Dorktales Storytime
Be the hero of your own story with Dorktales Storytime, the award-winning podcast for kids and their pop culture loving grownups. Enter their Once Upon a Time world where hosts, Jonathan Cormur and Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog, take you on a storytelling journey of curiosity and acceptance. You’ll explore reimagined fairytales and fables with social emotional themes, discover inspiring stories of history’s hidden heroes, and experience imaginary tales of boundless possibilities.
Recognized by Common Sense Media as outstanding entertainment with an official seal for quality and impact. Common Sense Selections include age-appropriate media with the potential to spark family conversations, entertain families of all kinds, and have a positive, lasting effect on society.
Reach out to us at dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com
Dorktales Storytime
Riddle of Red Herring Reef - Adventure Stories for Kids
While exploring the Fantasea in their magical minivan-submarine, Jonathan and Redge discover Red Herring Reef, a vibrant underwater village. Just in time for the annual Jubilee of the Sea art show, they meet Ariel the mermaid, who dazzles as the MuSEAum’s lively curator. While on the School of Fish tour, they find one of the frames is mysteriously empty! Their curiosity turns into a full-blown caper, as our friends flip their fins and dive into detective mode to crack the case. What they uncover may reveal more than just the whereabouts of the artwork—it could help a mermaid re-discover her voice.
Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/riddle-of-red-herring-reef/
DOWNLOAD the free color page: https://bit.ly/missing-masterpiece
GRAB YOUR FREE PDF list of conversation questions for this episode:
https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/ep113freePDF
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: In Riddle of Red Herring Reef, Jonathan and Redge travel to an underwater village where they meet Ariel the Mermaid, curator and tour guide of an undersea art show. When a mysterious empty frame is discovered, Redge takes on the role of detective to crack the case. As the clues unfold, Ariel reveals that she created the missing painting but hid it out of fear of sharing her personal expression. The encouragement of her new friends helps her find the courage to display her work and celebrate her voice. This episode gently explores themes of self-confidence, creativity, and the importance of community support.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY you may enjoy learning about Eugenie Clark and Isabella Aiona Abbott, two Hidden Heroes of History whose work in our oceans helped all mankind:
CREDITS: This episode is a Jonincharacter production. This story was written by Kristin Schmitz and Molly Murphy. Ariel and Gill were performed by Sophie, who you can find streaming on twitch.tv/s0ph. All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove
Take the Summer Listening Challenge—find out more and get your tracker: https://jonincharacter.com/summer-listening/
REACH OUT!
- Send us a TEXT: if your young listener has a question. Pls include their first name in the text. Your name/number is hidden so it's a safe way to reach out.
- Send us an email: dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com
- DM us on IG @dorktalesstorytime
- Library of Resources: https://dorktalesstorytime.aweb.page/Dorktales-Library-Card
- One time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dorktales
- Our Pod's Songs on Bandcamp: https://dorktalesstorytime.bandcamp.com/music
Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!
JONATHAN CORMUR: Hello Dork Squad. I'm Jonathan Cormur and you're listening to Dorktales Storytime, the podcast for kids and their pop culture-loving grown-ups.
THEME SONG: It's a beautiful day for a story, adventure and glory, new friends and old ones too. It's an excellent day to get swept away in a tail, so let us regale you.
REDGE: The Fantasea. A vast ocean spread across the lands of Once Upon A Time. Many have sailed across the waves but few have seen the dark depths…what creatures might be hidden below the surf? What strange coral-ridden lands will we find? Discover the answers today on…Riddles of the Reef!
(Stinger)
JONATHAN: Uh…Redge? What are you doing?
REDGE: I’m documenting our journey under the sea, of course! We’re exploring one of Once Upon a Time’s great oceans for the first time! I think it’s important to make a good record of it!
JONATHAN: I see!
REDGE: This is so exciting! I’m so happy that our magical minivan can become a submarine! Plus…it comes with great new gear!
JONATHAN: Like that magical underwater camera you’re using!
REDGE: And the Mander siblings equipped us with matching bubble helmets and diving suits so now we can swim in style. (Sighs) Simply divine.
JONATHAN: According to this old treasure map I got from the pirates on Plot Hook–
REDGE: You went to my favorite pirate island without me?
JONATHAN: Isn’t it the only pirate island in Once Upon a Time?
REDGE: STILL!
JONATHAN: Anyhow, according to this pirate map, Red Herring Reef should be just ahead!
REDGE: What do you think we’ll see there, Jonathan? A treasure chest? No no, two treasure chests?? Wait…THREE treasure chests???
JONATHAN: I’m not sure. Most pirate maps are pretty vague, there’s just a big red X where the Reef is located and no other details.
REDGE: Classic pirate treasure map stuff.
JONATHAN: Classic.
REDGE: Wait…Jonathan! Look!
JONATHAN: Do you see a big red X?
REDGE: No red X but look at all of those vibrant colors!
JONATHAN: Oh! Wow! There’s so much colorful coral! That must be the reef!
REDGE: I adore rainbows!
JONATHAN: Are those….buildings?
REDGE: Jonathan! I think we’ve stumbled on an underwater village! Here, hold the camera! (Clears throat and returns to nature doc voice) And we’re back, having answered at least one question about the mysterious Red Herring Reef. It seems a small village has been constructed there amidst the colorful coral. Who lives in this underwater settlement? Stick around for more on Riddles of the Reef!
(Stinger)
ARIEL: Come on in everyone, the tour will begin in two swishes of a dolphin’s fin! (As if noticing Redge and Jonathan approaching) Oh, why hello there newcomers! I love the bubble helmets! Very seafoam chic!
REDGE: Why thank you! I love your stunning blazer!
ARIEL: Ain’t it great? It’s tailored for the professional mermaid on the go.
REDGE: I knew you were a mermaid!
ARIEL: What gave it away? Was it the tail?
REDGE: It may have been the tail.
ARIEL: I KNEW it. The name’s Ariel!
JONATHAN: Wait…you’re THE Ariel? I’ve read about you in some of my favorite stories!
ARIEL: It’s me, in the scales.
REDGE: (Laughs) Delightful! I’m Reginald T. Hedgehog. And this is my best friend and fellow explorer, Jonathan. We’ve always wanted to learn more about the residents of the Fantasea!
ARIEL: It’s so nice to meet you! Consider this your official welcome to Red Herring Reef! Always happy to meet friends from (sings) “somewhere beyond the sea.” (Back to speaking) Are you here for my tour?
REDGE: Oooh yes I love a tour! Wait…what tour?
ARIEL: The School of Fish tour. Ooh sorry can’t talk, it’s showtime!
(Hype music begins to play)
Good afternoon, fishy friends and friendly fish! It’s time for the Red Herring Reef art event of the season! We’re here to make some waves and catch some rays! Of sunlight! Painted in beautiful works of art! That’s right, it's time for the Jubilee of the Sea!
Are you ready to bubble?
SCHOOL OF FISH: (Meekly) Yeah!
ARIEL: Is this thingamabob on? I SAID, are you ready to bubble?
SCHOOL/REDGE: YEAH!
ARIEL: Then let’s give it up for your mermaid host, the one with the most (knowledge about this art show because I…I mean she works here).....historian and art curator, ARIEL THE MERMAID!
REDGE: Bravo! Huzzah! Wonderful!
ARIEL: Thank you, thank you! What a marvelous introduction! Please hold your applause!
Welcome to the MuSEAum of Red Herring Reef. Today, I’ll take you on a tour of Jubilee of the Sea, our latest exhibit and annual celebration of local artists. First things first, our emergency exits are here and there. And be sure to stay with the group!
SCHOOL OF FISH: We always do!
ARIEL: If you happen to get lost or have any questions, find Deb and Flo working the front Kelp Desk, and they’ll be able to assist. Now, let the tour begin!
REDGE: Oooo I can’t wait to see all of this art!
JONATHAN: Me too, Redge. This will be such a great intro to Red Herring Reef!
ARIEL: If you’ll just follow me a-that-a-way, you’ll see our first sculpture, created by Goldie Prawn, owner of Prawn’s Shop, where you can find gadgets and gizmos aplenty!
SCHOOL OF FISH: Ooooo! Ahhhh!
ARIEL: They call this piece, ‘BiSEAcle Built for Tuna.’ Their mission is to repurpose discarded everyday items and make them into beautiful works of art, encouraging everyone to reuse and keep our sea sparkly clean.
REDGE: Remarkable!
ARIEL: Swimming along. You’re not going to (in a Marlon Brando Godfather voice) for-GILL-about this one!
(Sound of a lone bubble.)
Our next piece is by the MuSEAum’s own Giftshop Gill! His painting is a self-portrait entitled ‘Gill with a Pearl Earring.’ He used the medium of watercolor, or as we like to call it under the sea, color…because we’re already underwater!
(Sound of a lone bubble.)
REDGE: Wow, Gill used every hue imaginable! The portrait seems to shimmer with different colors when I look from different angles.
ARIEL: One of Gill’s favorite parts of the Reef is just how colorful it is, and the way the light shines through the sea. I think he really wanted to capture that magic and share it in this painting.
JONATHAN: Beautiful!
ARIEL: I agree! Oh! And don’t forget to visit Giftshop Gill on the way out! (In a silly voice) “For all your rootin’ tootin’ MuSEAum treasures!” (Ariel laughs) Get it? Get it?
REDGE: HAHA…I don’t get it.
ARIEL: Oh right. You haven’t met Gill. Well, trust me, that’s exactly what he sounds like.
Alrighty, flip your fins this way for more whozits and whatzits galore! This next piece is a real splash, on loan from Glitter Cove’s Greta the Dolphin. This sculpture is a replica of Donna & Greta’s So-fish-ticated Seaside Snacks! It’s a heartfelt homage to the business they run together in the cove!
JONATHAN: We’ve been there! One of my favorite places to get a snack!
ARIEL: Grab a magnifying gizmo and take a close look at all of those miniature details! But be careful not to get lost in the seaweed!
JONATHAN: Wait…did she make this entirely of seaweed?!
ARIEL: She did!
SCHOOL OF FISH: Wowwwww!
REDGE: A whole sculpture in honor of snacks! I’m so moved, I could cry. Jonathan, am I crying? How can you tell if you’re crying underwater?
JONATHAN: Redge… we’re technically in bubble helmets…
ARIEL: Just keep swimming this way! Just keep swimming! Wouldn’t want you to get lost–
REDGE: Wait a minute! This one is just an empty frame.
ARIEL: Wow, hmmm, that’s…um…strange! Swimming along–
REDGE: Strange indeed! Is this some sort of minimalist movement, Ariel?
ARIEL: Uhh…you know what, let’s take a brief intermission shall we? Go on kids, you can check out our seaglass exhibit down the hall. Very shiny, lots of rainbows!
SCHOOL OF FISH: OK!
ARIEL: There they go! Wonderful. Actually, Reginald and Jonathan you should join them! The School of Fish always sticks together!
REDGE: We couldn’t leave you alone if a painting is missing!
JONATHAN: Yes, we’re here to help!
ARIEL: (Over the top, like she knows something but is hiding it) What! You think the painting is missing? This is so strange! This is…unprecedented! What? Oh boy… well show’s cancelled! Right guys? Do you hear that? My shell phone is ringing I think…
JONATHAN: I don’t hear anything.
REDGE: GASP! You know what this means don’t you?
ARIEL: Absolutely nothing?
REDGE: We have a mystery on our hands!
ARIEL: Whoa fellas, let’s scale it back. Don’t worry about it. I’ll deal with this…later!
REDGE: Nonsense! Have no fear, Ariel. I’ve picked up sleuthing from the finest detective in the Folktale Forest, Sherlock Nettlesbee. We will solve this mystery at once! Oh if only I had my costume! But at least I already have this magnifying glass!
ARIEL: (Laughs nervously) Yeah! Great!
REDGE: Jonathan, grab the video camera. The game is a foot…or a fin I should say. Now, ACTION! (Documentary voice-over style again, but now it is a mystery show) Welcome back. It seems our visit here has uncovered a mischievous behavior at the Jubilee of the Sea art show. A frame, empty. A mermaid tour guide, confused.
ARIEL: What?
REDGE: A village, distraught. But the explorers…NAY! The detectives are on the case. Stay tuned to learn more on Riddles of the Reef: How to Catch a Thief!
(Stinger)
ARIEL: So uh…what are you going to do now? I mean….the painting is probably long gone by now so…it’s hopeless. Let’s just wrap it up!
REDGE: Nonsense! We just need to take this one step at a time. Step one–look for footprints. Hmmm…I don’t see a single one. Oh this thief is good!
JONATHAN: Uh, Redge? We’re underwater. There are no footprints.
REDGE: (Embarrassed) Mmm. Moving on. Step two—look for clues. (Muttering to himself, look for clues, hmmm is that anything? No that’s nothing, etc). Wait! What’s this floating here by the frame?
JONATHAN: A fish scale!
REDGE: That it is! Fascinating…huh…
ARIEL: Hey there are PLENTY of fish in the sea, am I right? Is a stray scale really that interesting? Maybe we should keep–
REDGE: Ariel, it looks just like the ones on your tail. How funny!
ARIEL: (Nervously) HAHA, what? No! I don’t think so because mine are more green-blue and this one is definitely blue-green.
REDGE: (Gasps) Here are a few more. Jonathan, are you getting this? Let’s follow them to see where they lead. (Muttering while looking for clues cont.)
ARIEL: Look over there!
REDGE: What? Do you see a clue?!
ARIEL: No just…have you looked over there yet?
REDGE: I think it would be best to keep following the clue we found!
ARIEL: I don’t know! Over there is pretty great!
REDGE: AHA!
ARIEL: What did I tell you? I love over there, let’s go!
REDGE: No Ariel, look! Another clue!
ARIEL: (Weakly) Oh…yay…
REDGE: Hmmm…it appears to be a string of some sort. Perhaps a thread. Wait a minute…(Seriously) It’s the same red as the color of your blazer, Ariel.
ARIEL: (Gulp)
REDGE: (Lightheartedly) What another hilarious coincidence!
JONATHAN: (Suspiciously) Yeah…a coincidence…
ARIEL: (Fake, nervous laughter) AHAHAHA yep…that’s what it is…a coincidence. Must have…gotten caught on something.
REDGE: Is your blazer okay?!
ARIEL: Oh barely a thread out of place. Just the one. Which is. Normal and fine!
REDGE: Phew! Back to the case at hand! (Muttering while looking for clues cont.) STOP!
ARIEL: AH!
JONATHAN: What is it, Redge?
REDGE: I’m not sure…see that patch of kelp over there? Something seems off.
ARIEL: Off? Over where? Are you sure??
REDGE: The kelp is growing vertically and gently swaying with the waves. But this patch has a gap, as if someone exactly Ariel’s size pushed it to the side to get through. Jonathan, keep filming! Ariel, let’s investigate! I’m going in. OH MY!
ARIEL: I’m sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation!
JONATHAN: It’s…a dead end.
REDGE: And the trail of clues has run dry! Which is quite a feat! Because we’re underwater! (Sighs) I don’t think we’re ever going to solve this case.
GILL: Is this what y’all were lookin’ fer?
JONATHAN/REDGE/ARIEL: AH!
ARIEL: Jumping Jellyfish! Gill, where did you come from?
GILL: I found this hidden under the Kelp Desk.
REDGE: (Aside) Wow, Ariel, you weren’t lying. That IS exactly what he sounds like!
ARIEL: I told you! Ahem, thank you, Gill. I’ll take it from here.
REDGE: AHA! The plot thickens! There is one more clue! This painting has your signature on it!
JONATHAN: Is…is this your piece?
ARIEL: No, that’s a different…Ariel. Ariel, ummm…Kelpdesk.
REDGE: Kelpdesk?
ARIEL: ALRIGHT! I GIVE IN! YOU’VE GOTTEN IT OUT OF ME. You’re too good of a detective to hide from anymore. Yes. The missing painting… IS MINE.
REDGE: GASP!
ARIEL: I KNOW! Are you getting clammy in here or is it just me?
REDGE: Why on earth…er…on sea would you hide this?
ARIEL: I actually made this as a CHOICE, you know, as a certified art curator and historian. I thought…it looked…best hidden under the desk.
REDGE: Ariel?
ARIEL: (Sighs) I got scared.
REDGE: But why? You seem so fearless touring us around the exhibit!
ARIEL: It’s very easy to talk about the amazing work of the community! But…I guess…I wasn’t sure how to share my own voice.
REDGE: I understand, showcasing one’s art can be very vulnerable and nerve-wracking. It’s hard not to worry about what others might think.
JONATHAN: What is this piece about, Ariel?
ARIEL: My piece is called, “The Community of the Sea”! This exhibit is all about sharing the stories of the Reef’s locals, and it’s my favorite event of the year. I just wanted to capture why it was so important…Look, you can see I painted Gill right over here…
GILL: Looks just like me!
ARIEL: Oh! Floundering Flounders, I forgot you were here, Gill! I’m glad you like your portrait.
GILL: And there’s Deb and Flo!
REDGE: The School of Fish!
SCHOOL OF FISH: OOOOOH!
ARIEL: And they’re back. Hi everyone!
SCHOOL OF FISH: Hi!
JONATHAN: Wow, there are so many details in here, Ariel. I can tell you really love Red Herring Reef and all of its residents.
ARIEL: I do! That’s exactly what I was hoping to say with this painting. And this whole show!
REDGE: We’ve definitely seen that passion come to life all day long, Ariel!
ARIEL: Huh…I guess it might be time for me to…come out of my shell!
REDGE: Like the hermit crabs!
ARIEL: (Laughs) That’s a good one! OK (inhale, exhale) here I go. I’m going to be brave. To the gallery!
SCHOOL OF FISH/REDGE: Hang it up! Hang it up! Hang it up!
(Fanfare)
SCHOOL OF FISH/REDGE/JONATHAN/ARIEL: OOOOOOH!
ARIEL: I did it! I did it! Look! (In a silly voice) Ain’t she a beaut? Wee, I’m an artist! I art!
JONATHAN: Congratulations, Ariel!
ARIEL: Thank you, thank you!
JONATHAN: I’m so glad you decided to share your art with the world!
ARIEL: Me too!
REDGE: (Under his breath) Alright, I’m stepping in front of the camera. Time to wrap this film and celebrate. (To everyone) Quiet on the set, please, quiet on the set!
We went swimming for clues through the village, but we didn’t just find an answer to the Riddles of the Reef—
GILL: What’d you find?
REDGE: Our new friend Ariel–
ARIEL: THATS-A-ME-A! The Merry Mermaid of the MuSEAum!
REDGE: Rediscovered her voice!
SCHOOL OF FISH/JONATHAN: Hip hip hooray!
ARIEL: You can’t stop me now! Oooo do I have ideas for our next exhibit. Gill, what do you think about getting Goldie and Greta together for a brand new collab?
REDGE: Until next time on Riddles of the Reef…I think we can consider this case closed!
JONATHAN: This has been a Jonincharacter production. This story was written by Kristin Schmitz and Molly Murphy. Ariel and Gill were performed by Sophie, who you can find streaming on twitch dot tv forward slash s-0-p-h All other characters were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Pacific Grove Soundworks. We love hearing from you! Contact us at dorktalesstorytime@gmail.com or try our one-way text feature as a safe way to reach out. You can find even more ways to reach us in the show notes.
Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time!
THEME SONG: So gather your squad for all to see. It's a universe that we've imagined. There's twists and turns and lessons learned. This is where the unexpected happens. Join our humble hosts and hit the trails of the wonderful, wacky, wild world of Dorktales.
© Dorktales Storytime 2025
