Tale by Belle

Published in 2008, author Minfong Ho offers us the chance to question the false choices we inherit, chicken or hawk, good or bad, and see how much of ourselves gets buried under those labels. Shadow work, like Lani’s flight, is the courage to embrace what was once condemned and discover it is not our enemy but the very part of us that lets us soar.

Published in 2010, author Chua explores the profound and enduring impact of unrequited, or "shadow" love. Retold in Rose's dignified, perceptive, and quietly heartbreaking voice. Lace up, let’s run to the same sinking feeling but a different Titanic.

Published in 2010, author Chua shows us his journey to Venus, a landscape of barbed affections and quiet sabotage, where a mother and daughter orbit each other in mutual mistrust, each guarding their claim to beauty, love, and power. Lace up, let’s run to the haunted house.

Published in 2008, author Minfong Ho encourages us to carry the hopes and challenges of new beginnings, like a tropical flower blooming quietly in cold ground. Lace up, let’s run to a Laotian’s home in America.

Published in 2010, author Chua enlightens us what happens when love, pride, and sambal collide. Lace up. Let’s run to the nasi lemak stall together.

Published in 2008, author Minfong Ho invites us to a birthday celebration that casts quiet light on what success and wealth often leave in the shadows. Lace up. Let’s run to the fancy party together.

Tales for Running

Wilfred Owen (1893–1918), one of the most powerful voices of World War I poetry, used his verse to reveal the struggles of ordinary people. While best known for his war poems, Miners takes a different yet equally powerful approach. Written after a mining disaster, it draws a striking parallel between the sacrifices of miners and soldiers—both toiling in the dark, often unnoticed. It’s a fitting re...

Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) was a master of words, capturing both the strength of the individual and the power of community. His poem If— is a timeless guide to resilience, patience, and integrity—offering wisdom on how to navigate life’s trials with dignity and stillness. But Kipling also understood that no one stands alone. In The Law of the Jungle, taken from The Jungle Book, he explores the ba...

U.A. Fanthorpe (1929–2009), a poet known for finding extraordinary meaning in ordinary moments, brought a keen eye and quiet wit to her writing. Leaving her career as a teacher to become a poet, she often explored themes of human connection, social divides, and personal reflection. Fanthorpe’s poetry, like Half-term, captures life’s fleeting moments with gentle precision, turning everyday experien...

William Blake (1757–1827), often seen as both a poet and a painter of dreams, was a visionary artist whose work explored the delicate balance between innocence and experience. Known for his illustrated poetry collections like Songs of Innocence and of Experience, Blake used striking imagery and symbolic language to challenge societal norms and explore the human spirit.

William Blake (1757–1827), often seen as both a poet and a painter of dreams, was a visionary artist whose work explored the delicate balance between innocence and experience. Known for his illustrated poetry collections like Songs of Innocence and of Experience, Blake used striking imagery and symbolic language to challenge societal norms and explore the human spirit.

William Blake (1757–1827), often seen as both a poet and a painter of dreams, was a visionary artist whose work explored the delicate balance between innocence and experience. Known for his illustrated poetry collections like Songs of Innocence and of Experience, Blake used striking imagery and symbolic language to challenge societal norms and explore the human spirit. Credit to: Fearless Motivati...

Dorothy Wordsworth (1771-1855), often known as the quiet force behind her brother William’s famous works, was a gifted writer and keen observer of nature in her own right. Her journals, filled with vivid descriptions of the Lake District and daily life, inspired many of William's poems. But Dorothy’s own voice shines through in poems like Address to a Child During a Boisterous Winter Evening,...

John Keats (1795–1821) was one of the most prominent figures of the Romantic movement, known for his rich, sensuous poetry and exploration of beauty, nature, and mortality. Though his life was tragically short, Keats produced an extraordinary body of work, including his famous odes. To Autumn, written in 1819, is often considered one of his finest poems. It reflects his signature style—vivid image...

William Wordsworth (1770–1850) was a central figure in the Romantic movement, known for his poetry that celebrated nature, emotion, and the beauty of ordinary life. Born in England's Lake District, his surroundings deeply influenced his work, inspiring poems like Daffodils, where he reflects on how nature’s simple moments can bring lasting joy. Wordsworth believed poetry should capture "t...

Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593) was an influential playwright, poet, and contemporary of William Shakespeare. Known for his bold writing style and dramatic themes, Marlowe helped shape Elizabethan theatre with works like Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine the Great. He was also a master of pastoral poetry, as seen in The Passionate Shepherd to His Love, where he paints an idealised vision of love and...

Dive into the fascinating world of the Chinese Zodiac as we explore the legend of the Snake and what the Year of the Snake symbolizes. Discover timeless lessons from folklore and a fresh perspective on embracing your zodiac year with positivity and purpose.

Unwrap the vibrant history and meaning behind red packets in this episode. From legends to traditions, we explore how these little envelopes symbolize more than just money—they carry blessings, joy, and a deep cultural legacy.

Shuffle the tiles and settle in for a lively monologue about Mahjong! This episode dives into the charm of the game, its rich traditions, and how it brings people together—whether you're playing in person or remotely.

Crack open the surprising story behind fortune cookies in this episode! From their unexpected origins to their role in modern culture, we explore how these delightful treats have become symbols of wisdom, luck, and a little bit of mystery.

On New Year’s Eve, families gather around the table for a meal that’s more than just food—it’s tradition, connection, and sometimes a little chaos. In this episode, we explore the meaning behind the reunion dinner and why it remains the heart of the Lunar New Year celebration.

For the final episode of this Christmas limited podcast season, let's tie a bow on all the holiday cheer we’ve shared! While Rudolph, Frosty, Della and Jim, and Santa had their moments in the spotlight in earlier episodes, this one’s all about YOU. Tale by Belle would like to take a moment to thank all our incredible fans—the real unsung heroes of this season. Let’s toast to the joy, the cheer, an...

Written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1823. This classic poem is the very reason why we picture Santa Claus as a jolly man in a red suit, sliding down chimneys, and bringing joy to children all over the world.

A classic Christmas tale from 1905...Have you ever wanted to buy a perfect gift for someone so bad that you'd rather lose something you treasured most? The gifts Jim and Della received may not be practical anymore, but the love behind them is what truly matters. May we all learn to sacrifice for our loved ones in this merry season.