Before trying something new for their children, parents ask good questions. Here are the ones we hear most often, with straight answers.
What is Shamandar?
Shamandar is a library of Arabic audio stories, adventures and songs for children. There are bedtime shows, learning shows, heritage tales and adventures, all made with care by a team that grew up on Arabic stories and wanted the same for their own kids.
What ages is it for?
Children from birth to about 14. Each show lists its age range on its cover, so you can pick what fits: songs like Ahazeej Altofolah work from day one, Jad & Tala suits ages 3–6, and 1001 Nights is for teens.
My child understands Arabic but doesn’t speak it. Will this help?
That is exactly who we had in mind. Stories are told in warm, living Arabic rather than stiff textbook language, with new words in every episode heard in a story children love. Over time, Arabic becomes linked with laughter and adventure instead of homework. We wrote more about this in We know what keeps you up at night.
Is it another screen?
No. Shamandar is audio only, with no video and no endless scrolling. Press play, put the phone away, and your child imagines the pictures. It works well for car rides, play, drawing and bedtime.
How much does it cost?
Every show is included for $4.99 a month, after a 7-day free trial. You are only charged when the free week ends, and you can cancel anytime before then.
How do I start, and where do we listen?
Tap Start free on any page of our website.
- iPhone or iPad: it opens the Shamandar channel in Apple Podcasts, where the trial starts with one tap.
- Android: it opens Supercast, where you subscribe and then listen on Spotify.
- Computer: it takes you to the listening options, so you can choose Apple Podcasts or Spotify via Supercast.
The Shamandar app for iPhone and Android also lets you download episodes and listen offline, which helps on a plane or a long drive.
Can we try something first?
Yes. The free week unlocks every show, and several show pages have a free sample you can play straight away, like Box of Words and Mimi Tasal.
How do I cancel?
Cancel in the same place you subscribed. In Apple Podcasts: open Settings on your iPhone, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and choose Shamandar. On Supercast: use the manage subscription link in your Supercast account.
Still have a question? See all parent questions or contact us.