Throwback: Froggy Loses Her Tail

Summary

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

Episode: Throwback: Froggy Loses Her Tail
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon

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Introduction to Froggy and Her World

The episode begins with Amanda Weldon introducing a classic story from the archive titled "Froggy Lost Her Tail." Listeners are transported to a serene watering hole where Froggy, a cheerful and content frog, spends her days splashing, wiggling, and enjoying the simple pleasures of her habitat. Froggy embodies happiness and innocence, delighting in the little things like catching tasty flies and enjoying the muddy waters.

The Arrival of New Friends and Harsh Words

Notable Quote:
Froggy (02:50): "Hello there, friends!"

One day, Froggy is excited to welcome new guests to her watering hole—a beautiful cheetah and her wild dog friend. Initially, Froggy is hospitable, offering them a drink and sharing her joyful space. However, the cheetah's demeanor quickly changes as she begins to mock Froggy.

Notable Quote:
Cheetah (03:34): "She looks like a yam someone left out in the sun."

The cheetah insults Froggy, labeling her as ugly and inferior because she lacks a tail. The wild dog joins in the ridicule, emphasizing the importance of having a beautiful tail to be considered attractive.

Froggy's Doubts and Decision to Seek Help

Notable Quote:
Froggy (04:00): "That's not fair. I thought I was pretty cute."

Hurt by the cheetah's words, Froggy begins to doubt her own worth. She reflects on her unique features—her webbed feet, colorful mottling, wide mouth, and even her slime—and wonders if they truly pale in comparison to the cheetah's silky fur and impressive tail. Determined to change her appearance, Froggy decides to seek the help of the Sky God, a revered figure believed to grant favors in exchange for a price.

Encounter with the Sky God

Notable Quote:
Froggy (06:17): "Oh, my Sky God, can you help me, please?"

Froggy sings a heartfelt prayer to the Sky God, expressing her desire to be beautiful and free from mockery. Her sincere plea summons the Sky God, who appears amidst thunder and lightning. He agrees to grant her wish but requests a service in return.

Notable Quote:
Sky God (07:50): "You wish for a tail?"

Froggy eagerly agrees to perform any task, showcasing her desperation to change. The Sky God commissions her to guard a magic watering hole, ensuring that all animals take turns and follow the rules. In return, Froggy receives a magnificent tail, transforming her appearance and boosting her confidence.

Froggy's Transformation and Rise to Arrogance

Notable Quote:
Froggy (08:49): "All right, then."

With her new tail, Froggy feels a surge of pride. The animals who visit the magic watering hole are impressed by her beauty and her graceful tail. Initially, Froggy revels in the admiration, forging friendships and enjoying her elevated status.

However, as time progresses, Froggy’s newfound beauty and responsibilities lead to arrogance. She begins to look down on other animals, especially those she deems unattractive or tailless. Her once-kind nature is overshadowed by vanity and a desire to be seen as superior.

Notable Quote:
Froggy (11:30): "Alright, move it along, Ribbit."

The Drought and Escalation of Conflict

Notable Quote:
Dung Beetle (14:00): "It's for everyone. This isn't fair."

A severe drought arrives, making the magic watering hole the only source of water for miles. The increased traffic at the watering hole heightens Froggy’s arrogance. She becomes increasingly dismissive and rude, refusing water to animals she considers unattractive, including the humble dung beetle.

The dung beetle bravely confronts Froggy’s discrimination, highlighting the injustice of her actions. This defiance angers the Sky God, who had entrusted Froggy with the magic watering hole.

Froggy's Punishment and Realization

Notable Quote:
Sky God (15:37): "You should have been kinder to the tailless and those you deem ugly because you know how it feels to be looked down upon."

In retaliation for her arrogance and mistreatment of others, the Sky God withdraws his blessing. Froggy loses her beautiful tail and is returned to her original state at her own watering hole. Overwhelmed with grief and regret, she feels the weight of her actions.

The Sky God imparts a crucial lesson about inner beauty and the importance of kindness. He emphasizes that true beauty comes from within and that Froggy was always beautiful regardless of her appearance.

Notable Quote:
Sky God (17:10): "You may not have a tail, but they don't have a long fly-catching tongue. It doesn't mean one is pretty and one is ugly. It just means you're different, Froggy."

Conclusion and Moral of the Story

Notable Quote:
Froggy (18:13): "Today I remembered that I don't need a tail to be pretty or beautiful or even nice or fair. Today I remembered I'm perfect as I am."

Froggy embraces her true self, recognizing that her value isn’t determined by external attributes like a tail. She learns to appreciate her unique qualities and understands the importance of treating others with fairness and kindness, regardless of their appearance.

The story concludes with a timeless moral: Everyone is beautiful in their own unique way, and it's essential to be kind and fair to all, irrespective of differences.

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Reflection and Lessons Learned

"Froggy Lost Her Tail" serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of vanity and the superficial judgments that can harm both oneself and others. Through Froggy's journey, young listeners learn the significance of self-acceptance, humility, and the true essence of beauty.

Amanda Weldon's heartfelt narration, combined with the engaging storyline, makes this episode not only entertaining but also educational, instilling valuable life lessons in children and parents alike.

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This story was adapted from a fable of the Sakuma people of Tanzania, penned by Daniel Hynes and beautifully performed by Amanda Weldon, complete with a heartfelt song enhancing the narrative.

Transcript

[Amanda Weldon]

Hello. Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. 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 a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now, here's a word from our sponsors.

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[Amanda Weldon]

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[Amanda Weldon]

Gordon, I am no, not fireproof.

[Jim]

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[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks. Enjoy the episode Froggy Lost Her Tail Once upon a time, there was a froggy. She loved nothing more than splashing around the muddy little watering hole that she called home. She'd wiggle and jump and splash and Ribbit happily all the while. One day, while she was soaking up to her eyes and catching tasty flies, she heard some animals approaching. Excited, she hopped out of the water to meet her guests. Ribbit. Hello there friends, she said. Approaching her was a beautiful cheetah and her wild dog friend. They were panting, thirsty and made right for her watering hole. Yes, come on in, have a drink, she said and backstroked across the muddy waters. Hey, look at that ugly little lump, said the cheetah. Someone put a talking wart in the watering hole. The dog barked out laughter.

[Sky God]

She looks like a yam someone left out in the sun.

[Amanda Weldon]

Get out of the watering hole, little yam. The froggie looked at herself, hurt. But I. I live in this watering hole, Ribbit, she croaked. And wait. I'm ugly. This time the cheetah laughed. You really have to ask? Look at you. You don't have pretty eyes like us, you don't have beautiful coats like us, and worst of all, you don't even have a tail. She swished her own big bottle brush tail to drive home the point. Yeah, little yam girl, said the dog, shaking his own fuzzy rump. His tail was a silky patchwork of whites and golds.

[Sky God]

Can't be good looking without a tail.

[Amanda Weldon]

That's just the rules, Ribbit. That's not fair, said the froggy, who had always thought herself pretty cute. All in all, you don't have to be fair when you're beautiful, purred the cheetah. She turned to the wild dog. Let's go find somewhere else to drink. I'd hate to catch ugly from this water yam. Laughing, they sauntered away from the water hole, leaving Froggy all alone, alone and sad. I'm ugly, she said, looking at her own reflection in the cloudy water. It hadn't occurred to her before. She had nice webbing, a pretty modeling of green and browns, a lovely extra wide mouth, and even the perfect amount of slime. Well, she thought to herself, maybe all of that doesn't stack up to silky fur and a long, beautiful tail. Maybe they were right. I don't want to be ugly. She slapped the water with a floppy webbed hand. The ripples just made her look even uglier and she moaned in misery. What could she do? She thought then of the sky God. It was said he would grant a favor to an animal if they were willing to pay the price. Froggy didn't know what the price may be, and she didn't care. She desperately wanted to be beautiful. Her little froggy heart Couldn't handle being called an ugly yam. Not ever again. Softly, she began to sing a prayer to the Sky God.

[Froggy]

Today I learned if you don't have a tail, you're basically a nobody. And nobody cares. Today I learned since I don't have a tail, no one wants to swim with me or even breathe my air. Oh, my Sky God, can you help me, please? I don't wanna be the ugly one that everyone can tease. O my sky God, I'm not sure what you need, but I'll do anything you want. Oh, any job or deed. Because today I ask you to gift me with a tale. You're kind and nice and generous and mighty without fail. O my sky God, I hope you'll hear my plea and cure me of my misery and bring a tale to me. O my sky God, God, please bring a tale to me.

[Amanda Weldon]

With a crack of thunder and a flash of lightning, the Sky God appeared.

[Sky God]

You wish for a tale?

[Amanda Weldon]

He said solemnly.

[Sky God]

This I can do. But you must do me a service in return.

[Amanda Weldon]

The Sky God was here. Her song had worked. Yes. She cried. I'll do anything.

[Sky God]

Good, good, said the Sky God. Tell me, what are your skills?

[Amanda Weldon]

Um, I'm good at hopping and splashing. Mostly I just sit in my watering hole. The Sky God clapped his hands, his smile wide.

[Sky God]

Perfect. I have a magic watering hole that needs a guardian.

[Amanda Weldon]

A guardian? I'm not much of a fighter. The Sky God laughed.

[Sky God]

No, no, Nothing like that. It has a magic. It never goes dry. Your job will be to keep the animals taking turns. They'll know you work for me, so they'll listen. Can you do that?

[Amanda Weldon]

Froggy could barely believe her luck. A tail and a magic watering hole. Yes. Ribbit. Thank you. Yes.

[Sky God]

All right, then, the Sky God said.

[Amanda Weldon]

He clapped his hands and the world seemed to shake with thunder.

[Sky God]

Close your eyes.

[Amanda Weldon]

Now. Froggy squeezed them shut tight and there was another great crash of thunder and a flash of lightning so bright she could see it through her eyelids.

[Sky God]

Take care of my watering hole, little.

[Amanda Weldon]

Froggie, she heard the Sky God say from the darkness.

[Sky God]

And enjoy your new tail.

[Amanda Weldon]

Froggy shook her head. It felt like she was waking up from a long nap. She stretched her back, flexed her legs and wagged her tail. Her tail. I have a tail, she said, watching it wag back and forth. It was long and green and just. Just beautiful. She said. It's beautiful. It was only then she noticed she was on the edge of a new watering hole. It was deep and clear and seemed just perfect for swimming. It was the Sky God's watering hole there was no doubt about. Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other favorite kid podcasts ad free. Subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts.

[Disney Ad Voice]

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Hey Jim, how's your back?

[Jim]

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[Elio]

I hear ya.

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[Amanda Weldon]

Engaging Hyperspeed this is awesome.

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[Elio]

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[Amanda Weldon]

I am not fireproof.

[Disney Ad Voice]

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[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks. And now back to the story. Froggy settled quickly into her new life. She wiggled and jumped and splashed and wagged her tail for all the animals that came by to drink. Of course, the Sky God had made her a tail worthy of a painting, and all the animals complimented her on it. This made Froggy happy beyond belief, and she seemed to make friends with every animal that came by the magic watering hole. At least at first. As time went on, Froggy started to grow a little arrogant. She had the honor of guarding the Sky God's magic watering hole, and that would make anyone proud. But more than that, with her tail, Froggy felt beautiful. Simply, completely, undeniably beautiful. And she knew it. And once she knew it, well, it went right to her head. She started being rude to the other animals, especially ones she thought were ugly. Especially the ones who didn't have tails. I don't get it at all, she'd say to her new friends, the cheetah and the wild dog. All these ugly creatures. Why don't they try and be beautiful like I did? You just have to work for it. The cheetah and dog purred and barked in agreement. Sure, they had been mean to her before, but now she had a tail like them and a magic watering hole. And that's what really mattered. Froggy found they were better company than ugly animals. Ugly animals. The poor tailless things just reminded her of how ugly she had been without even knowing. Made her stomach feel queasy to think about. It was much easier to spend time with the beautiful animals, the ones like her. This went on until one day, during a terrible drought, the magic watering hole was the only water to be found for miles and miles around. The animals all lined up to use it, which made Froggy feel especially important, which unfortunately, also made her especially rude. Alright, move it along, Ribbit, she said. Hey, zebra, you call that little brush a tail? Move it along, ugly. You can't even keep your colors straight. Ok, gazelles, you've had your fill. Now bound on outta here with that weak little behind. Of course, Froggy was happy to let her beautiful friends Cheetah and the Wild Dog in to drink. And the Fennec and Lion with their long and lovely tails as well. But when the dung beetle scuttled up, she laughed out loud. Ha. Sorry, Froggy said. Water hole is all dried up. Um, but I can see Cheetah and Lion and them all drinking right now. Yeah, well, we all have these beautiful tails, Froggy said. And you, you eat dung. And you look like it. Cheetah laughed and so did the dog. Can I please just have one drink? Sorry. Beautiful creatures only, Froggy said. Come back when you have a tail. This is the Sky God's magic watering hole, said the Beetle. It's for everyone. This isn't fair. Froggy turned up her nose and ribbeted. You don't have to be fair when you're beautiful. There was a sudden crack of thunder and a flash of lightning. The sky opened and rain began to fall. The other watering holes started to fill and everyone she was rude to left to go drink somewhere else. There was another crack of thunder so close it split the air, and Cheetah and Dog and the rest yelped and ran away, leaving Froggy all alone. Wait. Come back. Uh, I'm still here, said the dung beetle, sitting calmly in the rain.

[Elio]

Ugh.

[Amanda Weldon]

Who cares about you? You don't even have a tail. Neither did you until I took pity, the beetle said. And this is how you repay me? Repay you? What are you talking about? There was a blinding arch of lightning, and when Froggy opened her eyes again, the beetle was gone. In his place was the Sky God, crackling in his anger.

[Sky God]

I give you a tail to ease your misery, and you just put that misery on others. You should have been kinder to the tailless and those you deem ugly because you know how it feels to be looked down upon. Instead, you became just like the ones that made you miserable to begin with.

[Amanda Weldon]

Um, I'm sorry.

[Sky God]

Sorry isn't good enough. You need to learn your lesson.

[Amanda Weldon]

The wind howled and the rain pounded and the world started to shake and stick and thunder pounded and lightning crashed and everything went black as an angry sky. When Froggy woke up, she was back in her own little watering hole and her tail was gone. She began to cry bitterly until the Sky God spoke from nowhere and everywhere.

[Sky God]

Don't cry, little Froggy, he said, his.

[Amanda Weldon]

Voice the wind over savanna sand.

[Sky God]

You thought you were beautiful until the other animals told you different. You were right in the first place.

[Amanda Weldon]

But you can't be beautiful without a tail.

[Sky God]

Who says?

[Amanda Weldon]

The Sky God smiled. It was like a sunny bask on a warm log.

[Sky God]

You were beautiful to start and you are beautiful again. Look at yourself now, Froggy.

[Amanda Weldon]

Froggy looked at her familiar reflection in the pool of water before her. All she could see was her lack of tail.

[Sky God]

Look at those beautiful colors, the Sky God said. Such a pretty mottling of green and browns. There's also a lovely extra wide mouth for extra wide smiles, very nice webbing for very strong swimming, and even the perfect amount of slime.

[Amanda Weldon]

Froggy stared at herself in the pool, noticing everything the Sky God pointed out. She remembered a time when she used to admire those very same things. Suddenly they didn't look so bad anymore. A frog isn't a cheetah and it.

[Sky God]

Isn'T supposed to be.

[Amanda Weldon]

You may not have a tail, but they don't have a long fly catching tongue. It doesn't mean one is pretty and one is ugly. It just means you're different, Froggy. Different, he said, and his voice was a fading crack of thunder.

[Sky God]

Different and beautiful.

[Froggy]

Today I remembered that I don't need a tail to be pretty or beautiful or even nice or fair. Today I remembered I'm perfect as I am. I always was and I'll always be. I don't have to feel less than. Oh my Sky God.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thank you for this gift.

[Froggy]

I know I let you down when you granted my tail wish, but oh my Sky God, now I'm where I need to. All because you brought a tale to me, O my Sky God. You brought a tale to me.

[Amanda Weldon]

Froggy was much happier after that. Even if the other animals called her a mean name, she would just ignore them. She knew she was beautiful and that's what mattered. And it turned out lots of other animals thought Froggy was beautiful too. Just as she always had been. Tailless and warded. She was perfect just as she was. And to this day it's said in Africa that frogs grow beautiful tails as tadpoles, only to lose them as they get older. Just to remind us all of Froggy's lesson that everyone is beautiful, each in their own unique and special way. And you should really be nice and fair to everyone, with or without a tail. The End Today's story Froggy Lost Her Tail was an adaptation of a fable from the Sakuma people of Tanzania written for your by Daniel Hynes and performed for your by me, Amanda Weldon with a song by me. If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on itunes. 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.

[Disney Ad Voice]

Do you want to spend another summer stuck at home?

[Elio]

Hey Jim, how's your back?

[Jim]

Oh, you know.

[Elio]

I hear ya.

[Disney Ad Voice]

Leave the small talk behind because Disney and Pixar invite you on an out of this world adventure.

[Amanda Weldon]

Engaging Hyperspeed this is awesome.

[Disney Ad Voice]

On June 20th.

[Elio]

Welcome to the communiverse. Prepare to be conquered. I just got here. Follow me. What is this please? These are the lava tunnels.

[Amanda Weldon]

I am not fireproof.

[Disney Ad Voice]

Disney and Pixar's elio in theaters June 20th. Tickets available now. Rated PG for rental. Guidance suggested.