Throwback: A Bone to Pick

Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode: Throwback: A Bone to Pick
Date: May 27, 2026
Host: Amanda Weldon

This throwback episode revisits “A Bone to Pick,” a clever and entertaining fable about pride, competition, and the importance of sharing. Featuring an old lion and an old bear who both believe they rule the forest, the episode delivers a playful lesson when their rivalry over a picnic basket takes an unexpected twist. Crafted in light-hearted, lyrical language, the story is perfect for kids—as well as parents looking for wholesome, engaging audio entertainment.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to the Fable (04:27-06:34)

• The story begins in a magical forest, introducing two rival characters:
  • The Lion – Considers herself “queen of the woods.”
  • The Bear – Fancies himself “king of the woods.”
• Both characters are motivated by hunger and a possessive sense of entitlement to anything in their domains.

2. The Picnic Basket Conflict (06:34-08:42)

• Both lion and bear simultaneously discover a recently abandoned human picnic basket, full of tempting treats.
• An amusing standoff unfolds, with each animal claiming ownership:
  • Lion (06:55): “Oh, sorry, bear, but this picnic basket is spoken for. Why don’t you run along and go find some nuts and berries and trash. You know, bear food.”
  • Bear (07:19): “Bear food is whatever food a bear wants to eat… Aren’t you supposed to be chasing down an antelope or something? Leave the picnic baskets to the experts and run along back to your litter box.”
• The exchange sets a humorous tone and frames the underlying rivalry.

3. The Raven’s Suggestion (08:14-08:46)

• A raven observes from above, suggesting they simply share the food:
  • Raven (08:19): “Why don’t you guys just share? Let Lion take the meat and Bear, you take the rest. Maybe leave some big crumbs for me, your friend the Raven. That way we all win.”
• Both lion and bear dismiss the raven rudely, missing a chance to resolve things peacefully.

4. The Song of the Lion (11:44-12:59)

• The lion, feeling provoked, launches into a spirited song about her prowess:
  • Lion (11:46):
    “I’m a refined feline winner, a golden hunting queen.
    And if you’re in the way of my supper, you’ll see royalty get mean…
    I’m the queen of the forest. No one’s as mighty as me.
    The biggest, the strongest, the fastest, the longest.
    And I eat whatever I please, so back off, please.
    This one belongs to me.”
• The bear and the lion escalate into a heated showdown.

5. The Fight and Its Aftermath (13:14-14:22)

• The opponents clash in an energetic (but ultimately inconclusive) scrap:
  • Lion (13:46): “Have you… Have you had enough?”
  • Bear (13:54): “No way.”
  • They’re so engrossed in their quarrel that they fail to notice the picnic basket is missing.
• Realization dawns:
  • Bear (14:09): “Hey, where did the basket go?”

6. The Raven’s Trick and the Lesson (14:25-15:56)

• The raven, having flown off with the basket while the others were distracted, announces:
  • Raven (14:27): “Sorry about that.”
  • Raven (14:59): “You were so busy fighting, I thought I’d just handle it for you. Now it’s my basket, and you have nothing left to fight about.”
  • When threatened, the raven retorts,
    Raven (15:20): “Do you have some wings I’m not seeing? Sorry, friends, but I offered to share it all with you. Maybe next time you’ll actually listen.”
• Attempts by the lion and bear to reclaim the basket fail—neither can climb the skinny tree to reach it.
• The raven departs, enjoying the meal, leaving the others empty-handed.

7. Moral and Resolution (15:56-16:33)

• Stymied, the lion and bear reflect on their loss:
  • Lion (16:15): “Split it next time.”
  • Bear (16:19): “I guess so.”
• Both go their separate ways, dreaming of the treats they lost, having learned a lesson about sharing and the cost of fighting over trivial things.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Lion’s boastful song:
  (11:44-12:59)
  “I’m the queen of the forest. No one’s as mighty as me… And I eat whatever I please, so back off, please.”
• Raven’s practical wisdom, ignored:
  (08:19)
  “Why don’t you guys just share?”
• Raven’s parting shot, after outsmarting the big beasts:
  (14:59)
  “You were so busy fighting, I thought I’d just handle it for you. Now it’s my basket, and you have nothing left to fight about.”
• Lesson stated simply:
  (15:20)
  “I offered to share it all with you. Maybe next time you’ll actually listen.”

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Important Timestamps

• 04:27 – Story begins; characters introduced
• 06:34 – Lion and bear meet at the basket, exchange barbs
• 08:14 – Raven suggests sharing
• 11:44 – Lion’s musical boast
• 13:14 – Lion and bear fight
• 14:25 – Raven reveals she’s taken the basket
• 15:56 – Lion and bear agree to share next time; fable ends

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Tone and Style

• Playful, lyrical narration with humorous banter.
• Characters have distinct personalities: the pompous lion, the gruff bear, and the clever, sassy raven.
• Clear moral delivered gently, in a way accessible and fun for young listeners.

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Summary

“A Bone to Pick” is a classic fable retold with humor and musical flair. It cleverly illustrates the pitfalls of pride and lack of cooperation: two rivals fight over a treat, but in their stubbornness, lose everything to a clever outsider. The episode offers a gentle, memorable lesson about listening, sharing, and the foolishness of quarrels—perfectly suited for bedtime listening or a family drive.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to Stories Podcast.

[Storyteller]

I'm your host, Amanda Weldon.

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

Today's story is a throwback episode.

[Amanda Weldon]

Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. We have Stories Podcast merch, [e-mail] shop. We're also on cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast if you send us

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

a drawing of your favorite scene or

[Amanda Weldon]

character, we'll share it on our feed. Now here's a word from our sponsors

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

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[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks.

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

Enjoy the episode.

[Storyteller]

A Bone to Pick Once upon a time, deep in the forest, there was a hungry old lion. She considered herself queen of the woods, and all that she saw was hers to eat, munch, chew, and just generally devour. And also Once upon a time, deep in that same forest, there was a hungry old bear. He thought he was the king of the woods, and all that he saw was his to eat, crunch, slurp, and just generally gobble. Maybe you can see where this is going. They both ruled their little pieces of forest, eating what they pleased and doing what they liked. Until one day they crossed paths in a clearing in the woods. It wasn't anyplace special, not normally, at least. That day, though, some humans had passed through for a picnic. They'd packed in all sorts of meats and sweets and delicious snacks. But when they left, they forgot their wicker picnic basket. It was smallish, with a long looping handle, but the lion and the bear both smelled it from miles away and hurried right over. The lion burst through the brush, regal, head high, sniffing at the air. Mmm, a picnic basket. She purred. What a lovely surprise. Humans always leave the best meats behind. Ooh, I think I smell salami. She prowled into the clearing from the other side. The great shaggy bear barreled through his own brush, turning his head from side to side.

[Bear]

Oh, I smell human food, he rumbled. I smell apples and chippies and crunchies for free salami and cheeses and napkins for me.

[Storyteller]

He lumbered into the clearing at exactly the same time as the lion. The two big, hungry lords of the forest froze, eyeing each other. Usually they'd scare competition off with a growl, but they were equally sized. Both angry and suspicious, they stared at each other across the empty ground. Oh, sorry, bear, but this picnic basket is spoken for, the lion said. Why don't you run along and go find some nuts and berries and trash. You know, bear food. The bear grumbled and humphed.

[Bear]

Oh, bear food is whatever food a bear wants to eat, he said proudly. Aren't you supposed to be chasing down an antelope or something? Leave the picnic baskets to the experts and run along back to your litter box.

[Storyteller]

Now the lion was grumbling and growling. Litter box? I'm the queen of this place.

[Bear]

Oh, Queen. I'm the king of the forest.

[Storyteller]

They continued to bicker in the trees above. A large raven landed lightly on a limb. She, too, had smelled the human food and had come to do a little scavenging. She watched for a while, just waiting. The bigger animals would have to have their fill before she could chant, swooping down, and she was getting impatient.

[Amanda Weldon]

Hey.

[Storyteller]

She squawked at them from safely high above. Of course.

[Amanda Weldon]

Why don't you guys just share? Let lion take the mead and Bear, you take the rest. Maybe leave some big crumbs for me, your friend the raven. That way we all win.

[Storyteller]

The great beasts looked up at her, stunned someone would interrupt.

[Bear]

Hey, who even asked you?

[Storyteller]

The bear grumbled.

[Bear]

Don't you have some shiny junk to collect?

[Storyteller]

This is a private discussion, the lion agreed. Take your beak and go stick it in someone else's business. Well, all right then, the raven said and flapped to another tree.

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

Now for a quick ad break.

[Amanda Weldon]

We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

favorite kid podcasts ad free.

[Amanda Weldon]

Subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who's that walking through the woods?

[Storyteller]

Why, it's Yoshi.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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been hard to keep track of everything in our family. We have paper calendars and post its a calendar on the phone. And then I even have a planner too. My husband is the same way all over the place and it feels like we never know where we need to be and when we need to be there. Our new Skylight Calendar has made it so much easier. It syncs your entire family schedule onto a sleek digital display so you can focus on more important things like spending time with your loved ones. Skylight Calendar is designed to bring families together for more time. This all in one digital smart calendar syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, and more, giving you customizable views for daily, weekly or monthly planning. You can manage events, chores, and grocery lists while assigning colors for each of your family members. Which is my favorite. I love color coding and making things beautiful and this calendar is very good at that. Your happiness is Skylight's happiness. So if in four months you are not 100% thrilled with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund, no questions asked. Families are better when they're working together. Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch calendars by going to myskylight.com stories. Go to myskylight.com stories for $30 off your 15 inch calendar. That is my S K Y L I g h t.com stories.

[Bear]

Well, that's a start, grumbled the bear. Now you fly away home too, little kitty.

[Storyteller]

Little kitty, the lion purred dangerously. I'll have you know.

[Lion]

I'm a refined feline winner, a golden hunting queen. And if you're in the way of my supper, you'll see royalty get mean. You don't wanna see me mean. No, no. I'm a complex apex predator. This bear's a munching brute. And if you take away my dinner, I'll sniff you out with my snoot. I'll Sniff you out with my sn. Oh, I'm the queen of the forest. No one's as mighty as me. The biggest, the strongest, the fastest, the longest. And I eat whatever I please, so back off, please. This one belongs to me.

[Storyteller]

I said it.

[Amanda Weldon]

I bashed it.

[Lion]

I'm taking this basket and I'll eat it. Eat whatever I please.

[Sponsor/Ad Reader]

Are you ready to let me enjoy

[Storyteller]

my dinner in peace, bear?

[Bear]

Not today, lion.

[Storyteller]

That was it. They flew at each other across the clearing, slamming together in a wild spray of fur and claws and teeth. The lion pounced and rolled the bear onto his broad back. The bear swung a heavy paw and sent the lion tumbling away into the dirt. They clashed again and came away battered and bruised. They each took a few steps back. Have you. Have you had enough? The lion panted. She was caked with dirt, and she was missing a patch of fur.

[Bear]

No way.

[Storyteller]

Huffed the bear between heaving breaths.

[Bear]

Oh, you better just surrender.

[Storyteller]

Never. Said the lion. That food is mine, ho. Replied the bear.

[Bear]

You'll never have that food. I'll take it and eat every last bite. I'll even eat the basket. You just. Hey, where did the basket go?

[Storyteller]

Oh, where did it go?

[Amanda Weldon]

Sorry about that.

[Storyteller]

Called down the raven from the tree. She was far up in the skinniest branches.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Storyteller]

Where's my basket, you feathery fool? Snarled the lion.

[Bear]

No. Where's my basket, bird brain?

[Storyteller]

Roared the bear.

[Amanda Weldon]

Don't worry, it's safe with me.

[Storyteller]

Your friend, the raven, said the raven. Way up in the tree, the big beasts could just make out the wicker handle. The raven reached out and patted it.

[Amanda Weldon]

You were so busy fighting, I thought I'd just handle it for you. Now it's my basket, and you have nothing left to fight about.

[Storyteller]

You better bring that back down here right now, the lion said.

[Bear]

Or we'll eat you too, threatened the bear.

[Storyteller]

Oh, said the raven.

[Amanda Weldon]

Do you have some wings I'm not seeing? Sorry, friends, but I offered to share it all with you. Maybe next time you'll actually listen.

[Storyteller]

The lion roared and leapt at the tree, sinking in her claws. She pulled herself up a few feet and then slid back to the ground. The bear got further, shimmying up with his mighty paws. But the raven was in a skinny tree, and soon the bear, too, fell back to the ground.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks for trying.

[Storyteller]

And thanks for the lovely meal, the raven said.

[Amanda Weldon]

See you later.

[Storyteller]

She turned and flapped away, leaving the rest of the basket way up in the tree. The lion and bear looked at each other for a long time and then sighed. Split it next time, said the lion. I guess so, said the bear. And soon they both went their separate ways, finding new things to eat and dreaming deeply of the salami they'd lost. The End Today's story, A Bone to Pick, was an adaptation of a traditional fable written for you by Daniel Hines

[Amanda Weldon]

and performed for you by me, Amanda

[Storyteller]

Weldon, with a song by us both.

[Amanda Weldon]

If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five

[Storyteller]

star review on itunes.

[Amanda Weldon]

Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on Cameo, follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast or simply tell your friends about us. Thanks for listening.