & Stories IG: https://www.instagram.com/aprileightsongsandstories/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aprileight Here is more about the whole episode Fear & Bravery (Part 2) 😱🦸 Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings  Welcome back to Big Emotions! Bravery doesn't mean never feeling afraid - it's about feeling fear and moving forward anyway. In Part 2 of Fear and Bravery, we hear more incredible stories from Kids Listen shows about facing fears, taking risks, and finding courage together. You'll discover how sitting with fear, learning from it, and practicing bravery can change the way we experience challenges. Contributing podcasts in this episode: Forever Ago • April Eight • PJ Library Presents, Afternoons With Mimi Hosted by: Eric from What If World Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings - for the whole series. Looking for hands-on ways to explore this theme? Download the Kids Listen Fear & Bravery Activity Guide created by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore. ---- About this series: Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups is a 7-part audio adventure where creators from the Kids Listen community come together to explore feelings in all their shapes and sizes. Each episode pairs two related emotions, sharing original clips and reflections to help kids (and grownups!) understand, name, and navigate their feelings. To hear the whole Two Sister and The Wolf series, find all the episodes on one page: https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/p/kids-listen-big-emotions-fear-and  

All songs and stories written and narrated by April Eight - copyright ©2025.  A perfect bedtime tale about a lonely little star who finds a surprise friend. Little Star learns a lesson - friends can be found if you know how to look. "Now today I have a bedtime story. This would be a nice one to listen to right before you go to sleep. It's about a little star. It's called The Little Star Story..." If you like this story, you'll probably like our other April Eight Songs and Stories too. Have a listen and see what you think.  The content herein is protected by copyright and may not be used without permission. © 2025 April Eight - Goldenthread Creative LLC. Find me at http://www.aprileight.com Free Newsletter - Stay Up Late with April Eight link: https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/ "April is a world-class storyteller, sure to engage both your kids and you." -PDX Parent "April's calm, kind, funny, and so entertaining." - The Art Alliance

Sometimes what you think is your greatest flaw turns out to be the very thing that makes you shine. Little Pumpkin believes he'll never be chosen from the pumpkin patch — he's got a flaw he feels no one would ever want to take home. But when a boy named Lewis comes along on a golden autumn day, everything changes. This gentle, joyful Halloween story for kids celebrates family, kindness, and being yourself — perfect for family listening, bedtime stories, and cozy fall days. If you love original kids' stories and songs, visit aprileight.com for more storytelling magic, behind-the-scenes wonder, and seasonal tales from April Eight Songs & Stories.

He took a deep breath and said, "Hi. I'm Mookie. This is Larkin." Larkin squeezed Mookie's hand again. I'm excited to wrap-up this story series because I feel like I found a satisfying ending for this tale. However, I am also sad about letting it all go for now. I love writing about Mookie and Grandpa. They are both so wise and kind. I love the friendship between Mookie and his best friend Larkin. I also love what Jemi and Sander bring to the team - their brains and focus. I love that color-changing baby Chromanian dragon, Baby, and, of course, I love Shamaya. Oh, and don't forget Theadosa the chicken. I love everything about them all. But a story has to have an ending, and today I am sharing this one with you. The April Eight Songs and Stories Podcast is full of gentle, magical songs and tales for innocent ears. Perfect for bedtime, snack-time, dinner-time, car-time, any time you need a sweet, funny, entertaining story told. April Eight, Waldorf teacher, and early grades specialist, has been called a "world-class storyteller". She shares her original fairytales to delight and enchant the whole family. Sign up for free or for the paid subscription newsletter at Stay Up Late with April Eight Substack, and never miss any of the sweet content that April Eight shares with her audience. Enjoy bonus content, more songs, more stories, and more fun at https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/ Links for other April Eight stories mentioned: You can find these stories anywhere you listen to podcasts. Here are links directly from my podcast host. The Butterfly Adventurer - the original Thom Gnome series. Jemi and the Birthday Surprise. Sander and the Lost Giant. Mookie and the Magic Egg really starts with this story - Larkin and the Troll.

Mookie and the Magic Egg, Story 7 Mookie and Grandpa are trying to decide how to care for the Chromanian Dragon whose egg was left in their chicken coop. With the help of this podcast's favorite gnome and his blustery little buddy Brizbane the Mouse, you're sure to enjoy this original fairytale series.  The April Eight Songs and Stories Podcast is full of gentle, magical songs and tales for innocent ears. Perfect for bedtime, snack-time, dinner-time, car-time, any time you need a sweet, funny, entertaining story told. April Eight, Waldorf teacher and early grades specialist has been called a "world-class storyteller". She shares her original fairytales to delight and enchant the whole family. Sign up for free or for the paid subscription newsletter at Stay Up Late with April Eight Substack, and never miss any of the sweet content that April Eight shares with her audience. Enjoy bonus content, more songs, more stories, and more fun at https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/ Links for other April Eight stories mentioned: You can find these stories anywhere you listen to podcasts. Here are links directly from my podcast host. The Butterfly Adventurer - the original Thom Gnome series. Jemi and the Birthday Surprise. Sander and the Giant. Mookie and the Magic Egg really starts with this story - Larkin and the Troll. That should keep you busy until Mookie and the Magic Egg 8, the final story of this series, comes out on Wednesday, August 21st!

Story 6 from the series Mookie and the Magic Egg. Who could sleep when they have a baby Chromanian dragon to protect? Certainly not Mookie. Fortunately, he has some unexpected assitance from a tiny mouse (who you callin' tiny?) and a helpful gnome.  The "Mookie and the Magic Egg" series is a gentle, magical tale for innocent ears. Perfect for bedtime, snack-time, dinner-time, car-time, any time you need a sweet, funny, entertaining tale told. April Eight, Waldorf teacher and "world-class" storyteller, shares her original fairytales to delight and enchant the whole family.  Sign up for the Stay Up Late with April Eight Substack Newsletter, and never miss an episode. Enjoy bonus content, more songs, more stories, and more fun at https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/

One of our old friends pops up in this episode - literally - to help Mookie and Grandpa decide what to do to help their baby dragon. Brizbane is back and up to all kinds of trouble, as usual. A gentle, magical podcast for innocent ears. Perfect for bedtime, snack, dinner, or car-time – any time you need a sweet, funny, entertaining tale told or song sung. April Eight, Waldorf teacher, and world-class storyteller, shares her original fairytales and folk songs to delight and enchant the whole family. And the book that Brizbane refers to is one of my favorites to read to third graders, "Dragon Rider" by Cornelia Funke. This series starts with Episode 53, Larken and the Troll. If you haven't listened to these stories, you might go back and listen from the beginning.  Stay up to date by joining my free newsletter at: https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/ Find all things April Eight at https://aprileight.com/  

In Story 4, Mookie comes home to tell his grandpa all about the adventures he and his friends had and the magical creatures they discovered in Hawthorn Grove Woods. Dragons, fairies, kids, and magical cat wizards - there's a lot of fun to be had in this original series of sweet stories from storyteller April Eight. And someone you might know arrives to offer up his  help at the end of this one...  Stay Up Late with April Eight Newsletter - find it at https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/ Find me at aprileight.com

Mookie, Larken, Jemi, and Sander follow their fairy friend into the woods to find out how to protect the baby dragon that just hatched out of the egg Mookie had been protecting for weeks. They meet a wise creature, the likes of which they never imagined. What in the world is a Chatabourger? You'll find out in Story 3 of Mookie and the Magic Egg. Find out more at aprileight.com and at instragram.com/aprileightsongsandstories. Stay Up Late with April Eight Newsletter - find it at https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/ Find me at aprileight.com

In our last episode, Mookie and his friends watched as a Chromanian Dragon hatched out of her shell. And what could they do with this wee magical creature but rock her to sleep with a baby bottle? ;-)  There's a bit of trouble afoot in Hawthorn Grove, but that's for the next episode! For now, let's sing our dear dragon to sleep with the "Lullaby for a Dragon" that Sander was humming in the last episode. A gentle, magical podcast for innocent ears. Perfect for bedtime, snack, dinner, or car-time – any time you need a sweet, funny, entertaining tale told or song sung. April Eight, Waldorf teacher and world-class storyteller, shares her original fairytales and folk songs to delight and enchant the whole family. Stay Up Late with April Eight Newsletter - find it at https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/ Find me at aprileight.com  

Taking care of his chickens is one of Mookie's favorite things to do. But one day, he was gathering eggs in the chicken coop for his Grandpa and found something quite curious. It was an egg, but certainly not a chicken egg. Still, Mookie cared for the green and blue speckled egg and wondered exactly what or who was in there. Mookie and his Grandpa couldn't find an egg that looked anything like it in all those books they searched through from the library. Mookie carefully watched over the egg. And when it hatched, he and his friends could not believe their eyes! In our last episode, Mookie and his friends watched as a Chromanian Dragon hatched out of her shell. And what could they do with this wee magical creature but rock her to sleep with a baby bottle? ;-)  There's a bit of trouble afoot in Hawthorn Grove, but that's for the next episode! For now, let's sing our dear dragon to sleep with the "Lullaby for a Dragon" that Sander was humming in the last episode. A gentle, magical podcast for innocent ears. Perfect for bedtime, snack, dinner, or car-time – any time you need a sweet, funny, entertaining tale told or song sung. April Eight, Waldorf teacher and world-class storyteller, shares her original fairytales and folk songs to delight and enchant the whole family. For more April Eight fun, sign up today at  Stay Up Late with April Eight Newsletter - find it at https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/ Find me at aprileight.com  

"'What do you think it is? It's getting so big!' Mookie asked Larken as they sat in the basement, staring at the egg." Welcome to Episode 59, "Mookie and the Magic Egg". A gentle, magical tale for innocent ears. Perfect for bedtime, snack-time, dinner-time, car-time, anytime you need a sweet, funny, entertaining tale told. April Eight, Waldorf teacher and "world-class" storyteller, shares her original fairytales to delight and enchant the whole family.  Sign up for joy in your inbox a few times a month at the Stay Up Late with April Eight Newsletter - find it at https://aprileightuplate.substack.com/ Find me at aprileight.com  

I'm having a birthday party and guess who's here? My Kids Listen podcasting pals from Stoopkids, Dorktales Storytime, Newsy Jacuzzi, Noodle Loaf, At Your Level, The Good Word, Little News Ears, Story On, and Buttons & Figs! You might want to bring your slide whistle!   

A Giggle-Along Song from April Eight's childhood, "Swinging on a Star". A funny old-fashioned tune, with a few updated lyrics. Featuring my ukulele! The chorus is, "Would you like to swing on a star, carry moonbeams home in a jar, and be better off than you are? Or would you rather be a...?" Perfect for bedtime, snacktime, car time, or bathtime. Find out more at aprileight.com or on Instagram at @aprileightsongsandstories. 

April Eight has a fairytale riddle for you today and a few answers to some questions I have received from a gnome in Canada, a pixie in Ireland. And, a happy birthday to a fairy friend whose party I just could not get to plus a hint at what the next story might just be about… If you have a question from your children, send them to me on Facebook facebook.com/aprileight or on Instagram @aprileightsongsandstories or Twitter @aprileightmusic. Find out more at aprileight.com The April Eight Podcast is perfect at bedtime, bathtime or anytime you and your children need a story. 

Larken and the Troll is an original fairytale for all-ages. "And so, there was Larken, covered in mud, shivering at the back door, socks wet, rain boots lost in a mud puddle and his raincoat who knows where… All his mother could think of to say was, "Larken, you look like a wet rat!" And Larken explained to her, well, he tried at least, over the top of his mug of peppermint tea she'd made for him as he sat by the fire warming up, that it was all on account of a troll. "A TROLL?" Said his mother… Let April Eight's "magical voice" tell your family a tale both ancient and new.  "We absolutely love April Eight Stories!" - Lynnsey P.  Come find all the goodness at aprileight.com

Roxie tells a not-really-a-story story about her Halloween past. Of course, like any good witch, the Which Witch likes Halloween so much she wrote a whole song about it – "The Witchy Sing-Along Song"! Find April Eight at -  instagram.com/aprileightsongsandstories facebook.com/aprileight aprileight.com And join the April Eight Patreon for lessons and songs, bonus stories, excerpts from April's YA novel, and more - https://www.patreon.com/AprilEight  

Today's episode features a traditional, and funny, German song, called the "Cuckoo and the Donkey". Roxie has a bit to say about it... Also, you'll hear the bird songs of the second graders in my class at the Cincinnati Waldorf School! Send me your bird call audio or video online on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (IG is my favorite) and I just might feature it in a future episode - I'll find it with the hashtag #a8lovesme - because you know I do! Find out more at aprileight.com

The prince took a step forward. He was just about to speak the magic spell... the magic spell that might just get him his great fairy friend Faith back. What a journey our Fairy Prince Orion has been on. And in today's tale, he knocks on the door of someone who doesn't get a lot of visitors. Who could it be? You'll find out in today's episode, the final story of The Lost Fairy Series.  For more go to aprileight.com

Well, it looks like Roxie, April's dog, and podcasting sidekick, is taking over the April Eight Songs & Stories Podcast because, no really, April's daughters have accidentally turned her into a gnome! But no worries, Roxie has all sorts of brilliant songs and, uh, interesting stories to share. What happens next is anybody's guess but Roxie's having a blast because she's a dog and dogs are awesome.