“The Star” by H. G. Wells

Season Two of Autumn Reads begins beneath a darkening sky.

In this premiere episode, Autumn reads “The Star”, a haunting and prophetic short story by H. G. Wells, first published in 1897. As a mysterious celestial object draws closer to Earth, Wells shifts the focus away from spectacle and toward perspective, reminding us how small human concerns can become when viewed against the vast machinery of the cosmos.

Calm, atmospheric, and quietly devastating, The Star blends early science fiction with philosophical reflection, capturing Wells at his most elegant and unsettling. Autumn’s intimate narration invites listeners to slow down, listen closely, and experience the story as it was meant to be heard: one voice, one text, one moment suspended in time.

Welcome back to Autumn Reads. Season Two begins now, with our eyes turned upward.

🎙️📚🍂 New episodes coming soon, subscribe to never miss a chapter!

📩 Reach out with feedback, suggestions, or just to say hello at autumnreads4ya@gmail.com

🎧 Podcast soundtrack by Kina Ellis, check out more of their work on soundcloud

In the final episode of our first season, "Autumn Reads" turns to a short story that lingers long after the last line is spoken.

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman begins quietly. A woman, a room, a pattern on the wall. But beneath its calm surface, the story unravels into something deeply unsettling, exploring isolation, control, creativity, and the cost of being unheard.

As we close the year together, this episode is an invitation to listen closely, not just to the story, but to yourself. If the holidays feel heavy or lonely, know that you’re not alone, and that reaching out for connection or guidance can be a powerful first step.

Thank you for spending this season with us. Wherever you’re listening from, we’re glad you’re here.

🎙️📚🍂 New episodes coming soon, subscribe to never miss a chapter!

📩 Reach out with feedback, suggestions, or just to say hello at autumnreads4ya@gmail.com

🎧 Podcast soundtrack by Kina Ellis, check out more of their work on soundcloud

We are back from our summer hiatus! In this special return episode, Autumn sits down with children’s author and educator Margarita Vassilopoulou to talk about her enchanting book, Your Own Little Dragon.

This heartfelt tale follows two young friends whose fiery emotions take the form of a little dragon - guiding young listeners through the ups and downs of anger and disappointment, while gently teaching the importance of forgiveness.

Margarita shares the inspiration behind her story, the value of nurturing emotional awareness in children, and how books can open the door to meaningful conversations for families and classrooms alike.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a lover of children’s literature, this episode marks a warm and inspiring start to our new season.

🎙️📚🍂 New episodes coming soon, subscribe to never miss a chapter!

📩 Reach out with feedback, suggestions, or just to say hello at autumnreads4ya@gmail.com

🎧 Podcast soundtrack by Kina Ellis, check out more of their work on soundcloud

Join us as Autumn reads for ya, "Your Own Little Dragon", by Margarita Vassilopoulou. A tale of two young friends whose fiery emotions take shape in the form of a little dragon. Through their story, young listeners are gently guided to understand feelings like anger, disappointment; and most importantly, forgiveness.

Written with love and insight by a sociologist and educator, this story encourages emotional awareness and empathy in a way that’s both playful and deeply meaningful. Whether your little one is dealing with a tough day or just loves dragons, this is a story they won’t want to miss.

🎙️📚🍂 New episodes coming soon—subscribe to never miss a chapter!

📩 Reach out with feedback, suggestions, or just to say hello at autumnreads4ya@gmail.com

🎧 Podcast soundtrack by Kina Ellis, check out more of their work on soundcloud

🖌️ Cover illustration by Konstantinos Pissourios

In this charming new episode of Autumn Reads, we dust off another timeless tale from the Brothers Grimm, "The Travelling Musicians". Join us as a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster, each cast aside by the world, set out to forge a new life as musicians in Bremen. But along the way, their journey takes an unexpected turn filled with wit, wonder, and a dash of mischief. Cozy up and let this classic fable carry you away...

🎙️📚🍂 New episodes coming soon—subscribe to never miss a chapter!

📩 Reach out with feedback, suggestions, or just to say hello at autumnreads4ya@gmail.com

🎧 Podcast soundtrack by Kina Ellis, check out more of their work on soundcloud

🖌️ Classic illustration by Hans Fisher (1955)

Feathers of gold, riddles in the moonlight, and a prince with more heart than sense—welcome to a world where anything is possible. In this magical episode, Autumn spins the spellbinding tale of The Golden Bird, a classic from the Brothers Grimm.

Join us for a whimsical adventure full of mysterious forests, clever foxes, and royal quests gone delightfully sideways. Tuck in, press play, and let the fairytale begin.

🎙️📚🍂 New episodes coming soon—subscribe to never miss a chapter!

📩 Reach out with feedback, suggestions, or just to say hello at autumnreads4ya@gmail.com

🎧 Podcast soundtrack by Kina Ellis, check out more of their work on soundcloud

In this special bonus episode of "Autumn Reads", we sit down with beloved children's book author Kathy Urban for a heartwarming conversation about storytelling, imagination, and the magic of connecting with young readers. Kathy shares insights into her creative process, the inspirations behind her tales, and her advice for aspiring writers.

Plus, you can listen to the audiobook version of her latest release, Kind Little Hands, right here on our podcast!

To learn more about Kathy and explore her enchanting world of stories, visit her official website: www.kathyurbantales.com.

Tune in for an episode filled with warmth, creativity, and a deep love for the written word!

🎙️📚🍂 New episodes coming soon—subscribe to never miss a chapter!

📩 Reach out with feedback, suggestions, or just to say hello at autumnreads4ya@gmail.com

🎧 Podcast soundtrack by Kina Ellis, check out more of their work on soundcloud

In this very special episode of Autumn Reads, Autumn brings to life Kind Little Hands by Kathy Urban—a heartwarming children's book that celebrates the beauty of kindness in everyday moments. This marks the very first audiobook reading of this beloved story and we are honoured to premiere it on our podcast.

Autumn invites young listeners (and the young at heart) to discover how small gestures can make a big difference. Cozy up, press play, and let Kind Little Hands inspire a little more love and compassion in your day 🐝

To learn more about the author and explore her other tales, visit www.kathyurbantales.com

Original illustration for "Kind Little Hands" by the magnificent Sally Garland. Check her awesome work out at https://www.sallyannegarland.com/

Special thanks to freesound.org for the sound effects used for this episode, and were originally recorded by klankbeeld

🎙️📚🍂 New episodes coming soon—subscribe to never miss a chapter!

📩 Reach out with feedback, suggestions, or just to say hello at autumnreads4ya@gmail.com

🎧 Podcast soundtrack by Kina Ellis, check out more of their work on soundcloud