The Tornado Two-Step
Pecos Bill Tall Tale for Kids
Dorktales Podcast: Episode 52
There’s tension in the Folktale Forest! When two friends disagree over the blueprints for Midge the Pidge’s new birdhouse, their argument starts to spin out of control. To help them see things differently, Jonathan shares the legendary tall tale of Pecos Bill, the rootinest-tootinest, roughest, toughest cowboy who rode a raging tornado and left behind one unforgettable legend about the Grand Canyon. Yippee-ki-yay! Will the friends learn to listen, compromise, and work together before their friendship blows away?
BONUS: Download the activity funsheet with color page for this episode.
FREE PDF TO GET THE CONVERSATIONS STARTED!
Grab your free guide with list of story and SEL themes, plus conversation starter questions for The Tornado Two-Step. This guide encourages deep thinking and helps young listeners relate the episode’s themes to their own experiences and perspectives.
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS:
This reimagined tall tale explores how misunderstandings and unspoken frustrations can quickly spiral into larger conflicts, just like the tornado in the legendary tale of Pecos Bill. Key lessons include the importance of communicating honestly, listening to others’ perspectives, compromising when solving problems, and working together to protect friendships. The episode encourages kids to recognize conflict early and shows that respectful conversations often lead to better solutions for everyone.
A Call for Curious Kids!
Grownups, we want to hear from the young listeners in your family and classrooms. Your kids are so magical, and their curiosity and creativity motivate us to be better storytellers. We love to respond to their questions and comments, which may inspire future episodes, or get featured in a Mr. Redge’s Hotline segment or on-air mention. Check out this post on what happened when Ella Grace and her mom contacted the hotline. Then, go to our contact page to learn more about the best ways to get in touch with us.
Podcast Episode Credits
Narration, Voice Over and Podcast Host: Jonathan Cormur
Scriptwriter: Amy Thompson
Script Editor and Show Producer: Molly Murphy
Sound Production, Audio Editing and Mastering: Jermaine Hamilton
Podcast Episode Illustration: Arthur Lin
Title Design and Layout: Jeri DeMartini
If you enjoyed this story about a retelling of a Pecos Bill tall tale, we think you’ll also enjoy this retelling of episode 36, The Little Redge Hen.
