iPod Convert: Family Folktales

One of may favorite genres of podcasts to hunt down is the quality child-friendly storytelling podcast. I love The Moth for myself, but it is not for listening to between home and daycare, if you know what I mean. Storynory is always a hit with The Young Man, but as I mentioned in my earlier review of Storynory, was looking for a bit more diversity in the sources of the tales told. I've tried a few podcasts I found through iTunes, but several were either too saccharine or just weird.

Enter the Nashville Public Library Family Folktales Podcast. Although it's a pretty no-frills production it is solid and high-quality. Family Folktales has introduced us to new and unforgettable characters, like the Tanuki in "How the Wicked Tanuki Was Punished." The sources of the folktales seem to be pretty international, which is such a bonus for my kids who are exposed to a steady and mind numbing stream of Transformers and Power Rangers through school. Who ever thought that returning Strawberry Shortcake and those silly plastic ponies to the kids market was a good idea? Oh, never mind, the same geniuses who brought us Bratz! But I digress (which probably could be a title for this blog if I ever decided to change it).

There isn't a whole lot of information about the podcast, previous shows, or the narrator on the main webpage. However, it is worth looking through the archive on iTunes, although there are only six episodes. I certainly hope they keep up production, because we have enjoyed every single one of the shows so far, and how may podcasts can you say that about? The narrator is pleasant and engaging without trying too hard, although I would guess that acting is not her day job. The more I pay attention, the more I think that librarians get to have all the fun. I will say that these are pretty unfiltered traditional fairy tales. Parents die, grow-ups are wicked, and princesses get saved (so far, at least). We haven't run into any nightmares yet, but these stories are in the vein of the original Snow White, red-hot iron dancing shoes and all. So be forewarned, but please, please don't be scared off. Barney is a whole lot creepier, in my opinion.

So, if you are looking for stories with a bit more depth to them to share with your kids, or if you yourself are a fan of traditional fairy tales and folktales, please try Family Folktales and think about spreading the word and subscribing. Everyone likes a little appreciation, and in this case it is well deserved.