Captivate kids’ imaginations and bring them joy-filled moments—that’s what drives us as creators! So, how can we know if our dorky form of storytelling is doing just that? We make it easy for our kid listeners to ask questions and engage with the characters in our “Once Upon a Time” world. Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog, our show’s storytelling co-host, runs the Mr. Redge Hotline, so kids can ask us questions and express their feelings.
Mr. Redge Hotline Q&A
What Are You Curious About Today?
Racheal Kwacz is a working, unschooling mom who is raising a curious, confident and creative daughter named Ella Grace. And what activity does Ella Grace enjoy? Listening to Dorktales Storytime Podcast! She has particular affection for our lovable villain, the big bad wolf, a recurring character who has been going through a life transformation.
Here’s what mom and daughter had to say when they contacted the Mr. Redge Hotline:
Listen to audio:
ELLA GRACE (EG): Hi, my name is Ella Grace. I live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I’m 7 years old. And I really like the BIG BAD WOLF! And I’ve seen him in two stories.
MOM: How often do you listen to these stories?
EG: Maybe like a millions…My question is can you make more stories with the BIG BAD WOLF?
MOM: Why?
EG: I like the big bad wolf. He’s very funny.
MOM: Does he keep you company when you’re home?
EG: Yeah, when I’m usually bored I turn on the stories.
MOM: And then you listen to it the whole day.
EG: Yeah, and then I never come out of my room until momma says “Ella!”
MOM: (laughs) “Are you alive?” Say thank you so much for what you do.
EG: Thank you!
EG and MOM: We love you! We love you!
We wanted our response to celebrate Ella Grace and let her know how special she is!
REDGE: Hello Ella Grace! Thank you so much for listening to our show! We’re so happy to keep you company and share our stories with you. You know, it’s always wonderful to meet fellow lovers of tales, and I…
BIG BAD: I huff…
REDGE: What…what’s that?
BIG BAD: And I puff…
REDGE: Hello?
BIG BAD: And I’m totally blown away to have a new friend!!
REDGE: Oh, it’s Big Bad!
BIG BAD: Hi Redge! Aw shucks, Ella Grace, you’re too kind and I’m grateful to call you a friend! Now… I want to bestow upon you the greatest honor of the wolf-kind here in Once Upon a Time. Welcome to the Wolf Pack, a group made up of the fiercest of hearts and awesomest of friends here in the Folktale Forest!
REDGE: How distinguished, Ella Grace! And…should we tell her?
BIG BAD: We should definitely tell her.
REDGE: Stay tuned! Because Mr. Wolf is joining us again in a few weeks for another exciting episode!
BIG BAD: Now Ella Grace and Redge, let’s celebrate with our best and fiercest howl.
REDGE: On the count of three. One…
BIG BAD/REDGE: Two…Three!
BIG BAD/REDGE: ARROOOOOOO!!
Did Ella Grace Make You Curious about the Big Bad Wolf?
If you want to get to know the Big Bad Wolf and follow his growth from ne’er do well to caring Canis Lupus, add these 5 episodes to you family’s podcast listening library:
- Three Little Hogs?!: Can the three little hedgehogs trick Big Bad by using their wits and a glue pot?
- Little Red: Ninja Granny’s tranquilizer dart beats Big Bad at his own game!
- Redge’s Spring Awakening: Mr. Redge discovers that everyone can make positive changes in their lives, even Big Bad.
- Big Bad’s Big Feelings: A caring capybara helps Big Bad learn to self-manage his very big feelings.
- Big Bad Goes Back to School: A new school year has begun and Big Bad is experiencing back-to-school jitters.
Submit your curious questions!
Grownups, we want to hear from the young listeners in your family or classrooms! Your kids are so magical and their curiosity makes us better storytellers. We will respond to all and their questions and comments may inspire a future episode, get featured in a Mr. Redge’s Hotline segment, or get an on-air mention. Visit our Contact the Podcast page for the best ways to get in touch.
We want to give a shout out to Ella Grace’s mom, Racheal Kwacz, a child and Family Developmental Specialist who is a leader in respectful parenting. Follow her @rachealkwacz on Instragram and visit her website rachealkwacz.com for more information.
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