Lon Po Po: A Knocking Folktale from China

Faithfully Explore! with Laura

Knock… knock… Did you hear that?

That mysterious sound is the very first clue in today’s adventure.

In this episode of Faithfully Explore!, Laura guides young listeners on a suspenseful journey to China through the traditional folktale Lon Po Po, which means “Grandma Wolf.” Children follow three sisters—Shang, Tao, and Paotze—as they must decide who to trust, notice clues, and use clever thinking to stay safe.

This tale may feel familiar to listeners who know Little Red Riding Hood, but with an important twist: in Lon Po Po, the children rely on teamwork, calm thinking, and ingenuity to outsmart danger—no rescuer required.

1. A traditional Chinese folktale passed down through generations
2. A wolf in disguise and the clues that reveal the truth
3. How children can use awareness and reasoning when something feels “off”
4. The role of clever problem-solving instead of strength
5. Why teamwork and trust matter in scary situations

Listeners “pack” three big ideas to carry with them:

1. Caution & awareness – paying attention to clues and instincts
2. Clever thinking – staying calm and using your brain
3. Teamwork & trust – working together to stay safe

Lon Po Po and the names in this story exists in many versions, spellings, and pronunciations, reflecting its long oral storytelling history. For this episode, pronunciation research referenced publicly available resources from the Museum of Chinese in America. As with many folktales, no single version is definitive, and variation is part of the story’s living tradition.

1. Children ages 5–12
2. Families who enjoy listening together
3. Classrooms, libraries, and homeschool settings
4. Lessons on safety, SEL, and global storytelling
5. Comparing folktales across cultures

After the story, stick around for movement, reflection, and thoughtful discussion as Laura helps listeners connect the story’s lessons to their own lives.

Until next time—stay curious, stay kind, and keep exploring the world through stories.