Lair of the Rat King
Train Story for Kids
Dorktales Podcast: Episode 123
Redge takes Jonathan on a wild ride through the city of Litropia, heading straight through a brick wall into the hidden tunnels of a secret lair. Deep beneath the streets, they meet Rat King Cam M. Bert, a cheese-loving, pun-tastic ruler who keeps Once Upon a Time’s magical trains running on schedule. From the buzzing Bee-Train to the groovy Bandstand Train and the twinkling Jolly Holly Express, every ride is full of surprises. But when a jolly jam threatens to derail the fun, Jonathan and Redge join the Rat King to keep the tunnels full of holiday cheer.
BONUS! Download the free color page to create your own Once Upon a Time Train
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: “Lair of the Rat King” celebrates curiosity, teamwork, and joyful problem-solving. When Jonathan and Redge drive into the secret tunnels of Litropia, they meet the Rat King, who proudly oversees a bustling network of magical trains. Together, they discover the importance of working cooperatively to solve problems, think creatively under pressure, and spread kindness to keep the “holiday cheer” on track. The story highlights how humor, gratitude, and collaboration can make tricky situations turn into times of connection and fun.
FREE PDF TO GET THE CONVERSATIONS STARTED!
Grab your free list of comprehensive questions on Lair of the Rat King designed to spark thoughtful conversations, promote deep thinking and help young listeners relate the episode’s themes to their own experiences and perspectives.
Podcast Episode Credits
Narration, Voice Over and Podcast Host: Jonathan Cormur
Scriptwriter and Show Producer: Molly Murphy
Sound Production, Audio Editing and Mastering: Jermaine Hamilton
Podcast Episode Illustration: Arthur Lin
Title Design and Layout: Jeri DeMartini
Owen Sullivan is a third grader in Louisville, KY. He likes Legos, food, and spooky things. Check out his father’s popular history podcast, The Past and the Curious.
If you enjoyed this story about the Rat King, you may also enjoy EP79 A Big City Adventure where Redge visits Once Upon a Time’s city of Litropia and first hears about the Rat King.