Sparkle Stories Podcast

This week's featured story comes from the Junkyard Tales collection. It's called " A Dip in the Pond" Cats don't swim. This is what Ben Thompson, clever cat, says to his junkyard friends when they propose a dip in the junkyard pond. But then Mr. Flinch, the old possum, accidentally falls into the pond, and Ben quickly realizes he might be wrong. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from The Celestial Club: After School with Aliens and Friends collection. It's called "Chapter One: Where is Everyone?" Zooks! It's time for an after-school club! Life in Greenhorn can be tricky, what with all of the expected (and unexpected) residents from around the universe. Willie Grey invites the listeners to an after-school club as a way for celestials and friends to get to know each other. Renowned local podcaster Johnny Boy Nebraska chimes in to keep everyone in the loop with his star-studded list of guests! If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Life as a Martian collection. It's called "Chapter One: The Anomaly in Greenhorn." When the Nebraska family lands in Greenhorn, there's a lot they don't know — including the fact that they are Martians sent to Earth as undercover researchers. As they become accustomed to their new town, they study the local culture and even shuttle their youngest son to a podcast camp where he hosts a new show ... and reveals their true identity. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many, many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy! 

This week's featured story comes from the How to Be Super: The Violet Crown (Book One)collection. It's called "Part One: The Welcome Wall." In which we are introduced to Dante and his single mother and learn that on the morning of his twelfth birthday, he experiences something incredible: he is struck by lightning. He is fine, but it begins a series of events that leads him to the neighborhood welcome wall where he receives a message that changes everything. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "Catching Crayfish." Martin and Sylvia gauge the seasons less by the calendar, and more by the natural world. The sure sign that summer has begun is that the crayfish appear in the brook along the back of the yard. The two enjoy a summer day figuring out how to catch these wonderful, watery creatures! If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "Springtime Fun and Foolery." It's the first week of spring and the house is abuzz with fun and foolery. Martin makes a treasure hunt for his sister that has a suspicious treat at the end. Sylvia and Daddy dress up like each other and fool Martin. But at the end of the day, Momma surprises everyone at dinnertime! If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "The Birthday Book." Martin ponders what to get Sylvia for her birthday. He knows that what she likes more than anything is playing games with her friends and her family. After considering many options he envisions the perfect gift. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com  Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com  Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "The Woodpecker Tree."   The woodpecker tree needs to be cut down. It is big and old and filled with woodpecker holes. From Karl the playful woodsman, Martin and Sylvia learn a lot about trees, cutting firewood, and a secret way to stay safe from black flies!   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website:   www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "Pick-Up League."   Martin wants to join little league baseball like his friend Peter, but Momma and Daddy say he isn't old enough for organized sports. He has to be nine. Nine! Martin is amazed! But that doesn't mean there's no baseball for Martin. Daddy pulls together a pick-up game with friends; flexible rules, bat and ball options, and many creative calls from the sidelines make the game fun for everyone in the family!   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "Fairy Snow Fort."   This week Sylvia wakes with a plan to build a "Fairy Snow Fort," a structure that looks a lot like an igloo with one very important distinction. The whole family helps build the fort together, working steadily all day, and culminates with a star-lit dinner within. This is a story of collaboration and the joys of a full family project.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Junkyard Tales collection. It's called "The Pie Festival." Ben Thompson, clever cat, wakes to a buzz of activity in the Junkyard: today is the day of the Pie Festival! On this eventful day, each of the junkyard animals makes their own particular pie, and at the end of the day, the pies are judged. And, the identity of the judge is a secret! But what kind of pie should Ben Thompson make? The diets and tastes of all the junkyard animals are so different! In the end, Ben makes an original pie that will win the attention of at least one junkyard animal. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com  Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy! 

This week's featured story comes from the Junkyard Tales: All Together Now collection. It's called "Zippy's Dream." When Ben and his Junkyard friends have a conversation about 'hopes and dreams', everyone shares something they'd love to have one day.  After hearing some unique and exciting dreams, Zippy offers his.  And after all the animals move through their surprise, they resolve to grant him his dream. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the At Home with Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "Tag Sale."   Martin and Sylvia's next-door neighbors, the Browns, are clearing out their barn and organizing a tag sale. They invite Martin and Sylvia's family to join them. Martin enthusiastically chooses toys and books he no longer uses to donate to the sale, but Sylvia is troubled by the idea of giving her old things away. In the end, she is surprised how much fun and satisfying it is to see other children love her things as much as she did.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series!   For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the At Home with Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "Puppy Sitting."   Martin and Sylvia wake one morning to hear Momma talking to a friend on the phone. What's that she's saying? A puppy is coming to visit? For a whole day and night? Brother and sister are thrilled at the idea of having a younger dog around to play fetch, tag, and other fun doggies games. They are surprised to learn, however, that puppy sitting is a lot more work than they expect!   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the At Home with Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "Living Room Camping."   Brother and sister look out at the gray late autumn landscape and long for summer again. They miss the easy play, the summer adventures — and most of all, they miss camping. "You can still go camping!" says Daddy, "You can go living room camping. It's the same as outdoor camping, but just ... inside." Martin and Sylvia are inspired and immediately set to preparing.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series!   For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Martin & Sylvia: Saturdays! collection. It's called "Nippy Knitting Day."   Martin and Sylvia wake one late summer morning and feel a chill in the air. It is the first nippy morning of the year and they both start to imagine all the cool weather things they could do. Eventually they decide to knit scarves to help them stay warm. By the time they finish, however, the temperature has changed...   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "Pirates."   “Yo ho ho” and “Shiver me timbers!” are not what is usually heard on Town Lake during Lake Days, but this year Pirates have invaded the event, complete with head scarves, gnarly beards, and thick pirate accents. Could that be Martin in the black pirate's hat? Could that be Sylvia at the helm of the pirate canoe? Could that be Daddy leading them to invade a friend's sailboat and attempt to steal some "booty"? Listen and find out.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "The Cabin."   Martin and Sylvia's friends have a mountain cabin in the woods. The whole family is invited to join them for a weekend of blackberry picking! Everyone is excited to hike the many trails to the lake and waterfall, except Sylvia. Sylvia is tired. Sylvia's feet hurt. Sylvia would rather stay at the cabin and play games. When Momma teaches her how to have ‘fox feet' and ‘deer ears' Sylvia suddenly finds the woods full of possibilities and indeed, animals.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Junkyard Tales collection. It's called "The Guardian of the Junkyard."   Ben knows all about knights: they are brave, they protect the weak, they have swords and shields, and they ride horses. But what he doesn't know is that two of his junkyard friends are also knights! Junkyard knights! Once a year they “battle” it out to decide who shall be the next “Guardian of the Junkyard.”   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series!   For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "Helping Out."   Martin and Sylvia wake to a snowstorm and the promise of sledding on the neighbor's horse pasture hill. When the hill turns out to be occupied and they return to see that Momma has taken a sick day from her work, the children recognize the value and delight of letting go of plans and helping out at home.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series!   For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's featured story comes from the Junkyard Tales: All Together Now collection. It's called "Funny How Things Work Out."   When Spiro and Zippy's ductwork home is suddenly taken away by a flatbed truck, the Junkyard animals rally to find them a new home. The two friends trust that things will work out, but the options aren't great. Finally they are delighted to see that indeed things do work out - just not in the way you might expect it.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a featured story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia's Twelve Days of Christmas collection. It's called "Day One: The Christmas Drum."   This story is Day One: The Christmas Drum It's Christmas morning. All of the presents have been opened. "Is all of the fun over?" the children wonder. Then they notice something in golden wrapping paper hiding behind the tree. It is a record album called Twelve Tales of Tullyport Christmas; an album from Daddy's childhood. When their neighbors, the Browns, join them for Christmas breakfast, Daddy pulls out his old record player, and they listen to the first story together. All are delighted in the possibilities of a new Christmas tradition.   From "Twelve Tales of a Tullyport Christmas: The Christmas Drum". In the story, Francis Tully and his family leave Ballyclare, Northern Ireland and arrive in colonial Maine in 1760 to see rocky shores, white pines and great possibility. They bring some clothes, some tools and an Irish frame drum that Francis insists will bring others together to live, work and celebrate together. This story honors the community impulse that is central to Christmastide.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Libby & Dish's Good-Deed-A-Day Club collection. It's called "The First Good Deed (Libby's Mother)" In this first episode of Libby & Dish's month-long adventure, Libby finds herself at odds with her mother over a challenging task. Can Dish help them out of their difficulties? If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the At Home with Martin & Sylvia collection. It's called "Holiday Delight"   Between all the decorating, baking, crafting and celebrating, this year's holiday season has been a very busy one for Martin and Sylvia. When they are suddenly faced with a day with no plans, however, brother and sister don't know what to do with themselves.   “Look for the delight,” suggests Momma, and as soon as they do, the magic begins.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia's Giving Thanks collection. It's called "Part One: Two Magic Words."   This story is a part of Martin & Sylvia's Giving Thanks Story Collection — three stories that explore the magical power of two important words: "thank you". The children learn that feeling a 'thank you' with their whole body can change how they feel — and change how other people feel! This lesson sets the whole family into a Thanksgiving holiday filled with appreciation, joy and family adventure.   Part One: "Two Magic Words" is about how brother and sister turn a long drive to Grandma's into a magical quest to bring gratitude into every part of the trip.     If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Gratitude Stories Collection. It's called "Strong, Warm, and Grateful"   In this story, 7-year old Clancy is having a difficult day in which nothing seems to go his way. The Willow Tree takes him to the forests of Siberia where he meets a group of Yakutian Cows who live in very harsh, cold conditions. But do they complain? No, they keep strong and warm by feeling gratitude for what they have.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia: More Adventures Collection. It's called "A Little Bit of Light"   Every year when the trees have all lost their leaves and the ground starts to frost in the morning, brother and sister start to make their lanterns for their annual lantern festival. This year they can't go their normal route and need to choose another place to walk. When Martin suggests going next door to visit the doctor's house, Sylvia worries that it will be too dark. But the magic of the evening shows her just how much can be seen with the light of a single lantern.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia's Family Tree of Stories Collection. It's called "Part Six: Nanni's Story." Nanni's story is about how she loved to sing to horses when her father, a large animal vet, was treating them. The horses always responded. When her father took her to the Kentucky Derby to treat one of the competing horses, a most incredible opportunity presented itself. This is a story about what magic can happen when you authentically wish to help others. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the So Many Fairies Halloween Story collection. It's called "Halloween Story: Part One."   We meet Henry - a creative, delightful boy who would very much like to be an elf. When the Halloween season begins, he throws himself into preparation, for this year he will get to try on his elf-ness! He also meets Brie, a classmate who invites him to trick-or-treat in her neighborhood. On Halloween eve they immediately see that this is no ordinary Halloween: Henry-the-Elf and Brie-the-Cat discover a "Story House," and the adventure begins.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia's Halloween collection. It's called "Part One: The Thinning of the Veils"   The stories follow the events that unfold over the few days before Halloween as the creative brother and sister prepare for their annual Fairy Ball.   Part One: "The Thinning of the Veils" While Martin and Sylvia wait for the invitations to arrive for their annual Halloween Fairy Ball, Sylvia spies something curious sticking out of the toy shelf in their bedroom. She examines it, and finds that it is an orange piece of paper with a drawing — and on the drawing is a red “X.” Martin declares that it must be a treasure map! And thus brother and sister are launched on a cross-town treasure hunt. Where will it lead them?   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia: Dress Up collection. It's called "Part One: Grown-Up Costumes."   One morning, Martin and Sylvia notice that Daddy is taking a particularly long time to get dressed. He's headed to a very big meeting, and he wants to look just right. When they see the ways colorful choices help inspire his attitude, they begin to wonder: what special clothing items might inspire their own outings?   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia: Saturdays! collection. It's called "Sudden Story."   During a visit to Grandma's, brother and sister are inspired by some street performers who create a "flash performance" in the park. They too want to tell a story publicly — and suddenly — without any announcement. When Momma suggests they tell a "sudden story" at Mrs. Brown's birthday party, Martin knows just the right story to tell...   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the By Thistle By Thimble collection. It's called "The Orchardman and the Scarecrow." There is a mystery at Kamwell's apple orchard. How is it that every morning he finds all the ripe apples neatly picked and lying on the soft grass? When he looks around and sees only his scarecrow – he wonders… could it be? If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories collection. It's called "South Dakota: Trying to Do Some Good."   Most people have heard of the rough-and-tumble Wild West character Calamity Jane and her gun toting, hard talking, men's clothes wearing reputation. But like many of the larger-than-life heroes and villains of the American West, the truth is much more subtle and complicated. For when an outbreak of smallpox threatens the gold rush town of Deadwood, South Dakota, it is not the doctor, or the marshal or even the care-taking women of the town that step forward to help, but Calamity Jane who sacrifices her own safety to be of service.   Note: Though this is historical fiction and the characters have been developed to accommodate a story, their attributes and development may be useful as reference points and inspirations.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia: How to Be a Superhero collection. It's called "Part One: Are Superheroes Real?."   When Martin and Sylvia learn about superheroes from their neighborhood friends, their curiosity is instantly piqued. What is a superhero? Are superheroes real? And what do Momma and Daddy means when they say there are real superheroes living in their own town?   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the I Am Marvel (How I Became Super) collection. It's called "Part One: An Introduction."   One Saturday morning, a seemingly ordinary husband, father, and elementary school teacher learns that he has the “mark” of a superhero. The moment he decides to rediscover lost superpowers from his youth, his eyes are opened to community of curious local folk who teach him How to Be Super.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the How to Be Super: The Violet Crown (Book One) collection. It's called "Part One: The Welcome Wall."   In which we are introduced to Dante and his single mother and learn that on the morning of his twelfth birthday, he experiences something incredible: he is struck by lightning. He is fine, but it begins a series of events that leads him to the neighborhood welcome wall where he receives a message that changes everything.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Windward Ho! Fore & Aft (Book One) collection. It's called "Episode One: Periwinkle's Parrot." In this first episode of Windward Ho! book one, Periwinkle "Wink" Mackenzie excitedly waits to purchase the next book in her favorite series, The Windward Chronicles, early on the morning of its release. She never suspects that receiving the new book will be only the beginning of an unforeseen adventure. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Back to School Stories collection. It's called "Libby & Dish: What Is School Time?."   When Libby starts showing some back-to-school energy, Dish knows just how to stoke the fires! Libby has settled into summer and the easy rhythms of life at her grandparents' house. Dish, however, feels ready to get back to their predictable city ways. When the clever cat notices telltale signs that Libby is itching to learn some new skills, he invites her to imagine a glorious return to the city and the delights of School Time.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Life as a Martian collection. It's called "Chapter One: The Anomaly in Greenhorn." When the Nebraska family lands in Greenhorn, there's a lot they don't know — including the fact that they are Martians sent to Earth as undercover researchers. As they become accustomed to their new town, they study the local culture and even shuttle their youngest son to a podcast camp where he hosts a new show ... and reveals their true identity. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from The Willowbee Tree collection. It's called "Introduction Part One: The Lion's Eye." In the backyard of an ordinary house on an ordinary street in an ordinary town, there was once a most extraordinary tree. It was an enormous willow tree and in the middle of its trunk there was a hole. And if you found yourself near that willow tree with a certain wonder stirring in your heart, you might notice a colorful sparkle coming from that hole. And what was that sparkle? An invitation to go somewhere long ago and far far away. This is part one of the Willowbee introduction, called “The Lion's Eye” Six year old Clancy, notices something strange about the willow tree in the back yard of his new house. Could that be a glow coming from the center of the tree? On closer inspection, he finds a large hole and discovers that it leads him to a wonderful land where animals talk and a little boy can play games with giddy zebras, a joyful baboon and a very persnickety lion. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Junkyard Tales: All Together Now Collection. It's called "Let's Get to Work" It is hot in the Junkyard, and the little pond in the back just won't cut it for keeping the Junkyard friends cool. But Ben, Spiro and Sally have an idea: they can make rain! It takes a little ingenuity and a lot of hard work, but in the end, they give a cool gift to all of the Junkyard animals. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the By Thistle By Thimble Collection. It's called "Camp Over The Hills And Far Away."   Frances has a particular camp that she wishes to attend — the only problem is that everyone tells her that it doesn't exist. But one morning at the library, she finds a flier on the floor; it is for a camp named "Over the Hills and Far Away". She soon learns that it is not only the perfect camp, but a place that sees her for who she truly is.   If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.   Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free story comes from the At Home with Martin & Sylvia Collection. It's called "Really Explorers." One morning Daddy wakes brother and sister early in the morning to hike Mount Mooseberry. He and Momma give them the added challenge of leading the way up the trail to discover magical secrets the mountain may be saving for them. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free story comes from the Martin & Sylvia Collection. It's called "Spy Team." Listen here!  Martin's friend Julian is coming over and Sylvia knows that he loves to play spies. Sylvia likes spies too but she really wants to be on Martin and Julian's team - not by herself. When Julian suggests they all be together, Martin wonders who they will spy on. Their solution makes for an exciting afternoon. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy! 

This week's Free story comes from the Libby & Dish Collection. It's called "Introduction Part Two: Adventure Checklist." Libby and Dish prepare for Libby's outing to the city with their Adventure Checklist. All four items — including a Mask of On-and-Off Invisibility and a Shelter Cloak of Safekeeping — serve to provide Libby with everything she needs for the trip. Ready for a little detective work, she ventures out and finds the first clue in the elevator, thanks to Mr. Bhachu, her neighbor. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Stories for Boredom collection. It's called "A Trip to Boredomville" In this Sparkle Car story, "A Trip to Boredomville," Javon goes to visit his Pappi at a cabin in the woods for a month. He is convinced the month will be the most boring time of his life — that is, until his Grandfather introduces him to Boredomville, and the whole world transforms into one of wonder and exciting possibilities. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com  Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com  Enjoy!

This week's free story comes from the Junkyard Tales: All Together Now collection. It's called "Now That's a Camp!" Ben wants to create a summer camp for the mice, but he isn't sure how to do it. Sally gives him advice and encourages him to enroll the other Junkyard animals — but Ben knows they are all very busy. When he suggests they all offer to teach something they truly love, the camp quickly comes together. And what a unique camp it is! If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com  Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com  Enjoy!

This week's Free story comes from the Sparkle Car Collection. It's called "Our First Trip Together." Listen Now! Included in this episode is an original Martin and Sylvia story called “A Visit from Uncle Phil”: In this story, Daddy's adventuring friend Phil comes to visit for the weekend. And a visit from “Uncle Phil” means a whole lot of fun. Brother and sister have great ideas about what they'd each like to do, but they can't seem to agree. When Uncle Phil arrives, he challenges them to find something they can all do together! With a little story magic from Uncle Phil, sibling harmony is found once again. Also included: “The Bremen Town Musicians”, a story collected by the Brother's Grimm and “East of the Sun and West of the Moon”, a story from Norway. Woven between the stories are some long “staircase” verses that everyone can join in, as well as some fun and original car games. If you enjoyed that story, there are hundreds and hundreds more where that came from. Try a Sparkle subscription now - for free. Go to www.sparklestories.com and click the button at the top that says “Start Free Trial,” then you can listen to our giant library as much as you like, anytime you like.  Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com  Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com  Enjoy!

This week's Free story comes from the Junkyard Tales: All Together Now Collection. It's called "The Pirate Queen." Listen now!  Georgia Bean, the kindly rat, is looking for something for the mice to do. The other animals suggest putting on a play and all offer to help in the production. They agree on a pirate theme, but everyone is surprised when one of the mice takes her part very very seriously. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions?  Ideas?  Requests? Email us!  info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!