Episodes

  • It is one week until Thato’s Birthday. His mama tells him he will have a big surprise. What will it be?

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Corinne Lamoral Rosmarin

    Voiced By: ⁠Laka Waithaka⁠

    Episode Production: ⁠Verge Digital ⁠⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC 4.0

    ⁠Listen to Love And Lullabies Africa, LALA⁠

    The music features the undeniably brilliant talents of Laka Waithaka and Manasseh Shalom. The blend of vocal and saxophone melodies and harmonies over ethereal African guitars and percussion is the perfect soundtrack to your time with your little one.

    Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on ⁠bookdash.org⁠

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Join our ⁠book subscription service⁠ (Kenya) to receive 2 books every month

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - ⁠⁠@booknook.ke⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠@playacademy.africa⁠⁠ for updates on upcoming events

  • Hats off! Dudu and Dumisani have made up a new game. Ssh! Don’t tell Teacher.

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Sarah McGregor

    Voiced By: Rotimi Olawale

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC 4.0

    Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Join our book subscription service (Kenya) to receive 2 books every month -

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - ⁠@booknook.ke⁠ | ⁠@playacademy.africa⁠ for updates on upcoming events

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  • About The Story

    Shaka, was the strong and brave leader of the Zulu Empire. He’s a great king, but when it comes to dancing he still has lots to learn, and the Zulu disco is days away. Shaka Zulu, Learns to Dance is a rhyming story introducing you to a groovy and influential leader. This a fictional story based on a real-life King, Shaka Zulu, one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu Kingdom, now modern-day South Africa. A special series perfect for introducing the next generation of young leaders, thinkers and game-changers to Africa’s great history.

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Louisa & Oladele Olafuyi

    Voiced By: Oladele Olafuyi

    Illustrations: Irabor and Tiolu Yoloye

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    Download the Kunda Kids app to access more stories or visit kundakids.com to learn more about Kunda Kids and where you can find their books.

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Join our book subscription service (Kenya) to receive 2 books every month -

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - ⁠@booknook.ke⁠ | ⁠@playacademy.africa⁠ for updates on upcoming events

  • Tone the raindrop is wondering what's way down there on the ground. She and her friend Nyunyu go on a journey to find out.

    ✨Credits✨

    Written and voiced by: Edna Gicovi

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC 4.0

    Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org and the best part, if you’re in Kenya, you can get a physical copy from Storytime KE at just 350 bob.

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Click here to join our book subscription service (Kenya) to receive 2 books every month

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - ⁠@booknook.ke⁠ | ⁠@playacademy.africa⁠ for updates on upcoming events

  • Little Goat wanders off to look for the sweet grass and doesn’t realise how far she is from Mother Goat.

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Mirna Lawrence

    Voiced By: James Bukusi, Zain Nasser and Wangui Maina

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC 4.0

    Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Join our book subscription service (Kenya) to receive 2 books every month

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - ⁠@booknook.ke⁠ | ⁠@playacademy.africa⁠ for updates on upcoming events

  • Kabi and Sasha are playing outside. It suddenly starts raining. The Children become curious about rain. It is the start of an interesting story.

    A Rainy Sunset Is a STEM children’s book by Little Einsteins under the series STEM Adventures of Kabi and Sasha.

    Through the adventures of Kabi and Sasha children will learn fun facts in STEM in a book by us, for us. Little Einsteins East Africa seeks to inspire and teach students about the world of science, technology, engineering and math through entertaining hands-on activities. They aim to guide a new generation of young science explorers through genuine passion in learning how the world works and they have exciting programs for kids of all ages to join. Check out their website or Instagram pages to order the book or learn more about this amazing initiative!

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Wambui Murimi

    Voiced by: Kavindu Mbathi, Musembi Mbathi, and their mum and Founder of Little Einsteins, Mugure Njendu.

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Join our book subscription service (Kenya) to receive 2 books every month -

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - ⁠@booknook.ke⁠ | ⁠@playacademy.africa⁠ for updates on upcoming events

  • Tortoise sets off in search of his house. Along the way, he meets new friends to help him. But the sky is darkening, and lightning flashes in the distance. Will Tortoise find his house in time?

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Maya Fowler

    Voiced By: Michelle ‘Shikie’ Wanjiku aka @misstiramisu

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC by 4.0

    Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org

    Book dash believes that “Every child should own a hundred books by the age of five” and create beautiful books that are contextually-relevant, open-licensed and cheap enough to get into the hands and homes of all children.

    Parents, be sure to check out Michelle’s page for amazing family, fashion, wellness and lifestyle content, as well as her podcast @unit.thepodcast which she hosts alongside her husband Shiv who also happens to have been a guest reader on our podcast too!

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events

  • This is a story about a little ant with a big plan, and how his love for reading saved the day.

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Candice Dingwall

    Voiced By: James Bukusi

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC by 4.0

    Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org

    Book dash believes that “Every child should own a hundred books by the age of five” and create beautiful books that are contextually-relevant, open-licensed and cheap enough to get into the hands and homes of all children.

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events or to learn more about our daily playpod for 6m-3year olds

  • The multi-talented Polycarp, who you may know as Fancy Fingers from one of Africa's biggest bands is this week’s guest reader with this powerful story about the naming ceremony of a newborn baby. Written in The Stars is ultimately a celebration of African culture. It is meant to inspire young men to be intentionally involved in their fatherhood journeys and intended to spark conversations around the purpose and meaning behind each name.

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: ⁠Melissa Wakhu⁠ and ⁠Polycarp Otieno⁠

    Voiced By: Polycarp Otieno aka Fancy Fingers

    Illustrations: Mathew Omolo

    Episode Production: ⁠Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    Find more of Polycarp’s and Melissa’s books ⁠here⁠ in Kenya or ⁠Amazon⁠ for the rest of the world.

    Stream ⁠FancyFinger’s⁠ Music on all platforms including the album Father Studies, an ode to black fatherhood.

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Have you enjoyed this story? Or the podcast in general? Don’t forget to hit follow and share it.

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events or check out our 6m - 3 years daily playpod.

  • Why is Nita upside down? Can she turn the right way round?

    Nita feels different and doesn’t fit in but after a chat with a close friend, she realises everyone is! And that’s what makes us special. This story is a wonderful celebration of individuality and encourages self-confidence. Even better Soreti Kadir’s soothing voice brings something distinct to the story that it’s hard not to be drawn in.

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Roxana Bouwer

    Voiced By: Soreti Kadir

    Episode Production: Verge Digital

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org

    Book Dash believes that “Every child should own a hundred books by the age of five” and create beautiful books that are contextually relevant, open-licensed and cheap enough to get into the hands and homes of all children.

    Have you enjoyed this story?

    Please help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨ Support the author and voice artist by buying the book or listening to their podcast

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming parents and kids' events

  • Zoey loves finding things in the park. One day, she gets a big surprise. What could it be?

    Many thanks to Shiv Simani for lending his voice to this story. Shiv is Crossfit Coach, award-winning wellness influencer and co-host over at Unit The Podcast. Be sure to check it out!

    Credits

    Written by: David Mann

    Voiced By: Shiv Simani

    Episode Production: Verge Digital

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org

    Book dash believes that “Every child should own a hundred books by the age of five” and create beautiful books that are contextually-relevant, open-licensed and cheap enough to get into the hands and homes of all children.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Please help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨ Support the author and voice artist by buying the book or listening to their podcast

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events


  • Buckle up for an exhilarating adventure beyond the stars with "Astronauts to the Moon," a captivating children's picture book perfect for readers aged 2-5 years. Join Ire, Atticat, and Teddy as they embark on a thrilling journey to space, exploring the vast wonders of the universe!
    "Astronauts to the Moon" not only celebrates the boundless creativity of children's minds but also introduces them to STEM concepts, space travel, and astronomy. 

    ✨Credits✨
    Written by: Louisa Olafuyi & Oladele Olafuyi
    Voiced By: Oladele Olafuyi
    Illustrations: Francis Ude
    Episode Production: Verge Digital 
    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    Download the Kunda Kids app to access more stories or visit kundakids.com to learn more about Kunda Kids and where you can find their books and more!

    Submit A Story
    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode. 

    Enjoyed this story?
    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

     ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode
    ✨ Support the author by buying the book
     ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family
     ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events

  • Tall with long necks, prickly tongues and fascinating patterns - these are some of the features that make giraffes loveable. Nuru, a curious little boy, invites you to join him with his family, as they go on a trip to see giraffes.

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Melissa Wakhu

    Voiced By: Melissa Wakhu

    Illustrations: Joy Kioko

    Episode Production: Verge Digital

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    Find more of Melissa’s books including her brand new book on Hustle Sasa

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Have you enjoyed this story?

    Please help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨ Support the author by buying the book

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events

  • Going to the doctor can be scary! Can Bora overcome his fears, with a little help from Baba and Jojo?

    ✨Credits✨

    Written By: Edna Gicovi

    Illustrated by: Ellen Heydenrych

    Voiced by: Edna Gicovi

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC by 4.0

    Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org and the best part, if you’re in Kenya, you can get a physical copy from @storytime.ke at just 350 bob!

    Something that the kids can carry with them all day and read along the audio.

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events

  • Hippo has a big personality and loves to dance every chance she gets but it seems her dancing disrupts all other animals trying to concentrate on doing very important things. Won’t anyone dance with her?

    ✨Credits✨

    Written By: Sam Beckbessinger

    Illustrated by: Megan Andrews

    Voiced by: Edna Gicovi

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC by 4.0

    Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org and the best part, if you’re in Kenya, you can get a physical copy from @storytime.ke at just 350 bob!

    Something that the kids can carry with them all day and read along the audio.

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events

  • ✨About the story ✨

    Who will win the Great Cake Contest? A sweet story about a little boy who wants to make the best cake.

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Lebohang Masango

    Voiced By: Ndunge

    Illustrations: Nompumelelo Mdluli

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC by 4.0

    Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org

    Book dash believes that “Every child should own a hundred books by the age of five” and create beautiful books that are contextually-relevant, open-licensed and cheap enough to get into the hands and homes of all children.

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events

  • Another Melissa Wakhu classic is up on the podcast! From the writer behind one of our most popular episodes, Pipo and the Poop Pile, comes this sweet story inspired by her love and passion for nurturing a new generation of children who are secure in their unique identities. Fun fact about this wonderful story, she not only wrote it but illustrated it too. We love it and can’t wait for you and your little ones to hear it.

    ✨About the story ✨

    Come along with Tia, a tiny black seed, as she explores the wondrous world around her. Tia dreams of being tall, big and beautiful. But her adventures lead her to an even greater discovery about her true purpose!

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Melissa Wakhu

    Voiced By: Melissa Wakhu

    Illustrations: Melissa Wakhu

    Episode Production: Verge Digital

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    Find more of Melissa’s books including her brand new book on here

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨ Support the author by buying the book

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events

  • It's the rainy season in Doll Village and the dolls are not thrilled. However, they soon discover how amazing rain is.

    ✨Credits✨

    Story courtesy of: Umba Creations

    Voiced by: Soreti Kadir

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC by 4.0

    Read this story and many others on Umba Creations

    About Umba Creations

    Umba Creations is a Kenya-based company founded by Wangari Kamau, a mother, creative and entrepreneur dedicated to creating products that help families instil positive values in their children.

    Each product is lovingly made to reflect the beauty of diversity, teach values and encourage children to love and respect themselves and their communities.

    Whether it’s an adorable and totally original Crochet Doll, a pack of Rafiki Values Tribe Playing Cards, or African stories, Umba Creations has something amazing for everyone locally made right here in Kenya.

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events

  • I once had a dream, so small and light, I kept it in a box. I kept it hidden, safe and sound, in my drawer of socks.

    This is a story about a child’s dream and how they nurture it to bloom

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Fred Strydom

    Voiced By: Cedric Nzomo

    Illustrations: Megan Lötter

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC by 4.0

    Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org

    Book dash believes that “Every child should own a hundred books by the age of five” and create beautiful books that are contextually-relevant, open-licensed and cheap enough to get into the hands and homes of all children.

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events

  • Ann-Nem-Oh-Nee is stuck on her rock all alone. She’s looking for adventure and wants to see the world! But how?

    ✨Credits✨

    Written by: Matthew Grifiths

    Voiced By: Fiona Nyong’o

    Illustrations: Jessica Bosworth Smith

    Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠

    Sound Design: Marcus Garvey

    CC by 4.0

    Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org

    Book dash believes that “Every child should own a hundred books by the age of five” and create beautiful books that are contextually-relevant, open-licensed and cheap enough to get into the hands and homes of all children.

    Submit A Story

    We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our Spotify or DM us on Instagram and we may work to bring their story to life and publish it as a bonus episode.

    Enjoyed this story?

    Help us keep it going and bring more magic your way. Here’s how

    ✨Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode

    ✨Share your favourite stories with friends and family

    ✨Follow us on Instagram - @booknook.ke | @playacademy.africa for updates on upcoming events