For Parents, Educators & Teachers

More than a collection of stories, Jonathan's Tales is a powerful learning resource designed to inspire curiosity, strengthen language skills, encourage critical thinking, and nurture a lifelong love of reading. Each volume is enriched with idioms, proverbs, facts, and educational references woven naturally into every adventure.

Welcome to my shop, which currently houses three published volumes of Jonathan's Tales. A fourth volume will be added very soon. Below you can read my exciting journey to become a storyteller, but for now clicking the read more button I provide an interesting and illuminating message for parents, teachers and educators about Jonathan's Tales.

Tom Kissack – My storytelling journey

Welcome to my shop, which currently houses three published volumes of Jonathan's Tales. A fourth volume will be added very soon. People sometimes say that the art of storytelling is dead. Perhaps it is generally. But I am here to tell my story, and to show that storytelling is in fact alive, well, and kicking. My journey began 60 years ago in an English Language classroom.

Read the Author's Journey
A NOTE FOR PARENTS & EDUCATORS

Jonathan's Tales was born from the joy of storytelling shared between a father and his son. These thirty magical-realism stories are designed to be read aloud, explored together, and returned to again and again.

  • For parents, they offer a nightly ritual of wonder and warmth. For educators and teachers, they provide a rich resource for English language learning, moral discussion, and imaginative thinking — complete with a comprehensive glossary of idioms, proverbs and factual references woven throughout each tale.

Whether you're reading at bedtime, in the classroom, or as part of an English learning programme, Jonathan's Tales invites readers of all ages to think, laugh, and grow.

For parents, educators and teachers the three books are virtually an encyclopedia of facts, idioms, sayings, phrases and proverbs: the narratives are flagged with superscripted notations explained in a glossary of end notes. The information is available not only to educate and enhance language skills but create polymaths of your very own child.

The references cover a broad range of topics: animal and human anatomy and behaviour, astronomy, biology, climate references, differing cultures, evolution, differing religions including biblical references, geography, geology, history, historical epochs, historical figures, mythology (Greek and Roman), nautical sayings, philosophy, psychology, science, Shakespeare, technology and AI.

There are numerous international language references mainly Latin and French.

Volume 1 boasts over 254 educational references

Volume 2 has over 500 educational references

Volume 3 gifts over 370 educational references

Volume 4 released to the publishers early April 2026 has over 500 educational references.

English Teacher and School Volume 1 (Tanzania)

"Jonathan's Tales" Volume 1 — from local bedtime stories to international classrooms.

A review by an English teacher in Tanzania on Instagram:

"Jonathan's Tale" is a touching and inspiring book that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. Tom Kissack delivers a story filled with heart, sincerity, and meaningful lessons, making it both enjoyable and adds to critical thinking.

The writing style is clear and accessible, allowing readers of all backgrounds to easily connect with the story. Its themes are relatable and uplifting, encouraging reflection on personal growth and life's challenges. The simplicity of the narrative works in its favour, making the message even more powerful and easy to understand.

Overall, "Jonathan's Tales" is a wonderful and inspiring read. It stands out for its genuine emotion and positive message, making it a book that many readers will appreciate and remember.

The book was really enjoyed by grade 5 pupils from Grace Primary School — they loved "The Pig and the Egg". Sinza Mapambano, a government school, loved "The Hammer and the Shoe." They loved the books because of the story and the idioms and proverbs that Tom used in his writing.

Thank you @tomtom99xx for donating this book to Tanzania.

I highly recommend parents to buy this book for their children. It's one among the interesting books I have passed through.

MAGICAL STORIES FOR parents and educators

Journey into Jonathan’s Tales a captivating series of magical stories created to entertain, educate, and inspire. Every tale is crafted with imagination, wisdom, and unforgettable adventures that families can enjoy together.

WHERE STORYTELLING COMES TO LIFE

A timeless collection of magical tales blending adventure, learning, imagination, and heartfelt lessons for readers young and old.

For Parents, Educators & Teachers

learning That Feels Natural and Effortless


Every story is carefully woven with idioms, proverbs, facts, and life lessons so children learn without feeling pressured. Reading becomes a joyful experience where language, thinking skills, and understanding grow naturally through storytelling.

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A World Where Imagination Comes Alive

Jonathan’s Tales invites children into a magical space where imagination is awakened and every story feels alive. Each page opens a door to wonder, helping young readers see the world with curiosity, creativity, and excitement that stays with them long after reading.

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Emotional Growth Through Meaningful Stories


Beyond entertainment, these stories help children understand values like kindness, courage, curiosity, and resilience. Each tale gently encourages emotional awareness and helps shape how young readers see themselves and others.

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BEST REVIEWS

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER VOLUME 1 (TANZANIAN)

It was at Kizuiani Primary School where we read a book called Jonathan’s Tales, “The Dragon and the window." It was exciting, meaningful and full of imagination. The pupil were fully engaged, smiling , and answering questions, and enjoying every moment of the session. seeing their excitement and love for the story made the reading session very special. Thank you @tomtom99xx for donating the book to our organization. It was so lovely.

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Amazon 5 star review for Volume 2

I loved this book. It is full of imaginative stories of all kinds of things. I would recommend it to children, and would be very good for bedtime stories or for children to read themselves. Lucy, age 9

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English Teacher review Volume 1 (UK)

Tom Kissack, I love your fairy tales and how detailed each story is. We have Volume 1 and I am sure Volume 2 will be just as good. You are a master in the art of story telling. I always say you are never too old to listen to a good story. Please keep writing these wonderful fairy tales.

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