The Fairy Tale Art Cart

Rachael Harrington

The Fairy Tale Art Cart: Draw Along Stories For Kids is an interactive draw along podcast where your kids become the illustrators of the stories they listen to! ​ Each episode of the podcast features one folktale from around the world that pauses for music-filled drawing breaks, inviting your child's imagination to run wild as they create illustrations of key moments of the story! Perfect for building independent screen free creativity, allowing you 30 minutes of guilt-free activity time that engages your kid's imagination without turning on the scroll or algorithm! And the set up is simple: all you need is drawing paper, your favorite coloring materials, and a way to listen to the episode. Play the show during dinner prep, long rainy afternoons, or in transit and watch that downtime turn into pure joy! Art-teacher-turned-professional-storyteller Rachael Harrington hosts this interactive podcast with warmth, humor, and oodles of creativity.

  1. 1d ago

    The Empty Pot: A Draw Along Story For Kids

    What would you do if you had to show up with nothing but the truth, but the truth was actually all that you needed? In this episode, we travel all the way to ancient China for a folktale called The Empty Pot. It's the story of a boy named Ling who loves plants and gardens, and who is given a very special seed by the emperor himself. Ling waters it, tends it, sings to it, and moves it to a bigger pot...but nothing grows, not even a sprout. When the emperor asks all the children of the kingdom to return with what they've grown, Ling has to decide: does he show up with the truth, or does he try to fake it? What he discovers at the palace is a surprise that will make your heart do a little leap. This episode is packed with four drawing prompts, music interludes, and a story that will have your little artists thinking big thoughts about honesty and bravery. Themes in this episode: honesty, bravery, integrity, gardening, nature, doing your best Great for ages: 4–10 (and the grown-ups who love listening along!) 🎨 What You'll Need to Draw Along4 pieces of drawing paperYour favorite drawing materials (crayons, colored pencils, markers — anything that brings the pizzazz!) ✏️ Drawing Prompts in This EpisodeDrawing Prompt #1 — The Emperor's Grand Gardens Drawing Prompt #2 — Two Flower Pots Drawing Prompt #3 — A Pattern of Palace Flowers Drawing Prompt #4 — Ling Becomes Emperor 🔗 Links & Resources🐌 Join the Fairy Snail Art Cart Club — Become a supporting member and unlock bonus episodes PLUS a monthly envelope of art projects, stickers, stationery, and more delivered right to your door! → CLICK HERE🖍️ Free Coloring Page — Download the free coloring page that goes along with this episode at our website → CLICK HERE🎧 Loved this episode? Try next: The Perfect Pot — another folktale featuring a very wise old clay pot, mentioned at the end of the episode! 💬 About the ShowThe Fairy Tale Art Cart is a draw along podcast for kids where you become the illustrator of the stories you hear. Host Rachael Harrington- art teacher turned globe-trotting professional storyteller- guides young artists through folktales from around the world, pausing the story for drawing prompts and music so kids can bring each scene to life on paper. Perfect for screen-free afternoons, car rides, rainy days, and bedtime wind-downs. All you need is paper, something to color with, and a wide-open imagination. New episodes drop regularly. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review to help more families discover the magic of draw-along storytelling!

    30 min
  2. May 30

    Gecko Who Never Gave Up: A Draw Along Story For Kids

    There's a drought in the land. The riverbed is dry. Every single animal, from the massive elephant to the squeaky little mouse, tries to stomp the water up from the ground. One by one, they all give up. But tiny little Gecko refuses to quit. The bigger animals laugh at him. They mock him. But, Gecko stomps anyway. This is a story about what happens when you keep going even when others say you can't. It's a story your kids will be talking about long after the episode ends, and that will help them cheer on the idea of determination. What You'll Need to Draw Along3 pieces of drawing paperYour favorite coloring materials (crayons, markers, colored pencils — whatever adds some pizzazz!) The 3 Draw-Along Art Prompts in This EpisodeElephant stomping in the dry riverbed Determined little Gecko standing among all the big animals Gecko splashing in the rising river water Featured ArtistThis episode features hip hop and cajòn artist Randy Mason, kicking off the episode with an original rap that will get every kid in the room hyped and moving, continue to inspire your kids through all three music and drawing breaks. Check out Randy's work HERE. Want More Fairy Tale Art Cart?Download the FREE coloring page for this episode on my websiteBecome a supporting member of the show and join the Fairy Snail Art Cart Club: your kids get a magical monthly envelope filled with art projects, stickers, stationery, and a bonus episode. Not ready for the full envelope? You can also get just the bonus episode for $2/month! Sign-up link at my Buy Me A Coffee Page! If your kids loved this episode, leave a review — it helps other families find their way to the Art Cart!

    37 min
  3. May 23

    The Twelve Months: A Draw Along Story For Kids

    What if winter could turn into spring in an instant just because you were kind? In this magical draw along episode, we travel deep into a snowy Czech forest and discover one of the most enchanting folktales from Eastern Europe: The Twelve Months. It's a story about a girl named Marushka who loves nature so deeply that nature loves her right back...and about what happens when greed meets the 12 gnomes who rule the seasons. This episode is packed with three music filled drawing prompts and imaginative storytelling that will have your little artists reaching for their colored pencils before the first song begins. 🎨 What You'll Need to Draw Along3 pieces of drawing paperYour favorite coloring materials (colored pencils, crayons, markers — whatever brings the pizzazz!) ✏️ Drawing Prompts in This EpisodeDrawing Prompt #1 — The Circle of woodland gnomes, who are The Twelve Months Drawing Prompt #2 — The Mountain Magically Changing Seasons Drawing Prompt #3 — The Magic of the Staff --> Themes in this episode: kindness, gratitude, the seasons, patience, nature, fairness --> Great for ages: 4–10 (and the grown-ups who listen alongside them!) 🔗 Links & Resources🐌 Join the Fairy Snail Art Cart Club — Become a supporting member and unlock bonus episodes PLUS a monthly envelope of art projects, stickers, stationery, and more delivered straight to your door! 🖍️ Free Coloring Page — Download the free coloring page that goes along with this episode on Rachael's website🎧 Loved this episode? Try next: Frost and Warmth — another folktale all about the difference between cold weather and warm weather 💬 About the ShowThe Fairy Tale Art Cart is a draw along podcast where your kids become the illustrators of the stories they hear. Host Rachael Harrington (art teacher turned globe-trotting professional storyteller) guides young artists through folktales from around the world, pausing the story for drawing prompts and music so kids can bring each scene to life on paper using simple art materials. Perfect for screen-free afternoons, car rides, rainy days, and bedtime wind-downs. All you need is paper, something to color with, and a wide open imagination. New episodes drop regularly. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review to help more families discover the magic of draw-along storytelling!

    33 min
  4. May 16

    Momotaro: A Draw Along Story For Kids

    Once upon a time, a kind old man and a kind old woman wished and wished for a child... and then one sunny washing day, a giant rosy peach came bobbing down the stream with the most surprising little someone tucked inside. In today's draw along folktale from Japan, a tiny peach-born boy named Momotaro grows big, strong, and brave enough to set off on the adventure of a lifetime. But he quickly learns that the greatest quests are never meant to be tackled alone. With a bag of kibi dango (millet dumplings) on his belt and three unlikely animal friends at his side, Momotaro discovers that teamwork, kindness, and sharing just might be the biggest treasure of all. Who will Momotaro meet on the road… and what's waiting for them across the water on the ogre's island? Grab your three pieces of drawing paper, your favorite crayons or markers, and let's open our imaginations wide! What's Inside This EpisodeA bright, bouncy folktale from Japan full of a giant peach, a brave little hero, three animal friends, and one big team adventureThree drawing breaks where your kid becomes the illustrator of the storyCozy, whimsical music to draw along to (which means you get a few peaceful minutes too)A warm, kid-sized lesson about teamwork, friendship, sharing, and how adventures are always better together What You'll Need3 pieces of drawing paperYour favorite drawing materials — crayons, markers, colored pencils, anything that brings the pizzazz! Drawing Prompts You'll HearThe cozy little house in the rolling hills — with the old woman heading to the stream one way and the old man heading to the forest the other wayMomotaro bursting out of the giant peach (a fun chance to practice drawing motion lines like a comic book illustrator!)The big, looming ogre's island — complete with the ogre's castle somewhere on it Perfect ForCurious kids ages 4–9 who love stories, art, and a little bit of braveParents looking for screen-free activities for kids to put on while folding laundry, sipping coffee, or sneaking in five quiet minutesRoad trips, rainy afternoons, quiet time, homeschool families, and any moment that calls for independent creative playFans of folktales for kids, bedtime stories, draw-along podcasts, and multicultural stories for children Listen, Subscribe & Keep the Magic GoingLoved this episode? Head to THE PODCAST PAGE for a free Momotaro coloring page — perfect for keeping the story time magic going long after the credits roll. Want even more Fairy Tale Art Cart fun? Sign up for the Fairy Tale Art Cart newsletter for early ticket access, behind-the-scenes peeks, and creative kid-fun in your inboxBecome a member of the show and join the Fairy Snail Art Cart Club for a monthly old-school envelope packed with art projects, stickers, stationery, and a bonus episode If your kiddo loved this one, you'll also love the episode The Runaway Bun, another folktale about a piece of food that goes rolling right along. Stay playful, get creative, and keep imagining! ✏️🎨

    26 min
  5. May 9

    The Cherry Tree: A Draw Along Story For Kids

    A little old man and a little old woman are stuck in the silliest standoff over who should walk down to the river to fetch the water...and the tomato, onion, and pepper sitting in a basket on the kitchen table are getting more frustrated with every grumpy “I don’t wanna!” In today’s draw-along folktale from Mexico called "The Cherry Tree", one teeny squabble snowballs into a juicy, sky-tumbling, storm-tossed adventure that nobody saw coming. The lesson tucked between the giggles that this story brings? Sometimes our stubbornness about the small stuff makes us miss the whole reason we set out in the first place. So… is anybody going to remember to bring back the water? Grab your three pieces of paper, your favorite crayons or markers, and let’s open our imaginations wide! What’s Inside This EpisodeA bubbly, silly folktale from Mexico full of veggie shenanigans, cherry tree snacking, and a very dramatic rainstormThree drawing breaks where your kid becomes the illustrator of the storyCozy, whimsical music to draw along to (which means you get a few peaceful minutes too)A gentle, kid-sized lesson about staying focused, working together, and not letting little arguments fully take over. What You’ll Need3 pieces of drawing paperYour favorite drawing materials — crayons, markers, colored pencils, anything that helps you add a little pizzaz to what you're drawing! Perfect ForCurious kids ages 4–9 who love stories, art, and a little bit of sillyParents looking for screen-free activities for kids to put on while folding laundry, sipping coffee, or sneaking in five quiet minutesHomeschool families, road trips, rainy afternoons, quiet time, and any moment that calls for independent creative playFans of folktales for kids, bedtime stories, draw-along podcasts, and multicultural stories for children Listen, Subscribe & Keep the Magic GoingLoved this episode? Hit follow/subscribe in your favorite podcast app so you never miss a new draw along folktale. Then head to the show webpage for a FREE coloring page featuring The Cherry Tree, perfect for keeping the storytime magic going long after the episode ends. Want even more Fairy Tale Art Cart fun? Become a member of the show and join the brand-new Fairy Snail Art Cart Club for hand-illustrated story letters, color-your-own postcards & stickers, bonus episodes, and a do-it-at-home art project every month If your kiddo loved this one, you’ll also love our episode The Argument Sticks, a folktale from the Iroquois people about the wise advice a mother gives to her two arguing sons. Credit: I learned this story from the book 15 Minute Fingerplay Stories by Bill Gordh. Stay playful, get creative, and keep imagining! ✏️🍒

    29 min
  6. May 2

    Aran Aung & The Elephants: A Draw Along Story For Kids

    What happens when 500 lost elephants stomp their way into what they think is a cave? The answer will simply bloooowwww you away! In today’s screen-free draw along folktale episode called Aran Aung and the Elephants, your young story artist will discover that even when you’re lost (and a little bit grouchy), help has a funny way of arriving in the most unexpected ways: sometimes from a kind stranger, and sometimes in the form of a world-shaking sneeze. Grab 3 pieces of paper and your favorite coloring materials and get ready for a rumbling, tumbling adventure What You'll Need3 pieces of drawing paperYour child's favorite coloring materials (markers, crayons, colored pencils — whatever brings the pizazz)About 30–35 minutes of listening-and-drawing magic Drawing Prompts In This EpisodeAran Aung the great big happy-go-lucky giant snoozing against the side of a Himalayan mountain. What does his giant nap look like in a warm, glowy sun spot?500 grumpy, lost elephants venturing into a wind whooshing cave, set in a whole forest scene of trees, mountains, and rivers.500 elephants zipping, zapping, cartwheeling, somersaulting, and bouncing off clouds as they fly through the air. Your kids get to imagine the wildest sky-tumbles! What Your Story Artist Takes AwayHelp has a funny way of arriving when you need it: sometimes from a kind stranger, sometimes from a giant sneezeIt's okay to be lost or have something not go according to plan. The trick is working productively towards a solution; arguing about it just keeps you stuck longerEven the wildest detour can land you exactly where you wanted to goThree finished drawings, big giggles, and a calm, screen-free kid at the end of the story! Keep The Screen Free Magic GoingLoved this episode? Keep the creativity flowing between new Fairy Tale Art Cart episodes by becoming a member of the show. Members at $2/month unlock a bonus audio episode straight to your inbox. Members at $12/month also join the Snail Mail Club: a real envelope of story letters, art-making activities, and stickers delivered to your old-school mailbox. Tap this Buy Me A Coffee Membership link to join. Catch Us Live (Sidebar)🎤 The Fairy Tale Art Cart performs live at Buunni Coffee, Inwood on Saturday, May 17, 2026 with hip-hop artist and cajón player Randy Mason.🎵 This episode's live music: Andy Seagrave of Seagrave Sounds (catch him every Monday night at Phil Young's House of Blues in Harlem, NYC)🎉 New: The Fairy Tale Art Cart launches on Yoto Player on June 2, 2026 — screen-free podcast bliss right inside your kid's Yoto Player!

    35 min
  7. Apr 25

    The King's Secret: A Draw Along Story For Kids

    Once upon a time in Ireland, there lived a king with a secret so enormous, so embarrassing, so downright ridiculous that he had not told a single soul — not the queen, not his children, not even his dog (and dogs, as you know, are excellent listeners). In today's draw along episode, The King's Secret, your story artist meets a young barber named Liam who is about to learn two things the hard way: secrets are very heavy to carry, and the truth has a funny way of finding its voice anyway. Grab 3 pieces of paper and your favorite coloring materials — you are about to illustrate a royal hairstyle studio, a whispering willow tree, and a flute that refuses to keep its mouth shut. What on earth is this king hiding under that ceiling-tall crown? What You'll Need3 pieces of drawing paperYour child's favorite coloring materials (markers, crayons, colored pencils — whatever adds a little pizazz)About 30–35 minutes of listening-and-drawing magic Drawing Prompts In This EpisodeFive (or more!) wildly different royal hairstyles — your kid is the barber in charge of making everyone in the castle look fabulousA beautiful willow tree with draping, rustling branches — set into a whole meadow scene of sky, grass, and quiet countrysideThe magical singing flute — notes, words, musician, listeners… whatever your little story artist's imagination dreams up What Your Story Artist Takes AwaySecrets are heavy — and letting the truth out can feel like putting down a giant backpackThe "embarrassing" thing we try to hide often becomes the thing people love mostCourage looks a lot like a mother marching up to a palace to save her sonThree finished drawings, some good giggles, and a calm, screen-free kid at the end of it Keep The Screen-Free Magic GoingLoved this episode? Keep the creativity flowing between new Fairy Tale Art Cart episodes by becoming a member of the show. Members unlock bonus draw-along episodes made just for them: more folktales, more drawing breaks, more quiet-time wins for you. Tap the membership link in the episode description to join.

    32 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Fairy Tale Art Cart: Draw Along Stories For Kids is an interactive draw along podcast where your kids become the illustrators of the stories they listen to! ​ Each episode of the podcast features one folktale from around the world that pauses for music-filled drawing breaks, inviting your child's imagination to run wild as they create illustrations of key moments of the story! Perfect for building independent screen free creativity, allowing you 30 minutes of guilt-free activity time that engages your kid's imagination without turning on the scroll or algorithm! And the set up is simple: all you need is drawing paper, your favorite coloring materials, and a way to listen to the episode. Play the show during dinner prep, long rainy afternoons, or in transit and watch that downtime turn into pure joy! Art-teacher-turned-professional-storyteller Rachael Harrington hosts this interactive podcast with warmth, humor, and oodles of creativity.