No Book Story Time

A funny, music-filled Halloween retelling of Aesop’s The Boy Who Cried Wolf for kids ages 3–7.High on a quiet hillside, a bored young shepherd decides to have some fun by calling “Wolf!” when there is no danger. But when a real wolf finally appears, he discovers why honest words matter — and why trust, once damaged, takes time and honest action to rebuild.This special Halloween episode of No Book Story Time combines gentle suspense, humor, original music, character performances and immersive sound design in a screen-free audio story for young children and families.Rather than simply telling children that “lying is bad,” this adaptation explores why honesty matters. Our words help other people understand what is really happening, recognize when somebody needs help and decide how to respond.The story also makes an important distinction between imagination and dishonesty. Pretending, storytelling and make-believe are celebrated, while the Boy learns that telling someone something really happened when it did not can make it harder for others to trust an important warning later.When the consequences of his earlier choices catch up with him, the Boy is not left helpless or punished simply to teach a lesson. He stops, thinks clearly, protects his flock, takes responsibility for what happened and begins repairing the trust he damaged.The episode’s approach to moral learning was shaped in part by developmental research from Kang Lee, Victoria Talwar, Angela Evans, Caren Walker and Tania Lombrozo. Research into honesty-promoting stories has found that young children can respond more effectively when stories emphasize the positive value and consequences of truth-telling rather than relying primarily on punishment. Related work on explanation and moral learning suggests that helping children understand why events and consequences are connected can support a deeper understanding of a story’s lesson.Those ideas influenced this adaptation’s emphasis on what honesty makes possible — trust, understanding, cooperation, help and repair — while allowing children to experience the lesson through the story itself.At its heart, The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a story about honesty, trust, courage, responsibility and second chances. A mistake does not have to be the end of the story. What matters is what we choose to do next.Honest words build trust — and when trust has been hurt, honesty gives it a chance to grow again.CASTNarrator — Benjamin Mahns-MardyThe Boy — Cori AlexanderVillager — Benjamin Mahns-MardyPRODUCED BYWritten, Produced & Directed by Matthew Landon SullivanNo Book Story Time

A funny, music-filled retelling of the classic Aesop fable for kids ages 3–7, with lively characters, immersive sound and original music inspired by UK garage (UKG), reggae, soul and R&B.A boastful Hare challenges a calm and confident Tortoise to a race through the forest, only to discover that speed isn't everything. This playful audio adventure explores patience, perseverance and humility, while reminding young listeners that everyone moves through the world at their own pace.No Book Story Time reimagines classic fables as screen-free audio adventures designed to nurture children's imaginations, give families something meaningful to talk about together, and feature music that grown-ups can enjoy just as much as kids.CASTNarrator: Benjamin Mahns-MardyHare: Aron WilsonTortoise: Cyrus KadeSquirrel: Cori AlexanderOwl, Fox & Badger: Earle Gresham Jr.PRODUCED BYMatthew L. Sullivan

The Elves and the Shoemaker – Musical Christmas Story for Children Under 7Celebrate the holiday season with this joyful musical retelling of The Elves and the Shoemaker, created especially for children under 7. When a kind but struggling shoemaker has nothing left but hope, two cheerful little elves arrive to help in the most unexpected way. Filled with festive songs, lively character voices, and a vibrant soundtrack blending rap, Afrobeat, and contemporary pop elements, created especially for young listeners, this heartwarming tale teaches kids about gratitude, kindness, and the magic of helping others. A perfect screen-free Christmas story for family listening, car rides, and cozy winter days.CASTNarrator: Benjamin Mahns-MardyShoemaker: Benjamin Mahns-MardyShoemakers Wife: Lisa Nicholas(Just paste your actors here and I will format it properly.)MUSIC & PRODUCTIONBackground music and songs by Matthew L. SullivanEdited by Matthew L. SullivanCasting Director: Selen Tarman

THANKSGIVING SPECIALThanksgiving Special – A Cozy Musical Story for Kids (Ages 3–7)In this special Thanksgiving episode, children ages 3–7 will hear a warm and respectful retelling of a classic Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) fable about how Bear lost his long, beautiful tail. Once proud and boastful, Bear is tricked by clever Beaver into trying a very unusual method of catching fish on a frozen lake — leading to a funny, memorable lesson he’ll never forget. With gentle humor, heartfelt narration, and a message rooted in humility and honest effort, this screen-free story helps young listeners reflect on gratitude, kindness, and learning from mistakes. A perfect cozy listen for families during the Thanksgiving season.CASTNarrator: Benjamin Mahns-MardyBear: Jay CafferyMUSIC & PRODUCTIONBackground music and songs by Matthew L. SullivanEdited by Matthew L. SullivanCasting Director: Selen Tarman

HALLOWEEN SPECIALHalloween Special – A Spooky Musical Story for Kids (Ages 3–7)Celebrate Halloween with a playful, not-too-spooky island adventure perfect for children ages 3–7. On a warm tropical shore, a teeny tiny woman discovers a mysterious bone that sets off a funny, musical chain of events — including a whispering voice calling out under the moonlight! With tropical rhythms, gentle suspense, and giggle-worthy moments, this screen-free story gives kids the perfect dose of Halloween fun while teaching an important lesson about respecting others’ belongings. A festive, family-friendly listen ideal for parties, car rides, or cozy October nights.CASTNarrator: Benjamin Mahns-MardyMUSIC & PRODUCTIONBackground music and songs by Matthew L. SullivanCasting Director: Selen Tarman

EPISODE 6 — CinderellaCinderella – Musical Storytime for Kids (Ages 3–7) Step into a magical world of music and imagination in this joyful retelling of Cinderella, created especially for children ages 3–7. Follow Cinderella’s journey from her humble beginnings to the grand royal ball, where kindness, courage, and a little sparkle of fairy-tale magic help her discover her true worth. With beautiful songs, lively character voices, and a warm narrator guiding the adventure, this screen-free story teaches young listeners an uplifting lesson about staying hopeful and believing in themselves. A heartwarming, family-friendly episode perfect for car rides, dance breaks, and imaginative play.CASTNarrator: Benjamin Mahns-MardyCinderella: Ashley Desiree (@eeveevision)Stepmother: MJ GuentherDrisandra: Jayne SkudderAnaleah: MJ GuentherTown Crier: Benjamin Mahns-MardyFairy Godmother: Harley TaylorPrince: Derik CrawfordRoyal Servant: Benjamin Mahns-MardyMUSIC & PRODUCTIONBackground & theme music composed by Matthew L. SullivanSongs written and produced by Matthew L. SullivanEdited by Matthew L. SullivanCasting Director: Selen Tarman

EPISODE 5 — The Three Little PigsThe Three Little Pigs – Musical Storytime for Kids (Ages 3–7)Get ready for a lively musical retelling of The Three Little Pigs, crafted especially for children ages 3–7. Follow three sibling pigs as they each build a home of their own—one of straw, one of sticks, and one of bricks—while a mischievous wolf tries to huff and puff his way inside. Packed with cheerful songs, silly character moments, and gentle humor, this screen-free adventure teaches young listeners a clear lesson about hard work, smart choices, and staying determined. A joyful, family-friendly episode perfect for car rides, dance breaks, and imaginative play.CASTNarrator: Benjamin Mahns-MardyMother Pig: Harley TaylorPig 1 (Percy): Ashley Desiree (@eeveevision)Pig 2 (Penelopy): Ashley Desiree (@eeveevision)Pig 3 (Paul): Ashley Desiree (@eeveevision)Wolf: Warren WeldsMUSIC & PRODUCTIONBackground music by Matthew L. SullivanSongs written and produced by Matthew L. SullivanEdited by Matthew L. SullivanCasting Director: Selen Tarman

EPISODE 4 — Hansel and GretelHansel and Gretel – Musical Storytime for Kids (Ages 3–7)Join Hansel and Gretel on a brave and musical adventure in this gentle, child-friendly retelling of the classic tale, created especially for kids ages 3–7. When the siblings find themselves lost in the forest, they discover a magical candy cottage and meet an old woman who isn’t quite what she seems. Filled with playful songs, imaginative soundscapes, and a warm narrator guiding the journey, this screen-free story teaches young listeners an important lesson about courage, clever thinking, and the power of sticking together. A fun and engaging choice for car rides, family listening time, and sparking imaginative play.CASTNarrator: Benjamin Mahns-MardyFather: Warren WeldsStepmother: Malena LopezHansel: Ashley Desiree (@eeveevision)Gretel: Ashley Desiree (@eeveevision)Old Lady: MJ GuentherMUSIC & PRODUCTIONBackground & theme music composed by Matthew L. SullivanSongs written and produced by Matthew L. SullivanEdited by Matthew L. SullivanCasting Director: Selen Tarman

EPISODE 3 — Jack and the BeanstalkJack and the Beanstalk – Musical Storytime for Kids (Ages 3–7)Climb into a world of magic in this lively musical retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, created especially for children ages 3–7. When Jack trades the family cow for a handful of mysterious beans, he discovers a towering beanstalk, a grumpy giant, and a sky-high adventure filled with songs, laughter, and playful surprises. Young listeners follow Jack’s journey as he makes big mistakes, learns important lessons about honesty and responsibility, and finds creative ways to turn things around. Perfect for screen-free family time, car rides, or any moment that calls for imagination and fun.CASTNarrator: Benjamin Mahns-MardyJack’s Mother: Harley TaylorStranger: Abdul Rahman SiddiquiGiant: Warren WeldsMUSIC & PRODUCTIONBackground music by Matthew L. SullivanSongs written and produced by Matthew L. SullivanEdited by Matthew L. SullivanCasting Director: Selen Tarman