Epic adventures, courageous heroes, and magical worlds—new stories every month for young explorers.

The Big Red Balloon Podcast officially launched in January 2026 with its first thrilling adventure story—Zombie Island.

This thrilling tale follows Edi and Boy, two unlikely companions who row out into a mist-shrouded mountain lake toward a snow-covered, seemingly abandoned island village. But all is not as it seems. The village is overrun with hungry zombies, and the young adventurers must rely on their courage, quick thinking, fighting skills, and even a touch of magic to escape the island’s deadly secrets.

Do they make it out alive?

 Tune in to find out!

 👉 Listen to Zombie Island  https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-6mdbc-1a08399

Launched in February: The Aeronaut

February brings one of our most iconic adventure stories—The Aeronaut.

 First published in The School Magazine (July 2023, Touchdown edition), this high-flying tale takes listeners into the skies above Felgistor.

Elfi is a hesitant apprentice aeronaut—terrified of heights and regretting her choice of any other “journey trade.” However, Freylor, the goddess and guardian of children, might have selected wisely for her in the end. When a furious dragon assaults the hot-air balloon during flight and Master Aeronaut Erlan Arkingskor requires assistance, Elfi must step up, depending on her proficiency with the bow and arrow.

👉 Listen to The Aeronaut  https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-sekyp-1a20186

Perfect for young listeners

Both Zombie Island and The Aeronaut are ideal for young listeners aged 8 to 12. Beyond the action and adventure, these stories explore timeless themes of:

• friendship
• courage
• responsibility
• helping one another

Secrets of the Dragon Empire

Although each Big Red Balloon episode stands alone with its own heroes and villains, many stories take place on the wild, mysterious world of Felgistor.

Felgistor is a planet of vast contrasts—home to fire-breathing dragons, thunderous ice giants, magical elfin folk, and many other fantastical beings. A massive ring of uncharted wilderness circles its equator, dividing the northern and southern oceans.

The world is ruled by a ruthless and dying emperor. The Twelve Realms of the Dragon Empire are separated by great stone walls and fearsome dragon gates. Common folk must travel continually westward, never staying longer than the span between three double-full moons (the small red moon of Arius and the large golden moon of Delphius) in any one realm. Only nobility and warrior castes may settle permanently in Felgistor’s farms, villages, and cities.

Who Is “Edi” in Zombie Island?

A fun secret for those who read this far…

Edi is actually Princess Edith—the legitimate successor to the Dragon Empire’s throne. She is fleeing from her murderous half-brother, who aims to kill her and take over the empire.

Coming in March 2026: Calypso – A Great Surfing Adventure!

March brings Calypso, a high-energy surfing adventure!

Jark, an apprentice sailor, works aboard a surf-boat ferry that carries folk across the Bay of Dreams. Life is simple—until a towering wave, higher than any lighthouse, threatens their journey. Jark and the captain must fight to keep their passengers safe. Everything changes when Calypso, a beautiful and mysterious girl, rides aboard. Is she the one foretold by an old wizard—the one destined to claim a place in Jark’s heart alongside his love of the ocean?

Ride the wave this March and find out!