Throwback: The Incredible Singing Tortoise

Summary

Podcast Summary: “Throwback: The Incredible Singing Tortoise”

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Host: Amanda Weldon (Starglow Media)
Date: April 2, 2026

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Overview

In this throwback episode, Stories Podcast revisits “The Incredible Singing Tortoise,” an adaptation of a West African fable. The story follows Zane, a young boy who discovers a shy, singing tortoise named Alicia. The episode explores themes of friendship, empathy, and respecting others’ boundaries, all wrapped in whimsical narration suitable for children and families.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Zane’s Rainy Day Discovery

[01:51 – 04:26]

• Zane, walking home in the rain, contemplates what to bring for his upcoming show-and-tell.
• He hears mysterious singing in the woods and investigates, hoping to find something special.
  • Quote:
    “Can’t wait to get home and dry off…Maybe two cocos,” Zane mutters, soaked and cold, before hearing a peculiar song.
    – Amanda Weldon as Zane ([02:43])

2. The Singing Tortoise

[04:26 – 08:04]

• Zane discovers Alicia, a tortoise who both sings and talks, but is shy around crowds.
• Despite Zane’s excitement and insistence, Alicia politely declines to join show-and-tell, explaining her shyness.
  • Memorable Moment:
    Zane: “A talking tortoise? Is that more impressive than a singing tortoise?”
    Alicia: “Yeah. Why?”
    ([04:45])

3. Attempting to Share the Secret

[08:04 – 11:32]

• Zane’s attempts to introduce Alicia to others fail. His sister, Tayla, and later his friends, are unconvinced after Alicia refuses to perform for them.
• Zane becomes frustrated and feels betrayed, as Alicia continues to sing only when they’re alone.
  • Notable Quote:
    Alicia: “I’m shy. I don’t like to sing in front of strangers.”
    ([08:35])

4. Understanding Boundaries

[11:32 – 15:35]

• Determined to impress at show-and-tell, Zane plans to bring Alicia despite her wishes. On the day, Alicia is nowhere to be found.
• When Zane is called up, stage fright overwhelms him, helping him realize firsthand how intimidating crowds can be.
  • Teacher’s Encouragement:
    Teacher: “Public speaking can be tough… I once froze up at a funeral for my niece’s goldfish.”
    ([14:09])

5. Learning Empathy & Resolution

[15:35 – 17:40]

• Zane reflects on how he ignored Alicia’s feelings and tried to force her out of her comfort zone for his own benefit.
• He apologizes to Alicia, acknowledging his mistake and promising not to pressure her again.
• Alicia softly sings as he leaves, a quiet sign of forgiveness and continued friendship.
  • Heartwarming Finale:
    Zane: “Alicia, I’m so sorry…I promise, I’ll never bother you again.”
    ([16:45])
    Alicia: [soft singing, signaling forgiveness] ([17:29])

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Zane’s Wonder:
  “You can sing? …And you can talk?”
  – Zane ([04:38])

• Alicia’s Boundary:
  “I’m a tortoise, not a turtle, and I’d really rather not show anyone else. It’s kind of my private thing.”
  – Alicia ([05:42])

• Crowd Shyness:
  “Public speaking can be tough. In fact, it’s always tough.”
  – Zane’s teacher ([14:09])

• Empathy Realized:
  “I should have listened when she said she didn’t want to sing.”
  – Zane ([16:55])

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Zane hears mysterious singing: [03:08]
• Discovers Alicia the tortoise: [04:26]
• First attempt to show Alicia to his sister: [06:52]
• Alicia sings alone: [08:04]
• Failed attempt with friends: [09:36]
• Confrontation with Alicia about boundaries: [11:32]
• Zane’s stage fright at show and tell: [14:39]
• Apology and final reconciliation: [16:45]
• Alicia’s song of forgiveness: [17:29]

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Tone & Storytelling Style

• Warm, humorous, and relatable narration: Amanda Weldon voices the story with expressive energy.
• Whimsical dialogue: The characters’ conversations are light-hearted yet meaningful, accessible to kids of all ages.
• Musical and playful moments: Alicia’s improvised songs add charm and make the story memorable.

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Takeaway Lessons

• Respect people’s boundaries: Forcing others out of their comfort zones, especially for personal gain, can hurt relationships.
• Empathy is essential: True friendship means considering how others feel.
• Courage comes in many forms: It’s brave to sing alone in the woods, just as it is to speak in front of a class.

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Conclusion

This episode offers a gentle reminder about empathy and respecting others, set against the magical backdrop of a singing tortoise and a child’s adventure. Engaging, sweet, and instructive, it’s a standout installment perfect for bedtime or family listening.

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Written adaptation by Daniel Hines. Performed by Amanda Weldon.
For more stories and merchandise, visit storiespodcast.com.

Transcript

[A]

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 oriespodcast. 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

[B]

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[A]

Thanks. Enjoy the episode. The Incredible Singing Tortoise Once upon a time on a stormy afternoon, Zane was hurrying home from school. He had just found out it was his turn for show and tell on Friday, and his brain whirled with ideas of what to bring. He was so busy thinking that he forgot his coat in his cubby. The cold rain slipped over his hair and down the back of his neck, making him shiver. Can't wait to get home and dry off, he muttered. Maybe I'll even have a mug of cocoa. He turned to take a shortcut through the woods. Under the trees, the rain fell in a slower pit, pat, but when the wind blew, the branches shook and soaked him underfoot. The mud sucked at his shoes with wet, slurping sounds. Maybe two cocos, he grumbled, then cocked his head. Had he heard something? He froze, listening to the gentle sounds of rain filtering through the forest. Finally, from off in the wet woods, he heard a soft voice,

[C]

a Scooby dee doo ow doo ow doo A dee dee dee doo A scoobity doo scooba dee doo dee.

[A]

Zane peered into the trees. He wasn't in a forest, really. It was just a strip of woods between a house and a bunch of condos. There wasn't space for anyone to be hiding, not unless they were buried in the fallen leaves. Maybe somebody dropped their phone, he said, thinking of the joggers who always breezed by listening to music. Zane stepped off the path towards the singing, his feet squelching through the mud. Or maybe it's an old toy, he thought, perfect for show and tell. He hunted around by his feet. Where is it? He said, searching. His arms and legs were soon soaked as he waded into the wet leaves. Come on, play another song. Ow ow.

[C]

I do but I do Bow wow I's eat and eat and dot and I's eat and eat.

[A]

Aha. Zane pushed aside another branch and found not a phone but a knobbly little tortoise. The creature seemed to smile up at him and then sang another bar. Zane fell back onto his butt in the mud. What? How? He said. You can sing. I can sing, the tortoise said. Zane's jaw dropped. And you can talk and I can talk, she agreed. But I usually don't. A talking tortoise? Is that more impressive than a singing tortoise? Yeah. Why? She asked, cocking her leathery head. I don't know, but it definitely is, Zane said. I'm Zane. What's your name? Hi, Zane. My name is Alicia. Alicia, you have to come with me for show and Tell this Friday. Show and tell? No thank you. I don't like crowds. I'm really pretty shy, she said, pulling her head back into her shell a little. You don't seem shy, Zane said. He stood up and dusted himself off, still staring at her, amazed. Well, said the tortoise, I see you walking home alone here every day, so I figured I don't mind if you hear. Did. Did you like was great. I had no idea, Zane said. Seriously. I thought that it was someone's phone playing like Spotify or something in the mud. Alicia. The tortoise smiled. Well, thank you, she said. Have a good day. She turned and started to walk back into the leaves. Wait, no. Zane said, chasing after her. You're a singing turtle. You have to come with me. I need to show everyone for show and tell. Well, I'm a tortoise not a turtle, alicia said. And I'd really rather not show anyone else. It's kind of my private thing. Come on, he said. You showed me. I need to show my sister at least. She's gonna lose her mind. No thanks, she said. I'll see you another time. No, no, zane said, holding up his hands. Wait here. He turned and ran the rest of the way home. He burst into his front door and skidded into the kitchen, where his older sister was putting peanut butter on some crackers. Taylor, he said, scaring her so badly the crackers went flying. You need to come see this. He clutched her by the wrist and started dragging her to the front door. Come on, come on, come on. Zane. What? She sputtered, following him out the door. What are you doing? Where are we going? Zane? My crackers. Just come on. It's worth it, I promise. They got to the little strip of woods and stood in the middle of the path. The rain pattered down and the mud stained their sneakers. And why did you drag me out here? Tayla asked. Wait. Just listen. They stood together in silence for a moment, then a minute, then two. Okay, I'm going back inside. You're a weirdo. No. Come on. Tayla turned and hurried away, eager to be out of the rain. Zane watched her leave for a few minutes and then sighed, turning to follow her.

[C]

I'm singing alone, singing alone alone I'm singing alone, singing alone in the forest Like a happy tortoise I'm a happy tortoise tonight tonight do I skim a dee dee beep be da da da da da da Singing alone, singing alone Ba doobity doobity doo boo boo boo boo.

[A]

Oh, come on, zane said. Now you sing. I told you, alicia said, appearing from a nearby log. I'm shy. I don't like to sing in front of strangers. You made me look like a crazy person. Don't blame me, she said. I told you I wouldn't sing. What about show and tell? I already said no, she said. That's way too many people. And I don't like crowds. Zane turned and stalked away, muttering to himself. He thought about it all night and during breakfast the next morning. 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. That day at school, he couldn't help but tell his friends about the incredible singing tortoise he had found after listening intently to his story. They all agreed he was making it up. I swear, zane said. It's the truth. Sounds like you hit your head, said his friend Ash. You sure you didn't fall asleep watching anime again? No, Alicia is real, zane insisted a little too loudly. Come with me after school. I'll show you. They doubted him still, but a few agreed to go. Zane led them there proudly that afternoon, bragging about what he had found. I swear you'll love her. It's just this little tortoise. And don't call her a turtle, okay? And she sings this little song. Ready? Hey, Alicia were here. His voice echoed into the damp trees. Whatever, said Ash, turning to the others. I knew he was lying. They all muttered their agreement. No, wait, said Zane. Just another minute. A minute passed in long, agonizing silence. All right, said Ash. Let's go. Thanks for wasting our time, Zane. His friends walked away, shaking their heads. Zane sighed again and sat on a stump. Stupid turtle, he said, kicking at a clod of mud. Made me look like a liar.

[C]

A Scooby Doo doo wow. A Scooby Doo doo wow. A zeetened. Eaten, eaten eaten eaten. Do I? Oh, stop bothering me. Listen to me, please.

[A]

Zooidy doobity doobity doobity doobity doobity doo wow. Right now.

[C]

Right now.

[A]

Hey. Hey. Zane shouted, tracking Alicia down by her song. What's your problem? You made me look like a liar. I told you I'm shy, she said, peeking out from under a leaf pile. You didn't listen to me. How is this my fault? You couldn't just sing a little for my friends? Zane said, kicking at the leaves. Come on. I keep telling you, I don't like singing in front of people. The tortoise said back. I can only sing in front of you because you happen to walk by every day. Well, I want to bring you for show and tell, zane said. No one has anything as cool as a singing turtle. Again, tortoise. Whatever. You'll be the coolest and I'll be the coolest, and everyone will love it. No, I don't want to, alisha said. I'm sorry. Well, don't be sorry, zane said, because you're coming. I'll stop by Friday morning to pick you up. Please don't. Friday morning, he said. Show and tell. Don't forget. The next day, Zane told the rest of his class what he was bringing in for show and tell. They all thought he was crazy, but he promised them it was true. Friday morning, on the way to school, he stopped to pick up Alicia the Tortoise, Rise and shine. Let's go to school. He called into the woods. She wasn't there. Hey. He called, kicking at the leaves and looking in the logs. It's show and tell time. Where are you? He hunted all over and couldn't find her. Finally, he had to give up and head to school. When it was his turn to show and tell, he slunk to the front of the class. And where is your the teacher looked down at a piece of paper on her lap. Singing Turtle Toy. Zane looked up at the rest of the class. He had never been in front of so many people at once before, even though they were all his friends and classmates. He found his belly began to flip. He felt calm a moment before, but being there, exposed in front of everyone, he felt naked. His body tensed up and he found he couldn't speak. Zane felt his cheeks burn. A few of his classmates began to snicker. It was too much. The embarrassment, the crowd, his belly. He turned and walked out the classroom door, shutting it behind him. He started for the bathroom, but his teacher caught up with him in the hall. Zane expected to get in trouble, but the teacher only smiled at him kindly. Public speaking can be tough, she said, leaning down to look him in the eye. In fact, it's always tough. I once froze up at a funeral for my niece's goldfish. I got so nervous I couldn't even speak. Luckily, the toilet was there to bail me out. Zane laughed a little. Okay, she said. The day's almost over. Why don't you go to the nurse to calm down? Okay, zane said, relief flooding through him. To go from the sudden terror of being in front of a crowd to this. It was like drinking a big glass of milk after eating warm chocolate chip cookies. He made his way to the nurse's office, where they had him lie down for a few minutes. As he settled back, Zane thought again about show and tell and how scared he felt in front of a crowd. Ugh, that turtle. He said to himself. If she had just come and sang, I wouldn't have had to be in front of everyone. He crossed his arms over his face and imitated her voice. Oh, I can't go. I'm too shy in front of crowds. He realized what he was saying as it came out of his mouth. The poor turtle tortoise. She hated that, too, and he had tried to force her to do it anyway. She kept saying no, and he had ignored her over and over because he'd only been thinking about himself. Why hadn't he thought about her feelings. Did other people remember to think about everyone else's feelings all the time? The rest of the day seemed to pass in slow motion. Finally, the students were dismissed and Zane started to run home. He pounded across the blacktop and didn't stop until he made it to the woods. He stood there for a moment among the trees, hands on his knees, panting to catch his breath. Alicia. Tortoise, not turtle, he called. Alicia, I'm so sorry. I should have listened. I'm sorry I tried to make you come to show and tell when you kept telling me no. I'm sorry I tried to make you sing. There was silence. I'm sorry, he said again, knowing he'd found something wonderful and worried he'd scare it away. I won't ever bother you again, he said. I promise. He turned and started walking. It was useless, he thought to himself. She had probably already moved on to sing in another piece of woods, one without any annoying kids nearby. I should have listened when she said she didn't want to sing, he thought. Zane sighed as the trees began to thin, then, soft but sure over the crunch of his footsteps.

[C]

Doo do da wow.

[A]

Zane stopped at the edge of the woods, listening to the song. When it was finished, he smiled and kept on heading home. The End Today's story, the Incredible Singing Tortoise, was an adaptation of a West African fable written for you by Daniel Hines and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon. 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.