Small World - the kids' programme for the whole family

About the show

Small World is the kids’ programme for the whole family. Hosted by Jonathan Mosen, it airs on Mushroom Escape on Sundays North American Eastern time, first airing at midnight and then repeating every four hours throughout the day.

Kids will enjoy the classic stories that will spark their imagination. You’ll hear about foolish koalas, naughty tugboats, talking trains and magic pianos. Your pulse will quicken as you join Tim and Rose when they confront the baddest witch in all the world, and so much more. There are catchy songs, too. Not just kids’ songs but fun songs that the whole family will enjoy. It’s great entertainment and the theatre of the mind at its best.

Our history, a New Zealand treasure

In 1977, iconic New Zealand entertainer Don Linden was inspired by his three nieces to start a kids’ show that was lively and engaging. The management at Radio I in Auckland thought it was a great idea, and Small World was born.

Small World rapidly became the thing kids looked forward to on a Sunday morning. Sometimes the parents welcomed the break as the kids snuggled in bed glued to what was coming out of the radio. At other times, the parents couldn’t resist tuning in, and Small World became quality entertainment that grandparents, parents and kids listened to together.

Small World later enjoyed a long run on Auckland’s Radio Pacific and stints on other stations, finally ending in 2006.

Small World’s run was not continuous. At the beginning of the century, radio programme directors thought that the format had run its course. Don proved them wrong. He worked with EMI to release on CD some of the stories and songs he had lovingly collected. The sales were astounding, proving that the stories, songs, and Don himself had a very special place in New Zealander’s hearts.

Revival

For many years, Small World would often receive phone calls and even regular studio visits from a kid who had the gift of the gab and was crazy about radio. In 2020, after many years of not being in touch, Don saw that kid, now with adult kids of his own, on TV winning an award. That sparked an idea. Don called this kid, who even as an adult is still crazy about radio, and Don asked him how he would feel if Don donated his extensive collection of songs and stories to him, so they wouldn't sit neglected in a museum or archive. Now it’s not often that this kid has ever been speechless, as a child or otherwise, but to quote him, his name is Jonathan Mosen by the way, he said it was like being offered the crown jewels.

And so, with Don Linden’s blessing, Jonathan has brought Small World back after a 15-year hiatus, this time via the Internet so grandparents, parents and kids from all over the globe can enjoy what is so precious to us here in New Zealand.

We hope you enjoy it.