The Elves and the Shoemaker

Jake's Story

Some stories are fairy tales. And some stories are real. Tonight’s episode of Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station is one of the most personal stories I’ve shared so far because this one isn’t based on an old book or a classic tale passed down through generations. This one is true. Tonight, you’re meeting Jake. Jake is a giant Mastiff with massive paws, a thunderous bark, a stubborn personality, and one of the softest hearts I have ever known. But before Jake became part of our family here in Cave Creek, he spent three long years sitting inside an animal rescue waiting for somebody to finally choose him. Three years. Three years of watching other dogs leave while he stayed behind. Three years without a single adoption application. And because this story is told from Jake’s point of view, listeners get to experience what the world may have felt like through the eyes of a dog who was constantly misunderstood. A dog labeled “too big,” “too loud,” “too stubborn,” and “too difficult” simply because he wanted freedom, adventure, patience, and love. This episode honestly became emotional for me while recording it because Jake is not just a character. Jake is my real dog. My family really did adopt him from a rescue after years of him being overlooked. And today, that same giant dog who once sat alone in a kennel now has his own room, his own bed, a backyard to patrol, a doggy pool, and an entire family that would do absolutely anything for him. I think one of the magical things I’m discovering while creating Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station is that this podcast is becoming so much more than just story time. It’s becoming a universe. A kingdom. A place where imagination, storytelling, animals, comfort, adventure, learning, and emotion all blend together into one giant cozy world. And one of the most beautiful parts of that world is that I get to bring my animals to life in ways we can’t always do in the real world. Through storytelling, they become characters. Heroes. Adventurers. Friends. And listeners slowly get to meet all of them one by one. So yes… if you continue this journey with me, prepare yourself for many more animal stories ahead. Some funny. Some magical. Some chaotic. Some emotional. Some educational. And some very, very real. Because while Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station will absolutely continue sharing classic fairy tales, beloved children’s books, bedtime stories, and educational adventures, it’s also becoming home to original stories that exist only inside the Nanny Nikki universe. Stories inspired by real life. Real animals. Real emotions. Real memories. And very real love. Jake’s story is really about second chances. It’s about misunderstood animals. Patience. Trust. Rescue. Belonging. And the life-changing power of finally being chosen. And honestly… I think a lot of humans know what that feeling is like too. This episode is perfect for: • animal lovers • rescue dog families • emotional bedtime stories • classroom listening • family story time • children learning empathy and compassion • kids who adore dogs • anyone who believes every animal deserves love and a home Thank you so much for listening to another adventure on Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station. This little podcast world is only just beginning, and I genuinely cannot wait to show you where the train tracks lead next. So strap in, friends. Enjoy the ride. And remember… here on Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station, turning the page is just the beginning.

The Elves and the Shoemaker

Step into a world of magic, kindness, tiny elves, and candlelit workshops in today’s cozy episode of Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station as we read the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, The Elves and the Shoemaker. Tonight’s story follows a hardworking shoemaker and his wife who are struggling to survive during a cold winter. Just when it seems like they’ve run out of hope, something magical begins happening in the middle of the night. Each morning, beautifully crafted shoes mysteriously appear on the shoemaker’s workbench, changing their lives forever. But who could possibly be helping them while they sleep? This timeless fairy tale has been loved by families for more than 200 years, and in today’s episode, we don’t just read the story — we explore the fascinating history behind it too. After the story, we talk about: • who the Brothers Grimm really were • how fairy tales were passed down by word of mouth long before books existed • why stories often begin with the words “once upon a time” • what a cobbler actually is • how shoes were handmade long ago before factories and machines • why fairy tales continue surviving generation after generation We also explore the deeper lesson hidden underneath the magic: kindness. The little elves never ask for praise or rewards. They simply see someone struggling and quietly choose to help. And in return, the shoemaker and his wife find a way to give kindness back. One of my favorite parts of creating this podcast is getting to mix storytelling, imagination, history, learning, and comfort all together into one cozy little adventure. My hope is that children listening feel inspired to use their imaginations, ask questions, learn new words, and fall in love with stories the same way I did growing up. And yes… before anyone notices… your girl is a little under the weather while recording this one. I did my absolute best to hide it because I really didn’t want to cancel story time this week. So if my voice sounds a tiny bit extra cozy or raspy in this episode… now you know why. Sometimes the magic of storytelling continues even through sniffles and tea breaks. This episode is perfect for: • bedtime • classroom listening • quiet time • long car rides • homeschool activities • family story time • children who love fairy tales and imagination If your little listener enjoys magical stories, classic fairy tales, bedtime adventures, educational storytelling, or cozy read-aloud podcasts, then you’re in the right place here at Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station. Thank you so much for joining me for another adventure where turning the page is just the beginning. Now snuggle up, get cozy, and let’s believe in a little magic together.

Dickie Birdie Has Two First Names

Welcome back aboard Nanny Nikki's Imagination Station — where story time is always just the beginning. Tonight’s story is a very special one because it’s not about witches, pirates, princesses, or magical kingdoms. Its a Nanny Nikki original story. It’s about a very tiny old chihuahua named Dickie Birdie. And yes… that is his real first name. In this cozy, heartfelt story told through the eyes of a sleepy little desert dog with no teeth and two first names, listeners will travel to Cave Creek, Arizona — where the coyotes sing at night, the desert glows warm beneath the sunset, and one tiny old gentleman spends his days supervising podcast recordings, protecting blankets, taking very important naps, and riding through life in a little red stroller like royalty. But Dickie Birdie isn’t just any dog. He’s my best friend. He’s been with me since he was eight weeks old, through different homes, different chapters of life, veterinary hospitals, podcast studios, difficult days, and now even CrimeCon — where, to his complete surprise, hundreds of people somehow knew his name. This story was inspired by getting the suitcases out once again as we prepare to head back to CrimeCon together, where Dickie Birdie will once again ride through crowds of people as the tiny mascot of my podcasting world. Watching him experience these adventures at thirteen years old, with sleepy eyes and tiny legs that don’t work quite like they used to, reminded me that even small, quiet lives can still be full of magic, purpose, comfort, love, and adventure. This episode is gentle, emotional, funny, cozy, and filled with little moments that animal lovers — especially senior dog lovers — will understand deeply. It’s a story about: * growing older * unconditional love * companionship * bravery in small packages * finding comfort in ordinary moments * and how sometimes the tiniest creatures leave the biggest paw prints on our hearts. It’s also a love letter to senior pets everywhere. Dickie Birdie may no longer have teeth, and he may spend most of his day wrapped in blankets judging the world from soft pillows and sunny spots, but he still has adventures to go on, people to meet, and stories to tell. And honestly? He’s kind of becoming famous. If you’d like to support Dickie Birdie and the rest of our little animal family here in hot Arizona — especially as we prepare for another very warm summer and our upcoming CrimeCon travels — we do have an Amazon animal wishlist filled with cooling supplies, pet necessities, comfort items, and goodies for our furry family members as well as the crabby ones. Not kidding! We have hermit crabs here! Animal Wishlist: Thank you for supporting our little family, our storytelling adventures, and this tiny old chihuahua with two first names. And if you happen to see Dickie Birdie rolling through CrimeCon in his stroller this year, please say hello to him. He takes his mascot duties very seriously. Now fluff up your blankets, snuggle in close, and enjoy tonight’s story from one very brave, very sleepy little gentleman named Dickie Birdie.

Alice Nizzy Nazzy The Witch of Santa Fe

Welcome aboard Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station — where turning the page is only the beginning. This episode is incredibly special to me because it’s not only our very first official fairy tale episode, it’s also the episode that truly made this podcast feel real. Less than 48 hours before this existed, this was simply lunch recess story time on a playground. By day, I’m Nikki — a pre-K assistant teacher surrounded by tiny humans constantly begging for “just one more story.” Somewhere between the silly voices, spooky whispers, pirate growls, dramatic sound effects, and kids piling closer during the scary parts, another teacher joked that I needed to move story time closer because she wanted to listen too. And honestly? That one little comment sparked this entire idea. This podcast was created to bring the magic of playground story time beyond the classroom walls and into homes, bedtime routines, classrooms, car rides, and wherever imagination happens. For our very first fairy tale episode, we journey into the Southwest with Alice Nizzy Nazzy: The Witch of Santa Fe, written by Tony Johnston and beautifully illustrated by legendary children’s illustrator Tomie dePaola. This spooky, funny Southwestern folk tale is filled with desert magic, witches, talking fences, mystery, humor, Spanish vocabulary, and just enough suspense to make children squeal, giggle, and hide behind their blankets before immediately asking for another story. A huge reason my students love this book so much is because of the incredible illustrations and immersive storytelling. I’m incredibly grateful to both the author and illustrator for creating such a memorable story that became a classroom favorite. This book appears to currently be out of print, but if you’d like to learn more or try to track down a copy, here are a few places to start: Amazon listing: https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Nizzy-Nazzy-Witch-Santa/dp/0399227881 [https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Nizzy-Nazzy-Witch-Santa/dp/0399227881] Paperback edition: https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Nizzy-Nazzy-Tony-Johnston/dp/069811650X [https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Nizzy-Nazzy-Tony-Johnston/dp/069811650X] I also want to give full credit to the magical fantasy music used throughout this episode: “Castle in the Mist – Magical Orchestral” by Geoff Harvey via Pixabay Music. Music link: https://pixabay.com/music/fantasy-dreamy-childrens-castle-in-the-mist-magical-orchestral-388047/ [https://pixabay.com/music/fantasy-dreamy-childrens-castle-in-the-mist-magical-orchestral-388047/] After the story, we also talk about: * the Spanish word “la bruja” * Southwestern culture and Santa Fe * adobe homes and desert life * authors and illustrators * why children love spooky stories * and fun educational breakdowns for kids and parents to enjoy together. Quick disclaimer from your very excited podcast host: I’m still learning how to balance storytelling voices inside a recording studio instead of outside on a loud playground, so there are definitely a few moments where the audio gets a little dramatic or cuts out a bit. But honestly? I didn’t want to re-record it. There was something magical about this very first recording, imperfections and all. My goal is to release new episodes every Saturday filled with fairy tales, spooky stories, pirate adventures, magical journeys, and cozy story time moments families can enjoy together. Thank you so much for being here at the very beginning of Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station. Now turn the page… and let the imagination continue.

Trailer for Nanny Nikki's Imagination Station

What started as lunchtime story time on the playground quickly turned into something bigger. After another teacher suggested I move closer so she could listen too, I realized maybe this little daily tradition deserved a life outside the playground. Welcome to Nanny Nikki's Imagination Station — a magical storytelling podcast inspired by the voices, laughter, and imaginations of the kids I spend my days teaching. From silly adventures and pirate tales to princess stories, spooky stories, and imaginative journeys, each episode is designed to bring stories to life the same way I do during recess story time: with voices, excitement, and heart. And because learning never really stops, stick around after each story for fun facts about the book, the author, and simple kid-friendly discussion moments parents and children can enjoy together. Less than 12 hours after the idea was born, the trailer was finished — and this is only the beginning. So climb aboard the Imagination Station and let’s tell some stories together. ~Nanny Nikki