Episodes

  • Episode Five – Knights and Dragons: Oh My!

    Episode Five – Knights and Dragons: Oh My!
    May 13 2025

    Host: Rosie Talley, Author of the Linus the Troll series Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark StoriesWebsite: sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/past-and-penEmail: pastandpen@gmail.com🎙️ Episode Summary:In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re galloping straight into the exciting—and sometimes messy—world of medieval knights! Forget fairy tales about dragons and damsels—today, we’re digging into what real knights were like. From clanking armor to grueling battles the truth might surprise you!Get ready to separate myth from metal as we explore the real life of knights, famous tournaments, and the not-so-glamorous parts of life behind the shield.What You’ll Learn:✅ How knights trained from childhood to become fierce warriors✅ What being a real knight was actually like (spoiler: it wasn’t all shining swords and hero moments!)✅ The truth behind medieval armor—and how heavy it really was✅ How tournaments were more bruises than glory📚 Reading List:Amazon Associate Disclosure: I may receive a commission if you purchase something through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.📖 You Wouldn't Want to Be a Medieval Knight! by Fiona Macdonald – A fun (and kind of gross) look at the real dangers of knighthood. 📖 Knightology: A True Account of the Most Valiant Knights by Dugald Steer – A beautifully illustrated book packed with facts and fantasy.📖 The Making of a Knight by Patrick O’Brien – Follow a boy’s journey to knighthood in this gorgeously illustrated story. 📖 The Time Warp Trio: The Knights of the Kitchen Table by Jon Scieszka – A funny time-travel adventure full of medieval mayhem. 📖 The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White – A classic story blending myth, magic, and history. 📖 The Underwear Dragon by Scott Rothman 📖 The Return of the Underwear Dragon by Scott Rothman ✍️ Writing Prompt:Your quest awaits!Imagine you’re a young knight-in-training living in a huge stone castle. One night, you stumble upon a secret chamber hidden behind an old tapestry. Inside, you find something unbelievable—a real dragon’s egg, a magic spell, or a lost piece of history no one else knows about.Write a story about what you find... and what you do next!📩 Send your story to me at pastandpen@gmail.com, and I might feature it in a future episode!❤️ Support the Show!☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi . 🎙️ Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show! 💬 Question of the Month: If you could step into the world of any book or story—fiction or nonfiction—where would you go, and what would you do there?
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    9 mins
  • Episode Four – Whispers Through Time: The History of Folktales for Kids

    Episode Four – Whispers Through Time: The History of Folktales for Kids
    Apr 29 2025
    🎧 A storytelling podcast for curious kids, homeschoolers, and young writers ✍️ Includes a creative writing prompt + kid-friendly reading listHost: Rosie Talley, Author of the Linus the Troll series Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories Website: https://sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/past-and-penEmail: pastandpen@gmail.com🎙️ Episode Summary:In this episode of Past and Pen, we’re traveling back in time to explore the magical world of folktales for kids. These powerful stories have been passed down for thousands of years—from ancient oral traditions to bedtime favorites around the globe.✅ What makes a folktale a folktale?✅ The oldest known folktales—some over 4,000 years old!✅ How stories evolved from ancient myths to modern retellings✅ A creative writing prompt that turns kids into young storytellers!Whether you're a parent, homeschooler, or educator, this episode is packed with inspiration and educational value for middle-grade learners (ages 8–12).✍️ Writing Prompt:No need to wish upon a star—your imagination is all you need for today’s writing prompt. Create your very own folktale! Imagine you live thousands of years ago—before science could explain thunderstorms, the stars, or earthquakes. Create a short folktale to explain a natural event!Is thunder just the sound of a giant’s belly rumbling after too many bean burritos?Is the fog just a lazy cloud looking to take a nap?Is the wind just created by invisible dragons beating their wings as they soar through the sky?📩 Send your story to pastandpen@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in a future episode!📚 Reading List: This list contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.Ready to turn the page on happily ever after? Check out these books!📖 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin – A beautifully written fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore, following a girl’s journey to change her family’s fortune.📖 The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill – A Newbery Medal-winning fantasy with a folktale feel, featuring a magical girl, a tiny dragon, and an ancient witch.📖 Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff – A humorous and clever retelling of Rumpelstiltskin from the misunderstood character’s perspective.📖 The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste – A Caribbean folklore-inspired adventure featuring mythical creatures and a brave girl facing dark magic. This book includes some spooky moments which might be a little scary for sensitive readers.📖 Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia – Blends African American folktales and West African mythology in an action-packed adventure.This book deals with themes of grief and loss, as the main character struggles with the death of a friend. It’s handled well for middle-grade readers, but it’s something to be aware of.📖 The Serpent’s Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond) by Sayantani DasGupta – A fast-paced fantasy rooted in Bengali folklore, following a girl who learns she’s a princess from another dimension.📖 Treasury of Magical Tales from Around the World by Donna Jo Napoli – A gorgeously illustrated collection of folktales from different cultures, perfect for young readers.📖 Best-Loved Folktales of the World by Joanna Cole – A classic collection of folktales from around the world, with simple and engaging storytelling.📖 D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire – A beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse mythology, perfect for middle-grade readers.Join the Fun!✅ Subscribe to Past and Pen for more historical deep dives and creative prompts. ✅ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps! ✅ Support the podcast on Patreon for exclusive perks.✅ Fuel the Folktales on Ko-fiThanks for listening! Stay curious and keep writing your story.
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    9 mins
  • Past and Pen – Episode Three: "A Slice of Democracy: The Story of Connecticut's Election Cake"

    Past and Pen – Episode Three: "A Slice of Democracy: The Story of Connecticut's Election Cake"
    Apr 15 2025
    In this episode of Past and Pen, we dive into the history of Connecticut’s Election Cake, a tradition that turned Election Day into a grand celebration. Inspired by Tasting History, we explore how voting in the late 1700s wasn’t just about casting ballots—it was also a time for community gatherings, long sermons, and, of course, baking generous batches of spiced fruitcakes. These hearty cakes, often made days in advance, helped fuel the festivities and symbolized civic spirit. Writing Challenge: Imagine you’re in 1796 Connecticut, preparing for Election Day. Write a diary entry about the chaos and excitement of baking the Election Cake in your home. Who’s involved? What challenges do you face? How does the community come together for this event?Send your entries to pastandpen@gmail.com. I’d love to read them!Reading List: Amazon Associate Disclosure: I may receive a commission if you purchase something through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.📚"Duck for President" by Doreen Cronin (A Click Clack Picture Book) A duck who walks and talks like a duck might just be the next president of the United States!📚 The Election Day Dilemma: An Election Day Holiday Special (The Boxcar Children Mysteries) The Alden children find adventure while searching for a home during Election Day—full of wholesome excitement and mystery!📚 "The Night Before Election Day" by Natasha Wing. Wave your flags! It’s time to vote in this fun, election-themed story from Natasha Wing's best-selling series.📚 A Colonial Quaker Girl: The Diary of Sally Wister, 1777-1778 by Sarah Wister. the diary of the sixteen-year-old daughter of a prominent Quaker family who moved with her family from British-occupied Philadelphia for the safety of the countryside during the Revolutionary War.📚 "When I Was Young in the Mountains" by Cynthia Rylant. This book is a cozy read that takes you to the mountains where life was simple and special. It’s about a little girl remembering her childhood, and even though it’s not about Election Cake, it gives you a taste of what life was like long ago. The beautiful pictures and stories will help you imagine the past in a whole new way.❤️ Support the Show:☕ Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi. 🎙️ Join my Patreon for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show! 💬 Question of the Month: If you could time-travel to any historical period, where would you go and why? Sign up for Patreon to have your answer featured on the show! 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode! New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM—so mark your calendars! Past and Pen - Young Historians' Treasure Trove Looking for the perfect gift for a young history lover? I've put together a curated list of books, creative writing tools, and fun educational items to inspire kids aged 8-12! Whether they're fascinated by ancient civilizations, legendary figures, or storytelling, this list has something special for them. Check out the full list here. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating educational content for young historians and storytellers! Past and Pen - The Bookworm's Adventure Box : Got a young reader who loves to get lost in stories? This list is packed with engaging books, creative writing tools, and fun literary gifts perfect for bookworms aged 8-12! Whether they dream of epic adventures, historical tales, or crafting their own stories, this collection is sure to spark their imagination. Explore the full list here.
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    8 mins
  • Past and Pen Episode 2: Gotcha! The Spaghetti Harvest

    Past and Pen Episode 2: Gotcha! The Spaghetti Harvest
    Apr 1 2025
    Host: Rosie Talley, Author of the Linus the Troll series Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark StoriesWebsite: sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/past-and-penEmail: pastandpen@gmail.comEpisode Summary : Pranks, hoaxes, and a little bit of mischief—April Fool’s Day has been keeping people on their toes for centuries. But where did it all begin? And what makes a truly great prank?In this episode, we’re traveling back to 1957, when an ordinary news broadcast convinced thousands of people that spaghetti grew on trees. It was clever, it was harmless, and it had an entire nation questioning their dinner. But this wasn’t the first time a good trick fooled the world, and it certainly won’t be the last.Join me as we unravel the tangled history of April Fool’s Day, explore some of the greatest hoaxes ever pulled, and discover what makes a prank truly unforgettable. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!Gotcha! Reading List: Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Aliens Are Coming!: The True Account of the 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast by Meghan McCarthy - A picture-book which is a semi serious account of one of the most famous pieces of radio history! Two Truths and a Lie: It’s Alive by Ammi-Joan Paquette & Laurie Ann Thompson- The first book in a fascinating new series that presents some of the most crazy-but-true stories about the living world as well as a handful of stories that are too crazy to be true—and asks readers to separate facts from fakes!April Fool! Watch Out at School! by Diane deGroat - A fun April Fool’s Day story perfect for younger readers.April Fools' Day from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler - A fun-filled chapter books mix school, monsters, and common kid problems with hilarious resultsWriting Prompt : Imagine YOU started April Fool’s Day. What was the very first prank? A royal trick gone wrong? Write a short story about how the tradition began!Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, review, and share!Want fun perks like birthday shoutouts and early access? Join my Patreon for just $1/month!Send your writing prompt responses to pastandpen@gmail.com—you might get featured in a future episode!Thanks for listening! Stay curious, and keep writing your story.Sources: BBC’s Spaghetti Tree Hoax (1957)BBC Archive: Spaghetti-Harvest in TicinoBBC History: The Greatest Hoax?Britannica: Spaghetti-tree hoaxOrigins of April Fools’ DayBritannica: April Fools' DayHistory.com: The Origin of April Fools’ DayThe Museum of Hoaxes: April Fool’s Day OriginsAdditional Famous HoaxesNational Geographic: April Fools’ Hoaxes Through History❤️ Support the Show:☕ Buy me a coffee on ⁠Ko-fi⁠. 🎙️ Join my ⁠Patreon⁠ for perks like early access, birthday shoutouts, and a chance to have your voice featured on the show! 💬 Question of the Month: If you could time-travel to any historical period, where would you go and why? Sign up for Patreon to have your answer featured on the show! 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode! New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM—so mark your calendars!
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    7 mins
  • Ep. One: Scribing the Past: Journals and the Stories They Tell

    Ep. One: Scribing the Past: Journals and the Stories They Tell
    Mar 21 2025
    Host: Rosie Talley, Author of the Linus the Troll series Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark StoriesWebsite: sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/past-and-penEmail: pastandpen@gmail.comIn this episode, we’re diving into the power of the written word. From ancient records to personal notebooks, writing has always been a way for people to capture moments, ideas, and discoveries. But how did it all begin? And what can we learn from the past to inspire our own creativity today?Join me as we take a step back in time, uncover surprising bits of history, and discover a fun way to start your own creative journey.Books to Check Out:Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.The Literary Life KIDS Commonplace Book: Colored PencilsThe Diary of a Young Girl by Anne FrankThe Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznichttps:Amelia’s Notebook by Marissa MossDear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly ClearyWriting Prompt:Imagine your commonplace book becomes magical, and whatever you write inside comes to life! What’s the first thing you’d write? Write it down and let your imagination run wild!Send your response to pastandpen@gmail.com—you might be featured in a future episode!Join the Fun:Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe & leave a review to help more curious minds discover the show.Share with a friend—know someone who’d love this episode? Send it their way!New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM. Don’t miss out!Thanks for listening! Stay curious, and keep writing your story.🔗 Sources & Further Reading:📖 "10 Fascinating Facts About Commonplace Books" – The Reader📖The Diary of Merer: A 4,500-Year-Old Papyrus That Details The Construction of The Great Pyramid- Amusing Planet📖 "A Very Short History of the Chapbook" – Middlebury College📖 "A Scriptorium of Commonplace Books" – University of Cambridge📖 "The
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    8 mins