Are You Sitting Comfortably?

The Stories We Tell Our Children

"Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin." - Eileen Browne

Listen with Mother first aired on 16 January 1950 on the BBC Light Programme, a beloved show that became a staple in many homes. Every weekday afternoon at 1:45, just before Woman's Hour, it offered a comforting mix of stories, songs, and nursery rhymes, often sung by Eileen Browne and George Dixon. Aimed at "mothers and children at home," it became a cherished part of childhood for millions, reaching a peak audience of more than a million listeners.

I’m of the “Playschool” era—and still to this day, Baroness Floella Benjamin refers to us as her “playschool babies.” It feels like a hug every time she writes it on an Instagram post. My primary school years in Pudsey, West Yorkshire were marked by sitting on the mat at the end of the day as our tired teacher made time to read a story to the cross-legged captive crowd.

Over the years, we’ve seen many iterations of national storytelling. Even today, families can listen to the likes of Sir Lewis Hamilton, Harry Styles, or Olivia Colman read our children a story before it’s time to brush their teeth.

Of course, the highlight of my childhood story memories was my own mother reading aloud from wonderful storybooks. Patricia St John’s Treasures of the Snow was a firm favourite. But what topped them all were her imaginative, euphoric tales—stories she told us as my siblings and I were snuggled on her bed. She’d weave adventures of us soaring on a magic carpet, swept away to magical lands where we had great adventures. These were the kind of stories that made the room feel alive with wonder, filling our hearts with excitement and our minds with possibilities.

The tradition of telling stories to children—whether around bedsides, fireplaces, or tables—is a rhythm that transcends time, culture, and even economics. Whether through oral retellings or the pages of a book, storytelling binds us together. We pass down lessons, teach through experience, and inspire with every story we share.

Some of the storytelling highlights of my own child-raising and home-educating years were those of real, true stories—tales of ordinary men and women who walked the earth, yet wove into their very normal lives a legacy shaped by the choices they made, what they overcame, and how they used their gifts. Whether they were missionaries, scientists, travellers, or artists—these were the stories that lingered long after the book was closed. These were the ones I’d return to, to highlight and commonplace. These were the stories where we’d see reflections of our own lives and the lives of others, discovering answers, hope, and inspiration in their experiences.

These stories—biographies woven through imagination—are the ones I wanted to share with my children. They are also the stories I wanted to contribute to, to add to your shelves and mine. So this year, I have the honour of introducing you to Charlotte, Jack, and Aina—three lives that are beautifully ordinary in so many ways, yet extraordinary enough to catch our eye. Lives that beckon us to lean in, listen to what they have to say, and learn from the wisdom they offer.

Charlotte and Jack’s stories launch on Tuesday 4th February, and Aina will join them later this summer.

This series will be a great accompaniment to any home-educating rhythm, a must for Grandma’s read-aloud shelf, and perfect for your middle-grade children to read for themselves—then come and tell you all about it 😉. It’s also a wonderful addition to your classroom stack, offering stories that will keep children engaged and encourage plenty of discussion.

"The Tales of Boldness and Faith series captivates with its raw honesty and profound hope, offering stories that challenge and uplift. Leah summons children's imaginations while telling chronicles of bravery and resilience. She invites them to grapple with life’s complexities while resting in the assurance of God’s unchanging love. As a mother and educator, I’m always seeking books that don’t merely entertain but shape the hearts and minds of young readers—this series does just that. Each tale is rich and layered, sparking meaningful conversations that linger long after the last page is turned. What a gem in children’s literature!"

- Leslie Martino, author of The Joy of Slow

So, I’m sure you’re sitting comfortably 😉 - what are you waiting for?

Leah x