Robin Lustig reading stories

Grandma's Pink Hair

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 13:58:32 +0000

What happens when Grandma and Nicky go to the hairdressers' -- and Grandma decides she wants something 'different'?

The Railway Children, Chapter 14

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 10:17:32 +0000

The final chapter, in which ... well, you wouldn't me to spoil the ending, would you?

The Railway Children, Chapter 13

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:50:36 +0000

It's the penultimate chapter, but it comes with a warning, because it contains some woefully outdated gender stereotyping. Not all that surprising, perhaps, as the book was first published in 1905.

The Railway Children, Chapter 12

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:23:09 +0000

In which Bobbie, Peter and Phil rescue an injured hound in a red jersey -- and a sleepy signalman.

The Railway Children, Chapter 11

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 14:34:39 +0000

In which our brave heroes watch a paperchase and find a hound in a red jersey deep inside the tunnel.

The Railway Children, Chapter 10

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 14:34:52 +0000

In which Bobbie -- at last -- discovers her father's Awful Secret.

The Railway Children, Chapter 9

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 13:30:08 +0000

In which the children decide to celebrate Perks's birthday -- but get a most unexpected reaction.

The Railway Children, Chapter 8

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:13:22 +0000

In which the children upset a bargeman -- but then rescue a baby and are officially declared 'real, right sorts.'

The Railway Children, Chapter 7

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 12:48:08 +0000

In which our heroes are made a great fuss of, and do something rather wonderful for their Russian gentleman.

The Railway Children, Chapter 6

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 12:37:01 +0000

In whch our three heroes go out to pick wild cherries and end up being, well, heroic.

The Railway Children, Chapter 5

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:43:58 +0000

In which the children meet a mysterious foreigner who speaks no English -- and Mother asks them to say a special prayer for all captives and prisoners.

The Railway Children, Chapter 4

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 09:05:03 +0000

In which Mother is very angry, Bobbie has a birthday, and then -- by mistake -- becomes an Engine Burglar.

The Railway Children, Chapter 3

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:13:45 +0000

In which we meet the Old Gentleman, who helps our heroes with a remarkable act of kindness.

The Railway Children, Chapter 2

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 12:59:05 +0000

In which Peter comes up with an excellent plan -- which he knows is also a very bad plan.

The Railway Children, Chapter 1

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:26:45 +0000

In which we meet Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter -- and their father goes away 'on business'.

Grandpa's New Hat

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 11:49:42 +0000

A children's story, for anyone who's a child at heart.

New covid regulations update

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 16:50:48 +0000

Confused? You needn't be ... let me spell them out for you, in the soothing cadences of the BBC Shipping Forecast.

Covid regulations update

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 14:04:28 +0000

Still confused? Perhaps this will help.

Latest Covid-19 regulations

Sat, 03 Oct 2020 10:03:44 +0000

If you're confused, this might help.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 12

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 16:18:25 +0000

In which Alice finally has her say in court -- and the truth of her adventures is finally revealed.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 11

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 13:26:55 +0000

In which Alice attends a most peculiar Trial.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 10

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 22:31:45 +0000

In which Alice's strange new friends, the Mock Turtle and the Gryphon, teach her how to dance the Lobster Quadrille.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 9

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 15:56:10 +0000

In which Alice meets the Gryphon and the Mock Turtle, who teach her all about Mystery, ancient and modern, Seography, and why lessons are called lessons.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 8

Sat, 08 Aug 2020 15:50:56 +0000

In which Alice meets the gardeners who are trying to paint white roses red, plays croquet with flamingoes and hedgehogs, and -- of course -- meets a Queen of Hearts with an alarming propensity to shout 'Off with her head.'

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 7

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 15:20:19 +0000

In which Alice stumbles across the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, and becomes very confused.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 6

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 15:21:21 +0000

In which Alice meets the Cheshire Cat, and learns what happens when all that is left of it is its grin.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 5

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 15:16:32 +0000

In which a bad-tempered caterpillar tells Alice how she can stop changing size every few minutes -- much to her relief.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 4

Sat, 11 Jul 2020 16:13:07 +0000

In which Alice's adventures get curiouser and curiouser, and she makes the acquaintance of a caterpillar sitting on top of a mushroom.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 3

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 11:07:23 +0000

In which Alice runs a Caucus Race, tries to make sense of the Dormouse's tale (tail?) and upsets everyone with tales of her cat.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 2

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 11:04:10 +0000

In which Alice first grows to nine feet tall and then shrinks to almost nothing, before falling into a pool of her own tears and meeting the Dormouse.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, Chapter 1

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 17:24:29 +0000

In which Alice tumbles down a rabbit hole while chasing a white rabbit, and drinks from a bottle labelled 'Drink Me.'

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 12

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 15:54:52 +0000

The final climactic chapter, in which our heroes bravely take on the assorted stoats and weasels, return to Toad what is rightfully his, and restore order to the river bank.

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 11

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 16:12:01 +0000

In which Mr Toad learns that the Stoats and the Weasels have taken possession of Toad Hall, and the Badger devises a daring plan to take back control of his beloved home.

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 10

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 20:35:56 +0000

In which Mr Toad has many more exciting adventures, and you have the rare privilege of hearing him burst into song.

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 9

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:44:35 +0000

A heart-felt elegy to the changing of the seasons and the irresistible lure of life at sea

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 8

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 17:31:13 +0000

In which Mr Toad, cunningly disguised, makes a daring escape from prison and eludes his pursuers.

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 7

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 13:23:00 +0000

In which Mole and Ratty hunt for a lost baby otter and end up having a quasi-mystical encounter.

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 6

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 17:54:50 +0000

In which Badger tries to persuade Mr Toad to see the error of his ways, only for the King of the Road to make his escape with most unfortunate consequences.

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 5

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 17:10:47 +0000

An elegy to the joys of Dulce Domum -- Sweet Home, in which Mole introduces Ratty to his own modest, but much-loved, sweet home.

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 4

Sun, 31 May 2020 13:50:56 +0000

In which Mole and Ratty seek shelter in the home of wise old Badger, who offers them food, warmth and protection.

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 3

Fri, 29 May 2020 14:51:05 +0000

In which the Mole decides to go hunting for Mr Badger in the Wild Wood, and very soon gets into all sorts of trouble.

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 2

Wed, 27 May 2020 15:45:28 +0000

In which Ratty takes Mole to meet Mr Toad, and they set off on an adventure which is to have unexpected consequences.

The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 1

Mon, 25 May 2020 14:09:33 +0000

The River Bank -- in which Mole meets Ratty for the first time and is introduced to the joys of messing about on the river.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 27, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Thu, 21 May 2020 15:56:05 +0000

The final chapter, the heart-wrenching climax. It's long, and you'll need a box of tissues. Thanks for listening.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 26, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Tue, 19 May 2020 15:20:46 +0000

In which Mary, Dickon and Colin learn more about the magic of the secret garden, and an unexpected visitor makes an appearance through the hidden door.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 25, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sun, 17 May 2020 15:05:45 +0000

In which, finally, the robin takes central stage -- and Mary and Colin explore the hundred secret rooms of Misselthwaite Manor.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 24, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Fri, 15 May 2020 18:53:09 +0000

In which Colin and Mary, with a little bit of help from Dickon and his mother, manage to fool everyone at Misselthwaite Manor. And Colin is getting stronger all the time.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 23, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Wed, 13 May 2020 16:53:57 +0000

In which Colin pronounces on the presence of magic, walks all round the secret garden, and vows to grow strong enough to become a Scientific Discoverer.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 22, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mon, 11 May 2020 14:39:09 +0000

In which the secret garden continues to weave its magic, while Colin, Mary and Dickon learn Ben Weatherstaff's secret.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 21, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sat, 09 May 2020 15:59:12 +0000

In which the secret garden casts its spell over Colin, who is magically transformed from a sickly, invalid child into something very, very different.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 20, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:35:50 +0000

In which Mary and Dickon finally put their plan into action -- and manage to smuggle Colin into the secret garden. But what effect will its magic have on him?

The Secret Garden, Chapter 19, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Tue, 05 May 2020 11:57:04 +0000

In which Colin finally gets to meet Dickon, who brings all his animals -- including a new-born lamb -- to Misselthwaite Manor.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 18, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sun, 03 May 2020 15:26:34 +0000

In which Mary finally admits the truth to Colin: she has found the secret garden and she has been in it. But he is scared -- will he live long enough to see it?

The Secret Garden, Chapter 17, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Fri, 01 May 2020 16:56:53 +0000

In which Mary gives a masterclass in how to deal with her cousin Colin's terrible tantrums -- and then soothes him to sleep with tales from the secret garden.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 16, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:09:06 +0000

In which Mary and her invalid cousin Colin have a blazing row over the time she is spending with Dickon in the secret garden, which he still knows nothing about. It's the ugliest scene so far.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 15, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 16:53:22 +0000

In which springtime finally comes to Misselthwaite Manor, and Mary gets her chance to tell Dickon all about her invalid cousin Colin. But will he agree to try to find a way to get Colin into the secret garden?

The Secret Garden, Chapter 14, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 16:48:35 +0000

In which Mary tells poor, terrified Martha that she has finally met Colin, and that he wants to see her again. Colin promises Martha that she will not be dismissed, so long as she arranges for Mary to come to his room whenever he asks.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 13, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 17:09:23 +0000

In which Mary decides to find out where the sound of a child crying is coming from -- and makes an astonishing discovery that will change everything.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 12, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:58:40 +0000

In which Mary is taken to meet her uncle for the first time, and begs him to allow her to play outside and plant things in the earth. But when she returns to the secret garden, Dickon has gone, leaving behind only the briefest of messages.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 11, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 15:26:18 +0000

In which Mary and Dickon explore the secret garden together, and Mary decides that Dickon is now the fifth person that she likes (including the robin). But has someone else been in the garden as well?

The Secret Garden, Chapter 10, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:27:39 +0000

In which -- finally -- Mary meets Dickon, and takes him to the secret garden. But will her secret be safe?

The Secret Garden, Chapter 9, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 15:40:37 +0000

In which Mary starts exploring the secret garden and enlists Martha's help to bring it back to life.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 8, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:52:19 +0000

In which Mary is given a present, learns to skip, and -- finally -- finds the long-hidden door to the secret garden.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 7, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sat, 11 Apr 2020 14:48:54 +0000

In which spring time comes to Misselthwaite Manor, and Mary makes an exciting discovery in the gardens.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 6, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 16:35:42 +0000

In which Mary decides to explore some of the hundred closed rooms of Misselthwaite Manor and again hears the muffled crying of a child.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 5, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 14:46:18 +0000

In which Mary goes looking for the hidden door to the locked garden and hears the sound of a child crying somewhere in her uncle's house.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 4, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 17:42:51 +0000

In which Mary starts exploring the gardens of Misselthwaite Manor and meets the gardener, Ben Weatherstaff. But where is the gate to the locked, secret garden?

The Secret Garden, Chapter 3, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 16:52:48 +0000

In which Mary Lennox arrives in Yorkshire and is driven across Missel Moor to Misselthwaite Manor, which is to be her new home.

The Secret Garden, Chapter 2, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 14:05:30 +0000

In which nine-year-old Mary Lennox, who everybody said was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen, is sent to England from India after the death of her parents, and meets Mrs Medlock, her uncle's housekeeper. So what does the future hold for her?

The Secret Garden, Chapter 1, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 14:10:54 +0000

One of the best known children's books of the 20th century, soon to be a new film starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters. A story of childhood, loss, friendship and, yes, a secret garden.

The Shopping Forecast (author unknown)

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 22:15:33 +0000

Well, it makes a change ...

A Child's Garden of Verses, by Robert Louis Stevenson

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:38:34 +0000

Verses for a lockdown: a few children's poems to help your imagination escape from the confines of our current global health emergency.

The Devoted Friend, Part 2, by Oscar Wilde

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:30:42 +0000

What could be more appropriate in these troubled times than a classic story about the nature of true friendship? This is the concluding part of Oscar Wilde's cautionary tale.

The Devoted Friend, Part 1, by Oscar Wilde

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:19:29 +0000

What does being a devoted friend really mean? Can a rich man be a friend to a poor man? A beautiful tale, with much to think about.

The Happy Prince, by Oscar Wilde

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 23:42:00 +0000

This is such a sad story, but if you listen carefully it is also a powerful morality tale. Perfect for focusing on what really matters.

The Selfish Giant, by Oscar Wilde

Sat, 29 Feb 2020 15:15:34 +0000

If your trees bear no blossom, and no flowers grow in your garden, you should listen to this story. It's perfect for a cold winter night -- or indeed any other time when you need to be reminded of the power of a child's love.

The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Andersen

Sat, 22 Feb 2020 23:47:00 +0000

Perhaps the best-known feel-good story of all time. How an ugly duckling experienced the deepest of existential agonies until, one day ... but no, I don't want to spoil it for you.

The Emperor's New Clothes, by Hans Christian Andersen

Sat, 15 Feb 2020 17:50:19 +0000

You almost certainly know the story, but have you ever read or heard the original version? And perhaps reflected on how relevant it might be to today's world?

The Elephant's Child, by Rudyard Kipling

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 17:23:39 +0000

You know -- of course -- that elephants have trunks. But did you know that those trunks are all the fault of a crocodile? Here's the story of how it happened.

How The Leopard Got His Spots, by Rudyard Kipling

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 23:54:36 +0000

Everyone knows that leopards have spots -- but not everyone knows how they got them, or why they are always in groups of five. So let me tell you the story ...

How The Rhinoceros Got His Skin, by Rudyard Kipling

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 11:43:52 +0000

Why is the rhinoceros always so bad-tempered? And why does its skin never fit? If you think you've got problems, listen to the story -- and count yourself lucky!

How The Camel Got His Hump, by Rudyard Kipling

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 10:48:06 +0000

Why do camels have those hump things on their backs? And why are they always so bad-mannered? They've always been my least favourite animals, and if you listen to this story, you'll understand why.

How The Whale Got His Throat, by Rudyard Kipling

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 13:04:19 +0000

Why can't whales eat anything bigger than little fish? The answer will surprise you, so sit back -- or lie back if you're in bed -- and let me tell you the story.

Something Lovely, by Kitty O'Meara

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 13:54:31 +0000

A poem for our times