Dorktales Storytime
Be the hero of your own story with Dorktales Storytime, the award-winning podcast for kids and their pop culture loving grownups. Enter their Once Upon a Time world where hosts, Jonathan Cormur and Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog, take you on a storytelling journey of curiosity and acceptance. You’ll explore reimagined fairytales and fables with social emotional themes, discover inspiring stories of history’s hidden heroes, and experience imaginary tales of boundless possibilities.
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Dorktales Storytime
Migration Fashion Show - Wonder of Nature Stories for Kids
With binoculars ready and journals in hand, Jonathan and Redge meet up with their Bigfoot friend, Samuel Squatch, for a day of birdwatching by Legend Lake. The bird-loving buddies soon learn that migration season is more than the return of their favorite birds—it’s a full blown fashion event! As glowing fairies light up the forest canopy, birds both real and mythical strut their stuff in style—from classical geese in flight to a phoenix who sets the fashion world on fire. The glam parade celebrates the natural world, the stylish flair of feathers, and the marvels of migration.
Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/migration-fashion-show/
BONUS! MIGRATION FASHION SHOW COLOR PAGES: https://bit.ly/dorktalesEP110pdf
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep110freePDF
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This adventure is an exploration of the wonders of bird migration set as a surprise spring fashion show hosted by a pleasant pheasant fashionista. It introduces kids to both real and mythical birds while highlighting themes of nature’s diversity, appreciation for nature, and creative self-expression. Built into the narrative are facts about why birds migrate, what helps them travel long distances and other interesting tidbits.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY with Jonathan, Redge and Samuel Squatch, you might like the story about how they met in EP83 Bigfoot’s Legendary Birdsong: https://jonincharacter.com/bigfoots-legendary-birdsong/
CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. It was written and produced by Molly Murphy, and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks.
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Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!
JONATHAN CORMUR: Hello Dork Squad. I'm Jonathan Cormur and you're listening to Dorktales Storytime, the podcast for kids and their pop culture-loving grown-ups, and this is one of our anything-is-possible lore stories.
THEME SONG: It's a beautiful day for a story, adventure and glory, new friends and old ones too. It's an excellent day to get swept away in a tail, so let us regale you.
(The sound of the outdoors, in a peaceful forest)
REDGE: He said he would be around here somewhere…
JONATHAN: Are you sure?
REDGE: I’m sure! We discussed it the last time I was visiting Legend Lake! Samuel said he would be in the forest, and meet at the Ancient Whispering Cedar.
JONATHAN: Are we sure we’re at the right tree, then?
REDGE: A tree called the Ancient Whispering Cedar would be tough to miss.
ANCIENT WHISPERING CEDAR: The Hedgehog is correct. It is I.
JONATHAN: Ahh!
REDGE: Oh!
JONATHAN: H-hello Mr. Cedar, sir!
ANCIENT WHISPERING CEDAR: I hath not seen the Bigfoot Samuel Squatch.
REDGE: Oh dear.
ANCIENT WHISPERING CEDAR: Though…
JONATHAN: Though?
ANCIENT WHISPERING CEDAR: I am unable to turn around…
REDGE: We should walk to the back of the tree!
JONATHAN: Wait….you haven’t looked behind the tree?
REDGE: We never specified! And it’s a big and glorious tree!
ANCIENT WHISPERING CEDAR: Thank you.
REDGE: You’re welcome. And I’m just a little guy!
JONATHAN: (Sigh) Right. (Clears throat, calling out) Samuel? Samuel Squatch?
REDGE: (Calling out) Samuel! Are you behind this giant ancient tree? We’re ready to watch the birds!
JONATHAN: (Calling out) SAMUEL!
SAMUEL: Panicking, prancing porcupines, fellas! You’re going to scare all the birds away!
REDGE: Samuel! Hello!
SAMUEL: Hi friends! What’s all the shouting about?
JONATHAN: Redge couldn’t find you! We were worried we got the wrong day or something.
SAMUEL: Funny…I’ve just been behind this tree.
REDGE: And I thought we were meeting in the front!
JONATHAN: (Sighs again) Anyways…I’m glad we found you! We can’t wait to bird watch with the birdsong, birdwatching expert!
(The sound of tweeting birds)
REDGE: Oh, Samuel, you’ve done it again!
JONATHAN: It’s uncanny how precise your birdsongs are!
REDGE: There’s a reason Samuel won gold in the Birdsong event during the Legend Lake Olympiads!
SAMUEL: Awww….weeping water voles. That’s so nice it brings a tear to my eye!
REDGE: So, Samuel where do we start for a wonderful birdwatching afternoon?
SAMUEL: First, we need to do a gear check!
JONATHAN: Gear check?
REDGE: Every birdwatcher has important gear that helps them observe our glorious flying friends closer!
SAMUEL: Binoculars are the most important
REDGE: We have our Super-Seers right here!
SAMUEL: Super-Seers is a great brand!
REDGE: I know! Crafted by Rapunzel herself!
JONATHAN: She is a brilliant inventor.
SAMUEL: I also have a camera set up over here that’s perfectly suited for capturing beautiful nature scenes!
REDGE: Excellent! If you need to test it out, I’ve been practicing my amazing awesome photo poses. Like the Casual Hedgehog on a Log. Oh! Or the Leaping Quills pose. (As if he’s busting into the pose) And LEAP! (Camera click)
SAMUEL: Leaping lizards, Redge, those are amazing poses!
REDGE: Thank you, thank you.
JONATHAN: So we have our binoculars, camera…anything else we need?
REDGE: Oh! I brought my journal to make notes of my observations!
SAMUEL: That’s perfect! I always love making sketches of the birds I see.
JONATHAN: Binoculars, camera, notebooks…check!
SAMUEL: And now the last and most important thing…
JONATHAN: A bird identification book?
REDGE: No, Jonathan, it’s clearly the perfect birdwatching outfit!
SAMUEL: It’s neither! Even though both are great to have too.
REDGE: Oh. Then what is it?
SAMUEL: Enthusiasm for the wonders of nature!
REDGE: Well! We have loads of that!
JONATHAN: Check!
SAMUEL: Then we’re all set! Oh boy…this is going to be amazing! And it’s migration season! What an incredible time for watching the skies.
REDGE: What is migration season?
SAMUEL: When birds know that it’s about to get cold, they fly to a warmer place for food and resources they need to survive! When winter is over, they fly back home!
JONATHAN: Why is migration season one of the best times to birdwatch?
SAMUEL: It’s when you can see the most birds of varying types!
JONATHAN: That makes sense, it’s a lot like bird migration where I’m from!
SAMUEL: That’s right!
JONATHAN: I wonder if we’ll see any birds I recognize.
SAMUEL: There are many mythical birds that fly through Legend Lake. But as you know, many birds from your realm of Earth make their way through the magical lands of Once Upon a Time! We may see some today.
PLEASANT: Thaaaaat’s right, you fine-feathered folks are going to see birds of many shapes, sizes, and colors! And from many myths, legends, and lands!
REDGE: Ummm…did you both hear that?
PLEASANT: It’s going to be a REAL hoot!
JONATHAN: I did hear that…
SAMUEL: It’s coming from behind those ferns…
PLEASANT: We will start the presentation as soon as our honored guests take their seats!
SAMUEL: Look at these mossy tree stumps that just popped up out of the ground! They’re like little seats!
JONATHAN: Presentation?
SAMUEL: Hello? What presentation?
(Hip fashion show music begins)
PLEASANT: The Migration Fashion Show of course! The fanciest and most fabulous runway of the season. You want THE bird watching experience? Then stick around! We’ve got the greatest birding bonanza on this side of Legend Lake, and we’re all dressed to impress in our feathery best!
REDGE: Jonathan….am I imagining things or did a glorious little pheasant just leap into this clearing and start talking to us with a microphone?
PLEASANT: You bet I did! The name is Pleasant! Pleasant the Pheasant, your realm-wandering feathered fashionista! I can’t wait to kick off our Spring Migration Runway!
JONATHAN: Glowing fairies are lining the sky! Like little stage lights!
SAMUEL: Flappin’, flyin’ fowl! I can’t wait! A show featuring birds? This is the dream!
REDGE: Eee! And a fashion show at that! Count me in!
PLEASANT: Are you ready for our seasonal strut?
JONATHAN: Ready!
REDGE: My Super-Seers are in hand!
SAMUEL: I was born ready!
PLEASANT: Then we won’t wait any longer! Let the fashion parade begin!
First up, we have our tried and true migrating bird - the goose!
GOOSE: Honk!
PLEASANT: He’s really letting loose! Flapping those black and white feathers with a flourish! Normally you might spot this bird flying in a V formation with his flock. You know what they say about birds of a feather!
GOOSE: Honk!
PLEASANT: What glorious, stylish wings, am I right?
SAMUEL: Sweetly, singing salamanders! You’re definitely right!
REDGE: Just stupendous!
REDGE: Jonathan, there are geese on earth too, aren’t there?
JONATHAN: There are! They fly in V formations just like Pleasant said! The shape helps them conserve energy and fly for longer periods!
REDGE: That is very cool! I should see what it’s like to make V formations with my hedgehog mates. Although…we’ll probably never get that organized.
PLEASANT: Looks like we have a Legend Lake native flying down the runway next! This bird’s fashion story is all about transformation!
PHOENIX: (Small sound, like a little bird) Screech!
PLEASANT: She may look small, but she is mighty and immortal. That’s right, it’s the fiery Phoenix with her brilliant red, orange, and yellow feathers! And if you watch closely enough….you may see her…light up!
PHOENIX: (another small sound) Screech!
SAMUEL: Lift up those binoculars, friends! You won’t want to miss any detail of this!
REDGE: On it!
(A triumphant sound, and the sound of something catching fire)
PHOENIX: SCREECH!
PLEASANT: WOW! We may need to bust out our most stylish sunglasses because this bird is on fire and shining like the sun! From egg, to baby bird, to full-fledged adult, this bird is burning up that runway, sending sparks into the crowd! Oh, and the cycle starts all again as it turns back into a smoldering egg! This phoenix is showing off all of its fiery plumage this season.
REDGE: Bravo! Bravo!
JONATHAN: This clearing was really heating up!
SAMUEL: (Sniffs like he’s tearing up) Ain’t she a beaut?
PLEASANT: Oops! Everybody duck!
JONATHAN: Oh is there a duck? Where? I love ducks.
SAMUEL: Uhhh no I think he means…DUCK!
JONATHAN: WOAH!
PLEASANT: We have another Legend Lake bird coming in hot! Well…not as hot as the Phoenix but certainly much….much…much bigger!
REDGE: Who….who is that?
SAMUEL: A ROC!
JONATHAN: No that’s definitely not a rock, it’s a massive bird.
PLEASANT: A massive mythological bird that’s called a roc with plumage puffed in pride. And look at those talons! I’ve heard rumors a roc can transport an elephant with those!
REDGE: I’ve never seen a bird so big!
JONATHAN: It looks a lot like a hawk or an eagle!
SAMUEL: I’m definitely going to have to sketch this.
PLEASANT: Feel that wind on your face from its flapping wings! See all of the trees’ branches shaking and quaking? This bird’s look really stirs things up!
REDGE: Bravo again! Bravo!
JONATHAN: I can’t wait to see who’s next!
PLEASANT: Next down the runway will be a familiar friend to you, Jonathan!
JONATHAN: Yay!
(Hip fashion show music returns)
PLEASANT: You couldn’t miss our last fashion model, but you may want to lift up those binoculars now! We’ve got a smaller friend gliding our direction known as the barn swallow!
This is a little bird with swept back wings, brilliant blue feathers on top and a little orange underneath the chinny chin chin.
JONATHAN: I know these guys! They often nest in human made structures! They’re not one of the mythical birds from Legend Lake, but there are some mythic facts about them.
SAMUEL: Please share!
JONATHAN: It was once believed that swallows spent their winters on the moon! In the 1600s, people weren’t sure where swallows went in the winter, and one person explained that it was obvious that they went to the moon! He had calculated the speed it took to get there and everything!
PLEASANT: That fun fact is out of this world!
SAMUEL: I never knew that! I did know that swallows are symbols for sailors out at sea! They symbolize a safe return home.
JONATHAN: That’s awesome!
REDGE: Look at the swallow flapping and gliding around!
JONATHAN: Is its beak open?
SAMUEL: It eats bugs while it flies!
PLEASANT: And casts a spectacular silhouette in the sky! Just stunning!
REDGE: Oh I can’t help myself…Bravo for the third time! I’m on my feet for all of these birds!
PLEASANT: We’re heralding in our final fashionista! Dressed in a gown of white feathers, with a perfect black mask around their eyes…it’s the trumpeter swan!
SAMUEL: Swans are one of my favorite types of birds!
PLEASANT: Look at this flying water bird soar gracefully in our direction. A beautiful sight out on the lakes and up in the skies!
SAMUEL: Did you know that trumpeter swans build their nests close to the water, and sometimes they like to build them atop beaver lodges!
REDGE: Oh yeah! I think Glimmer the Beaver told me about that!
JONATHAN: Animals are always working together!
PLEASANT: We love to see it! Collaboration! The beauty of nature. It’s enough to make this pleasant pheasant tear up…ANYWHO our terrific trumpeter swan’s final lap around the runway marks the big finale of our Migration Fashion Show. We hope you enjoyed seeing all of these legendary creatures out in their couture.
(Hip fashion show music fades)
JONATHAN: Huh?
REDGE: It means stylish clothes…or in this instance, feathers, Jonathan!
JONATHAN: Oh. Right. Hehe.
SAMUEL: That was one of the best birdwatching experiences this old fellow has ever had!
JONATHAN: I agree!
REDGE: Only one thing could make this day better…
SAMUEL: What’s that, Redge?
REDGE: Oh Pleasant?
PLEASANT: That’s my name, don’t wear it out!
REDGE: Could…we…perhaps…walk the runway?
PLEASANT: Redge…
REDGE: (Nervously) Yes Pleasant?
PLEASANT: I thought you’d never ask! Hop on the back of the Roc and let’s rock out!
REDGE: Really? Do you mean it?!
JONATHAN: I’ve always wanted to fly on a giant bird!
SAMUEL: Dreams really do come true!
(Fashion show music starts again)
PLEASANT: Soaring round the forests surrounding Legend Lake, we have three more fashionistas who have taken flight! Redge the Hedge, with shiny quills perfectly outfitted in flowers and sparkles for the spring season. There’s Samuel Squatch, birder extraordinaire, with this season’s hippest hairdo. And Jonathan, outfitted in a bright red shirt that gives off the essence of the phoenix’s fire!
REDGE: Weeeeee! I’m strutting my stuff!
JONATHAN: We’re walking the walk!
REDGE: And talking the talk- hit us with some birdsong Samuel!
PLEASANT: Yes, Samuel, make it work!
(The sound of tweeting birds)
PLEASANT: Wow, Samuel! You’re looking smart and sound the part!
SAMUEL: Mythic, soaring rocs, that’s too kind!
REDGE: Up, up, and away we go!
JONATHAN: This has been a Jonincharacter production. This story was written and produced by Molly Murphy, and performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks. We love hearing from you! Contact us at dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com or try our one-way text feature as a safe way to reach out. You can find even more ways to reach us in the show notes.
Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!
THEME SONG: So gather your squad for all to see. It's a universe that we've imagined. There's twists and turns and lessons learned. This is where the unexpected happens. Join our humble hosts and hit the trails of the wonderful, wacky, wild world of Dorktales.
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