Tales by the Fireside - Bedtime stories and sleep meditation

Tonight, we have a story of creation and destruction. Of joy, and sorrow, of war and peace, of gods and goddesses, of rivers and animals and the wonders of nature. An epic story about Native American folklore and legends. Proudly presenting a slightly abridged version of “The Song of Hiawatha”, written by Henry W Longfellow, originally written in 1855. This is by far the longest episode I have eve...

Tonight, we have a story about fairies, and beauty. A story about one little girls journey into a magical kingdom. A story about kindness. Presenting “A World Beyond the Rainbow”, written by Adrita Goswami. This book was written when the author was only 13 years old, and that innocence and charm really does shine through in this story. Should you wish to purchase the book for yourself, you can on...

Tonight, we have a story about life, and death, and love. A story about hauntings, nobility and Americans. About blood stains, suits of armour and hidden rooms. A story of fear and terror, but not necessarily in the way you might imagine. Proudly presenting “The Canterville Ghost” written by Oscar Wilde. This was the very first of his stories to be published, back in 1887. This was great fun to re...

Tonight, we have a story about a happy little otter and his families very special rock. A story about squawking seagulls and cracking clams. A story, about learning very important lessons from very important people. Presenting a Fireside Community Author Spotlight, “The Greatest Treasure” written by Stefanie Fields. An absolute pleasure to read and one your little ones will enjoy. The illustration...

Tonight, we have a story about a man with an aging condition like no other. A story about the oddity of life and death and society in the late 1800’s. A story about what it could be like, if we aged backwards. Proudly presenting “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, as part of his “Tales from the Jazz Age” novel, published in 1922. This original story is a little di...

Tonight, we have a story about wicked witches and winged monkeys. A story of silver shoes and golden caps. A story of Hammer-Heads, Winkies, beasts and people made of dainty china. A story about returning home. Proudly presenting the concluding Part Two of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, written by L. Frank Baum, originally published in 1900. Thank you to everyone who took part in our  Facebook...

Tonight, we are taking a journey together through a peaceful forest on your own private island. Basking in the glory of nature before finding our welcoming campsite and settling down for sleep. Visualisation meditation takes our mind on a journey where we imaginatively engage all our senses. All we have to do is follow the voice as it leads us along the trail. I would love to hear how you find thi...

Tonight, we have a story about lions, scarecrows and tinmen. A story about brains, and courage and heart. A story about being far from home. A story, about somewhere over the rainbow. Proudly presenting part one of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, written by L. Frank Baum, originally published in 1900. Thank you to everyone who took part in our Facebook poll and helped decide we should have this epis...

A story about churches, and nature. A story about grief and beauty and hope. A story utterly suffused with emotion. A story about cultivation. Proudly presenting “The Love Hundred” by Neil Willis. The talented poet returns to Tales by the Fireside to share a very personal piece with us. Follow him on Facebook at NWPoetry and show him some support. Thank you for letting me read this out Neil. P.S....

Tonight, we have three short stories about being able to do it, if you try hard enough. Stories about never giving up, even if it seems really hard. Stories about seagulls, and waves, and octopuses. Stories, about succeeding. Presenting, the "I Can Do Stories" written by Sally Tears. A wonderful collection of short stories with charming illustrations. Should you wish to purchase this for yourself,...

Tonight, we have a story about the lasting impacts childhood memories can have on us. A story about the value of our roots and those who helped us grow. A story, about returning home. Presenting another Fireside Community Author Spotlight, “Life and the Piazza” written by Tammy B. Tsonis. For more information on the author and her new book, please visit her website, tammybtsonis-author.com , or fo...

Tonight, we have a story about princes and princesses, of good fairies and bad ones, of curses and counter curses. A story, of moonlight. Presenting, “Little Daylight” by George MacDonald, as published in 1871. If you enjoy this story, please let me know by leaving a rating or review or subscribing on whatever platform you’re listening on. Every interaction truly means the world to this channel. I...

Tonight, we have a story about one little farmyard animal’s quest to see a job well done. A story that teaches us the value of hard work and determination, even when surrounded by those who might not be so helpful. A story about just rewards. Presenting the old family favourite, The Little Red Hen, as retold by Florence white Williams in 1916. As always, if you enjoyed this episode please do let m...

Tonight, we have a story about mystery and deceit, about red headed men and strange job situations, about pawnbrokers, plots and counter plots. The worlds greatest detective and his faithful assistant return in Arthur Conan Doyle's “Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” second installment, “The Red-Headed League”. As published in 1891. As always, if you enjoyed this episode please do let me know by leavi...

Tonight, we have a short story about a little girl who doesn’t want to go to school today. About how being the shortest in the class, really might not be such a bad thing after all. A story, about positivity. Presenting “Being Small (Isn’t so bad after all)”, written by Lori Orlinsky. A charming book with lovely illustrations and an encouraging message. Thank you Lori for allowing me to read out y...

Tonight, we have another guided meditation. This time, we are focusing on reducing anxious thoughts through understanding anxiety, and positive affirmations before counting down together for sleep. Please do let me know how this worked for you, either by leaving a rating or review and subscribing to the show. We are on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xiljb4JUYuerHm60VWdQ5 iTunes: https://...

Tonight, we have a story about the world’s youngest detective. A story about cats, cases and clocks, of partners and penguins, of milk and of mysteries. Presenting another Fireside Community Author Spotlight piece, “The LittleBig Detectives” written by Alexandra Antipa. I would like to thank Alexandra for allowing me to read these excerpts from her wonderful book. You can purchase it for yourself...

Tonight, we have a story about a strange untrustworthy man, and the life insurance officer whom is his adversary. A story about plots and counter plots, of vendettas and shadows, of brandy and middle partings. Presenting "Hunted Down" written by Charles Dickens, published in 1860. An author more widely known for "A Christmas Carol" or "Great Expectations", tonight we have a much more insidious and...

Tonight, we have a set of stories about a lovely little kitten. Stories about imagination, creativity, and believing in yourself. Stories about friendship. Presenting "The Alycat Series", written by Alysson Foti Borque. A charming set of books with wonderful art. I would like to thank Alysson for allowing me to read this series, and would urge you all to check out the website www.alycatseries.com...

Tonight's story is about a humble monk, and a fable for us all to share. A story about treating our natural world with the respect and reverence it deserves. A story, about the majesty of Nepal. Presenting another Fireside Community Spotlight piece, The Magical Ring Of Trees by Lucia Huybrechts, part of a larger story inspired by the authors travels around Nepal and the Himalayas. You can purchase...

Tonight, we have a continuation of Liana Wall's wonderful story of fairies and power, of dreams and hope, of journeys and destinations, of courage and dreams. Presenting part two of the Wishing Well Collection. You can find more information about this lovely book here: www.thewishingwellcollection.com As always, if you enjoy the content, please do consider leaving a rating or review or subscribing...

Tonight's story, is "Love and Friendship", part of Jane Austen's "Juvenilia", a collection of short stories and novels she wrote in her youth. This particular story was written in around 1790, when she was just a young girl. This is a tale of fortunes and favours, of suitors and supplicants, of swooning and sensibilities. Of love, and tragedy. In the form of several letters, a woman explains her h...

Tonight, we have a compilation of all the poems that we featured on our Tales by the Fireside Bedtime Advent Calendar (plus a few that didn't make the original list). Authors are listed within the episode itself. I sincerely hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed reading it. If you do, please consider leaving a rating or review and subscribing to Tales by the Fireside. Every interaction tr...

Tonight, we have a story that is firmly ingrained into the hearts of multiple generations. A story that perfectly encapsulates the feeling and emotions of the holiday, and a lesson for us all. A story about misers and phantoms, of past, present and future, a story of Christmas. Proudly presenting, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. An abridged version of the story he wrote for his own public r...

Tonight, we have a story about a diligent, intelligent Police Inspector and his two understudies. A story about a tragedy. A story about human psychology and tiny, important details. Proudly presenting "A Tale of Habits and Rituals" by Colin W Currill. A talented author and Fireside Community member who writes for the sheer passion of it. Thank you Colin, I appreciate you letting me read this ende...