Steve Roud was Local Studies Librarian for the London Borough of Croydon and served as Honorary Librarian of the Folklore Society for over fifteen years. He has been researching British folklore for over thirty years and is the joint author of the Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore, plus other books on traditional drama and folk song, and the Penguin Guide to the Superstitions of Britain and Ireland, which won the Katharine Briggs Folklore Award in 2004. His publications include London Lore (2008) and The Lore of the Playground (2010). He also compiles the Folk Song Index and the Broadside Index, two internationally acclaimed computer databases of traditional folk and popular song. He lives in Sussex.

Steve Roud

PublicationStatus

Brand

Format

AgeRange

Series

Imprint

CategoryLabel

E Nesbit

Julia McKenzie and Simon Carter star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of E Nesbit’s much-loved children’s novel. 
 
‘an enchanting adaptation’ Independent on Sunday 
 
On a hot, Edwardian summer’s day, five children are playing in a gravel pit when they dig up something very peculiar: a funny, furry, fat litte creature with the feet of a monkey and bat’s ears! The Psammead is a magical sand fairy who has the power to grant wishes: but the children can only have one wish a day, and the wishes only last until sunset. As the children try to get their hearts’ desires, things go hilariously wrong, and they have a series of amazing adventures that will change their lives. But their last wish gets them into terrible trouble, and it will take all the Psammead’s powers to put things right... 
 
This delightfully whimsical drama, adapted by Malcolm McKee, stars Julia McKenzie as the older Jane and Mother, and Simon Carter as the Psammead. The wonder and excitement of much-loved children’s classics lives on in BBC Radio’s acclaimed full-cast dramatisations, complete with evocative music and sound effects.

Five Children and It

Roald Dahl

In interviews ranging from 1972 to 1989, Roald Dahl talks about writing for children; his medical inventions to aid his ailing son and wife (the actress Patricia Neal) when they were seriously ill, and writing his short stories. He also covers his school days; military service; writing for films (including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and the link between cruelty and laughter. 
 
These archive recordings, many of which have not been heard since they were first transmitted, open a window into the past and shine a light on the one of the icons of our time. 
 
 Due to the age and nature of this archive material, the sound quality may vary. 
 
©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Roald Dahl In His Own Words

Roger Hargreaves

Mr Funny's car is a shoe! It looks very funny when he drives to the zoo. But can he cheer up the animals? Mr Dizzy always gets things confused, until one day he happens upon a wishing well... Mr Bump tries his hand at many jobs, but keeps getting fired! Will he ever bump into one that's suitable for him?   Mr Fussy is a fussy old fusspot who dusts his flowers and irons his shoelaces! So how will he cope with Mr Clumsy? Mr Topsy-Turvy manages to turn a whole town upside down! Mr Small goes job hunting and finds, after all, he's perfect as he is.

Mr. Men

From The BBC TV Series

Stan Hayward

Laid-back daydreamer Henry’s Cat gets up to mischief and adventures with the help of his best friend Chris Rabbit. Along with animal friends Mosey Mouse, Douglas Dog, Sammy Snail, Pansy Pig, Denise Duck, Ted Tortoise and Philippe Frog, the gang enjoy all sorts of exciting activities from photography and song-writing to chasing aliens and inventing things! Henry’s Cat spends his days dreaming, having adventures and trying to avoid Constable Bulldog the growling policeman and Farmer Giles who are all too often angered by the gang’s activities. Henry’s Cat loves to sleep and have fun, but most of all he loves to eat! Mike Harding reads these exciting children’s stories written by Stan Hayward. 
 
The Stories are: 
The Letter, The Record, The Restaurant, The Funny Day, The Television Advert, The Magician, The Election, The Photographer, The Cowboy, The Distant Cousin, The Special Treat, A Funny Sort of Christmas, The Superspy, The Extra Special Day (Parts 1, 2 and 3), The Challenge (Parts 1 and 2), The XYZ Files (Parts 1 and 2) and The Treasure Island (Parts 1 and 2).

Henry's Cat (Complete)

Ian Fleming

A BBC full-cast dramatisation of Ian Fleming’s much-loved children’s classic, brought to life on radio for the first time. 
 
When the Pott family save Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the terrible fate of being crushed to the size of a matchbox at the scrapyard, she repays Caractacus, Jeremy and Jemima with the best road trip ever. For Chitty is no ordinary car: she can talk – and float – and fly! 
 
The amazing automobile takes the Potts on a trip to the seaside followed by a fantastic journey across the Channel to France, where two cunning criminals are planning to rob Paris’s most famous chocolatier, Monsieur Bon Bon. Can Chitty and the Potts find the secret hideout of terrifying gangster Joe the Monster and his sidekick, Man-Mountain Fink, and foil their evil plans? 
 
Jump aboard for a magical story full of adventure, fun and excitement, starring Imogen Stubbs as Chitty and Alex Jennings as Caractacus Pott. 
 
Cast: 
Chitty...Imogen Stubbs 
Caractacus Pott...Alex Jennings 
Jeremy Pott...Bertie Gilbert 
Jemima Pott...Kerry Ingram 
Joe the Monster...David Fleeshman 
Lord Skrumshus/Garage Man/ Monsieur Bon Bon/Man-Mountain Fink...Eric Potts

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

A BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation

Andy Stanton

The complete Mr Gum audio collection, read by the author and with music and sound effects 
 
'Worryingly splendid' - The Guardian 
 
Shabba me whiskers! It's a bumper box set of stories featuring that old rotter, Mr Gum! And not just him - there's also his trusty sidekick Billy William the Third, the little girl called Polly, the very wise man Friday O'Leary, the gingerbread man named Alan Taylor and the angry fairy who lives in Mr Gum's bathtub. So step into the weird and wonderful world of Lamonic Bibber for some barking bonkers adventures! 
 
Includes: You're A Bad Man, Mr Gum!; Mr Gum and the Biscuit Billionaire, Mr Gum and the Goblins, Mr Gum and the Power Crystals, Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear; What's for Dinner, Mr Gum?; Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree and Mr Gum and the Secret Hideout. 
 
Described as 'the craziest, funnest, most amazing books for children in the world', the internationally bestselling Mr Gum series has won everything from the Blue Peter Book Award (twice) to the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Red House Children's Book Award. These eight stories are read by author Andy Stanton, with specially recorded additional music and sound. 
 
Cover illustration by David Tazzyman.

The Complete Mr Gum

Performed and Read by Andy Stanton

One day in Teletubbyland, Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po sang a song...a lovely song! They sing about a little nut tree and a Hey diddle, diddle rhyme. Teletubbies love to sing and children will love to hear them singing in Teletubbyland...again, again! 
©2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd

Teletubbies Singing In Teletubbyland

Kenneth Grahame

When the Water Rat invites the unassuming Mole to spend his first day ever in a boat on the river, and wise Badger comes along for the ride as well, so begins a marvellous season of adventure for the three friends. Mr Toad (he of Toad Hall) completes a happy foursome, but his tendency to get into hot water leads him into some rather hair-raising scrapes of his own.From an idyllic riverside picnic to a snowy encounter in the Wild Wood, and from poop-pooping in Toad's shiny new motor car to battling the massed ranks of Stoats, Weasels, and Ferrets in a battle for Toad Hall, there's never a dull moment when they are all together! In his own inimitable style, Alan Bennett gives voice to each and every character in Kenneth Grahame's beguiling novel.

The Wind In The Willows

BBC Audiobooks Ltd

Teddy-themed stories, songs, rhymes and games, specially selected for younger listeners 
 
Polar bears, brown bears, honey bears and grizzly bears: here are a host of irresistible bears of all sorts and sizes - from Arabella Squeezenik's very unusual teddybear to Goldilocks and the Three Bears and The Bear and the Goblin. Presented by Anne Rosenfeld and Andrew Branch, and with playful music and sound effects, this delightful collection makes ideal listening at bedtime, story time or in the car. 
 
Includes: Round and Round the Garden; Some Bears; One Teddy Two Teddy; Little Bear; My Teddy Bear; Polar Bear; Snow Bears; The Brown Bear; The Story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears; Algy; Ten Little Teddy Bears; The Grizzly Bear; Fuzzy Wuzzy; The Story of Arabella Squeezenik's Bear; The Bear Went over the Mountain; Bear Hunt; The Watching Bear; Bruin's Mistake; Bear; There Was an Old Person of Ware; Great Aunt Flora; The Captive; Zoo Bear; The Story of the Bear and the Goblin; My Brother; Bear 1; The Bear in Our House; Bear 2; The Story of Arabella Squeezenik's Birthday; Round and Round the Garden (reprise); The Lost Bear; Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear. 
 
Production credits 
Presented by Anne Rosenfeld and Andrew Branch 
Music by Bernard Graham Shaw 
Cello: Julia Vohralik 
Produced by Colin Smith 
 
Track listing 
1 Round and Round the Garden/Some Bears/One Teddy Two Teddy/Little Bear/My Teddy Bear 
2 Polar Bear/Snow Bears/The Brown Bear 
3 The Story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Part 1 
4 The Story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Part 2 
5 Algy/Ten Little Teddy Bears 
6 The Grizzly Bear/Fuzzy Wuzzy 
7 The Story of Arabella Squeezenik's Bear, Part 1 
8 The Story of Arabella Squeezenik's Bear, Part 2 
9 The Story of Arabella Squeezenik's Bear, Part 3 
10 The Bear Went Over the Mountain 
11 Bear Hunt 
12 The Watching Bear/Bruin's Mistake/Bear/There Was an Old Person of Ware 
13 Great Aunt Flora/The Captive/Zoo Bear 
14 The Story of the Bear and the Goblin, Part 1 
15 The Story of the Bear and the Goblin, Part 2 
16 The Story of the Bear and the Goblin, Part 3 
17 The Story of the Bear and the Goblin, Part 4 
18 My Brother 
19 Bear 1/The Bear in Our House/Bear 2 
20 The Story of Arabella Squeezenik's Birthday, Part 1 
21 The Story of Arabella Squeezenik's Birthday, Part 2 
22 The Story of Arabella Squeezenik's Birthday, Part 3 
23 Round and Round the Garden (reprise)/The Lost Bear 
24 Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Teddy Tales and Rhymes

And Other Bear Necessities

C.S. Lewis

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the second adventure in C. S. Lewis' classic Narnia series. 
 
When Lucy comes across the old wardrobe standing alone in the spare room, she thinks she has found a good place for hide and seek. But then she tumbles headlong into a magical world of fauns, dwarves, and giants, of animals that talk and horses that fly – the land of Narnia. 
 
It is so extraordinary that at first her brothers and sister don't believe it can be real. Soon, though, Peter, Edmund and Susan find Narnia too and the adventures really begin. Together they must battle against an evil White Witch to break her cruel grip on Narnia, a land she has cast in perpetual winter, without Christmas. Only one thing can hold fast against such wickedness: the mighty Aslan. 
 
The excitement which C. S. Lewis must have felt in creating this enchanted world is conjured up once again in this thrilling dramatisation of one of the best stories ever told. 
 
Starring Maurice Denham as the Professor, Camilla Power as Lucy, Henry Power as Edmund, Neil Jeffrey as Peter, Abigail Docherty as Susan, Rosemary Martin as Jadis and Stephen Thorne as Aslan. 
 
Written by C. S. Lewis 
Dramatised by Brian Sibley 
Produced by Geoffrey Marshall-Taylor 
Music by Elizabeth Parker of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop 
Text ©1950 C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. (P)2005 BBC Audiobooks LTD 
Narnia® and The Chronicles of Narnia® are trademarks of CS Lewis Pte Ltd.

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Richard Briers, Adrian Scarborough and Terence Rigby star in this full-cast dramatisation, narrated by Alan Bennett.When Mole abandons his spring cleaning one morning, he surfaces into the sunlight and encounters the Water Rat. Mole stays with Ratty in his snug waterside home, and soon he meets Ratty’s friends: Badger, who lives in the Wild Wood, and the incorrigible Toad of Toad Hall. This timeless tale of waterside Britain has been loved by generations of children and acclaimed as a classic. The story of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad and their escapades never fails to enchant. Many of the original cast from Alan Bennett's acclaimed National Theatre production appear in this Radio 4 dramatisation, including Richard Briers as Rat, Adrian Scarborough as Mole and Terence Rigby as Albert - with Alan Bennett as the narrator.

Chris Emmett

Five delightful pantomimes featuring musical numbers, silly jokes and fun for all the family! 
 
In Puss In Boots, young Tom dreams of winning the heart of Princess Rose Petal. Can Puss in Boots help Tom defeat Baron Skinflint and his greedy ogre, and win the princess’ heart? 
 
Aladdin is a happy peasant boy. But the wicked Abanazar needs his help, as only Aladdin can enter the secret cave to find a very special lamp… 
 
In Mother Goose, Jack and Jill are in love and want to get married. Will their wish come true, thanks to a magical goose which lays golden eggs? 
 
Dick Whittington has come to London to seek his fortune. It seems his luck is changing – until the evil King Rat threatens everything… 
 
In Sleeping Beauty, the christening of Princess Rosebud is interrupted by the Wicked Fairy Carabosse, who gives the baby a terrible gift. If Rosebud pricks her finger and spills a drop of blood she will fall into a deep sleep… 
 
With stellar casts including Terry Wogan, Maureen Lipman, Anita Harris, June Whitfield, Kenneth Connor and Frank Thornton. 
 
Everyone loves a traditional Christmas pantomime, and with this classic BBC Radio collection you can enjoy the festive fun whenever you wish. With rousing songs, corny jokes and the obligatory Widow Twankey, it’s perfect entertainment for all the family. Oh, yes it is!

The Classic BBC Panto Collection: Puss In Boots, Aladdin, Mother Goose, Dick Whittington & Sleeping Beauty

Five live full-cast panto productions

Favourite songs and rhymes to join in and have fun with! 
 
A fantastic collection of twenty songs, nursery rhymes, stories, puzzles and tongue-twisters performed by Sophie Aldred and Richard Mitchley. 
 
Join in with actions, words and games! The songs and rhymes include: 
 
The Animal Fair 
The Bear Went Over the Mountain 
Who Cares if the Bear? 
The Animal Song 
How Doth the Little Crocodile 
The Pelican's Beak 
The Day the Animals Lost Their Voices 
5 Little Monkeys 
The Animals Went in Two By Two 
Odd One Out 
Froggy Went A' Courting 
A Elephant Goes Like This and That 
Incy Wincy Spider 
What's the Time Mr Wolf? 
1-2-3-4-5 Once I Caught a Fish Alive 
B-I-N-G-O 
Baa Baa Black Sheep 
Animal Alphabet 
The Penguin Who Thought He Was a Fish 
Shine Little Glowworm 
 
There's a whole hour of listening for everyone to enjoy - ideal for playtime, bedtime, or the car!

Incy Wincy Spider

Favourite Songs and Rhymes

Jacqueline Wilson

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Jacqueline Wilson's favourite character, Tracy Beaker, who lives in a children's home. Ten-year-old Tracy is smart and full of energy but more than anything she wants love. In 'The Story of Tracy Beaker', Tracy doesn't know where her mum lives but that doesn't stop her having long imaginary conversations with her. She's had two foster families before which haven't worked out, but hopes a woman named Cam will be her next foster mum.   In 'The Dare Game' Tracy is now living with Cam and starting a new school. Things seem to be looking up for Tracy - but then the trouble begins. She has a horrible teacher, the other kids laugh at her and things between her and Cam aren't going as well as expected. Tracy's friends, Alexander and Football, are having their own problems too. Then one day, out of the blue, who should appear but Tracy's long-lost mum.   Starring Victoria O'Donnell as Tracy and Rebecca Front as Cam.

The Story Of Tracy Beaker & The Dare Game

Stephen Wyatt

Lewis Carroll

Ken Campbell, Windsor Davies, John Bird and John Fortune star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation. 
 
When Alice leans too close to the Looking Glass, she suddenly finds herself in a land of caustic characters and twisted logic – a back-to-front world where flowers can talk, Queens can run and a crown could depend on a game of chess... In her bid to become Queen of the Chess Board, Alice must escape the fearful Jabberwock and get to the eighth square. En route, she takes advice – and sometimes downright criticism – from such peculiar folk as Humpty Dumpty, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the Lion and the Unicorn, and very helpful gnat. 
 
Even when she has passed this test, the ordeal awaits of dinner with the Red and White Queens – and Alice learns an important lesson about not eating food you've been introduced to. 
 
This witty adaptation of Lewis Carroll's enduring children's classic boasts the much-loved Jabberwocky poem amongst its sparkling collection of gems.

Alice Through the Looking Glass

David Attenborough

Sergei Prokofiev

Prokofiev's timeless classic, brought to you by Sir David Attenborough and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier. 
 
"If a wolf should come out of the forest, then what would you do?" 
 
These are the words of Peter's grandfather from Prokofiev's much loved musical fairy tale, Peter and the Wolf, which here is wonderfully narrated by Sir David Attenborough. This story introduces children to the magic of an orchestra through the tale of a clever young boy who, with the help of some animal friends, outwits a very hungry wolf. 
 
Wolf stories are common in folk and fairy tales. Shepherd boys who cry wolf; children who foolishly trust wolves; wolves in sheep's clothing. Many of the earliest stories about boys and wolves are found in Aesop's fables, and it is likely that this was Prokofiev's source for the story. 
 
Prokofiev was excited to have been asked to compose this piece by Moscow Central Children's Theatre director Natalya Sats, finishing it in just a few short weeks ahead of its Moscow premiere in May 1936. "We must start with something specific, something full of contrasts, something that makes a strong impression," he told her. "The most important thing is to find a common language with the children." 
 
Prokofiev had a lifelong love of fairy stories, myths and folklore and threw himself into the fantasy world of Peter and the Wolf. It has been recorded over 400 times, with a variety of narrators, and has introduced millions of children to the wonders of classical music. 
 
First broadcast December 2000. 
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough. 
Performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. 
Conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier. 
Composed by Sergei Prokofiev. 
 
©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Peter and the Wolf

Prokofiev’s modern classic retold by Sir David Attenborough

Philippa Pearce

Peter England, Una Stubbs and Crawford Logan star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Philippa Pearce’s enchanting time-slip tale. 
 
When his brother catches measles, Tom is sent away to stay with his Aunt Gwen and Uncle Alan, and is thoroughly fed up about it. What a boring summer it’s going to be! But tedium turns to adventure when, lying in bed one night, he hears the old grandfather clock in the hall strike thirteen. What can it mean? As Tom creeps downstairs and opens the door, he finds a beautiful garden, and glimpses a girl in old-fashioned clothing. As he revisits the garden over the next few nights, he watches the seasons change from spring to autumn, and children come and go. But no-one seems to see him – until he meets Hatty, and the two become firm friends. With his new playmate, Tom embarks on the adventure of a lifetime... 
 
This magical drama stars Peter England as Tom, with Una Stubbs as Aunt Gwen and Crawford Logan as Uncle Alan. The wonder and excitement of much-loved children’s classics lives on in BBC Radio’s acclaimed full-cast dramatisations, complete with evocative music and sound effects.

Tom's Midnight Garden

Noel Streatfeild

When Sylvia and her old nurse Nana agree to keep house for Gum, they know they will be looking after his fossil collection while his away on his travels. But imagine their surprise when one day he brings them something else - three baby girls whose names all being with 'P'!   Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are not really sisters - even their surname is invented. The girls decide to 'put our name in the history books because it's our very own', and enrol at the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. Each Fossil uses her individual talents to achieve their joint aim in this captivating story, now a modern children's classic.

Ballet Shoes

Paul Copley and Timothy Bateson star in a BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation of E. Nesbit's enchanting and unforgettable classic. Roberta, Peter and Phyllis lead an ordinary suburban life with Mother and Father, enjoying trips to the zoo and the pantomime. But when Father is mysteriously taken away one night, everything changes. The children must move to the country, to a little white cottage near the railway line, where eventually they find that there are plenty of adventures to be had and friends to be made - including Perks the Porter and the Station Master himself. But the mystery remains - what has happened to Father, and will he come back? The story of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis and their life in the country has never been out of print since it was first published in 1906. Charming, sentimental and unforgettable, the novel retains all its enchantment and enduring appeal in this BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation.

The Railway Children

A. A. Milne

Alan Bennett reads A.A. Milne's much-loved stories about a small bear and his friends - from Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner and A Party for Pooh. 
 
'If you were looking for the distilled essence of pure English cosy nostalgia, this audiobook may well be it... Every child should listen to it.' - The Telegraph 
 
What is the connection between a bear of very little brain and a honey pot? Usually it's the very sticky paw of Winnie the Pooh, as he takes a break between adventures for a little something. In these stories, Pooh goes visiting and gets into a tight place, Eeyore loses a tail, Piglet meets a Heffalump, Eeyore has a birthday and gets two presents, and an expedition is mounted to the North Pole! As usual they are accompanied by Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl - to say nothing of Pooh's very clever young human friend, Christopher Robin. 
 
With a musical introduction, Alan Bennett gives A.A. Milne's characters the voices you felt they were always meant to have. 
 
The stories included here are:<ul><li>Winnie-the-Pooh Goes Visiting and Gets into a Tight Place</li><li>Pooh and Piglet Nearly Catch a Woozle and Eeyore Loses a Tail</li><li>Piglet Meets a Heffalump</li><li>Eeyore has a birthday and Gets Two Presents</li><li>Christopher Robin Leads an Exposition to the North Pole</li><li>A House is Built at Pooh Corner for Eeyore</li><li>Tigger Comes to the Forest and has Breakfast</li><li>A Search is Organdized and Piglet Nearly Meets the Heffalump Again</li><li>Pooh Invents a New Game and Eeyore Joins In</li><li>Piglet Does a Very Grand Thing and Owl Moves House</li><li>Kanga and Baby Roo Come to the Forest</li><li>Piglet is Entirely Surrounded by Water</li><li>Christoper Robin Gives Pooh a Party</li><li>Tiggers Don't Climb Trees</li><li>Rabbit has a Busy Day</li><li>Tigger is Unbounced</li></ul> 
©2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Winnie-The-Pooh

The complete BBC collection

Dick King-Smith

A BBC radio full-cast dramatisation of Dick King-Smith’s enchanting children’s story about Harmony Parker and her magical 50p coin. 
 
Harmony Parker is ten years old and loves animals. She longs for a pet of her very own, but her parents won’t allow it. All she can do is keep hoping, dreaming and wishing. 
 
Then Uncle Ginger comes to visit from India. He and Harmony become friends, and he gives her a very special present. Not a puppy, but something even better: a magical 50 pence piece with the power to grant seven wishes. All she has to do is rub the point of the coin opposite the Queen’s nose. 
 
Harmony starts wishing right away, and is soon the proud owner of some of the things she wants most in the world. But she discovers that you have to be careful what you wish for, as the Queen’s nose doesn’t always grant wishes in quite the way you might expect... 
 
This fantastic tale from the bestselling author of Babe, The Sheep-Pig starsLauren Mote as Harmony and Rupert Graves as Uncle Ginger. 
 
Cast 
Harmony...Lauren Mote 
Uncle Ginger...Rupert Graves 
Mr Parker...Richard Lumsden 
Mrs Parker...Matilda Ziegler 
Melody...Holly Bodimeade 
Postman/Mr Sharkey...Richard Fitzsymons 
Traffic warden/News anchor...Miche Docherty 
Kevin Rhys Dunlop 
Reporter...Julia Paul 
Dramatised by Elizabeth Kuti 
Produced and Directed by Heather Larmour

The Queen's Nose

A classic BBC compilation of nursery rhymes, with light-hearted commentary from two BBC presenters. 
 
In this popular collection, actors Andrew Branch and Anne Rosenfeld perform over fifty fantastic nursery rhymes, from familiar favourites to lesser-known gems, speaking the rhymes aloud and chatting about their meanings. As they listen, children are encouraged to think about and appreciate the words, increasing their communication skills as they join in and play. 
 
Among the favourites included are: Humpty Dumpty; Sing a Song of Sixpence; Hickory Dickory Dock; Hey Diddle Diddle; Little Jack Horner; Polly Put the Kettle On; Mary Mary Quite Contrary; Doctor Foster Went to Gloucester; Baa Baa Black Sheep; Little Miss Muffet; Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat; Goosey Goosey Gander; The Queen of Hearts; Boys and Girls Come Out to Play; Oranges and Lemons; Wee Willie Winkie; The House That Jack Built and Little Bo Peep. 
 
This unique collection brings to life traditional nursery rhymes with music and sound effects to thrill a new generation,and is ideal for preschool children who can listen and follow along.

50 Favourite Nursery Rhymes

A BBC spoken introduction to the classics

J. M. Barrie

When Peter Pan flies into the night nursery of Wendy, John and Michael Darling, he takes them on the journey - and the adventure - of a lifetime. Mermaids, wolves and Indians weave their spell in the magical Never Never Land - where also lurks the wicked Captain Hook.  Relive the wonder and excitement of J.M Barrie's timeless classic in this spectacular, swashbuckling full cast dramatistion, directed by award-winning producer Dirk Maggs.

Peter Pan

Charles Kingsley

Timothy West, Julia McKenzie and Oliver Peace star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Charles Kingsley’s classic tale of a chimney sweep who becomes a water baby. 
 
Forced up the chimneys of Hartover Hall by his cruel master, Grimes, young Tom gets lost and comes down the wrong one, frightening little Miss Ellie. In the chase that follows, he is rescued by the fairies and taken to be a water baby under the waves. There, he makes friends with sea creatures such as the Lobster and meets the beautiful, kind fairy Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby and her ugly, unpleasant sister Mrs Bedonebyasyoudid. When he is introduced to the other Water Babies, he is reunited with Ellie, who has also been transformed. With her support, he sets off on a quest to the Other-End-Of-Nowhere. But first he must find Mother Carey’s peace pool – and help out the last person he wants to save: his former master... 
 
Oliver Peace stars as Tom, with Timothy West as Charles Kingsley and Julia McKenzie as Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby and Mrs Bedonebyasyoudid. Dramatised by Berlie Doherty. The wonder and excitement of much-loved children’s classics lives on in BBC Radio’s acclaimed full-cast dramatisations, complete with evocative music and sound effects.

The Water Babies

L. Frank Baum

Maureen Lipman and Patrick Barlow star in a full-cast dramatisation of the classic children's tale. When Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are whisked away from Kansas by a cyclone, they arrive in the strange land of the Munchkins. Setting off on a magical journey, they are befriended by the Tinman, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion, all of whom join Dorothy's quest to find the wonderful Wizard of Oz. Barbara Barnes, Philip Franks, Patrick Barlow, Bradley Lavelle and Kerry Shale also star in this BBC Radio 4 dramatisation. The wonder and excitement of L Frank Baum's unforgettable story live on in this full-cast dramatisation, complete with evocative music and sound effects.

The Wizard Of Oz

Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling's famous tale tells the story of Mowgli, the 'man-cub' rescued from the tiger, Shere Khan, and adopted by a wolf pack. As he grows up, Mowgli learns the ways of the jungle from Baloo the bear, Bagheera the black panther and Kaa the rock python. His life is full of adventure with the jungle creatures, but soon the time comes when he is forced to leave and take his place among his own people.   A kind woman looks after Mowgli but she can't protect him from the superstitious villagers who believe his friendship with wolves is the result of sorcery. Mowgli's only escape is to return to the jungle. But even the jungle has become a dangerous place.   This rich and entertaining dramatisation skilfully blends words with jungle sounds and music, and stars Eartha Kitt as Kaa, Freddie Jones as Baloo, Jonathan Hyde as Bagheera and Nisha Nayar as Mowgli.

The Jungle Book

Michael Bond

Worth his weight in marmalade sandwiches, here’s Paddington in four more favourite adventures. Whether he’s playing in the sand, going to the theatre, picnicking on the river or enjoying Christmas Day, you can be sure life will be full of surprises! The stories are ‘A Day at the Seaside’, ‘Pantomime Time’, ‘A Picnic on the River’ and ‘Paddington’s Christmas.' Introduced by Michael Hordern, who narrated the original BBC TV series Paddington.

Paddington A Day At The Seaside & Other Stories

Richmal Crompton

In this full-length Just William novel, William and the Outlaws decide to form the Knights of the Square Table, 'rightin' wrongs' for a minor fee ('Small wrongs: sixpence. Big wrongs: one shillin'.) In their quest to earn enough money to become tramps, they stop at no amount of do-gooding, embarking on a plan to marry off their older brothers. William becomes a veritable Don Juan as he woos a visiting film star for his brother (much to the surprise and annoyance of his brother's girlfriend.) Soon the gang have planned a midnight haunting to scare off old monkey face from the big house on the hill - after all, where else will they find a home for the happy young couple? Martin Jarvis portrays the whole gang in this riotous comedy that leaves William teetering on the brink of disaster and success... 'Martin Jarvis's recording of Richmal Crompton's Just William stories are works of genius' - Independent. 
 
Musical Theme: Won't You Be My Ginger? composed and performed by Richard Dworsky (piano) (c) 1995 Inner Vista Music (BMI)

Just William's Luck

Philip Hawthorn

Various

Listen and Play encourages the pre-school child to observe the world with theirs ears! Each audiobook contains an exciting mix of songs, nursery rhymes, sound puzzles and tongue twisters and finishes with a short story.   Listen and Play offers more than just songs, more than just stories, more than just rhymes. It takes a journey through sound that offers the pre-school child the opportunity to interact with the audio.   Ideal for young children listening at bedtime or in the car, includes favourites such as: The Wheels On The Bus; On The Farm; and Beside the Seaside.

The Animal Fair & Other Stories

Johnny Morris

Sixteen more charming animal stories, read by everyone's favourite zookeeper.   The tales are: 1. Winkle, the Zoo Cat, is lost and found. 2. Nibble, the Squirrel, has his revenge. 3. The arrival of Otto, the German Giraffe. 4. Coconut, the Orang-Utan, has fun with the lawn. 5. Otto and Georgina, the Giraffes, give their tongues a rest. 6. Bernard, the Baboon, and clever Little Titch. 7. Side-splitter, the Kookaburra, gives the game away. 8. Fanfare, the Peacock, sounds the alarm. 9. Half-a-tick, the Mongoose, is ‘egged’ on. 10. Dago, the Capybara, becomes established. 11. Ever-so-teeny and Ever-so-weeny, the Harvest Mice. 12. Hilda, the Ostrich, is annoyed. 13. Private Eye, the Vulture, gives a consultation. 14. The Budgerigars’ Record Book. 15. Small Change, the Guinea-pig, tries hard. 16. Trit-Trot, the Pony, over-turns his cart.   Vintage Beeb: classic albums first available as BBC LPs, now reissued on CD as as downloads. Guidance: as this contains archive/offair material the sound quality may vary.

Showing results for: ‘Steve Roud’

Filters

Category

Age

Publication Date

Format

Series

Imprint

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter