The Big Red Balloon is a family-friendly podcast featuring original fantasy and adventure stories for kids aged 10 and up, written and narrated by Australian children's author Paul Malone.
Each episode takes young listeners on an unforgettable journey filled with brave heroes, mysterious villains, magical creatures, and exciting new worlds. From remote islands and hidden kingdoms to dragons, monsters, and epic quests, every story is designed to spark imagination and inspire a love of storytelling.
Perfect as a bedtime story, for long car trips, quiet afternoons, or family listening time, these immersive audio adventures encourage creativity, curiosity, and active listening.
If your child enjoys fantasy, adventure, mythology, or magical worlds, they'll find plenty to love aboard The Big Red Balloon.
Learn more about Paul Malone by visiting his website: Paul Malone (https://www.paulmalone.at)
Author website url: https://www.paulmalone.at
Season 1: Starting January 2026
Zombie Island
The Aeronaut
Calypso
Doctor Dog
Learning to Fly
The Paper Cowboys
Something About Edi
Polgorous the Horrendous
King of Sunset
Poetry special (guest author)
Night of the Sand People
Ice Giants
Sneak Peak for Season 2: Starting January 2027
Molly's Magic Garden
Shadow Town
Poetry with John Malone | Poems for Kids (10+) | hosted by Paul Malone
Discover the joys of poetry with our guest poet, John Malone. Writing poetry for more than 70 years, John has shared his love of verse with generations of children and readers.
In this episode, John shares how he became a writer, offers practical advice for young poets, and reads some of his favourite children's poems.
Join John and his son, podcast host Paul Malone, for a celebration of poetry, creativity, and imagination.
You can find out more about John Malone by visiting his blog here: johnlmalone | John Malone
1 Sept 2026
The King of Sunset | Fantasy Story for Kids (10+) | by Paul Malone
Young aeronaut Elfi arrives in the village of Sunset convinced that no view could be worth risking one's life for. But as the sun sinks beyond the sea, she discovers a magical secret that draws travellers from across the world—and changes the way she sees herself forever.
A heartwarming fantasy adventure about friendship, wonder, and the magic hidden in unexpected places.
31 Jul 2026
Polgorous the Horrendous | Fantasy Story for Kids (10+) | by Paul Malone
A mysterious island. A one-eyed giant. An impossible escape.
When Mirri, Indigo, and Hadrik are captured by Polgorous the Horrendous, they must use all their skills—and a dash of magic—to outsmart one of the most feared creatures in the Thousand Island Archipelago.
(Loosely inspired by the ancient Greek tale of Odysseus and the Cyclops.)
1 Jul 2026
Something About Edi: A Fantasy Adventure Story of Courage and Identity for Young Listeners (10+) by Paul Malone
When spring finally arrives, Edi leaves a mountain village aboard the Felgistor Pedal Train, determined to build a new life far from the throne she abandoned. Disguised as a boy and hiding a dangerous secret, she soon discovers that courage, kindness, and a sharp eye with a bow can change the course of an adventure.
1 Jun 2026
The Paper Cowboys: A Friendship and Courage Story for Young Listeners (10+ years) | Paul Malone
Our story takes us to a winter music festival in Victor Harbor, where one small band gets the chance of a lifetime—just one song on stage. But when their signature paper cowboy hats go up in flames, everything starts to fall apart.
Can AJ find the courage to step into the spotlight without them?
This is a story about friendship, fear, and discovering that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do… is simply show up.
1 May 2026
Learning to Fly: A Magical Fantasy Story for Young Listeners (10+ years) | Paul Malone
On a remote island at summer’s end, Jark spends his days dreaming of the sea and one thing only: escaping the island. When he meets an apprentice sorcerer named April Weathers, he thinks his chance has finally come. But Jark isn't the only one wanting to take to the skies. His fierce beach rival, Indigo, has her own plans, and April is about to teach them both that "learning to fly" isn't exactly what they expected.
Written and narrated by Australian children’s author Paul Malone, this enchanting tale explores the wonder of magic and the reality of rivalry.
Why parents and educators love this episode:
Target Audience: Perfect for independent listeners ages 8–12.
Routine Friendly: Ideal for "screen-free" wind-down time, bedtime, or family road trips.
Core Themes: Personal growth, handling rivalry, and the power of persistence.
Authentic Voice: Features professional narration from a published children's author.
A story about rivalry, the magic of persistence, and finding a new perspective on the world.
1 Apr 2026
Doctor Dog: A Funny & Absurd Story for Young Listeners (10+ years) | Paul Malone
Ever wondered what would happen if our pets took over the world's most important jobs?
In this wonderfully strange and humorous tale, our young hero visits the doctor...only to discover he's a dog! What unfolds is a hilarious short story with a wonderfully surprising twist.
Written and narrated by Australian children’s author Paul Malone, this episode is a playful look at how we see others and how we see ourselves...when we take good look in the mirror.
Why parents and educators love this episode:
Target Audience: Engaging for young listeners ages 8–12.
Routine Friendly: A perfect 8-minute "brain break" or lighthearted bedtime story.
Core Themes: Imagination, humor, and seeing the world from a new perspective.
Creative Spark: Encourages kids to imagine what jobs their own pets might do one day.
A story about imagination, humour, and why it helps to look at the world with fresh perspective.
1 Mar 2026
Calypso: A Mythical Adventure Story for Young Listeners (10+ years) | Paul Malone
On the longest wave of the Bay of Dreams, a young sailing apprentice tastes freedom—and meets a girl who feels like a myth come to life. Calypso is a story of thundering surf and twin moons, first love, a hint of magic, and the moments that stay with us long after the tide has turned.
Written and narrated by Australian children’s author Paul Malone, this immersive episode is perfect for listeners who love a blend of mystery and ancient wonder.
Why parents and educators love this episode:
Target Audience: Captivating for independent listeners and mythology fans ages 8–12.
Routine Friendly: Ideal for "screen-free" quiet time or as a creative writing prompt.
Core Themes: Bravery, the power of myth, and finding wonder in the wilderness.
Atmospheric Audio: A gentle yet gripping pace that helps children focus and visualize.
A story about bravery, the enduring power of ancient myths, and finding first love on the ocean.
31 Jan 2026
The Aeronaut: A Dragon Adventure Story for Young Listeners (10+ years) | Paul Malone
A daring hot air balloon adventure where apprentice aeronaut Elfi must face not only her fear of heights but also a terrible fire breathing dragon. Can she help master aeronaut Erlan Arkingskor ward off the dragon or will they go down in a ball of flames? Listen in to find out!
Written by Australian author Paul Malone, The Aeronaut was first published in The School Magazine (Australia), Touchdown imprint, July 2023.
Why parents and educators love this episode:
Target Audience: Perfect for kids ages 8–12 who deal with anxiety or self-doubt.
Routine Friendly: A great "courage-builder" for bedtime or the morning school run.
Core Themes: Facing your fears, finding hidden strength, and growth mindset.
Emotional Resonance: Moves beyond just "action" to explore a relatable internal struggle.
A story about conquering a secret fear of heights, the courage of an apprentice, and finding your place among the clouds.
1 Jan 2026
Zombie Island: A Spooky Adventure Story for Young Listeners (10+ years) | Paul Malone
When two young adventurers seek food and shelter in a snow covered village in the middle of a mountain lake, it appears the village is abandoned. Or is it? Find out what happens when Edi and Boy discover that the only food to be eaten is their own brains if the zombies catch them!
Written and read by Australian children’s author Paul Malone, this spooky tale is perfect for brave young listeners who love action and suspense.
Why parents and teachers love this episode:
Perfect for: Ages 8–12 (Middle Grade fiction).
Ideal for: Bedtime stories for older kids, long car journeys, or classroom listening.
Themes: Bravery, quick thinking, and overcoming fear.
Style: Immersive audio story with a "spooky but safe" atmosphere.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
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