Vogrie Country Park Inspires Audiobook Series for Children
A country park just south of Edinburgh has become the setting for a children’s audiobook series listeners are already calling a modern classic.
Set entirely within Vogrie Country Park and House in Midlothian, The Bubbling Toad Stories blends classic storytelling with a real Scottish location families can visit, explore and recognise.
Listeners have compared the series to The Wind in the Willows and Winnie the Pooh, but with a unique twist: the Potion Room, Fairy Hollow, Lunar Library and even The Bubbling Toad himself all exist at Vogrie Country House.
Families across Edinburgh and the Lothians are listening to the stories, then making the short journey south to experience the woodland paths and magical spaces for themselves.
The series was created by ex-BBC voice actor Sara Starling, inspired by a long friendship with Gayanne Potter, who now runs magical family experiences at Vogrie Country House.
Produced with ex-BBC sound designer Leon Ford, the audiobooks feature Scotland’s natural soundscape and gentle, mindful storytelling that parents say leaves children calm and content.
Writer Matthew S adds: "If you're like me, growing up on Wind in the Willows, The House at Pooh Corner, and other classics, you're in for a treat. This is truly a classic being born."
Six-year-old Erin puts it simply: "I'm happy when I listen to the stories. They are like my friends now."
A special single-story book, designed and illustrated by Andy Greenhouse, will be released soon. Volume One of the audiobook is available now at www.thebubblingtoadstories.com.
The magic lives at Vogrie. And now, everyone can hear it.