Stories Podcast: "Animal School" (October 10, 2025)

Hosted by Amanda Weldon

A reimagined fable adapted from George Rivas, written for children and families by Daniel Hines.

Episode Overview

In this playful and insightful bedtime story, Amanda Weldon narrates "Animal School," a fable about a wise old owl who creates a school where all animals are expected to learn the same skills—regardless of their natural abilities. The story gently explores the pitfalls of expecting everyone to excel at the same things and highlights the importance of individuality, friendship, and mutual support. It's a tale about embracing differences and recognizing that everyone is unique, with their own strengths.

Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. The Wise Old Owl’s Idea for Animal School

• The Wise Old Owl, perched in his tree, watches a group of young animal friends (Duck, Rabbit, Squirrel, and Eagle) play.
• Owl is dissatisfied with their play, believing they should be learning essential skills instead.
  • Quote:
    “Those kids should be learning all the different things an animal needs to know.”
    — Owl (03:55)
• Owl decides to pitch his idea of school to the parents, who reluctantly agree, believing the Owl must be very wise.

2. The First Day: School Begins

• The animals gather in a forest clearing, unsure what awaits.
  • Quote:
    “What do you think he wants to teach us?” — Duck (05:45)
    “Maybe he’ll show us how he spins his head all the way around.” — Rabbit (05:48)
• The Owl announces the first lesson: Flying.

3. Flying: Not for Everyone

• Eagle and Duck succeed at flying, Squirrel glides but falls, Rabbit cannot even climb the tree.
  • Quote:
    “Rabbit, you get an F in flying.” — Owl (07:25)
    “Is that, like, good?” — Rabbit (07:31)
• Owl dismisses protests about being unable to fly, insisting all must learn everything.

4. Running: Another Challenge

• Running through the forest is tested next. Rabbit excels, Squirrel does well, Duck struggles, Eagle dislikes walking.
  • Quote:
    “You get a C for effort.” — Owl to Duck (10:01)
    “Sorry, Eagle, but you get an F.” (10:23)

5. Climbing: Squirrel’s Moment to Shine

• Squirrel quickly scales the tree, Rabbit struggles but manages, Duck and Eagle cannot climb.
  • Quote:
    “An A in climbing for Squirrel.” — Owl (13:44)
    “We can’t climb... We can fly, though.” — Eagle (14:20)
    “Not fair... At this point I don’t have hands and my feet are webbed. How am I supposed to climb?” — Duck (14:40)
    “Study and practice.” — Owl (14:53)

6. Swimming: Duck’s Strength

• Duck easily swims across the pond, Squirrel and Rabbit manage, Eagle struggles and sinks.
  • Quote:
    “For this final test, it couldn’t be any simpler. You just have to swim across to me.” — Owl (15:10)
    “I can’t swim... I can only kind of float with my wings.” — Eagle (16:00)
• Despite Owl’s prodding, Eagle nearly drowns.
  • Quote:
    “That’s F grade swimming if I’ve ever seen it. Really, put in some effort.” — Owl (16:39)
• Duck, Squirrel, and Rabbit leap to action to save Eagle, highlighting their friendship and teamwork.
  • “Forget the grade. Your Eagle’s going to drown. And you’re the teacher. Go save him!” — Duck (17:12)

7. Lessons Learned: Individuality and Teamwork

• The students confront Owl about his unfair expectations.
  • Quote:
    “You’ve been failing us all day, saying we need to know all these different skills and you can’t even swim.” — Duck (17:16)
    “All you can do is fly and boss us around.” — Squirrel (17:29)
• The animals reject the school, realizing the value of their individual talents.
  • “Your school makes no sense. We’re all good at different things, and that’s okay. We don’t need you bullying us into something we’re not.” — Squirrel (18:37)
• The group remains friends, using their unique strengths to help each other.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Those kids should be learning all the different things an animal needs to know.” — Owl (03:55)
• “Rabbit, you get an F in flying.” — Owl (07:25)
• “All you can do is fly and boss us around.” — Squirrel (17:29)
• “Your school makes no sense. We’re all good at different things, and that’s okay.” — Squirrel (18:37)
• “Animal School hadn’t worked out, but the friends, those worked out just fine.” — Narration (19:02)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 03:55: Owl decides the young animals need schooling.
• 05:45 – 06:35: The friends wonder what the Owl will teach them.
• 07:25 – 07:31: Rabbit receives an "F" in flying and asks what it means.
• 09:31 – 10:23: The animals are graded on running; Eagle protests walking.
• 13:39 – 14:56: Climbing lesson—Squirrel shines; Rabbit and others struggle.
• 15:10 – 16:42: Swimming lesson; Eagle nearly drowns, friends come to the rescue.
• 17:16 – 18:37: The animals challenge Owl; discuss the value of being different.
• 19:02: The friends resume helping each other with their unique skills.

Episode Tone & Style

Amanda Weldon delivers the story with warmth, gentle humor, and inviting narration—making it engaging and easy for kids (and parents) to follow. Characters’ voices are playful and relatable, turning the fable into an entertaining adventure with a positive message.

Summary Conclusion

"Animal School" is a delightful fable that teaches the value of uniqueness, kindness, and supporting friends in what each does best. Through the misadventures at Owl’s one-size-fits-all school, children learn that everyone has their own talents and that it’s better to embrace what makes us different rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold.

Perfect for bedtime, drives, or family listening—this episode is a reminder to celebrate our individual gifts, and those of our friends.