Home Podcasts The Book Nook By Play Academy

The Book Nook By Play Academy

Play Academy Africa 34 Episodes Feb 7, 2026

The Book Nook is a community-driven storytime podcast for children, produced by Play Academy Africa. Each episode features age-appropriate stories narrated by a range of voices, predominantly parents from across the African continent. Immersive soundscapes accompany the tales, transporting young listeners into imaginative worlds. Beyond entertainment, the show is designed as an educational tool that strengthens literacy skills and nurtures a lifelong love of reading.

Episodes

EP 32 - The Portrait Challenge (A Kunda Kids Book) Feb 7, 2026 00:06:31 We’re so excited to be back with another amazing story voiced by children’s book author, and co- founder of Kunda Kids. Kunda Kids brings African stories to life! Award-winning books, music & media that make early learning joyful, empowering & proudly cultural. We're so grateful to Kunda Kids for so graciously sharing this story with us.✨Credits✨Story courtesy of: Kunda KidsVoiced By:

EP 31 - And Also Aug 18, 2025 00:02:18 Thabo’s make-believe world has no room for his little sister, Keitu. But she has other ideas! If you could be something else for a day like the boy in the story, what would you choose? Let us know in the comments!✨Credits✨This book was created at a Book Dash event in Cape Town on 28 June 2014. It is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence (CC BY 4.0).Written by: Lauren BeukesVoic

EP 30 - The Boy Who Only Ate Pancakes Jun 30, 2025 00:02:27 Rekai only loves to eat pancakes, so Mom finds a way to make them even better!✨Credits✨Written by: Mikhaila CrowtherVoiced By: Fiona Nyongo Episode Production: ⁠⁠⁠Verge Digital ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sound Design: Marcus GarveyCreated at a Book Dash event in Cape Town on 5 March 2016. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence (CC BY 4.0). Read the story here.Love the story? Read this ebook and many o

EP 30 - The Martians Apr 18, 2025 00:03:20 Kabi and Sasha are playing outside. Kabi and Sasha are playing outside. Sasha lies down and sees a red spot among the stars. This is the start of an interesting story about Mars.The Martians is a STEM children’s book by Little Einsteins under the series STEM Adventures of Kabi and Sasha.Through the adventures of Kabi and Sasha children will learn fun facts in STEM in a book by us, for us. Little E

EP 29 - The Brave Little Lion Apr 11, 2025 00:03:20 Brave Little Lion is ready for his first hunting lesson. Follow his adventure. This is one of many stories by Kunda Kids who thoughtfully design resources for parents, educators, and children. They blend world-class storytelling with playful, research-backed learning tools. By celebrating the beauty of diversity and inspiring curiosity, they’re empowering a new generation of confident, culturally

Ep 28 - Sleepy Mister Sloth Apr 4, 2025 00:03:30 Do you know Mr Sloth? He’s quite good at climbing. He knows how to swing. But sleeping’s his favourite, favourite thing!✨Credits✨Written by: Corinne Lamoral RosmarinVoiced By: Laka WaithakaEpisode Production: Verge Digital ⁠Sound Design: Marcus GarveyCC 4.0Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org Listen to LALA (Love and Lullabies Africa) on Spotify or Apple Music Submit A S

Ep 27 - Thato's Birthday Surprise Apr 24, 2024 00:03:11 It is one week until Thato’s Birthday. His mama tells him he will have a big surprise. What will it be? ✨Credits✨ Written by: Corinne Lamoral Rosmarin Voiced By: ⁠Laka Waithaka⁠ Episode Production: ⁠Verge Digital ⁠⁠ Sound Design: Marcus Garvey CC 4.0 ⁠Listen to Love And Lullabies Africa, LALA⁠ The music features the undeniably brilliant talents of Laka Waithaka and Manasseh Shalom. The blend of

Ep 26 - Dudu's Hat Apr 17, 2024 00:03:20 Hats off! Dudu and Dumisani have made up a new game. Ssh! Don’t tell Teacher. ✨Credits✨ Written by: Sarah McGregor Voiced By: Rotimi Olawale Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠ Sound Design: Marcus Garvey CC 4.0 Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org Submit A Story We'd love to hear your little one's story or feedback. Feel free to leave us a voice note on our

EP 25 - Shaka Zulu Learns To Dance Apr 9, 2024 00:05:39 About The Story Shaka, was the strong and brave leader of the Zulu Empire. He’s a great king, but when it comes to dancing he still has lots to learn, and the Zulu disco is days away. Shaka Zulu, Learns to Dance is a rhyming story introducing you to a groovy and influential leader. This a fictional story based on a real-life King, Shaka Zulu, one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu Kingdo

EP 24 - Tone's Big Drop Mar 12, 2024 00:03:33 Tone the raindrop is wondering what's way down there on the ground. She and her friend Nyunyu go on a journey to find out. ✨Credits✨ Written and voiced by: Edna Gicovi Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠ Sound Design: Marcus Garvey CC 4.0 Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org and the best part, if you’re in Kenya, you can get a physical copy from Storytime KE at just

EP 23 - Little Goat Feb 29, 2024 00:02:20 Little Goat wanders off to look for the sweet grass and doesn’t realise how far she is from Mother Goat. ✨Credits✨ Written by: Mirna Lawrence Voiced By: James Bukusi, Zain Nasser and Wangui Maina Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠ Sound Design: Marcus Garvey CC 4.0 Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org Submit A Story We'd love to hear your little one's story

EP 22 - A Rainy Sunset Feb 21, 2024 00:04:48 Kabi and Sasha are playing outside. It suddenly starts raining. The Children become curious about rain. It is the start of an interesting story. A Rainy Sunset Is a STEM children’s book by Little Einsteins under the series STEM Adventures of Kabi and Sasha. Through the adventures of Kabi and Sasha children will learn fun facts in STEM in a book by us, for us. Little Einsteins East Africa seeks to

EP 21 - Tortoise Finds His Home Feb 14, 2024 00:05:41 Tortoise sets off in search of his house. Along the way, he meets new friends to help him. But the sky is darkening, and lightning flashes in the distance. Will Tortoise find his house in time? ✨Credits✨ Written by: Maya Fowler Voiced By: Michelle ‘Shikie’ Wanjiku aka @misstiramisu Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠ Sound Design: Marcus Garvey CC by 4.0 Read this ebook and many others on boo

Ep 20 - Little Ant's Big Plan Feb 7, 2024 00:02:31 This is a story about a little ant with a big plan, and how his love for reading saved the day. ✨Credits✨ Written by: Candice Dingwall Voiced By: James Bukusi Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠ Sound Design: Marcus Garvey CC by 4.0 Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org Book dash believes that “Every child should own a hundred books by the age of five” and create beautiful books tha

EP 19 - Written In The Stars Feb 1, 2024 00:04:13 The multi-talented Polycarp, who you may know as Fancy Fingers from one of Africa's biggest bands is this week’s guest reader with this powerful story about the naming ceremony of a newborn baby. Written in The Stars is ultimately a celebration of African culture. It is meant to inspire young men to be intentionally involved in their fatherhood journeys and intended to spark conversations arou

EP 18 - Why is Nita Upside Down? Jan 24, 2024 00:02:36 Why is Nita upside down? Can she turn the right way round? Nita feels different and doesn’t fit in but after a chat with a close friend, she realises everyone is! And that’s what makes us special. This story is a wonderful celebration of individuality and encourages self-confidence. Even better Soreti Kadir’s soothing voice brings something distinct to the story that it’s hard not to be drawn in.

EP 17 - What's At The Park Jan 17, 2024 00:02:37 Zoey loves finding things in the park. One day, she gets a big surprise. What could it be? Many thanks to Shiv Simani for lending his voice to this story. Shiv is Crossfit Coach, award-winning wellness influencer and co-host over at Unit The Podcast. Be sure to check it out! Credits Written by: David Mann Voiced By: Shiv Simani Episode Production: Verge Digital Sound Design: Marcus Garvey Read t

EP 16 - Astronauts To The Moon Jan 10, 2024 00:04:30 Buckle up for an exhilarating adventure beyond the stars with "Astronauts to the Moon," a captivating children's picture book perfect for readers aged 2-5 years. Join Ire, Atticat, and Teddy as they embark on a thrilling journey to space, exploring the vast wonders of the universe! "Astronauts to the Moon" not only celebrates the boundless creativity of children's minds but also introduces them t

EP 15 - Towering Twiga Dec 20, 2023 00:04:49 Tall with long necks, prickly tongues and fascinating patterns - these are some of the features that make giraffes loveable. Nuru, a curious little boy, invites you to join him with his family, as they go on a trip to see giraffes. ✨Credits✨ Written by: Melissa Wakhu Voiced By: Melissa Wakhu Illustrations: Joy Kioko Episode Production: Verge Digital Sound Design: Marcus Garvey Find more of Me

Brave Bora Dec 13, 2023 00:02:45 Going to the doctor can be scary! Can Bora overcome his fears, with a little help from Baba and Jojo? ✨Credits✨ Written By: Edna Gicovi Illustrated by: Ellen Heydenrych Voiced by: Edna Gicovi Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠ Sound Design: Marcus Garvey CC by 4.0 Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org and the best part, if you’re in Kenya, you can get a physical cop

Hippo Wants to Dance Dec 6, 2023 00:03:09 Hippo has a big personality and loves to dance every chance she gets but it seems her dancing disrupts all other animals trying to concentrate on doing very important things. Won’t anyone dance with her? ✨Credits✨ Written By: Sam Beckbessinger Illustrated by: Megan Andrews Voiced by: Edna Gicovi Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠ Sound Design: Marcus Garvey CC by 4.0 Love the story? Read this

The Great Cake Contest Nov 30, 2023 00:03:13 ✨About the story ✨ Who will win the Great Cake Contest? A sweet story about a little boy who wants to make the best cake. ✨Credits✨ Written by: Lebohang Masango Voiced By: Ndunge Illustrations: Nompumelelo Mdluli Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠ Sound Design: Marcus Garvey CC by 4.0 Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org Book dash believes that “Every child should own a hundred

The Wonderful HibiscOak Tree Nov 22, 2023 00:06:57 Another Melissa Wakhu classic is up on the podcast! From the writer behind one of our most popular episodes, Pipo and the Poop Pile, comes this sweet story inspired by her love and passion for nurturing a new generation of children who are secure in their unique identities. Fun fact about this wonderful story, she not only wrote it but illustrated it too. We love it and can’t wait for you and your

Amazing Rain Nov 15, 2023 00:06:34 It's the rainy season in Doll Village and the dolls are not thrilled. However, they soon discover how amazing rain is. ✨Credits✨ Story courtesy of: Umba Creations Voiced by: Soreti Kadir Episode Production: Verge Digital ⁠ Sound Design: Marcus Garvey CC by 4.0 Read this story and many others on Umba Creations About Umba Creations Umba Creations is a Kenya-based company founded by Wangar

EP 9 - My Dream In The Drawer Nov 8, 2023 00:02:08 I once had a dream, so small and light, I kept it in a box. I kept it hidden, safe and sound, in my drawer of socks.This is a story about a child’s dream and how they nurture it to bloom✨Credits✨Written by: Fred StrydomVoiced By: Cedric NzomoIllustrations: Megan LötterEpisode Production: Verge Digital ⁠Sound Design: Marcus GarveyCC by 4.0 Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org Book dash b

EP 8 - Ann-Nem-Oh-Nee Finds Adventure Nov 1, 2023 00:02:59 Ann-Nem-Oh-Nee is stuck on her rock all alone. She’s looking for adventure and wants to see the world! But how?✨Credits✨Written by: Matthew GrifithsVoiced By: Fiona Nyong’o Illustrations: Jessica Bosworth SmithEpisode Production: Verge Digital ⁠Sound Design: Marcus GarveyCC by 4.0 Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org Book dash believes that “Every child should own a hundred books by the

EP 7 - Lala Land Oct 25, 2023 00:05:36 The talented Polycarp, who you may know as a composer, guitarist, producer and member of one of Africa's biggest bands, is this week’s guest reader with this sweet bedtime story little ones are bound to enjoy. This ode to fatherhood and curiosity is one of our favourite books. Just like the star of the story, Ototo, children are full of wonder, dreams and vivid imagination. We hope this story spar

EP 6 - The Lost Laugh Oct 19, 2023 00:02:32 Spotty the Hyena has lost his laugh. How did this happen? Where could it be? And can the other animals help him find it?✨Credits✨Written by: Michelle PreenVoiced By: James BukusiIllustrations: Karen LiljeEpisode Production: Verge Digital Sound Design: Marcus GarveyCC by 4.0Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdash.org Submit A StoryWe'd love to hear your little one's story or fee

EP 5 - My Special Hair Oct 11, 2023 00:03:26 Soreti Kadir is phenomenal and breathes life into this whimsical and heartwarming story that celebrates the beauty of natural hairAbout The Story A rhyming story about my special hair. How special it can be. So many types of special hair. Just look around, you’ll see.✨Credits✨Written by: Candice Dingwall Voiced By: Soreti Kadir Illustrations: Jess Jardim-Wedepohl Episode Production: Verge Digital

EP 4 - Nomvundla And The Chilli Eating Contest Oct 4, 2023 00:03:37 Nomvundla and Soko are off to the Chilli-Eating Contest. Animals come from far and wide to try to win the amazing prize. Who will win and get to take a friend to the Hamba-Hamba Funfair?✨Credits✨Written by: Fortune Tazvivinga Voiced By: Edna GicoviIllustrations: Joy KiokoEpisode Production: Verge Digital Sound Design: Marcus GarveyCC BY 4.0Love the story? Read this ebook and many others on bookdas

EP 3 - Pipo and The Poop Pile Sep 27, 2023 00:10:39 Pipo is a dung beetle, a fancy word for a poop bug. His life started in poop, he lives in poop and his entire life is all about piles of stinky poop. Discover what happens when he gets tired of this smelly life and is searching for his meaning and poopurse. ✨Credits✨Written by: Melissa WakhuVoiced By: Melissa WakhuIllustrations: Joy KiokoEpisode Production: Verge Digital Sound Design: Marcus Garve

EP 2 - Yapo Saves The Day Sep 20, 2023 00:03:23 This week’s episode is a Bookdash book “Yapo Saves The Day!” Yapo loves to play soccer! But he does not like to pass the ball to his teammates. How will Yapo discover that winning is not only about scoring?✨Credits✨Written by: Rujeko MoyoVoiced By: Fiona Nyong’o Illustrations: Liam LonglandEditor: Nabeela KallaEpisode Production: Verge Digital Sound Design: Marcus Garvey Creative Commons CC by 4.0

EP 1 - Adam's Best Discovery Sep 13, 2023 00:03:03 Follow 5-year-old Adam's whimsical adventure as he creates hilarious inventions that hardly ever go as planned.This story is a reminder of the wonder and joy that science and creativity can bring to our lives. It encourages curiosity and experimentation, showing that even when things don't go as planned, there's always an opportunity for discovery and growth. CreditsWritten and Voiced by: Zain Nas

The Book Nook By Play Academy (Trailer) Sep 5, 2023 00:00:59

The Book Nook By Play Academy

Episodes

Recommended