Podcasts about children's stories

La Mongolfiera Di VetroChe magnifica luna piena!Aprile inoltrato.La Valle di San Fernando brillava dolcemente.Piccole luci lampeggiavano piano,come lucciole elettriche nei sogni d'estate.In un piccolo giardino,sotto un vecchio limone saggio,stava per succedere qualcosa di speciale.Perché gli alberi di limone, sapete,nascondono delicati segreti;sussurri magici, pazientemente custodititra i loro frutti, fiori e rami.In alto, al sicuro,il Signor e la Signora Colibrì aspettavano.Piccoli cuori vibranti di speranza.Guardavano attenti,mentre piccole uova si incrinavano, sussurravano e si schiudevanosotto il cielo caldo della California.Jack e Sally arrivarono.Inizialmente con gli occhi chiusi,riposando tranquilli sotto il calore della mamma.I giorni passavano lievemente.Presto gli occhi si aprirono ele piume crescevano, distendendosi delicatamente.Dal loro nido contemplavano con meravigliail mondo vivace del giardino:uccelli che cantavano, fiori che mormoravano,api che ronzavano incessantemente e scoiattoli che si rincorrevano felici saltando da un albero all'altro come se avessero bevuto un po' troppo caffè, ma proprio troppo davvero!"Calmatevi un po'," esclamò Sally con coraggio dal nido."Stiamo ancora imparando come si fa a essere colibrì!"Il giardino tacque per un attimo,sorrise silenziosamente,e rispose gentilmente,"Benvenuto, Jack! Benvenuta, Sally! Benvenuti nella Valle!"I giorni si trasformarono in settimane. Sally stese le ali,piccole piume si facevano ogni ora più forti,esercitandosi e preparandosiper toccare il cielo dei suoi sogni.Finalmente, il grande giorno arrivò."Guardami, Jack!" cantò Sally gioiosa,e con un battito coraggioso, lasciò il nido.Volò, piano all'inizio, poi più veloce,girando, ridendo, librandosisopra i fiori e sotto i rami,mentre tutto il giardino applaudiva e tifava.Jack guardò dal nido, silenzioso.La sua ala sinistra, accuratamente ripiegata,era ancora incerta.Il giardino trattenne il respiro, felice per Sally,ma delicatamente preoccupato per Jack."Arriverà anche il tuo momento, caro," sussurrò piano la signora Colibrì,baciando Jack sulla fronte. "Credici."Quella stessa notte, mentre le stelle riempivano il cielo,Jack fissò la piccola Mongolfiera di Vetro che, appesa ad un ramo del limone, oscillava dolcemente nella brezza serale.Una decorazione, un tramonto imprigionato,illuminata dolcemente da dentro dalle fiamme danzanti che, forse erano finte,ma solo se non si credeva nella magia. Jack ci credeva.Si equilibrò con attenzione, saltellando piano, coraggiosamente, di ramo in ramo,verso il pallone luminoso che continuava a danzare mosso dal vento come se stesse volando nel cielo.Senza esitazione, saltò dentro la piccola cesta. All'improvviso, scintille brillarono. Vortici danzarono.La magia si risvegliò sotto le piume, mentre la Mongolfiera di Vetro saliva, alzandosi lentamente nell'aria della sera."Jack!" esclamò Sally, gli occhi pieni di stupore.Volò subito accanto a lui, ridendo.Insieme si librarono, volteggiando felici,mentre il giardino applaudiva più forte che mai.Persino il signore e la signora Colibrì sbatterono gli occhi, stupiti,sorridendo fieri dei loro coraggiosi figli."Sai," disse un gufo anziano,sorridendo saggiamente da un ramo vicino,"se segui il tramonto, attraverso il canyon, arriverai al Grande Oceano Blu."Il cuore di Jack vibrò di coraggio."Vieni con me, Sally!" disse, gli occhi brillanti.E Sally non esitò. Si unì a Jack sulla mongolfierae insieme volarono più in alto e più lontano,oltre la valle, sopra tortuosi canyons,verso raggi dorati che si fondevano con il blu infinito.L'oceano apparve, scintillante e senza fine,le onde sussurravano dolcemente segreti illuminati lievemente da quel che rimaneva di un tramonto.Sotto, il molo di Malibù brillava caldo e accogliente,accarezzato dall'Oceano Pacifico e dal vento. Tutta la baia dava il benvenuto ai coraggiosi avventurieri.Jack respirò profondamente, col cuore pieno.Aveva trovato il suo modo di volare, di librarsi in cielo,non cercando di essere come gli altri,ma abbracciando ciò che era veramente.Perché non sono i limiti a definirci,ma il nostro coraggio di sognare,la nostra volontà di credere,e la magia che portiamo dentro.Perché niente, ma proprio niente, può fermare chi osa sognare.-- Scritta da Marco Ciappelli  Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

What a magnificent full moon!Late April.The San Fernando Valley shimmered gently.Tiny lights flickered softly,like electric fireflies in summer dreams.In a small garden,beneath an old wise lemon tree,something special was about to happen.Because lemon trees, you know,hide delicate secrets;magical whispers, patiently guardedamong their fruits, flowers and branches.Up high, safe and sound,Mr and Mrs Hummingbird waited.Little hearts vibrating with hope.They watched carefully,as small eggs cracked, whispered and hatchedunder California's warm sky.Jack and Sally arrived.At first with their eyes closed,resting peacefully in the warmth of their mother.Days passed gently.Soon their eyes opened andfeathers grew, stretching softly.From their nest they gazed with wonderat the lively world of the garden:birds singing, flowers murmuring,bees buzzing tirelesslyand squirrels chasing each other merrily,leaping from tree to treeas if they'd had a little too much coffee;far too much, in fact!“Calm down a bit,” exclaimed Sally bravely from the nest.“We're still learning how to be hummingbirds!”The garden fell silent for a moment,smiled quietly,and kindly replied,“Welcome, Jack! Welcome, Sally! Welcome to the Valley!”Days turned into weeks. Sally stretched her wings,tiny feathers growing stronger by the hour,training and preparingto reach the sky of her dreams.At last, the big day came.“Watch me, Jack!” sang Sally joyfully,and with a brave flutter, she left the nest.She flew—slowly at first, then faster;twirling, laughing, gliding above the flowers and below the branches,while the whole garden cheered and clapped.Jack watched from the nest, silent.His left wing, carefully folded, was still unsure.The garden held its breath, happy for Sally,but gently concerned for Jack.“Your moment will come too, dear,” whispered Mrs Hummingbird softly,kissing Jack on the forehead. “Believe in it.”That very night, as stars filled the sky,Jack stared at the little Glass Hot-Air Balloon that,hanging from a branch of the lemon tree,swayed gently in the evening breeze.An ornament, a sunset trapped,gently lit from within by dancing flames that, perhaps, were fake,but only if you didn't believe in magic.Jack believed.He balanced carefully, hopping softly,bravely, from branch to branch,towards the glowing balloon that kept on dancing in the windas if it were flying through the sky.Without hesitation, he jumped into the tiny basket.Suddenly, sparks shimmered. Whirls danced.Magic awakened beneath his feathers,as the Glass Hot-Air Balloon rose,lifting slowly into the evening air.“Jack!” exclaimed Sally, eyes full of wonder.She flew right up next to him, laughing.Together they soared, joyfully twirling,while the garden clapped louder than ever.Even Mr and Mrs Hummingbird blinked in astonishment,smiling proudly at their brave children.“You know,” said an old owl,smiling wisely from a nearby branch,“if you follow the sunset, through the canyon,you'll reach the Great Blue Ocean.”Jack's heart fluttered with courage.“Come with me, Sally!” he said, eyes shining.And Sally didn't hesitate.She joined Jack on the hot-air balloonand together they flew higher and farther,beyond the valley, over winding canyons,towards golden rays blending with endless blue.The ocean appeared—glittering, infinite;the waves whispering gentle secretslit softly by what was left of the sunset.Below, the Malibu pier glowed warm and welcoming,caressed by the Pacific Ocean and the breeze.The whole bay greeted the brave adventurers.Jack breathed deeply, heart full.He had found his way to fly, to soar in the sky;not by trying to be like the others,but by embracing who he truly was.Because it's not our limits that define us,but our courage to dream,our will to believe,and the magic we carry within.Because nothing,absolutely nothing,can stop those who dare to dream.- Written by Marco Ciappelli Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

Hello Listerooni! It's your friendly neighbourhood Spider Nan here.  I'm sorry I can't be here for this LOLcast recording as I'm on holidays - OOPS - I mean doing a podcasting course at a fancy resort - Oops- I mean a VERY fancy resort. Comedy Festival is over here in sMelbourne so The boys are back in the dog-washing trailer/podcast studio and they've made a brand-new episode of The Listies Make You LOLcast!

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Soren's Secret Grove: An Easter Adventure Unfolds Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2025-04-02-22-34-02-no Story Transcript:No: Det var en lys vårmorgen i det norske landskapet.En: It was a bright spring morning in the norske landscape.No: Fuglene sang, og en frisk bris rullet over de grønne åsene.En: The birds were singing, and a fresh breeze rolled over the green hills.No: Skolen hadde planlagt et påskeeventyr for elevene, og alle var spente.En: The school had planned an Easter adventure for the students, and everyone was excited.No: Blant dem var Soren, en stille gutt med et stort hjerte for eventyr.En: Among them was Soren, a quiet boy with a big heart for adventure.No: Soren sto ved siden av de andre barna og så på kartet over området.En: Soren stood next to the other children and looked at the map of the area.No: Astrid og Lars snakket høyt om hvor de burde gå.En: Astrid and Lars talked loudly about where they should go.No: "Vi skal se den gamle gården," sa Astrid.En: "We should see the old farm," said Astrid.No: Lars nikket ivrig, og snart var hele gruppen på vei.En: Lars nodded eagerly, and soon the whole group was on their way.No: Mens de andre lo og tullet, gikk tankene til Soren andre steder.En: While the others laughed and joked, Soren's thoughts wandered elsewhere.No: Han hadde hørt om et spesielt sted i denne delen av landet, en gjemt lund med vakre blomster som bare blomstret i påsken.En: He had heard of a special place in this part of the country, a hidden grove with beautiful flowers that only bloomed at Easter.No: Soren ønsket å finne dette stedet, men hvordan kunne han fortelle de andre?En: Soren wanted to find this place, but how could he tell the others?No: De ville kanskje ikke høre på ham.En: They might not listen to him.No: Under lunsjpausen, mens andre elever spiste og pratet, bestemte Soren seg.En: During the lunch break, while other students ate and chatted, Soren made a decision.No: Han smøg seg bort fra gruppen og fulgte en liten sti.En: He snuck away from the group and followed a small path.No: Hjertet hans banket.En: His heart was pounding.No: Kunne han virkelig finne lunden?En: Could he really find the grove?No: Snart åpnet skogen seg, og der, som i en drøm, lå blomsterlunden.En: Soon the forest opened up, and there, as if in a dream, lay the flower grove.No: Hvite og lilla blomster strakte seg så langt han kunne se.En: White and purple flowers stretched as far as he could see.No: Soren ble fylt med glede.En: Soren was filled with joy.No: Men han kunne ikke holde dette for seg selv.En: But he could not keep this to himself.No: Han løp tilbake til gruppen, usikker på om han skulle si noe.En: He ran back to the group, unsure if he should say anything.No: Men han satte seg ved siden av Astrid og Lars og sa, "Jeg har funnet noe.En: But he sat down next to Astrid and Lars and said, "I found something."No: "Astrid og Lars så på hverandre.En: Astrid and Lars looked at each other.No: "Hva har du funnet, Soren?En: "What did you find, Soren?"No: " spurte Lars.En: asked Lars.No: Søren følte varmen bre seg i ansiktet, men han svarte selvsikkert, "En hemmelig blomsterlund.En: Soren felt warmth spreading across his face, but he answered confidently, "A secret flower grove.No: Den er vakker.En: It's beautiful.No: Dere må bli med og se.En: You have to come and see."No: "Til sin overraskelse smilte Astrid og Lars.En: To his surprise, Astrid and Lars smiled.No: De fulgte etter Soren, og snart sto de i lunden.En: They followed Soren, and soon they were in the grove.No: Alle var tause av dens skjønnhet.En: Everyone was silent at its beauty.No: "Hvordan fant du denne?En: "How did you find this?"No: " spurte Astrid overrasket.En: asked Astrid in amazement.No: "Jeg bare fulgte kartet i hodet mitt," svarte Soren.En: "I just followed the map in my head," replied Soren.No: De tre vennene satt sammen i den duftende blomsterengen til solen nesten gikk ned.En: The three friends sat together in the fragrant meadow until the sun almost set.No: De lo og pratet om hvor spesielle de følte seg for å kunne dele noe så vakkert.En: They laughed and talked about how special they felt to be able to share something so beautiful.No: Soren hadde endret seg.En: Soren had changed.No: Han innså at han kunne fullføre sine egne mål.En: He realized that he could achieve his own goals.No: Han visste nå at han kunne lede.En: He now knew that he could lead.No: Selv med få ord hadde han mye å gi.En: Even with few words, he had much to give.No: Han så på Astrid og Lars, sine nye venner, og visste at han ikke lenger sto alene i mengden.En: He looked at Astrid and Lars, his new friends, and knew that he no longer stood alone in the crowd. Vocabulary Words:bright: lyslandscape: landskapbreeze: brishills: åseneadventure: eventyrexcited: spentewandered: gikkhidden: gjemtgrove: lundbloomed: blomstretpounding: banketfragrant: duftendemeadow: blomsterengachieve: fullføregoals: måljoy: gledejoked: tulletamazement: overrasketplanned: planlagtbreak: lunsjpausenquiet: stillelaughed: loconfidently: selvsikkertsurprise: overraskelsesilent: tausespecial: spesiellelead: ledeshare: delespread: brecrowd: mengden

La Tribù delle Scarpe Erranti | Parte Tre e Quattro: L'Inverno, la Primavera e il RitornoTrascorsa l'estate splendente di luce e l'autunno piovigginoso ma affascinante nei suoi colori, la Tribù delle Scarpe Erranti ripartì per nuove avventure misteriose, sorprendenti e, naturalmente, un po' pericolose. Più decise che mai, pronte a superare ogni prova, ripresero il loro viaggio.L'inverno non si fece attendere: a dicembre arrivò la prima neve sulle montagne. La Tribù salì su un pullman diretto alle Dolomiti, dove i monti innevati all'orizzonte le aspettavano. Appena sistemate in albergo, l'entusiasmo prese il sopravvento. Non vedevano l'ora di tuffarsi nella neve fresca e costruire un gigantesco pupazzo di neve! Si misero subito all'opera, accumulando palate su palate di neve. Con una scaletta, scalino dopo scalino, raggiunsero l'altezza del viso. Due palline per occhi, una carota per naso, una pipa in bocca e una sciarpa avvolta intorno al collo: era perfetto!“Brrr! Che freddo!” — esclamò una di loro, e tutte, guardandosi le punte, si accorsero che erano completamente congelate.“Qui ci vuole un miracolo!” — dichiarò una scarpa con aria solenne.“Magari un termosifone portatile…” — mormorò un'altra con i lacci tremanti.Decisero di chiamare il Soccorso Alpino, che arrivò con un jet supersonico carico di borse d'acqua calda, tè bollente e coperte termiche. Ma proprio in quel momento, la stazione meteorologica situata su una navetta spaziale in cima alla montagna segnalò l'arrivo di una violenta bufera di neve. La Tribù, preoccupata, chiese di tornare subito a valle, ma il jet non poteva trasportarle in modo tradizionale. L'unica soluzione? Catapultarle come palle di neve avvolte nelle coperte termiche!“Ehm… scusate, ma qualcuno ha mai provato questo sistema prima?” — chiese una delle scarpe con sospetto.“No, ma che vuoi che succeda?” — rispose un'altra.“Male che vada, ci spalmeremo sulla neve come marmellata su una fetta di pane!”Il volo fu rocambolesco: rimbalzarono contro una cabinovia, fecero roteare in aria un paio di aquile e avvoltoi che, sorpresi, esclamarono: “Oh! Oh!”Fortunatamente, gli abeti della montagna offrirono loro un morbido atterraggio con i rami innevati. Le scarpe atterrarono slacciate, un po' ammaccate, ma salve.“Mi sa che abbiamo inventato il primo sport estremo per calzature,” — commentò una, ancora stordita.Gli abitanti del borgo sottostante le trovarono e, colpiti dalla loro storia, le portarono dal vecchio calzolaio del paese. L'uomo, con decenni di esperienza nella riparazione di scarpe da montagna, rimase inizialmente perplesso nel vedere quel gruppo colorato e malandato. Quella notte, il calzolaio non riuscì a dormire, riflettendo su come aggiustarle. All'alba, con determinazione, si mise al lavoro.“No, no, aiuto! Mi farai male!” — protestò la scarpa viola alla vista degli attrezzi.“Ma figurati!” — rispose il calzolaio con un sorriso. “Sono anni che rimetto a nuovo scarponi da montagna. Farò di te una scarpa nuova di zecca, fidati!” E così, con mani esperte, cucì, incollò e ravvivò i colori, lavorando con passione finché tutte le scarpe tornarono splendenti.La Tribù trascorse giorni felici nel borgo. Con il Natale alle porte, aiutarono a decorare le strade illuminate, gli alberi innevati e le vetrine dei negozi. Ormai tutti conoscevano la loro storia e le chiamavano a destra e a sinistra per consigli sugli addobbi e l'atmosfera era magica e festosa.Presto, le giornate si fecero più luminose e si percepiva nell'aria il risveglio della primavera. L'avventura sulla neve era ormai alle spalle, ma una nuova sfida era pronta ad aspettarle. La Tribù cominciava a sentire la mancanza della città da cui era partita e decise di tornare. Si misero in marcia una dietro l'altra e alla prima rotatoria presero la strada giusta. Seguirono il percorso di un ruscello e, dopo un lungo tragitto, si fermarono sulla riva a riposare.Entrarono a filo d'acqua per rinfrescarsi, quando una di loro, più scaltra delle altre, notò qualcosa di strano sotto alcuni rami secchi.“Venite, venite!” — chiamò.Le altre corsero curiose e, con un grande sforzo, riuscirono a raddrizzare ciò che si rivelò essere una vecchia barchetta di legno rovesciata. Saltarono su spintonandosi.“Passo prima io!”“No, prima io!”Bisticciavano fra di loro inciampando nei lacci, ma considerato che erano un po' stanche a forza di camminare, presero ognuna il proprio posto. Ben presto si accorsero di un problema.“Ehm… qualcuno ha visto i remi?”“Oh no! E ora come facciamo a muoverci?”Proprio in quel momento, un luccio lucente e una carpa gigante emersero dalle onde spumeggianti e, senza dire una parola, spinsero la barchetta facendola scivolare sull'acqua fino a sollevarla in aria.“Ma… è magia!” — esclamò una scarpa, incredula.Quando il ruscello si allargò in un fiume, intravidero in lontananza la loro città. I due straordinari pesci le fecero sbarcare sulla riva e, in un battito di ciglia, scomparvero tra i riflessi dorati dell'acqua.“Perdindirindina, cosa è successo?” — esclamarono tutte.Ancora incredule e silenziose, si avviarono verso il grande parco alberato della città. Distese sull'erba, guardarono il cielo azzurro e si resero conto di quanto gli fosse mancato il grande negozio affollato e il via vai della gente. Fu allora che notarono qualcosa di strano. Per la prima volta, osservarono con attenzione l'insegna luminosa sopra l'ingresso: “Grandi Magazzini Sorelle Soletta”Si guardarono tra loro incredule. La Streghetta Soletta… era la proprietaria del negozio!Una volta sistemate sugli scaffali, con i lacci ben tirati e le suole lucidate, le scarpe si guardarono tra loro sorridendo.“Che avventura ragazzi…” — disse la scarpa viola con un sospiro.“Eh già,” — rispose quella rossa, “ma quanto è bello tornare qui!”“Con tutto il rispetto per le aquile, i calzolai e i pesci volanti… niente batte il profumo del negozio al mattino,” — aggiunse la scarpa blu con aria sognante.“E poi qui abbiamo le tende, i camerini, e i clienti che ci provano con cura…”“…senza contare la Streghetta Soletta che ci protegge e ci osserva!” Si misero tutte a ridere.“Insomma,” — concluse quella con i lacci dorati,“viaggiare è bellissimo, ma tornare a casa lo è ancora di più.”E da quel giorno, ogni volta che un cliente, bambino o adulto, sceglieva una di loro, partiva un'altra storia. Ma questa… ovviamente… è un'altra avventura! Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

The Tribe of the Wandering Shoes | Part Three & Four | Winter, Spring, and the ReturnAfter a summer shining with light and an autumn drizzly but fascinating in its colors, the Tribe of the Wandering Shoes set off again for new adventures—mysterious, surprising, and of course, a little dangerous. More determined than ever, ready to overcome any challenge, they resumed their journey Winter didn't take long to arrive: in December, the first snow fell on the mountains. The Tribe boarded a coach headed to the Dolomites, where the snow-covered peaks waited for them on the horizon. As soon as they settled into the hotel, excitement took over. They couldn't wait to dive into the fresh snow and build a giant snowman! They got straight to work, shoveling pile after pile of snow. With a little ladder, step by step, they reached the height of the face. Two buttons for eyes, a carrot for a nose, a pipe in the mouth, and a scarf wrapped around the neck—it was perfect!“Brrr! It's freezing!” — exclaimed one of them, and they all looked down at their tips and saw they were completely frozen.“We need a miracle!” — declared one shoe with a solemn tone.“Maybe a portable radiator…” — mumbled another, her laces trembling.They decided to call the Alpine Rescue Team, which arrived with a supersonic jet packed with hot water bottles, boiling tea, and thermal blankets. But just then, the weather station—mounted on a space ship at the top of the mountain—reported a severe snowstorm on the way. The Tribe, worried, asked to return immediately to the valley, but the jet couldn't transport them in the traditional way. The only solution? Catapult them down like snowballs wrapped in thermal blankets!“Um… excuse me, but has anyone ever tried this system before?” — asked one shoe, suspicious.“No, but what could possibly go wrong?” — replied another.“Worst case, we'll end up spread across the snow like jam on toast!”The flight was wild: they bounced off a cable car, spun an eagle and a couple of vultures into the air, who, surprised, exclaimed, “Oh! Oh!”Fortunately, the mountain pines gave them a soft landing with their snowy branches. The shoes landed unlaced, a bit bruised, but safe.“I think we just invented the first extreme sport for footwear,” — commented one, still dizzy.The villagers in the valley found them and, touched by their story, brought them to the old cobbler in town. The man, with decades of experience repairing mountain shoes, was initially puzzled to see such a colorful and battered bunch. That night, the cobbler couldn't sleep, wondering how to fix them. At dawn, with determination, he got to work.“No, no, help! You're going to hurt me!” — protested the purple shoe at the sight of the tools.“Oh please!” — said the cobbler with a smile.“I've been bringing mountain boots back to life for years. You'll be brand new, trust me!”And so, with expert hands, he stitched, glued, and brightened their colors, working passionately until every shoe looked spectacular again.The Tribe spent happy days in the village. With Christmas around the corner, they helped decorate the lit-up streets, snow-covered trees, and shop windows. By then, everyone knew their story and called them left and right for advice on decorations, and the atmosphere was magical and festive.Soon, the days grew brighter and you could feel the awakening of spring in the air. Their snowy adventure was behind them, but a new challenge was waiting ahead. The Tribe started to miss the city they had left and decided to go back. They marched in single file and took the right road at the first roundabout. They followed a little stream and, after a long walk, stopped by the bank to rest. They stepped into the shallow water to cool off, when one of them, sharper than the others, noticed something strange beneath some dry branches.“Come here, come here!” — she called out.The others rushed over curiously, and with great effort, they managed to flip over what turned out to be an old wooden boat. They jumped in, nudging each other.“I'm going first!”“No, me first!”They bickered, tripping over their own laces, but since they were a bit tired from walking, each one took her place. Soon, they noticed a problem.“Um… has anyone seen the oars?”“Oh no! Now how do we move?”Just then, a shiny pike and a giant shimmering carp emerged from the foamy waves and, without saying a word, began to push the boat, gliding it along the stream and lifting it into the air.“But… this is magic!” — gasped one shoe, amazed.As the stream widened into a river, they spotted their city in the distance. The two extraordinary fish dropped them off on the shore and, in the blink of an eye, vanished into the golden reflections of the water.“Good gracious, what just happened?” — they all exclaimed.Still stunned and silent, they headed toward the big tree-lined park in the city. Lying in the grass, they looked up at the blue sky and realized just how much they had missed their busy store and the bustling crowd. That's when they noticed something strange.For the first time, they looked carefully at the glowing sign above the entrance: “Sorelle Soletta Department Store”They stared at each other, wide-eyed. The Little Witch Soletta… was the owner of the shop!Once placed back on the shelves, with their laces tied tight and their soles polished, the shoes smiled at one another.“What an adventure, folks…” — sighed the purple shoe.“Oh yeah,” — replied the red one, “but it's so nice to be back here!”“With all due respect to eagles, cobblers, and flying fish… nothing beats the smell of the shop in the morning,” — added the blue shoe dreamily.“And here we've got curtains, changing rooms, and customers who try us on gently…”“…not to mention Little Witch Soletta watching over us!” They all burst out laughing. “In the end,” — concluded the one with golden laces, “traveling is wonderful… but coming home is even better.”And from that day on, every time a child or an adult chose one of them, a new story began.But that one… well… that's another adventure! Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Curiosity Unleashed: A Boy's Journey Through Bergen's Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2025-03-17-22-34-02-no Story Transcript:No: Den grønne vårbrisen fylte markedet i Bergen med liv og farger.En: The green spring breeze filled the market in Bergen with life and colors.No: Blomstrende trær strakte sine grener over de brosteinsbelagte gatene, hvor boder med håndverk og krydder spredte seg som et hav av muligheter.En: Blooming trees stretched their branches over the cobblestone streets, where stalls with crafts and spices spread out like a sea of possibilities.No: Sjømannen Odin, en eldre lærer kjent for sin lidenskap for historie, ledet en gruppe ivrige skolebarn gjennom mylderet av lyder og dufter.En: The seaman Odin, an elderly teacher known for his passion for history, led a group of eager schoolchildren through the bustle of sounds and scents.No: Blant dem var Soren, en gutt med store drømmer og en viss usikkerhet i blikket.En: Among them was Soren, a boy with big dreams and a certain uncertainty in his eyes.No: Soren fulgte i klassens fotspor, men følte seg mer som en tilskuer i stedet for en deltaker.En: Soren followed in the class's footsteps but felt more like a spectator rather than a participant.No: "Hva om jeg finner noe spesielt?En: "What if I find something special?"No: " hvisket han til Astrid, hans beste venn.En: he whispered to Astrid, his best friend.No: Astrid smilte oppmuntrende, men forsvant snart inn i folkemengden, opptatt av samtaler og latter.En: Astrid smiled encouragingly but soon disappeared into the crowd, caught up in conversations and laughter.No: Soren lente hodet bakover og så opp mot den klare, blå himmelen.En: Soren tilted his head back and looked up at the clear, blue sky.No: Rundt ham diskuterte elevene livlig de ulike varene og historiene Odin delte.En: Around him, the students were lively discussing the various goods and the stories Odin shared.No: Soren lyttet, men hjertet hans banket for noe mer - noe unikt han kunne oppdage på egen hånd.En: Soren listened, but his heart was beating for something more—something unique he could discover on his own.No: Etter å ha samlet mot seg, tok Soren et dypt åndedrag og forlot gruppen litt.En: After gathering his courage, Soren took a deep breath and left the group a little.No: Han lot seg lede til en mindre, avsidesliggende del av markedet, hvor lydene var dempet og lyset danset mellom teltduker.En: He let himself be led to a smaller, secluded part of the market, where the sounds were muted and the light danced between the tent canvases.No: Der, i skyggen av en gammel eik, satt en eldre smed ved sin ambolt.En: There, in the shadow of an old oak, sat an older blacksmith by his anvil.No: Arbeidet hans var forsiktig, men presist, som om han håndterte noe kostbart.En: His work was careful but precise, as if he were handling something precious.No: "Hva lager du?En: "What are you making?"No: " spurte Soren nysgjerrig, men sjenert.En: Soren asked curiously, but shyly.No: Den eldre mannen, som heter Gunnar, så opp og smilte med øyne som hadde sett alt.En: The older man, named Gunnar, looked up and smiled with eyes that had seen it all.No: "Dette er et gammelt skjold," svarte han.En: "This is an old shield," he replied.No: "Det har en historie skjult i hver riper.En: "It has a story hidden in every scratch."No: "Soren satte seg ned, fascinert av detaljene på det gamle metallet.En: Soren sat down, fascinated by the details on the old metal.No: Han spurte mennene flere spørsmål, glemte alt om sin tidligere usikkerhet.En: He asked the man more questions, forgetting all about his earlier uncertainty.No: Snart, nysgjerrige på Sorens oppdagelse, samlet flere klassekamerater seg rundt smeden.En: Soon, curious about Soren's discovery, more classmates gathered around the blacksmith.No: Odin førte gruppen tilbake etter å ha hørt om deres oppdagelse.En: Odin led the group back after hearing about their discovery.No: "Godt funnet, Soren!En: "Well found, Soren!"No: " utbrøt han.En: he exclaimed.No: "Du har virkelig et øye for historie.En: "You really have an eye for history."No: "Ved dagens slutt stod Soren i spissen for samtalene om funnet sitt.En: By the end of the day, Soren was leading the conversations about his find.No: Peersene lyttet, ivrige etter å høre historien han hadde vært med å oppdage.En: His peers listened, eager to hear the story he had helped discover.No: En stolthet vokste i hjertet hans.En: A pride grew in his heart.No: Da dagen kom til en slutt, gikk Soren hjemover med Astrid ved sin side, hjertet fullt av ny glede.En: As the day came to an end, Soren walked home with Astrid by his side, his heart full of new joy.No: For første gang følte han seg som en del av noe større.En: For the first time, he felt like a part of something bigger.No: Markedet var ikke lenger bare et sted, men en bro til fortiden, og Soren visste nå at hans nysgjerrighet kunne lede ham til fantastiske steder.En: The market was no longer just a place but a bridge to the past, and Soren now knew that his curiosity could lead him to fantastic places. Vocabulary Words:breeze: vårbrisencobblestone: brosteinsbelagtestall: bodercraft: håndverkseaman: sjømanneneager: ivrigebustle: mylderetspectator: tilskuerfootsteps: fotsporencouragingly: oppmuntrendecrowd: folkemengdenuncertainty: usikkerhetcourage: motsecluded: avsidesliggendemuted: dempetanvil: amboltcareful: forsiktigprecise: presistprecious: kostbartshyly: sjenertfascinated: fascinertpeer: peersenediscovery: oppdagelsepride: stolthetunique: unikttent canvas: teltdukerhidden: skjultrip: ripersmile: smiltejoy: glede

La bottega delle meraviglie vegetali Con l'arrivo della primavera, sotto il soffice manto della terra, i tuberi e le radici iniziarono a svegliarsi. Le carote stiracchiavano le loro punte arancioni con il ciuffo verde. Le patate rotonde e paffute sussurravano fra di loro.“Sento il tepore del sole anche qui sotto,” disse una barbabietola tutta rossa. “Non vi sembra il momento perfetto per mostrarci al mondo?”“Hai ragione!” rispose entusiasta una cipolla. “Basta restare qui sotto! Voglio brillare tra gli scaffali di un bel negozio.”Così si misero in movimento verso la superficie. La terra si apriva dolcemente per far passare quelle radici allegre e decise. Una volta emerse, iniziarono a passeggiare spensierate tra gli olivi delle colline di Querceto, chiacchierando contente della loro nuova avventura.Lungo il loro cammino, dei passerotti saltavano sui rami e, vedendo l'allegra brigata chiacchierona, subito cinguettarono: “Cip, cip, cip! Dove andate, belle verdure profumate?”“A cercare il negozio più speciale del paese per metterci in mostra,” risposero.Un contadino, che da tanti anni coltivava con passione e si prendeva cura della qualità dei suoi prodotti, le notò e, con delicatezza, le raccolse. Le sistemò in un cesto e le portò fino al negozio di Sesto Fiorentino, che conosceva bene per la sua attenzione ai migliori prodotti della terra.Sull'insegna sopra la vetrina c'era scritto: LA BOTTEGA DELLE MERAVIGLIE VEGETALI.Nelle ceste curate con amore, le carote sfoggiavano il loro arancio vivace, le patate brillavano e persino le cipolle si pavoneggiavano con le loro sfumature lucenti. Anche i ravanelli ridacchiavano e si mettevano in mostra contenti. I clienti non potevano resistere a quello spettacolo di colori e profumi e si fermavano incantati dicendo: “Che verdure spettacolari! Questo sì che è un negozio ben fornito e di qualità.”Le verdure erano soddisfatte di essere apprezzate e comprate — sapevano che avrebbero regalato sapori e sorrisi in ogni cucina con piatti prelibati. Ricche di gusto e nutrienti, erano felici di essere ingredienti sani e genuini per tutti, dai più piccoli ai più grandi, portando in tavola la gioia e il calore di un pasto condiviso in famiglia e con amici, secondo la tradizione italiana.E allora, buon appetito a tutti quanti.  Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

The Wondrous Vegetable ShopWith the arrival of spring, beneath the soft mantle of the earth, tubers and roots began to awaken. The carrots stretched their orange tips with their green tufts. The round and plump potatoes whispered among themselves.“I can feel the warmth of the sun even down here,” said a deep red beetroot. “Doesn't it seem like the perfect moment to show ourselves to the world?”“You're right!” an enthusiastic onion replied. “Enough of staying down here! I want to shine on the shelves of a beautiful shop.”So, they began their journey toward the surface. The earth gently parted to let those cheerful and determined roots pass through. Once they emerged, they started strolling carefree among the olive trees of the Tuscan hills, chatting happily about their new adventure.Along their path, some sparrows hopped on the branches and, seeing the lively and chatty group, immediately chirped: “Chirp, chirp, chirp! Where are you going, fragrant vegetables?”“To find the most special shop in town and put ourselves on display,” they replied.A farmer, who had cultivated with passion for many years and cared deeply about the quality of his produce, noticed them and gently gathered them. He placed them in a basket and took them to a shop in Sesto Fiorentino, well known for its dedication to the finest products of the land.Above the shop's window, the sign read: THE WONDROUS VEGETABLE SHOP.In baskets lovingly arranged, the carrots displayed their vibrant orange color, the potatoes gleamed, and even the onions proudly showed off their shining hues. The radishes giggled and happily put themselves on display as well.Customers couldn't resist such a spectacle of colors and scents and stopped, enchanted, saying: “What spectacular vegetables! Now this is a well-stocked and high-quality shop!”The vegetables were delighted to be appreciated and purchased—they knew they would bring flavors and smiles to every kitchen with delicious dishes. Full of taste and nutrients, they were happy to be healthy and wholesome ingredients for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, bringing to the table the joy and warmth of a meal shared with family and friends, following Italian tradition.And so, buon appetito to everyone! Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

Matt Crawford speaks with lawyer, judge, painter, illustrator and author Etienne Labuschagne about his work and his book, Bedtime Stories for Clever Children. Etienne and I discuss how to broach difficult subjects with children and how to empower them to tackle the challenging moments in life. Many of us try to protect our kids from the moments in life that will test them, but we do them no favors in doing so. 

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Mystery in Montserrat: Schoolkids' Unexpected Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-02-20-23-34-01-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Amb el cel blau d'hivern com a testimoni, el grup d'alumnes de l'escola avançava pels senders sinuosos de Montserrat.En: Under the winter blue sky as witness, the group of school students advanced along the winding paths of Montserrat.Ca: Les agulles de pedra s'elevaven al seu voltant, formant una silueta imponent contra el panorama.En: The stone needles rose around them, forming an imposing silhouette against the panorama.Ca: Els nens estaven emocionats, cada pas al sender era una nova aventura.En: The children were excited; each step on the path was a new adventure.Ca: Martí, amb els ulls brillants de curiositat, mirava al seu voltant buscant alguna cosa més que els camins assenyalats per la mestra.En: Martí, with eyes bright with curiosity, looked around seeking something more than the paths pointed out by the teacher.Ca: Havia sentit rumors d'una cova misteriosa amagada entre les roques. Diuen que guardava secrets antics.En: He had heard rumors of a mysterious cave hidden among the rocks, said to hold ancient secrets.Ca: "Podem buscar-la?" va preguntar Martí, mirant als seus amics Laia i Adrià mentre caminaven.En: "Can we look for it?" Martí asked, looking at his friends Laia and Adrià as they walked.Ca: Laia, amb el cap ben ficat al sender, va sacsejar el cap.En: Laia, with her head well-focused on the path, shook her head.Ca: "La mestra ha dit que no podem sortir dels camins," va dir amb preocupació a la seva veu.En: "The teacher said we can't leave the paths," she said with concern in her voice.Ca: "Podria ser perillós. I, a més, ens ficarem en problemes."En: "It could be dangerous. And besides, we will get in trouble."Ca: Adrià, sempre el mediador, va posar-se entre els dos.En: Adrià, always the mediator, stepped in between the two.Ca: "Anem amb cura," va dir, intentant trobar un punt mitjà.En: "Let's be careful," he said, trying to find a middle ground.Ca: "Però hem de seguir les regles."En: "But we must follow the rules."Ca: Després de caminar una estona més, la mestra va decidir fer una pausa per dinar.En: After walking a bit longer, the teacher decided to take a break for lunch.Ca: Martí, aprofitant aquest moment de llibertat, va mirar als seus amics amb un somriure murri.En: Martí, taking advantage of this moment of freedom, looked at his friends with a mischievous smile.Ca: "És la nostra oportunitat," va xiuxiuejar.En: "It's our chance," he whispered.Ca: "Només uns minuts. Si us plau?"En: "Just a few minutes. Please?"Ca: Després d'una mirada vacil·lant cap a Adrià, Laia va assentir lentament.En: After a hesitant glance at Adrià, Laia slowly nodded.Ca: "D'acord, però només una ullada ràpida," va acordar, la seva curiositat guanyant a la prudència.En: "Alright, but just a quick peek," she agreed, her curiosity winning over caution.Ca: Els tres van sortir del grup i es van dirigir cap a les roques.En: The three left the group and headed towards the rocks.Ca: Després de caminar una estona a través dels arbres despullats, van veure l'entrada d'una cova.En: After walking for a bit through the bare trees, they saw the entrance to a cave.Ca: Els ulls de Martí brillaven d'emoció.En: Martí's eyes glowed with excitement.Ca: "La vam trobar!" va exclamar amb entusiasme.En: "We found it!" he exclaimed enthusiastically.Ca: Però la seva alegria no va durar gaire.En: But their joy didn't last long.Ca: De sobte, un fort tremolor va sacsejar la terra, i unes pedres es van desprendre, bloquejant l'entrada i deixant-los atrapats.En: Suddenly, a strong tremor shook the earth, and some rocks fell, blocking the entrance and leaving them trapped.Ca: Laia va sentir com el seu cor s'accelerava.En: Laia felt her heart race.Ca: "Què fem ara?" va preguntar, amb la veu tremolosa.En: "What do we do now?" she asked, her voice trembling.Ca: Adrià, mantenint la calma, es va girar cap a Martí.En: Adrià, keeping calm, turned to Martí.Ca: "Hem d'intentar sortir i demanar ajuda," va dir decidit.En: "We have to try to get out and call for help," he said determinedly.Ca: "Podem fer soroll per atreure l'atenció."En: "We can make noise to attract attention."Ca: Amb un esforç conjunt, els tres van començar a cridar i a picar les pedres.En: With a joint effort, the three began shouting and banging on the rocks.Ca: El seu soroll va arribar fins als seus companys i professors, que van córrer per veure què passava.En: Their noise reached their classmates and teachers, who ran to see what was happening.Ca: Aviat, els professors van organitzar el rescat, i el grup va ser alliberat de la cova.En: Soon, the teachers organized the rescue, and the group was freed from the cave.Ca: De tornada a l'escola, la mestra els va renyar per desobeir les regles.En: Back at the school, the teacher scolded them for breaking the rules.Ca: Però l'incident va servir perquè Martí aprengués la importància de ser prudent i treballar en equip.En: But the incident served for Martí to learn the importance of being cautious and working as a team.Ca: Laia, tanmateix, va començar a veure les aventures amb ulls més comprensius.En: Laia, however, began to see adventures with more understanding eyes.Ca: "Sabeu," va dir Martí amb un somriure mentre tornaven a casa,En: "You know," Martí said with a smile as they returned home,Ca: "crec que encara podeu ser prudent i divertir-vos al mateix temps."En: "I think you can still be cautious and have fun at the same time."Ca: Laia va somriure i Adrià va assentir amb el cap satisfet.En: Laia smiled and Adrià nodded in agreement.Ca: Una lliçó ben apresa a l'ombra màgica de Montserrat.En: A lesson well-learned under the magical shadow of Montserrat. Vocabulary Words:the silhouette: la siluetathe needle: l'agullathe witness: el testimonito tremble: tremolarthe curiosity: la curiositatthe adventure: l'aventurathe rumor: el rumorthe cave: la covathe path: el senderthe glance: la miradathe teacher: la mestrathe tremor: el tremolorto whisper: xiuxiuejarmischievous: murrithe rescue: el rescatto shake: sacsejarthe secret: el secretthe rule: la reglato nod: assentirto scold: renyarto agree: acordarthe entrance: l'entradato block: bloquejarto bang: picarto free: alliberarthe trouble: el problemathe caution: la prudènciathe earth: la terrato trap: atraparto attract: atreure

SU UNA PANCHINA IN ATTESA DEL TRENOAlla Stazione del Paese, sotto una lunga pensilina di legno, rotaie d'acciaio a destra e a sinistra permettevano ai treni di sfrecciare velocissimi. Ma ogni tanto, alcuni si fermavano e ripartivano senza esitazione, dopo aver fatto scendere e salire i passeggeri.Il nonno aveva promesso più volte al nipote di portarlo a visitare la stazione ferroviaria vicino a casa, ed era proprio lì, in piedi sul marciapiede accanto a lui, che per la prima volta aspettava l'arrivo di un treno. Dopo qualche minuto si sentì un campanello seguito dall'annuncio dell'arrivo.“Treno numero 75265 in arrivo sul binario 2. Viene da quel posto per andare in quell'altro. Fate attenzione e salite se è il vostro. Aspetta poco perché è in ritardo, tanto per cambiare...”Dopo poco, la locomotiva si avvicinò rapidamente e, rallentando, arrivò di fronte a loro in un attimo.Il bambino non aveva mai visto nulla di così impressionante. Aggrappandosi ai pantaloni del nonno, si nascose e urlò:“Aiuto, aiuto, aiuto!”Ai suoi occhi il treno appariva come un gigante di ferro, decorato con strani disegni e incredibilmente misterioso. Una macchina viaggiante su rotaie. Un lungo serpente meccanico, veloce come una saetta: impressionante e sconosciuto, ma allo stesso tempo affascinante.I passeggeri in arrivo scesero dalle porte aperte dei vagoni, e quelli pronti per la partenza salivano subito dopo. Altri andavano avanti e indietro con il loro bagaglio, controllando gli orari sui tabelloni luminosi e montando sul treno che li avrebbe portati dove desideravano.“Forse non è un mostro come sembra. Gli adulti non hanno paura come me.”Pensava il bambino, facendosi coraggio e guardando il nonno, che gli sorrideva prendendolo per mano. Rimasero per un po' alla stazione, seduti sulla panchina a guardare i treni passare, il capostazione che fischiava e la gente che andava e veniva.Sul tramonto, il nonno comprò due gelati alla fragola e pistacchio dal bar della stazione e, gustandoseli, si incamminarono felici verso casa. Alcuni giorni dopo era il compleanno del nipote. Il nonno non aveva avuto dubbi sul regalo. Tornarono alla stazione e, una volta procuratisi due biglietti, gli disse:“Adesso sei abbastanza grande per viaggiare, quindi partiamo per questa tua prima avventura. E vedrai quante ne vivrai quando diventerai grande.”I biglietti erano piuttosto particolari. Infatti, quando il nonno aveva fatto presente che erano per il primo viaggio del nipotino, l'impiegato allo sportello chiamò il Capo Stazione che, una volta aggiornato sulla situazione, tirò fuori dal taschino due biglietti colorati con scritto sopra:Destinazione: Stazione Fine Della CorsaTreno Numero 18674Validi per Andata e RitornoBinario: 2 e 1/2, quasi 3Validi se c'è il sole, piove, nevica, o tira ventoPopcorn e souvenir ricordo inclusi“Boh, che strano.”Pensò il nonno, grattandosi la testa sotto il cappello.“Ma come tutti sanno bene, del Capo Stazione ci si può fidare.”Quindi prese per mano il nipotino e si incamminarono verso il Binario 2 e 1/2, quasi 3.Alcune panchine erano occupate da passeggeri in attesa, ma una era libera e così si sedettero l'uno vicino all'altro. L'emozione vibrava nell'aria come stormi di uccelli migranti verso terre lontane, e l'immaginazione per l'avventura che stava per iniziare cominciò a prendere forma, mentre un venticello leggero sfiorava i loro volti.Il treno era in arrivo!Un fischio, uno stridio dei freni mentre la locomotiva rallentava, e poi il ronzio dei motori. L'annuncio vocale confermò l'arrivo e la destinazione esatta:“Attenzione, attenzione, Treno Numero 18674 in stazione. Partenza imminente per destinazione: Stazione Fine Della Corsa. Tempo incerto durante il viaggio, ma va bene così perché tanto non ci si può far niente. Popcorn caldi e croccanti serviti per tutta la durata del viaggio.”Una volta fermatosi completamente, le portiere si aprirono con un lieve cigolio. Nessuno scese, ma salirono molte persone e in poco tempo tutti i sedili furono occupati, tranne uno in fondo al vagone, dove il nonno si accomodò e il nipote, seduto sulle sue ginocchia, si sentiva al sicuro.Il bambino osservava con attenzione tutto ciò che lo circondava. Nel vagone, alcuni sedili erano girati in avanti ed altri indietro.“Quali seguivano la direzione giusta?”Si chiese per un secondo, ma immediatamente con la sua creatività e fantasia, iniziò a trasformare i viaggiatori in pedine su una scacchiera, pronte per un gioco immaginario.C'era un uomo molto alto e grosso in piedi, all'inizio del vagone, con barba lunga e capelli scuri.“Ecco un orco!”Vicino a lui, una donna paffuta e con lineamenti marcati.“Sicuramente è la signora orca.”Al centro del vagone, una ragazza bionda con occhi celesti intenta a leggere sul telefonino.“Ecco una principessa!”Un uomo super tatuato, con tre orecchini per ogni orecchio e storie incise sulla pelle, aveva un'aria da chi ne ha viste di tutti i colori.“Ecco un esploratore!”Un po' più indietro, una ragazza con un cappello di paglia in testa, grande quasi da coprirle il volto, un abito leggero e braccialetti che le adornavano i polsi:“Ecco una turista!”“Come era possibile collegare in una storia tutti quei personaggi fra di loro così diversi?”Si stava chiedendo mentre il treno iniziò a sbuffare sempre più forte, attraversando pianure, gallerie e colline, finché la voce dell'altoparlante annunciò:“Attenzione, attenzione, il treno è in arrivo alla Stazione Fine Della Corsa. Invitiamo tutti i passeggeri a prepararsi alla discesa.”Un rallentamento, poi una frenata leggera, fino a fermarsi.“Wow! Stupefacente!”Le porte del treno non si aprirono, ma le pareti laterali scesero fino a terra, permettendo ai viaggiatori di camminare direttamente sul marciapiede.Una leggera foschia oscurava la visuale della stazione, ma il gruppo sceso dal treno fu inebriato da un odore di prelibatezze tostate e zucchero filato. Seguendo la dolce scia profumata, raggiunsero una grande piazza con al centro una statua dalla cui bocca gigantesca uscivano getti d'acqua e, tutto intorno, un giardino fantastico.Quando la nebbia si dissolse completamente, uno stormo di pappagalli dai colori brillanti e chiacchierini apparve dal nulla e iniziò a volteggiare. Poi, ad un tratto:“Che sorpresa, guardate chi c'è!”Esclamarono tutti in coro.Mary Poppins, in bicicletta e con il suo inseparabile ombrello, stava pedalando nel giardino.“Perché sei qui?”Chiesero i pappagalli, curiosi e furbetti.“Sono qua a raccogliere, nell'ombrello rovesciato, i desideri dei bambini. Poi i miei amici spazzacamini li riconsegneranno alle loro case, trasformati magicamente in sogni pronti per essere realizzati.”“Craa, craa, anche noi abbiamo un desiderio: volare intorno al mondo senza meta e senza fretta.”“Bene, bene,” rispose Mary Poppins. “Qual è il vostro indirizzo per la consegna dei sogni?”I pappagalli, facendo il girotondo, cantarono:“Craa, craa, la via che non c'è, nella casa invisibile al numero senza numero! Ciao, ciao, Mary Poppins, noi siamo liberi, craa, craa, andiamo a sognar.”Mary sorrise, salutò i pappagalli e se ne andò pedalando.Nel giardino fantastico c'erano bancarelle cariche di dolciumi, giostre per tutte le età, giocattoli incantati sparsi intorno e un carretto delle meraviglie pieno di libri magici che si sfogliavano sfiorandoli con il solo pensiero. C'era anche un albero parlante, con i rami piegati verso il basso, che raccontava fiabe e regalava frutti speciali e succosi da gustare.I pappagalli, svolazzando qua e là, facevano da guide un po' distratte, accompagnando i viaggiatori a destra e a sinistra. Un piccolo gruppo stava seguendo l'uomo che sembrava un orco.Camminava determinato con il suo valigione ed era seguito dalla moglie, che portava una borsa mezza aperta, da cui sbucavano cianfrusaglie di ogni tipo. Dietro di loro c'erano l'esploratore, la principessa dagli occhi azzurri e infine la turista con il cappello di paglia.Guidati dai pappagalli, si dirigevano verso una strana costruzione in fondo alla piazza, ma mentre si avvicinavano si accorsero che era un vecchio teatro trascurato e decadente. Sembrava fuori moda, ma con dettagli architettonici affascinanti. Un odore di polvere e legno antico usciva dal portone socchiuso, contribuendo all'atmosfera particolare del luogo.I cinque strani personaggi non erano altro che attori, pronti ad esibirsi in uno spettacolo di sorprese, illusioni e meraviglie. L'ingresso era libero.Nel teatro, una musica in sottofondo, che si sentiva anche da fuori, li accompagnò fino al palco.L'incanto del luogo e la curiosità spinsero anche tutti gli altri viaggiatori, compreso il nonno e il nipote, ad entrare per assistere a uno spettacolo inaspettato.Non fecero in tempo a prendere posto sulle poltrone consumate dal tempo, che all'improvviso apparvero colombe bianche svolazzanti sopra le loro teste.L'orco si rivelò essere in realtà un mago che, in un batter d'occhio, cambiava i suoi abiti di scena: un solo movimento, un soffio, e pluff! ne indossava un altro e poi un altro ancora.Ai lati del palco, un gioco di specchi trasformava alcuni oggetti in forme contorte, mentre carte nascoste nelle poltrone degli spettatori apparivano e sparivano, mescolandosi magicamente. Ma l'abilità del prestigiatore creava l'illusione d'indovinare sempre la carta scelta dagli spettatori.All'improvviso, come per incanto, apparvero la principessa e l'esploratore. Al loro seguito, scintille di fuoco a forma di stelle invasero il teatro.“Che spettacolo, che meraviglia!”Il palco si illuminò completamente ed il mago, facendo vibrare in aria la sua bacchetta magica, come un direttore d'orchestra, dette vita ad una musica da ballo. Era un valzer e, al suo ritmo, i due attori, ora divenuti ballerini, iniziarono a danzare sulle note. Guidati dal mago, lievitarono in aria facendo acrobazie.Nel frattempo, la moglie del mago, che era un po' maga anche lei, nel centro del palcoscenico aprì la sua borsa di cianfrusaglie e ne uscirono fuori palle, cerchi, birilli. La turista apparve al suo fianco e insieme diedero il via a uno spettacolo di giocoleria a ritmo di musica.Sul finire del valzer, sia i ballerini che i giocolieri svanirono in una nuvola di fumo e luci ed, incredibilmente, anche il palco diventò invisibile.Gli spettatori trattennero il fiato increduli e meravigliati, applaudendo e sorridendo, mentre il Mago Orco ringraziava il pubblico con un inchino.Lo spettacolo si era concluso.Stupefatti ed increduli, i viaggiatori uscirono dal teatro, ma la magia continuò anche durante il loro cammino verso la stazione.Il paese era tutto un incantesimo ed il nipote e il nonno ne erano al centro, protagonisti inaspettati di un'avventura senza tempo. Tanto era grande la meraviglia, che non sapevano neppure da quanto fossero lì.Guidati dai pappagalli svolazzanti, raggiunsero di nuovo la piazza principale insieme a tutti gli altri passeggeri. Dalla stazione, non lontana, segnali luminosi avvisavano della partenza imminente del treno 18674.“Attenzione, attenzione, il Treno numero 18674 è arrivato in stazione. Partenza imminente per destinazione: Stazione di Ritorno. Tempo ancora incerto ma non ci si preoccupa. Popcorn caldi, cartoline di ricordo e bacchetta quasi magica inclusi nel costo del biglietto.”Mentre i viaggiatori salivano a bordo, i pappagalli vibravano nell'aria in segno di saluto, poi volarono via verso l'orizzonte insieme a Mary Poppins.Il treno si mosse lentamente, senza scosse. Dai finestrini, i passeggeri vedevano il paese allontanarsi mentre i vagoni si immergevano di nuovo nella nebbia.In un batter d'occhio, erano già tornati al punto di partenza: la piccola stazione del paese.Era un tardo pomeriggio estivo e i viaggiatori scesero uno dopo l'altro, ancora stupefatti per quel viaggio inaspettato. Tutti bisbigliavano tra loro, scambiandosi impressioni su ciò che avevano vissuto.Il nonno e il nipote decisero di fermarsi a prendere un gelato prima di tornare a casa. Si avvicinarono al bar della stazione e, senza esitazione, ordinarono due coni con i loro gusti preferiti: fragola e pistacchio.Appena presero il gelato, si voltarono verso i binari e rimasero senza parole. Il treno che li aveva accompagnati non c'era più. Ma non solo: anche tutti gli altri viaggiatori erano svaniti nel nulla, senza lasciare alcuna traccia.Da dietro la colonna con l'orologio, il Capo Stazione, con la sua borsetta a tracolla e la paletta in mano, alzò la testa e, con un cenno di saluto, sollevò il cappello sorridendo. Poi si incamminò fischiettando lungo il marciapiede deserto.Il nonno e il bambino lo salutarono con entusiasmo, poi si presero per mano. Mentre gustavano il loro gelato alla fragola e pistacchio, parlavano felici di quella straordinaria avventura.Sembrava quasi fosse stato un sogno.Ma si sa, realtà e fantasia si prendono spesso per mano.Proprio come il nonno e il bambino, mentre camminavano verso casa, immersi nei colori dorati del tramonto. Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

On a Bench, Waiting for the TrainAt the village station, under a long wooden canopy, steel tracks ran on both sides, allowing trains to speed past in a blur. But every now and then, some would stop, only for a moment, before continuing their journey after passengers had disembarked and boarded.Grandfather had promised many times to take his grandson to visit the train station near their home, and now they were finally there. Standing on the platform, the boy waited with eager anticipation—his first time seeing a train arrive.After a few minutes, a bell rang, followed by an announcement:"Train number 75265 arriving on Track 2. Coming from here, going there. Please pay attention and board if it's yours. It won't wait long—it's running late, as usual…"Soon, the locomotive appeared in the distance, approaching rapidly before slowing to a stop in front of them.The boy had never seen anything so overwhelming. Gripping his grandfather's trousers, he shrank back and cried out:"Help, help, help!"To his eyes, the train was a towering iron giant, covered in strange designs, exuding mystery. A moving machine on rails. A long, mechanical serpent, fast as lightning—imposing, unfamiliar, and yet… fascinating.Passengers stepped out of the open carriage doors, while others hurried aboard. Some people rushed back and forth, luggage in hand, checking schedules on glowing boards before boarding their trains to destinations unknown."Maybe it's not a monster after all. The grown-ups aren't scared like I am."The boy tried to be brave, glancing up at his grandfather, who smiled and took his hand. They lingered at the station for a while, sitting on a bench, watching trains come and go, the stationmaster blowing his whistle, the endless movement of travelers.As the sun dipped below the horizon, Grandfather bought two ice creams—strawberry and pistachio—from the station café. Enjoying their sweet treats, they strolled home, hearts light with happiness. A few days later, it was the boy's birthday. Grandfather never had any doubt about what to give him. They returned to the station, and after purchasing two tickets, he said:"Now you're old enough to travel. So today, we set off on your first adventure. And just wait—when you grow up, you'll have so many more!"But these were no ordinary tickets.When the station clerk heard it was the boy's first train journey, he called over the Stationmaster. With a knowing smile, the Stationmaster reached into his pocket and handed them two colorful tickets that read:Destination: End of the Line StationTrain Number: 18674Valid for: Round TripPlatform: 2 and 1/2, almost 3Valid in: Sun, rain, snow, or windIncludes: Popcorn and souvenir"Huh, how odd," Grandfather thought, scratching his head beneath his hat."But everyone knows you can always trust the Stationmaster."And so, hand in hand, they made their way to Platform 2 and 1/2, almost 3.A few benches were occupied by waiting passengers, but one was free. They sat side by side. Excitement buzzed in the air like migrating birds, their imaginations already soaring as a soft breeze brushed their faces.The train was arriving!A whistle. The screech of brakes. The hum of engines. The overhead speakers announced:"Attention, attention! Train Number 18674 is now at the station. Departure imminent for the End of the Line Station. The weather is uncertain, but that's fine—nothing to be done about it anyway. Fresh, crunchy popcorn will be served throughout the journey."The train slowed to a full stop, and with a gentle creak, its doors swung open. No one got off, but many climbed aboard, quickly filling the seats—except for one at the back of the carriage.Grandfather settled into it, placing his grandson on his lap. The boy felt safe there.With wide eyes, he took in the strange world around him. Some seats faced forward, others backward."Which ones were pointing the right way?"He wondered for a moment, then, with a spark of imagination, transformed the passengers into pieces on a grand chessboard, ready for a fantastic game.A tall, broad-shouldered man with a long beard stood at the front."Aha! An ogre!"Beside him, a plump woman with strong features."Definitely the ogress!"At the center, a blonde girl with blue eyes, absorbed in her phone."A princess!"A heavily tattooed man with multiple earrings and a face full of stories."An explorer!"Further back, a young woman in a wide-brimmed straw hat, wearing flowing clothes and bracelets that jingled softly."A traveler!""How could all these different characters fit into the same story?"As he pondered, the train whistled louder, gliding through plains, tunnels, and hills until the voice overhead declared:"Attention, attention! The train is arriving at End of the Line Station. All passengers, prepare to disembark."A gentle deceleration. A smooth stop."Wow! Amazing!"Instead of opening, the train's side panels lowered to the ground, forming ramps leading directly onto the platform.A light mist veiled the station, but an irresistible scent of roasted treats and cotton candy filled the air. Following the sweet aroma, the passengers arrived at a vast square where a statue in the center spouted water from its enormous mouth, surrounded by a fantastic garden.As the mist lifted, a flock of brightly colored, chattering parrots burst into view, circling above.Then, suddenly—"Look, look! What a surprise!"They all exclaimed in unison.Mary Poppins, on a bicycle, umbrella in hand, was pedaling through the garden."Why are you here?" the parrots asked, curious and mischievous."I'm collecting children's wishes in my upturned umbrella," she replied. "My chimney sweep friends will carry them home, transforming them into dreams ready to come true.""Craa, craa! We have a wish too! To fly around the world, with no destination, no hurry!""Very well," Mary Poppins smiled. "And what's your address for the dream delivery?"The parrots twirled in the air, singing:"Craa, craa! The street that isn't there, in the invisible house at number no-number! Bye-bye, Mary Poppins! We're free—craa, craa—we're off to dream!"She waved farewell and pedaled away.In the enchanted garden, stalls overflowed with sweets, magical rides spun, enchanted toys lay scattered, and a marvelous cart brimmed with books that turned their pages with a mere thought. An ancient talking tree told fairy tales, offering juicy, special fruits to those who listened.The parrots, flitting here and there, served as slightly distracted guides, leading the travelers left and right. A small group was following the man who looked like an ogre.He walked with determination, carrying a large suitcase, and was followed by his wife, who held a half-open bag overflowing with all sorts of trinkets. Behind them came the explorer, the blue-eyed princess, and finally, the tourist with the straw hat.Guided by the parrots, they made their way toward a strange building at the edge of the square. As they got closer, they realized it was an old, neglected theater—worn with time but still holding a certain architectural charm. The scent of dust and aged wood drifted from the slightly open door, adding to the place's mysterious atmosphere.The five peculiar characters were none other than actors, ready to perform a show filled with surprises, illusions, and wonders. Entry was free.Inside the theater, soft music played in the background, audible even from outside, leading them toward the stage.The enchantment of the place and sheer curiosity drew in all the other travelers as well, including the grandfather and grandson, who stepped inside to witness an unexpected spectacle.They had barely found their seats—worn and faded with age—when suddenly, white doves appeared, fluttering above their heads.The ogre revealed himself to be, in fact, a magician. With a swift motion, a breath, and—pluff!—his costume changed in an instant. Then again. And again.At the sides of the stage, a hall of mirrors distorted objects into strange shapes, while hidden playing cards appeared and vanished within the audience's seats, mixing together as if by magic. Yet, no matter what, the magician always seemed to guess the chosen card correctly.Suddenly, as if by enchantment, the princess and the explorer appeared. Behind them, sparks of fire shaped like stars filled the theater."What a show, what a marvel!"The entire stage lit up as the magician, waving his wand in the air like a conductor, brought forth a waltz. At its rhythm, the two actors, now transformed into dancers, moved gracefully to the music. Under the magician's guidance, they floated into the air, performing acrobatics.Meanwhile, the magician's wife—who was a bit of a sorceress herself—stepped onto the stage, opened her bag of trinkets, and out came balls, rings, and juggling pins. The tourist in the straw hat appeared beside her, and together, they began a dazzling juggling act, perfectly in sync with the music.As the waltz neared its end, both the dancers and the jugglers vanished in a cloud of smoke and lights. Incredibly, even the stage itself disappeared.The audience held their breath, stunned and enchanted, before bursting into applause, smiling in amazement as the Ogre Magician bowed deeply in gratitude.The show had come to an end.Still astonished, the travelers left the theater, but the magic followed them as they made their way back toward the station.The whole town felt like an enchantment, and at the heart of it were the grandson and his grandfather—unexpected protagonists of a timeless adventure. So great was their wonder that they had lost track of how long they had been there.Guided once again by the flitting parrots, they returned to the main square along with all the other passengers. From the nearby station, glowing signs signaled the imminent departure of Train 18674."Attention, attention! Train Number 18674 has arrived at the station. Departure imminent for destination: Return Station. Weather still uncertain, but no need to worry. Hot popcorn, souvenir postcards, and an almost-magic wand included in the ticket price."As the travelers boarded, the parrots fluttered in farewell, then soared toward the horizon, disappearing alongside Mary Poppins.The train pulled away slowly, smoothly. From the windows, passengers watched as the enchanted town faded into the mist once more.In the blink of an eye, they were back where they had started: the small village station.As the train glided through the mist, the village slowly reappeared.In the warm light of a summer evening, the passengers stepped off one by one, still in awe of the unexpected journey. They whispered among themselves, exchanging impressions of what they had just experienced.Grandfather and grandson decided to stop for an ice cream before heading home. They walked over to the station café and, without hesitation, ordered two cones with their favorite flavors: strawberry and pistachio.Just as they took their first bites, they turned toward the tracks—and froze.The train that had taken them on their journey was gone.Not only that—the other passengers had vanished too, without leaving a trace.From behind the station clock's column, the Stationmaster appeared, his satchel slung across his shoulder and his signal paddle in hand. He raised his head, tipped his hat with a smile, and then, whistling softly, strolled down the empty platform.Grandfather and the boy waved enthusiastically before taking each other's hand. As they walked home, savoring their strawberry and pistachio ice creams, they talked happily about their extraordinary adventure.It almost felt like a dream.But, as everyone knows, reality and fantasy often walk hand in hand.Just like the grandfather and the child, making their way home, bathed in the golden hues of sunset. Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: When Friendship Outweighs Heroics: A Snowy Rescue Tale Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-01-21-23-34-01-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A téli nap lassan lenyugodott az elhagyatott gyár felett.En: The winter sun slowly set over the abandoned factory.Hu: A hely csendes volt, csak az öreg gépek őrizték a múlt zaját.En: The place was quiet, only the old machines kept the noise of the past.Hu: Bence, Zsófia és László a gyár udvarán álltak, bámulva a hóval borított tetőt.En: Bence, Zsófia, and László stood in the factory yard, staring at the snow-covered roof.Hu: A kisbaba játéka, egy kis plüss mackó, fent ragadt a tetőn.En: The baby's toy, a little plush bear, had gotten stuck up there.Hu: Hogyan került oda?En: How did it get there?Hu: Csak ők tudják.En: Only they know.Hu: Bence izgatottan nézett felfelé.En: Bence looked up excitedly.Hu: "Fel fogok menni!En: "I'm going to go up there!"Hu: " - mondta magabiztosan.En: he said confidently.Hu: Szeretett volna hősnek látszani a barátai előtt.En: He wanted to look like a hero in front of his friends.Hu: Zsófia azonban óvatosan figyelmeztette: "Bence, a tető csúszós, veszélyes!En: However, Zsófia cautiously warned him, "Bence, the roof is slippery, dangerous!"Hu: "László, aki mindig a szabályok betartására koncentrált, sóhajtott.En: László, who always focused on following the rules, sighed.Hu: "Nem kéne ezt csinálnunk.En: "We shouldn't do this...Hu: Ha valami baj történik, nagy bajban leszünk.En: If something goes wrong, we'll be in big trouble."Hu: "De Bencét nem lehetett eltántorítani.En: But Bence couldn't be deterred.Hu: Elindult az omladozó lépcső felé, amelyek egyenesen a tetőhöz vezettek.En: He headed toward the crumbling stairs that led directly to the roof.Hu: Zsófia és László követték őt, mindketten aggódva nézték, ahogy Bence ügyetlenül mászik fölfelé.En: Zsófia and László followed him, both watching anxiously as Bence climbed up awkwardly.Hu: Ahogy a tetőn lépkedtek, a hó recsegett a talpuk alatt.En: As they walked on the roof, the snow creaked under their feet.Hu: Bence elérte a tető szélét, keze remegett az izgalomtól.En: Bence reached the edge of the roof, his hands trembling with excitement.Hu: "Megvan a mackó!En: "I've got the bear!"Hu: " - kiáltotta, miközben megpróbálta elérni a játékot.En: he shouted as he tried to reach the toy.Hu: De hirtelen megcsúszott.En: But suddenly he slipped.Hu: Egy pillanatra minden megállt, de Zsófia és László gyorsan közbeléptek.En: For a moment everything stopped, but Zsófia and László quickly intervened.Hu: Megfogták Bence karját, és visszahúzták őt a biztosabb részre.En: They grabbed Bence's arm and pulled him back to the more secure part.Hu: Bence szíve még mindig hevesen vert, de megkönnyebbülten sóhajtott fel.En: Bence's heart was still pounding, but he sighed with relief.Hu: "Együtt sikerült!En: "We did it together!"Hu: " - mosolyodott el Zsófia megkönnyebbülten.En: Zsófia smiled with relief.Hu: "Megmentettetek" - ismerte el Bence, és rájuk mosolygott.En: "You saved me," Bence acknowledged, smiling at them.Hu: "De talán tényleg nem kellett volna ezt megpróbálnunk.En: "But maybe we really shouldn't have tried it."Hu: "László bólogatott, örült, hogy mind épségben vannak.En: László nodded, happy that they were all safe.Hu: "Talán legközelebb inkább másképp próbáljuk megoldani.En: "Maybe next time we should try to solve it differently."Hu: "A három barát egymásra nézett.En: The three friends looked at each other.Hu: A kaland csínját-bínját átélték, és úgy döntöttek, hogy a barátság és a biztonság fontosabb, mint bárki hősiessége.En: They had been through the ups and downs of the adventure and decided that friendship and safety were more important than anyone's heroics.Hu: A plüss mackóval a zsebükben elindultak hazafelé, a hó ropogott a lábuk alatt, és szívük már sokkal könnyebb volt.En: With the plush bear in their pocket, they started heading home, the snow crunching under their feet, and their hearts felt much lighter. Vocabulary Words:abandoned: elhagyatottquiet: csendesmachines: gépekstaring: bámulvacautiously: óvatosanslippery: csúszósrules: szabályokcrumbing: omladozóawkwardly: ügyetlenülcreaked: recsegetttrembling: remegettshouted: kiáltottaslipped: megcsúszottintervened: közbeléptekpounding: hevesen vertrelief: megkönnyebbültenacknowledged: ismerte elcrunching: ropogottadventure: kalandheroics: hősiességesecure: biztosabbfocused: koncentráltdetained: eltántorítaniyard: udvaránedges: szélétdifferent: másképptogether: együttsolve: megoldanifriendship: barátságdangerous: veszélyes

The Fountain of Tales and the Magical Christmas SlippersOnce upon a time, there was the Fountain of Tales, and it was still there, in the center of a square that maybe, just maybe, some of you already know. In a place whose location and time were unknown, the clock tower's chimes marked the passing of days, months, and seasons.With the sounds of his bells, the clock seemed to tell new stories every hour.It was winter, and a cold wind blew from the north. The sign of the ice cream shop “Arcobaleno” tinkled softly, and inside, every afternoon, steaming hot chocolate awaited the children after school. Far too cold for their famous and delicious flying ice creams.But the true heart of the square was the magical fountain, wrapped in a layer of ice. Its droplets, melting slowly, transformed into shimmering words that unraveled wondrous tales.After school, a group of children ran in. Backpacks flew everywhere as they laughed and challenged each other to see who would be the first to put on their skates.“I beat you!” shouted Marco, sliding onto the icy rink.“Only because I helped Sofia with her scarf!” replied Giacomo.In just a few minutes, they were all on the ice, spinning and twirling amidst laughter and the occasional “Ouch!” that make them laugh even more.Dressed in colorful coats, gloves, and hats, they looked like a rainbow in motion. To warm up, they ran to the large fire lit on one side of the square, their cheeks red and their smiles wide.But on that special afternoon, something different happened. A mysterious gust of wind made the fountain's ice tremble, and a Christmas melody filled the air.“How strange… do you hear that?” asked Sofia.“It's coming from the fountain!” replied Lucia, pointing at a sparkling glow.The frozen droplets began to shine, transforming into an enchanted window outlined with Christmas decorations. Two elves, wearing red and green pointy hats, appeared on either side and said:“Come on, come on! Don't be afraid. Step through the window, and we'll take you on an adventure you'll never forget!”The children, curious and a little excited, held hands and stepped through the window, finding themselves on a flying carpet that moved as lightly as a gust of wind.“Are we… flying?” exclaimed Maria.“Exactly!” replied an elf. “Destination: Lapland, Santa Claus's enchanted land!”In the blink of an eye, they landed in a snowy landscape. The snow was as soft as cotton candy, and all around stretched a magical forest. Waiting for them was a line of sleds led by reindeer with big dark eyes—and one with a bright red nose.But they weren't alone: other animals emerged from the forest, curious about the new arrivals. A group of silver-furred foxes approached timidly, followed by squirrels with fluffy white tails like snow. From the highest branches, owls and barn owls watched the scene, and a family of hares hopped happily around the sleds. Even a herd of majestic moose stepped forward, nodding slowly.“Welcome, friends!” the animals said in unison. “Follow us; we'll take you to Santa's village!”The sleds departed in a line, zigzagging between trees naturally decorated with ice crystals. Occasionally, the children leaned over to greet the forest animals, who seemed eager to share secrets of the magical world.The reindeer parked the sleds in a small square. Surrounding it was a timeless, fantastic village made of wooden houses with snow-covered roofs, illuminated by colorful lights shining like stars. The elves, wearing their red and green pointy hats, laughed and joked in the frosty winter air as they tirelessly continued their work: building the toys requested in the letters sent to Santa.In the village, there were mailboxes for incoming letters—some overflowing, others with notes still waiting to be read. The elves and village residents worked together to sort the requests and deliver them to Santa. It was a festive bustle, filled with songs and laughter.In the center of the square stood an enormous fir tree, decorated with ice stars that sparkled like diamonds under the night sky. But the real surprise was the blue slippers hanging from its branches, made of stardust threads and tied with red ribbons. Each slipper carried a magical bell that rang “Ding, ding, ding” with the slightest movement.“Look!” exclaimed Giulia. “There are names on each slipper!”The elves began distributing them, but in the chaos of the delivery, the names got mixed up.“These are mine!” shouted Stefano.“No, they're mine!” Francesca replied, laughing.In the end, the magical slippers multiplied themselves, and everyone found their own pair. When they put them on, they discovered their secret: they could fly!The children flew to Santa's house, knocked on the grand door, and with a “Knock, knock,” it swung open, revealing the great man with the white beard.Behind him was a room that seemed to stretch endlessly. On shining wooden shelves was an immense collection of toys, all neatly wrapped and ready for delivery on Christmas Eve.“How wonderful!” exclaimed the children, their eyes wide with amazement.To them, Santa was like the most fantastic and friendly grandfather. They all rushed to hug him, and someone even tugged on his long white beard to see if it was really real!“Santa,” they asked in unison, “could you put a pair of slippers with a bell on every gift you deliver on Earth?”Without hesitation, Santa burst into a warm laugh and enthusiastically agreed. He knew well that his greatest joy was bringing happiness and smiles to all the children in the world.And so, on Christmas Eve, every child received magical slippers sprinkled with fairy dust. By wearing them, they could fly across the rooftops of their cities, meeting and greeting each other with laughter and festive sounds.At dawn, Santa, on his way back to the North Pole, joyfully watched the activity on rooftops in every corner of the planet. “Ding, ding, ding,” the slippers' bells rang harmoniously, creating a Christmas melody that wrapped the whole world.The magic of Christmas had come true, thanks to the intrepid travelers of the Fountain of Tales. When its enchantment faded, the reindeer swiftly brought all the children back to the enchanted square, in front of the Arcobaleno Ice Cream Shop. The fire was still burning, and the hot chocolate was still warm.The fountain sparkled under the falling snowflakes, and the chimes of the clock tower, “Ding, dong,” seemed to promise another fantastic tale.Maybe, who knows, next time, you'll be the protagonists.Happy Holidays to everyone! Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

La Fontana delle Novelle e Le pantofole magiche di NataleC'era una volta la Fontana delle Novelle, ed era ancora lì, al centro di una piazza che forse, solo forse, qualcuno di voi conosce già. In un paese che non si sa dove né quando, le ore dell'orologio del campanile scandivano i giorni, i mesi e le stagioni.“Din, don!” I rintocchi sembravano raccontare nuove storie ogni ora.Era inverno, e un vento gelido soffiava da nord. L'insegna della gelateria “Arcobaleno” tintinnava lieve, e al suo interno, ogni pomeriggio, cioccolata calda fumante aspettava i bambini dopo la scuola. Decisamente troppo freddo per i loro famosissimi e buonissimi gelati volanti.Ma il vero cuore della piazza era la fontana magica, avvolta da una coltre di ghiaccio. Le sue gocce, sciogliendosi lentamente, si trasformavano in parole scintillanti che srotolavano novelle prodigiose.Dopo la scuola, una compagnia di bambini arrivò di corsa. Gli zaini volavano dappertutto mentre ridevano e si sfidavano a chi sarebbe stato il primo a indossare i pattini.“Ti ho battuto!” gridò Marco, scivolando sulla pista ghiacciata.“Solo perché io ho aiutato Sofia con la sciarpa!” rispose Giacomo.In pochi minuti, erano tutti sul ghiaccio, facendo piroette e capriole tra risate e qualche caduta che li faceva ridere ancora di più.Vestiti con cappotti colorati, guanti e cappelli, sembravano un arcobaleno in movimento. Per riscaldarsi, correvano al grande fuoco acceso su un lato della piazza, le guance rosse e i sorrisi larghi.Ma quel pomeriggio speciale, qualcosa di diverso accadde. Un soffio di vento misterioso fece tremare il ghiaccio della fontana, e una melodia natalizia si diffuse nell'aria.“Che strano… sentite?” chiese Sofia.“Viene dalla fontana!” rispose Lucia, indicando un bagliore scintillante.Le gocce ghiacciate iniziarono a brillare, trasformandosi in una vetrata incantata contornata da decorazioni natalizie. Due Elfi, con cappelli a punta rossi e verdi, apparvero ai lati e dissero:“Avanti, avanti! Non abbiate paura. Attraversate la vetrata e vi condurremo in un'avventura che non dimenticherete mai!”I bambini, incuriositi e un po' emozionati, si presero per mano e attraversarono la vetrata, ritrovandosi su un tappeto volante che si muoveva leggero alla velocità di un soffio di vento.“Stiamo… volando?” esclamò Maria.“Proprio così!” rispose un Elfo. “Destinazione: Lapponia, la terra incantata di Babbo Natale!”In un battito di ciglia, atterrarono su un paesaggio innevato. La neve era soffice come zucchero filato, e tutto intorno si estendeva una foresta magica. Ad attenderli c'era una fila di slitte guidate da renne dai grandi occhi scuri e una simpatica con il naso rosso e brillante.Ma non erano sole: altri animali uscivano dalla foresta, incuriositi dai nuovi arrivati. Un gruppo di volpi dal pelo argentato si avvicinò timidamente, seguito da scoiattoli con le code folte e bianche come la neve. Dai rami più alti, gufi e civette osservavano la scena, e una famiglia di lepri saltellava felice intorno alle slitte. Persino un branco di alci maestosi si fece avanti, annuendo lentamente.“Benvenuti, amici!” dissero gli animali in coro. “Seguiteci, vi accompagneremo al villaggio di Babbo Natale!”Le slitte partirono in fila, zigzagando tra gli alberi decorati naturalmente con cristalli di ghiaccio. Ogni tanto i bambini si chinavano a salutare gli animali della foresta, che sembravano voler raccontare loro segreti del mondo magico.Le renne avevano parcheggiato le slitte in una piazzetta. Tutto intorno un villaggio fantastico senza tempo, fatto di casette di legno con tetti innevati, illuminate da luci colorate che brillavano come stelle. Gli Elfi, con i loro cappelli a punta rossi e verdi, ridevano e scherzavano nell'aria gelida dell'inverno, mentre continuavano instancabili il loro lavoro: costruire i giocattoli richiesti nelle letterine indirizzate a Babbo Natale.Nel villaggio c'erano cassette della posta per le letterine in arrivo: alcune strapiene, altre con biglietti ancora da leggere. Gli Elfi e gli abitanti del villaggio lavoravano tutti insieme per smistare le richieste e consegnarle a Babbo Natale. Era un via vai festoso, pieno di canti e risate.Al centro della piazza si ergeva un enorme abete decorato con stelle di ghiaccio che brillavano come diamanti sotto la luce del cielo notturno. Ma la vera sorpresa erano le pantofole azzurre appese ai rami, fatte di filo di stelle e legate con nastri rossi. Ognuna portava un campanellino magico che suonava “Din, din, din” al minimo movimento.“Guardate!” esclamò Giulia. “Ci sono dei nomi su ogni pantofola!”Gli Elfi iniziarono a distribuirle, ma nel caos della consegna i nomi si mescolarono.“Queste sono le mie!” gridò Stefano.“No, sono le mie!” ribatté Francesca, ridendo.Alla fine, le pantofole magiche si moltiplicarono da sole, e ognuno trovò il proprio paio. Quando le indossarono, scoprirono il loro segreto: potevano volare!I bambini volarono fino alla casa di Babbo Natale, bussarono al grande portone e, con un “Toc, toc,” la porta si spalanco e furono accolti dal grande uomo con la barba bianca.Dietro di lui si apriva una stanza che sembrava non finire mai. Su scaffali di legno lucente erano disposti un'immensa quantità di giocattoli, tutti ben impacchettati e pronti per le consegne della notte di Natale.“Che meraviglia!” esclamarono i bambini, con gli occhi spalancati davanti a tanta magia.Per loro, Babbo Natale era come un nonno fantastico e super simpatico. Tutti gli si avvicinano per abbracciarlo e qualcuno gli tiro anche la lunga barba bianca per vedere se era vera davvero!“Babbo Natale,” chiesero in coro, “potresti mettere un paio di pantofole con il campanellino su ogni regalo che consegnerai sulla Terra?”Senza pensarci un attimo, Babbo Natale scoppiò in una risata calorosa e accettò con entusiasmo. Sapeva bene che la sua più grande felicità era regalare gioia e sorrisi a tutti i bambini del mondo.Così, la notte di Natale, ogni bambino ricevette in dono le pantofole magiche, spruzzate di polvere fatata. Indossandole, poterono volare sui tetti delle loro città, incontrandosi e salutandosi con risate e suoni festosi. All'alba, Babbo Natale, sulla via del ritorno al Polo Nord, osservò con gioia il movimento sui tetti di ogni angolo del pianeta. “Din, din, din,” risuonavano armoniosamente i campanellini delle pantofole, creando una melodia natalizia che avvolgeva il mondo intero.La magia di Natale si era avverata, per merito degli intrepidi viaggiatori della Fontana delle Novelle, e quando il suo incanto finì, le renne riportarono veloci come un fulmine tutti i bambini nella piazza incantata, davanti alla Gelateria Arcobaleno; il fuoco ardeva ancora, e la cioccolata era ancora bella calda. La fontana brillava sotto i fiocchi di neve, e i rintocchi del campanile, “Din, don,” sembravano promettere un'altra fantastica novella.Forse, chissà, la prossima volta, sarete voi i protagonisti.Buone Feste a tutti.  Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

This Episode is proudly bounced into to your ears via the fun folks at Bounce! Hello Listerooni! It's Nan here. Close your eyes, open your ears and get them ready for a sound-sational new delivery of the universe's besterest, most gramatically correctific podcast for families: The Listies Make You Burpcast.  This episode takes place completely in the dark. Not cause I needed to nap cause I was let lagged from getting back from my latest podcasting cource in the Maldives, but because it helps me concentrate on listening... DEFINITELY NOT sleeping. Inside the mobile dog-washing caravan/podcasting studio, Rich and Matt F.A.R.T (Fairytales are Really True), play an ad for Lying Tamers (Thanks Baila), and then Rich reads another of his wonderful, and not too long, poems. Keep sending in your jokes, sponsor suggestions, No Silly Questions questions, and bum fruits/veggies. Check below to see this episode's favourite from Frances. Until next time, Nan Zzz zzzzz zzzz  SUPPORT THE SHOW www.buymeacoffee.com/thelisties SEE US LIVE www.thelisties.com BUY MERCH www.thelisties.com/aldi  

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Mystery Unleashed: A Halloween Adventure at Boarding School Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/mystery-unleashed-a-halloween-adventure-at-boarding-school Story Transcript:Nl: In een oud en statig gebouw, verborgen tussen de gouden en rode herfstbladeren, stond een kostschool.En: In an old and stately building, hidden among the golden and red autumn leaves, stood a boarding school.Nl: Het was een plek waar geheimen in de muren fluisterden en de vloeren kreunden bij elke stap.En: It was a place where secrets whispered in the walls and the floors creaked with every step.Nl: Op een koude oktoberavond, wanneer de maan bleek scheen en de sterren helder twinkelden, was het Halloween.En: On a cold October evening, when the moon shone pale and the stars twinkled brightly, it was Halloween.Nl: Bram, een jongen met een hart voor avontuur en een kleine angst voor alles wat spookachtig is, stond midden op de krakende vloer van de gang.En: Bram, a boy with a heart for adventure and a slight fear of all things spooky, stood in the middle of the creaky floor of the hallway.Nl: Hij hoorde iets vreemds uit de keuken: potten en pannen die omvielen alsof een onzichtbare hand ermee aan het spelen was.En: He heard something strange from the kitchen: pots and pans falling as if an invisible hand was playing with them.Nl: "Er is iets in de keuken," zei hij zachtjes tegen zichzelf.En: "There's something in the kitchen," he said softly to himself.Nl: Hij keek om zich heen, zag Lotte en Sven naderen.En: He looked around and saw Lotte and Sven approaching.Nl: Lotte was nieuwsgierig, altijd klaar voor een avontuur.En: Lotte was curious, always ready for an adventure.Nl: Sven, met zijn kalme aard, was de perfecte metgezel.En: Sven, with his calm nature, was the perfect companion.Nl: "We moeten kijken wat er aan de hand is," stelde Lotte voor.En: "We must see what's going on," suggested Lotte.Nl: Haar ogen glinsterden met opwinding.En: Her eyes sparkled with excitement.Nl: Ondanks zijn angst gaf Bram toe.En: Despite his fear, Bram agreed.Nl: Ze liepen voorzichtig door de donkere gang.En: They walked cautiously through the dark hallway.Nl: De kaarsen klotsten zacht en spookachtige schaduwen dansten op de muren.En: The candles flickered softly, and ghostly shadows danced on the walls.Nl: In de keuken was het een chaos.En: In the kitchen, it was chaos.Nl: De geur van versgebakken pompoentaarten en kruiden vulde de lucht, maar het was duidelijk dat er iets niet klopte.En: The smell of freshly baked pumpkin pies and spices filled the air, but it was clear something was off.Nl: Een eekhoorn dartelde speels heen en weer, kleine voetstappen echoden over de tegels.En: A squirrel was darting playfully back and forth, tiny footsteps echoed over the tiles.Nl: Hij had zich verstopt achter de grote Halloween punch bowl, plassen van vrolijk gekleurde drankjes eromheen gespetterd.En: It had hidden behind the large Halloween punch bowl, splashes of brightly colored drinks scattered around.Nl: Bram slikte en knipte zijn zaklamp aan.En: Bram swallowed and turned on his flashlight.Nl: Zijn hart bonkte luid in zijn borst.En: His heart pounded loudly in his chest.Nl: Hij deed een diepe ademhaling.En: He took a deep breath.Nl: "Ik kan dit," fluisterde hij tegen zichzelf.En: "I can do this," he whispered to himself.Nl: Hij pakte een stevige bezem en stapte voorzichtig naar voren.En: He grabbed a sturdy broom and stepped forward cautiously.Nl: Met de moed van zijn vrienden was hij niet langer bang.En: With the courage of his friends, he was no longer afraid.Nl: Lotte hielp om de punch bowl op te tillen.En: Lotte helped lift the punch bowl.Nl: Sven stond paraat met een doek.En: Sven stood ready with a cloth.Nl: De eekhoorn keek hen met grote ogen aan.En: The squirrel looked at them with big eyes.Nl: Bram zag zijn kans en hupste het kleine diertje voorzichtig in de doek.En: Bram saw his chance and gently coaxed the little creature into the cloth.Nl: "Ik heb hem!"En: "I got it!"Nl: riep hij opgewonden.En: he exclaimed excitedly.Nl: De herfstbladeren ritselden buiten, alsof ze hem feliciteerden met zijn durf.En: The autumn leaves rustled outside as if congratulating him on his bravery.Nl: Samen brachten ze de eekhoorn naar buiten en bevrijdden hem in de tuin.En: Together, they took the squirrel outside and released it in the garden.Nl: Damp van hun adem hing in de frisse herfstlucht.En: Steam from their breath hung in the fresh autumn air.Nl: "Je hebt het gedaan, Bram!"En: "You did it, Bram!"Nl: juichte Lotte.En: cheered Lotte.Nl: Bram voelde een nieuwe kracht in zijn borst.En: Bram felt a new strength in his chest.Nl: Hij had zijn angst onder ogen gezien en overwonnen.En: He had faced his fear and overcome it.Nl: En in dat moment, in de schaduw van de oude boarding school, was hij de held van de dag, omringd door vrienden en met een glimlach die breder was dan de maan.En: And in that moment, in the shadow of the old boarding school, he was the hero of the day, surrounded by friends and with a smile wider than the moon. Vocabulary Words:stately: statighidden: verborgenboarding school: kostschoolsecrets: geheimenwhispered: fluisterdencreaked: kreundenspooky: spookachtigapproaching: naderdencompanion: metgezelhallway: gangflickered: klotstenshadows: schaduwenchaos: chaosdarting: darteldebroom: bezemcoaxed: gecoaxenreleased: bevrijddensteam: dampstrength: krachtbravery: durfrustled: ritseldensquirrel: eekhoornadventure: avontuurfear: angstwhispered: fluisterdesparkled: glinsterdencandles: kaarsenechoed: echodentiles: tegelssplashes: plassen

The Battle Of HalloweenThree friends, neighbors and very curious, met every afternoon, after finishing their homework, at the playground in their village nestled in the green Tuscan hills. There, sitting on a bench in the middle of the lawn, they plotted how to end the day with fun. Usually, they got up to mischief and sometimes ended up in peculiar situations.The days passed, and summer was now just a memory. But despite a bit of rain and an autumn breeze, one afternoon they met on the usual bench. After much scheming, they gathered all their courage and decided that one of these nights, they would secretly go to the old abandoned cemetery. It was located behind the church, at the foot of the hill, about 2 kilometers from the village center.Ghost stories linked to the cemetery, whispered by the elders, had discouraged them many times; moreover, they had heard rumors of a strange character, somewhere between real and imaginary—a mysterious guardian who sometimes watched over the main gate at night.It was autumn, dense clouds darkened the sky, and the days were gray and foggy—the perfect season for the adventure of the three kids, before winter arrived. The calendar marked October 31, and that very night, Halloween night, would be simply perfect.A handshake, then a goodbye, and each went home. They had dinner and went to bed early as usual, not to arouse suspicion. Lying in bed, they dozed off, but in their half-sleep, every noise—the bang of a shutter, the creaking of the floor, or the squeak of a door—seemed like spirits moving, maybe ready to join them on their adventure. As planned, at exactly the tenth toll of the bell from the church tower, they snuck out, each from their bedroom window, slipping out through the back of their houses.Almost at the same time, they met at the designated spot and in the darkness made their way toward the cemetery. Lina, who seemed the bravest, held a small flashlight, pointing it behind her to light the way for Sara and Teo, the other two companions in the adventure.They were all a bit nervous, stopping to hide at the slightest rustle or the appearance of a sudden shadow. Once they reached the church, they hurried determinedly towards the entrance of the cemetery, and that's where the night started to get interesting.For starters, Martino, the mysterious guardian they had heard so much about, was really there. They saw him with their own eyes in front of the old, rusty, and decaying gate. He was sitting, half-asleep, but certainly alert to the slightest noise. He held a still-lit pipe in one hand and a harmonica in the other. A jet-black raven perched on his right shoulder, and a small yet regal-looking dog sat by his left side, keeping him company.The fear of being discovered froze them instantly. They caught their breath and, in the blink of an eye, reached the wobbly fence barely standing at the back of the cemetery. From there, they climbed a large elm tree and sat on the highest branches. The call of some owls with big, piercing eyes echoed like a dark omen, but a glow unexpectedly appeared on the other side of the crumbling wall.From the large elm, Lina, Sara, and Teo witnessed an unusual and astonishing sight. In front of them lay a well-kept green park, like a secret garden. Small graves, with tombstones shaped like dogs, cats, and other pets, adorned with flowers of every shade, were scattered in every corner.In the central part stood imposing statues representing sacred figures for the cemetery and its inhabitants. These were the statues of the Royal Frog, the Wise Turtle, the Noble Horse, the Mysterious Cat, and the Faithful Dog.Looking around from their vantage point, they saw pumpkins of various sizes, carved with images of animals and lit by candles. Lanterns and various objects typical of Halloween Night were placed around the graves. Curious, they decided to climb down from the elm and, little by little, started walking toward the park, paying attention to the movements of the faint, flickering lights that cut through the mist. The atmosphere was enchanted and magical.They moved quietly, Lina always leading the way. Every now and then, she would stop Sara and Teo, saying, “Do you hear that noise? Are we sure it's not a ghost?”“N-n-no, just the wind... we hope,” whispered Sara and Teo — But it was Halloween Night, and anything could happen.In the center of the park, the spirits of the animals living in the cemetery jumped and flew, carried by the air with the help of colorful pinwheels spun by a gentle breeze. It was a full-on celebration. Paper lanterns lit up small stalls filled with all kinds of treats for the joy of the animals. Cookies and snacks shaped like little ghosts, skulls, and bats, small fruit pumpkins, and—believe it or not—mini chicken and turkey sausages for dogs, and fish ones for cats!Several spotlights rose into the sky at the edges of the park, operated by magpies that vigilantly watched over the cemetery. Suddenly, all the beams of light illuminated one area of the lawn. What was happening?The magpies had sounded the alarm. A white dog with black patches was running away with a string of sausages dangling from its mouth. A dark brown wolf intercepted him immediately:“Woof! Woof! Oh, stop! Halt! What are you doing, running off with sausages in your mouth? What's your name? Where are you from? What are you doing here?”“Oh! Calm down. My name's Spot!” replied the white dog with black patches. “I live on the other side of the cemetery's fence; through a secret passage, I sometimes meet my friends who live here. Every year for the Halloween celebration, I take the chance to visit them and grab some tasty treats to eat. Everything's so good, Mmmh Mmm… what a delight!”Then the wolf said: “Ooh, but don't you know that it's dangerous to wander around on Halloween night? You might run into malevolent supernatural beings.”Meanwhile, all the spirits of the cemetery animals were already bringing more goodies to give to Spot, and in chorus, they said: “Stay with us for the Halloween celebration!” The dog happily accepted the invitation, wagging his tail and doing a thousand somersaults. The Halloween celebration had begun. Soon the twelve chimes of the church bell would echo through the silence of the night.While everyone was having fun and eating to their heart's content, the moon darkened: thunder, howls, meows, and other strange noises created a ghostly soundtrack. Then, a dense mist and absolute silence fell over the cemetery like a threat. It was midnight, and a destructive force was being unleashed, led by ghosts and skeletons armed with bone scythes and glowing green swords. The dry trees snapped like twigs as they passed. The spectral ghosts appeared wrapped in long strips of mist-made fabrics. Their intention was clear: to reach the sacred statues of the animal protectors and destroy them.In this terrifying situation, the three companions, who had spotted a crypt at the far end of the park, instinctively took off running toward it to seek refuge. But, passing by the maintenance shed, where all sorts of tools were stored, an idea suddenly struck them. They stopped to gather nets, ropes, mousetraps, sticks, rakes, and shovels. They immediately used them to create improvised traps to stop the malevolent intruders. The skeletons tripped and fell apart with a creak, while the ghosts got caught in the traps with their fabric strips.But these figures were driven by a destructive force and formed a large group ready to advance and wage battle. Only a small number of them had fallen into the traps, but most of them were moving swiftly, causing devastation and terror, destroying everything in their path. They were dangerously approaching their goal. When all seemed lost, the spirits of the domestic animals, led by Spot, the wolf, and the magpies, formed a circle around the statues. Even the three friends had joined the battle to defend the cemetery.Despite this extreme act of courage, the malevolent forces did not seem intimidated and continued advancing, shrouded in the mist that accompanied them, among ghostly sounds.While all of this was happening, Martino, the guardian at the main entrance, though half-asleep, was suddenly awakened by a cold wind and his faithful, alarmed, and attentive companions. He immediately stood up, shivering, and peered through a thick, mysterious fog that partially obscured his view, while inexplicable noises came from the park.The raven on his shoulder took flight, reaching the old, rusty sign of the gate, while King Lilo, the dog, sniffing the night air, walked without hesitation along the main path. At that point, Martino placed the harmonica to his lips, grabbed his old cane, and walked down the path, following King Lilo; the raven soared into the air.Soon, they reached the group that was bravely resisting the attack. As they approached the battleground, the music from Martino's harmonica intensified, while his raven flew directly toward the malevolent forces, distracting them from above. King Lilo, fast as a beam of light, circled around the brave protectors and positioned himself between them and the spectral invaders. Spot, Lina, Sara, and Teo did not hesitate for a moment and stood by his side — and so did all the other spirits of the domestic animals.It was at that point that the ghosts and skeletons halted their march, and when the sound of the magic harmonica reached them, they floated into the cold night air and vanished into nothingness. Finally, the nightmare was over, and the celebrations could resume.The three friends were greeted by a multitude of wagging tails and were invited to spend Halloween night in their company. Of course, even Spot the dog, the guardian Martino, King Lilo, the Black Raven, and the Brown Wolf joined the celebrations with plenty of treats and few tricks — because clearly, everyone had already had enough of tricks and scares.Like a dream, the mysterious adventure of three curious friends vanished with the dawn, and all three woke up happy and incredulous in their beds. But what had really happened on that mysterious Halloween night?Perhaps only Martino, the guardian, and his loyal companions, who knew the legends and secrets of the night, could know, but no one ever saw them guarding the entrance to the abandoned cemetery again.Well, they weren't seen again for a while; to be exact, not until the Halloween night of the following year!Happy Halloween to everyone! Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

La Battaglia Di HalloweenTre amici, vicini di casa e assai curiosi, ogni pomeriggio, dopo aver fatto i compiti, si incontravano nel parco giochi del loro paese immerso nel verde delle colline toscane. Lì, seduti su una panchina in mezzo al prato, complottavano su come finire la giornata divertendosi. Di solito, combinavano birichinate e a volte finivano anche in situazioni particolari.I giorni passavano e l'estate era ormai solo un ricordo, ma nonostante un po' di pioggia e un venticello autunnale, un pomeriggio si ritrovarono sulla solita panchina. Tramando e tramando, raccolsero tutto il loro coraggio e decisero che una di queste notti sarebbero andati, di nascosto, nel vecchio cimitero abbandonato. Era situato dietro la chiesa, sotto la collina, a circa 2 chilometri dal centro del paese. Storie di fantasmi legate al cimitero, raccontate sottovoce dagli anziani, li avevano più volte scoraggiati. Inoltre, avevano sentito vociferare di uno strano personaggio, fra il vero e l'immaginario, un guardiano misterioso che certe notti faceva da custode al cancello principale.Era autunno, nuvole dense oscuravano il cielo e le giornate erano grigie e nebbiose: la stagione giusta per l'avventura dei tre ragazzi, prima dell'arrivo dell'inverno. Il calendario segnava il 31 ottobre e quella notte stessa, la notte di Halloween, sarebbe stata semplicemente perfetta.Una stretta di mano, poi un saluto, e ognuno si diresse verso la propria casa. Cenarono e andarono a letto presto come sempre, per non destare sospetti. Adagiati sul letto, si assopirono, ma nel dormiveglia ogni rumore – lo sbattere di una persiana, lo scricchiolio del pavimento o il cigolio di una porta – lo associavano agli spiriti in movimento, che forse li avrebbero accompagnati nell'avventura. Come premeditato, esattamente al decimo rintocco dell'orologio del campanile della chiesa, sgattaiolarono fuori ognuno dalla finestra della propria camera, scivolando sul retro delle loro case.Quasi allo stesso tempo, si ritrovarono nel punto stabilito e, nel buio, presero la strada verso il cimitero. Lina, che sembrava la più coraggiosa, aveva in mano una piccola torcia che teneva dietro di sé per illuminare la strada a Sara e Teo, gli altri due compagni d'avventura.Tutti erano un po' nervosi, si fermavano nascondendosi al minimo fruscio o al sopraggiungere di un'ombra improvvisa. Arrivati all'altezza della chiesa, si affrettarono decisi verso l'ingresso del cimitero; ed è lì che la notte iniziò a farsi interessante. Tanto per cominciare, Martino, che era il nome del guardiano misterioso di cui avevano tanto sentito parlare, era davvero lì. Lo videro proprio con i loro occhi davanti al vecchio cancello rugginoso e decadente: era seduto, mezzo addormentato, ma sicuramente attento al minimo rumore. Reggeva la pipa ancora accesa in una mano e un'armonica nell'altra. Un corvo nerissimo, appoggiato sulla sua spalla destra, e un cane piccolo ma di presenza regale, seduto alla sua sinistra, gli facevano compagnia.La paura di essere scoperti li bloccò all'istante. Ripresero fiato e, in un battibaleno, raggiunsero il recinto dondolante che a malapena stava ritto sul retro del cimitero. Da lì si arrampicarono su un grande olmo e si sedettero sui rami più alti. Il verso di qualche civetta con occhi grandi e penetranti risuonava come un oscuro presagio, ma un chiarore apparve inaspettatamente dall'altra parte del muro mezzo rotto. Dal grande olmo, Lina, Sara e Teo videro uno spettacolo insolito e sbalorditivo.Davanti a loro si aprì un parco verde ben curato, come un giardino segreto. Piccole tombe, con lapidi a forma di cani, gatti e altri animali domestici, adornate con fiori dalle mille sfumature di colore, erano distribuite in ogni angolo. Nella parte centrale c'erano statue imponenti che rappresentavano figure sacre per il cimitero e i suoi abitanti. Queste erano le statue della Rana Reale, della Tartaruga Saggia, del Cavallo Nobile, del Gatto Misterioso e del Cane Fedele.Osservando intorno dalla loro posizione, videro zucche di varie dimensioni, intagliate come immagini di animali e illuminate da candele. Lanterne e oggetti vari, tipici della Notte di Halloween, erano collocati intorno alle tombe. Incuriositi, decisero di scendere dall'olmo e, piano piano, di incamminarsi verso il parco, facendo attenzione ai movimenti delle luci deboli e tremolanti che si facevano strada nella nebbia.L'atmosfera era incantata e magica. Si muovevano quatti quatti, Lina sempre in prima fila, e ogni tanto bloccava Sara e Teo dicendo: “Lo sentite quel rumore? Siamo sicuri che non sia un fantasma?”“N-n-no, solo il vento... speriamo,” rispondevano Sara e Teo sottovoce — Ma era la Notte di Halloween e tutto poteva succedere.Nel centro del parco, gli spiriti degli animali che abitavano nel cimitero saltavano e volavano trasportati dall'aria con l'aiuto di girandole variopinte spinte da un vento leggero. Era tutta una festa. Le lanterne di carta illuminavano delle piccole bancarelle rifornite di ogni tipo di prelibatezze per la gioia degli animali: biscotti e snack a forma di fantasmini, teschi e pipistrelli, piccole zucche di frutta e, udite udite, mini salsicce di pollo e tacchino per cani, e di pesce per gatti! Diversi fari si alzavano verso il cielo ai lati del parco, manovrati da gazze ladre che vigilavano attente.D'un tratto, tutti i fasci di luce illuminarono una zona del prato. Cosa stava succedendo?Le gazze avevano dato l'allarme. Un cane bianco con chiazze nere se la stava dando a gambe levate, con una fila di salsicce che ciondolava dalla bocca. Un lupo marrone scuro lo intercettò immediatamente:“Woof! Woof! Oh, alt, fermo! Che fai, scappi con le salsicce in bocca? Come ti chiami? Da dove vieni? Ma che ci fai qui?”“Oh! Calma. Mi chiamo Macchia!” rispose il cane bianco a chiazze nere. “Vivo al di là della rete di cinta e attraverso un passaggio segreto, a volte incontro i miei amici che abitano qui. Ogni anno per la festa di Halloween, approfitto per salutarli e prendere qualche prelibatezza da mangiare. È tutto così buono, Mmmh Mmm… che delizia!”Al che, il lupo disse: “Ooh, ma non lo sai che la notte di Halloween è pericoloso andare in giro? Potresti incontrare esseri soprannaturali malefici.”Nel frattempo, tutti gli spiriti degli animali del cimitero stavano già portando tante altre bontà da dare a Macchia e in coro dissero: “Rimani in nostra compagnia per la festa di Halloween!”Il cane accettò l'invito contento, scodinzolando e facendo mille capriole. La festa di Halloween era iniziata. Presto i dodici rintocchi della campana della chiesa avrebbero rimbombato nel silenzio della notte.Mentre tutti si stavano divertendo e mangiando a più non posso, la luna si oscurò: tuoni, ululati, miagolii e altri strani rumori crearono una colonna sonora spettrale. Poi una densa foschia e un silenzio assoluto piombò sul cimitero come una minaccia. Era mezzanotte, e una forza distruttiva si stava scatenando, guidata da fantasmi e scheletri armati con falci d'ossa e spade luminose di luce verdognola. Gli alberi secchi si spezzavano come ramoscelli al loro passaggio. I fantasmi spettrali apparivano avvolti in lunghe strisce di tessuti fatti di nebbia. La loro intenzione era chiara: raggiungere le statue sacre dei protettori degli animali per distruggerle.In tutta questa situazione spaventosa, i tre compagni, che avevano individuato una cripta in fondo al parco, d'istinto spiccarono la corsa per raggiungerla e rifugiarsi. Ma, passando dal magazzino di manutenzione, dove si trovavano attrezzi di ogni tipo, un'idea balenò loro improvvisamente. Si fermarono a raccogliere reti, corde, trappole per topi, bastoni, rastrelli e pale. Li utilizzarono immediatamente per creare trabocchetti improvvisati e fermare i malefici intrusi. Gli scheletri, inciampando, cadevano a pezzi scricchiolando, mentre i fantasmi rimanevano impigliati nei tranelli con le loro strisce di tessuto.Ma queste figure erano guidate da una forza distruttiva e formavano un grande gruppo pronto ad avanzare e dare battaglia. Solo un piccolo numero di loro era caduto nelle trappole, ma la maggior parte stava procedendo spedita, causando devastazione e terrore, distruggendo ciò che trovavano sul loro cammino. Si stavano avvicinando pericolosamente verso il loro obiettivo.Quando tutto sembrava perduto, gli spiriti degli animali domestici, con in testa Macchia, il lupo e le gazze ladre, si misero in cerchio intorno alle statue. Perfino i tre amici si erano uniti alla battaglia per la difesa del cimitero.Nonostante questo atto di coraggio estremo, le forze malefiche non sembravano essere intimorite e procedevano avvolte nella nebbia che le accompagnava fra rumori spettrali.Mentre tutto ciò stava avvenendo, Martino, il guardiano all'ingresso principale, sebbene mezzo addormentato, fu svegliato improvvisamente da un vento freddo e dai suoi fedeli compagni, allarmati e attenti. Si alzò immediatamente in piedi rabbrividendo e scrutando attraverso una fitta nebbia misteriosa che gli ostacolava in parte la visuale, mentre rumori inspiegabili provenivano dal parco.Il corvo dalla sua spalla spiccò il volo raggiungendo la vecchia insegna rugginosa del cancello, mentre Re Lillo, il cane, annusando la notte, si incamminò senza esitazione lungo il sentiero principale. A quel punto, Martino posizionò la sua armonica sulle labbra, afferrò il suo vecchio bastone e si incamminò lungo il sentiero seguendo Re Lillo; il corvo si alzò nell'aria.A breve raggiunsero il gruppo che stava resistendo coraggiosamente all'attacco. Nell'avvicinarsi al luogo della battaglia, la musica proveniente dall'armonica di Martino si intensificava, mentre il suo corvo si diresse senza esitazione verso le forze malefiche distraendole dall'alto. Re Lillo, veloce come un raggio di luce, aggirò il cerchio dei coraggiosi protettori e si posizionò fra di loro e gli invasori spettrali. Macchia, Lina, Sara e Teo non esitarono un momento e si schierarono al suo fianco — e così fecero tutti gli altri spiriti degli animali domestici.Fu a quel punto che fantasmi e scheletri interruppero la marcia e, quando il suono dell'armonica magica li raggiunse, fluttuarono nell'aria fredda della notte e svanirono nel nulla. Finalmente l'incubo era passato e le festività poterono riprendere.I tre amici furono accolti da una moltitudine di code scodinzolanti e vennero invitati a passare la notte di Halloween in loro compagnia. Ovviamente anche il cane Macchia, il guardiano Martino, Re Lillo, il Corvo Nero e il Lupo Marrone si erano uniti alle celebrazioni con tanti dolcetti e pochi scherzetti — perché chiaramente di scherzetti e spaventi tutti ne avevano già avuti abbastanza.Come un sogno, la misteriosa avventura di tre curiosi amici svanì con l'alba, e tutti e tre si svegliarono felici ed increduli nei loro letti. Ma cosa era veramente successo in quella misteriosa notte di Halloween?Forse solo il guardiano Martino ed i suoi fedeli amici, che conoscevano le leggende e i segreti della notte, potevano saperlo. Ma nessuno li vide più di guardia all'ingresso del cimitero abbandonato.Beh, non furono più visti per un pezzo... per essere esatti, fino alla notte di Halloween dell'anno seguente!Buon Halloween a tutti quanti! Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Facing Fears: Matan and Noa's Dino Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/facing-fears-matan-and-noas-dino-adventure Story Transcript:He: בין המוצגים הבולטים של המוזיאון המדעי שהוקם בלב אוסטרליה, התבלט החדר שהוקדש לדינוזאורים.En: Among the prominent exhibits at the science museum established in the heart of Australia, the room dedicated to dinosaurs stood out.He: אנשים רבים התכנסו שם, מביטים בפליאה על הרפליקות, אבל עיניהם של מתן ונועה היו נעוצות בטירנוזאורוס רקס העצום שעמד במרכז החדר.En: Many people gathered there, gazing in awe at the replicas, but the eyes of Matan and Noa were fixed on the enormous Tyrannosaurus Rex standing in the center of the room.He: האורות העמומים יצרו אטמוספירה מותחת ומרגשת.En: The dim lights created a tense and exciting atmosphere.He: מתן היה מלא התלהבות.En: Matan was filled with enthusiasm.He: הוא אהב מדע, אך פחד מדינוזאורים מגיל קטן.En: He loved science but had been afraid of dinosaurs since he was young.He: הוא לא רצה שנועה תגלה זאת.En: He didn't want Noa to discover that.He: נועה, לעומת זאת, הייתה אמיצה ואהבה דינוזאורים.En: Noa, on the other hand, was brave and loved dinosaurs.He: היא רצתה להוכיח למתן שהיא יכולה להתמודד עם כל דבר.En: She wanted to prove to Matan that she could handle anything.He: במהלך התצוגה, התחיל טי-רקס לזוז.En: During the display, the T-Rex began to move.He: הילדים שמסביב צחקו והשתוללו, אבל מתן הרגיש רעד בליבו.En: The children around laughed and ran wild, but Matan felt a tremble in his heart.He: לפתע, הטירנוזאורוס התחיל להשתגע: הוא הסתובב פתאום לכיוונם ושלח את ידו הגדולה כלפי מטה.En: Suddenly, the Tyrannosaurus began to go crazy: it suddenly turned towards them and reached its large hand downwards.He: מתן עוצר נשימה.En: Matan caught his breath.He: נועה צחקה בהתרגשות, אבל כשהבינה שמתן באמת מפחד, היא התעשתה מהר.En: Noa laughed with excitement, but when she realized that Matan was really scared, she quickly composed herself.He: "מתן!En: "Matan!"He: " היא קראה, רואה את החרדה בעיניו.En: she called, seeing the anxiety in his eyes.He: "תראה שם!En: "Look there!He: יש כפתור חירום!En: There's an emergency button!"He: " מתן התלבט.En: Matan hesitated.He: הוא ידע שהוא צריך להסתיר את פחדו, אבל ידע גם שנועה צודקת.En: He knew he needed to hide his fear, but he also knew that Noa was right.He: הוא אמר בחצי קול, "נועה, אני מפחד.En: He said in a half voice, "Noa, I'm scared."He: "נועה חייכה אליו בתמיכה.En: Noa smiled at him supportively.He: "זה בסדר לפחד," היא לחשה.En: "It's okay to be scared," she whispered.He: "ביחד אנחנו יכולים.En: "Together we can do this."He: "בזהירות, הם הצמידו את עצמם לכפתור החירום האדום.En: Carefully, they edged their way to the red emergency button.He: נועה לחצה עליו, וכל החדר עצר.En: Noa pressed it, and the entire room stopped.He: המוזיאון הושמע בקול של הודעה: "אנא הישארו במקומכם, הצוות יגיע בקרוב.En: The museum sounded with a message: "Please remain in your places, staff will arrive shortly."He: "כמה רגעים אחרי, אנשים מהמוזיאון נכנסו, ניתקו את הטי-רקס והתחילו לתקן את התקלה.En: A few moments later, people from the museum came in, disconnected the T-Rex, and began to fix the malfunction.He: מתן ונועה הסתכלו זה על זו, מחייכים ברווחה.En: Matan and Noa looked at each other, smiling with relief.He: הם יצאו אל האור, משאירים את החושך והדינוזאורים מאחוריהם.En: They stepped into the light, leaving the darkness and the dinosaurs behind them.He: ביציאה מהמוזיאון, מתן החליט לדבר עם נועה בשקט.En: As they exited the museum, Matan decided to speak quietly with Noa.He: "אני למדתי משהו היום," הוא אמר, "לפחד זה לא אומר שאני חלש.En: "I learned something today," he said, "being scared doesn't mean I'm weak."He: "נועה הנהנה.En: Noa nodded.He: "כן, זה רק אומר שאתה אנושי.En: "Yes, it just means you're human.He: ואני חושבת שאתה אמיץ, מתן.En: And I think you're brave, Matan."He: "השניים יצאו מהחדר, יחדיו, מלאים תחושת הצלחה וקירבה.En: The two of them left the room together, filled with a sense of achievement and closeness.He: היציאה מהמוזיאון לאוסטרליה הפורחת של האביב חיזקה את החלטתם: לפחד ביחד, זו גם דרך להתמודד בהצלחה.En: Exiting the museum into the blossoming Australia of spring strengthened their resolution: being scared together is also a way to successfully cope. Vocabulary Words:prominent: בולטיםexhibits: מוצגיםestablished: שהוקםdim: עמומיםatmosphere: אטמוספירהenthusiasm: התלהבותreplicas: רפליקותgazed: מביטיםawe: פליאהenormous: עצוםtense: מותחתbrave: אמיצהprove: להוכיחtremble: רעדmalfunction: תקלהanxiety: חרדהsupportively: בתמיכהhesitated: התלבטcompose: התעשתהemergency: חירוםbutton: כפתורresolution: החלטתםachievement: הצלחהcloseness: קירבהspring: האביבblossoming: הפורחתcope: להתמודדhuman: אנושיbrave: אמיץrelief: ברווחהBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

The Tribe of Wandering ShoesA Story Under the Stars in Four Parts. Just like the seasons!This Is The Second Part: The Autumn Adventure.The season was changing. The warm, sunny days of summer had given way to crisp and fresh mornings, often with a layer of fog beginning to cover the fields. The days were getting shorter, and the cool wind made the leaves fall — the street sweepers with their brooms couldn't gather them fast enough before another strong gust brought down just as many.The Tribe of the Wandering Shoes gathered for an extraordinary meeting; they all agreed that it was time to leave the beaches and resume their adventure before dark clouds full of rain appeared on the horizon.They packed their bags, put together some provisions, and cheerfully set off toward the Tuscan countryside. They walked through fragrant woods, where the leaves crunched under their feet and the colors of the trees painted the landscape with shades of red, orange, and gold.The Wandering Shoes felt the first drops of autumn rain as they wandered through winding paths and small villages. Everywhere they went, they saw other signs of the seasonal change: pumpkins on porches, scarecrows guarding the last cornfields, and the smell of spices in the air.At one point, they reached a small country town, where preparations for Halloween were already in full swing, and that's when the rain began to pour down heavily. The streets, flooded with water, looked like small streams, and the shoes were completely soaked.They tried to climb onto the roofs of the houses, but the tiles, slippery like soap, made them fall back down. They didn't know what to do anymore, but luckily, at that moment, along came Senapino the donkey, pulling a cart.It was Halloween, and his load consisted of yellow pumpkins, round and of various sizes. Senapino stopped and kindly said to the shoes: "Hop on, I'll give you a lift!"The shoes didn't need to be told twice, and full of joy, they jumped on in the blink of an eye. They squeezed together as much as possible to make room among the pumpkins, and the good donkey, understanding they needed a dry place, took them out of town.After a short journey, they arrived in front of an abandoned barn with a very tall tower."In the tower, you'll be warm, and from its top, you can enjoy a beautiful view: the starry sky at night and the red roofs of the town by day. A perfect place for Halloween night."Senapino invited them to get off and, after saying goodbye, resumed his journey, slowly disappearing into the distance.No door blocked the dark entrance of the tower, so the Wandering Shoes went in and climbed the old stone staircase worn by time. As they climbed slowly, they heard a bouncing noise behind them. Turning around, they saw the pumpkins following them step by step.Some torches lit up by magic, and suddenly the stairs were illuminated by faint, flickering flames. Once they reached the top, the whole Tribe settled into the tower-barn, accompanied by the pumpkins that had followed them. They dried off well and thought it would be fun to celebrate Halloween together.To create the right atmosphere, they carved the pumpkins from Senapino's cart, placed candle stubs found among the barn's junk inside them, and after lighting them, placed them on the windowsills and terrace. The tower, with its glowing pumpkins, could be seen from afar, and it was a sight to behold. Surely the villagers would appreciate the view.But then, suddenly, incredibly, and unexpectedly, all the pumpkins, with a jump, transformed into spiders with long legs and big, glowing red eyes. They quickly started hunting down the Wandering Shoes, as if they had always been their favorite prey.What a fright! What chaos!There were shoes running in every direction and others hiding behind the braver ones, who, stretching out their laces, tied themselves together like a magical web. In no time, this web intertwined and grew out of control, forming an enchanted shield around the shoes to protect them.The spiders, furious, began jumping and climbing everywhere like mad but were unable to catch any prey. After several attempts, disappointed, they scurried down the stairs, abandoning the barn and heading toward the town in search of new victims. But the streets were filled with floating ghosts, white like sheets, and as they brushed against the scary spiders, they transformed them back into friendly glowing pumpkins.The danger had been averted. It was Halloween night, and as we all know, on this enchanted night, anything can happen.Even in the tower, the Wandering Shoes were breathing a sigh of relief as the remaining bits of candles were burning out. Soon, darkness fell, and the restless evil forces launched a new attack.In the large, dark, and gloomy room, a gust of icy wind slammed all the doors and windows shut, and enormous sabers appeared, crossed and wrapped in iron chains; as if that weren't enough, in the center was a large rusty bolt with keys hanging, but out of reach.By magic, every exit was barred, and the shoes were trapped.Two pairs of yellow shoes tried in vain to kick the exit door, while others attempted to jump for the keys, but they too were unsuccessful. So, even though the pumpkins had been defeated, the Wandering Shoes found themselves trapped in the abandoned barn, victims of some evil power.When they had lost all hope of being freed and celebrating Halloween, a sudden blaring sound, a vibration, and a gust of wind rushed toward the tower. A fiery bolt unlocked the main latch with a loud bang, and with a sharp and resonant metallic snap, the key fell. At that moment, all the swords and chains dropped to the floor at once. The curse dispersed like a ghostly glow.Without hesitation, the shoes ran to the tower windows to see what had happened! Not only were they open, but once again illuminated by warm, flickering torchlight.From there, they could see the town below, where pumpkins of all sizes lit up the town with their glowing candles. The danger was truly over this time, and it was the best Halloween night. On the terrace were delicious treats of all kinds, some even spider-shaped, crispy and ready to munch on.Finally safe and happy, the next morning they would be able to continue their journey.In the night, they wondered among themselves:“But could that donkey, Senapino, have been part of the spell that imprisoned us?” “Who knows?”And all in chorus: “Maybe the little witch Soletta knows something about it! Is she the one pulling the magic web's strings?”____________________________________What can we expect at this point, after the summer and autumn adventures?Stay alert; the story will continue in the third part: the winter adventure in the snowy mountains. Don't miss the next high-altitude journey! Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

LA TRIBÚ DELLE SCARPE ERRANTIUna storia Sotto Le Stelle in quattro parti. Proprio come le stagioni!Questa e' la seconda parte: l'avventura autunnale.La stagione stava cambiando. I giorni caldi e soleggiati dell'estate avevano lasciato il posto a mattinate d'aria frizzante e fresca, spesso con una coltre di nebbia che iniziava a coprire i campi. Le giornate si accorciavano, e il vento fresco faceva cadere le foglie — gli spazzini con le loro scope non facevano in tempo a raccoglierle, che una ventata più forte ne riportava altrettante.La Tribù Delle Scarpe Erranti si riunì in assemblea straordinaria; di comune accordo decisero che era arrivato il momento di lasciare le spiagge e riprendere l'avventura prima che arrivassero scure nubi piene di pioggia all'orizzonte.Fecero i bagagli, misero insieme un po' di provviste e, con allegria, si rimisero in viaggio in direzione delle campagne toscane. Camminarono attraverso boschi profumati, dove le foglie scricchiolavano sotto i loro passi e i colori degli alberi dipingevano il paesaggio con sfumature di rosso, arancione e oro.Le Scarpe Erranti sentirono le prime gocce di pioggia autunnale mentre vagavano tra sentieri tortuosi e piccoli villaggi. Ovunque andassero, vedevano altri segni del cambiamento stagionale: zucche sui portici, spaventapasseri che facevano la guardia agli ultimi campi di mais, e il profumo di spezie nell'aria.A un certo punto, raggiunsero una piccola cittadina di campagna, dove i preparativi per Halloween erano già in pieno svolgimento; ed è lì che la pioggia cominciò a cadere intensamente. Le strade, inondate dall'acqua, sembravano piccoli torrenti, e le scarpe erano ormai a mollo.Provarono a salire sui tetti delle case, ma le tegole, scivolose come sapone, le facevano ricadere giù. Non sapevano più che fare, ma per fortuna, in quel momento, passò di lì il ciuco Senapino che stava trainando un carretto.Era il giorno della Festa di Halloween, ed il suo carico consisteva in zucche gialle, belle tonde e di varie misure. Senapino si fermò e, rivolgendosi alle scarpe, disse gentilmente:“Salite, che vi do un passaggio!”Le scarpe non se lo fecero ripetere due volte, e piene di gioia in un batter d'occhio saltarono sopra. Si strinsero il più possibile per farsi spazio fra le zucche e il buon ciuco, che, dopo aver capito che avevano bisogno di un posto asciutto, le accompagnò fuori città.Dopo un breve viaggio, arrivarono davanti a un granaio abbandonato con un'altissima torre.“Nella torre starete al caldo e dalla sua cima potrete godere di un bellissimo panorama: di notte il cielo stellato e di giorno i tetti rossi della cittadina. Un posto perfetto per la notte di Halloween.”Il ciuco Senapino le invitò a scendere e, salutandole, riprese il suo cammino, sparendo lentamente in lontananza.Nessun portone ostacolava l'ingresso buio della torre, così le Scarpe Erranti entrarono e salirono la vecchia scala di pietra consumata dal tempo. Mentre salivano lentamente, sentirono dietro di loro un rumore di saltelli. Girandosi, videro le zucche che, uno scalino dopo l'altro, le stavano seguendo.Qualche torcia si accese per incantesimo e improvvisamente la scala era illuminata da fiammelle fioche e tremolanti. Raggiunta la cima, tutta la Tribù si sistemò nella torre-granaio in compagnia delle zucche che le avevano seguite. Si asciugarono bene e pensarono che sarebbe stato divertente festeggiare Halloween in compagnia.Per creare la giusta atmosfera, intagliarono le zucche scese dal carretto del ciuco Senapino, ci misero dentro dei mozziconi di candele trovati tra le cianfrusaglie del granaio e, dopo averle accese, le posizionarono sui davanzali delle finestre e sul terrazzo. La torre, con le zucche luminose, si poteva vedere da lontano ed era uno spettacolo da non perdere. Sicuramente gli abitanti del villaggio avrebbero apprezzato la vista.Ma, a un tratto, improvvisamente, incredibilmente e inaspettatamente, tutte le zucche, con un balzo, si trasformarono in ragni con lunghe gambe e grandi occhi rossi luminescenti. Muovendosi rapidamente, si misero alla caccia per catturare le Scarpe Erranti, come se fossero da sempre le loro prede preferite.Che spavento! Che confusione!C'erano scarpe che scappavano in ogni direzione e altre che si nascondevano dietro quelle più coraggiose, che, tendendo i loro lacci, si legavano fra loro come una ragnatela magica. In men che non si dica, questa ragnatela si intrecciava e cresceva a dismisura, formando uno scudo incantato intorno alle scarpe per proteggerle.I ragni, arrabbiatissimi, iniziarono a saltare e arrampicarsi ovunque come impazziti, ma senza riuscire a catturare nessuna preda. Dopo diversi tentativi, delusi, scesero giù per la scala, abbandonando il granaio e dirigendosi verso la cittadina alla ricerca disperata di nuove prede; ma le strade erano piene di fantasmi fluttuanti, bianchi come lenzuola, che, sfiorando i ragni spaventosi, li trasformavano di nuovo in simpatiche zucche luminose.Il pericolo era stato sventato. Era la notte di Halloween e, come sappiamo bene, in questa notte incantata tutto poteva succedere.Anche nella torre, le Scarpe Erranti stavano tirando un respiro di sollievo, mentre i rimanenti pezzetti di candele si stavano consumando. In breve tempo, si fece buio e le forze malvagie, che non trovavano pace, sferrarono un nuovo attacco.Nella grande stanza scura e tetra, una folata di vento ghiacciato chiuse tutte le porte e le finestre ed enormi sciabole si manifestarono, incrociate e contornate da catene a maglie di ferro; e, come se non bastasse, al centro vi era un grosso chiavistello rugginoso con chiavi pendenti e irraggiungibili.Per incantesimo ogni uscita era sbarrata e le scarpe erano state prese prigioniere.Due paia di scarpe gialle tentarono inutilmente di prendere a calci il portone d'uscita, altre cercarono di avvicinarsi alle chiavi saltando, ma anche loro senza successo. Così, nonostante le zucche fossero state sconfitte, le Scarpe Erranti si ritrovarono intrappolate nel granaio abbandonato, vittime di qualche potere malvagio.Quando ormai avevano perso ogni speranza di essere liberate e poter festeggiare Halloween, un improvviso squillo assordante, una vibrazione e una folata di vento giunsero rapidamente verso la torre. Una saetta infuocata sbloccò il chiavistello principale con un gran fragore, e con un forte schiocco di metallo acuto e risonante, la chiave cadde. Al che tutte le spade e catene caddero al suolo allo stesso tempo. La maledizione si disperse come un bagliore spettrale.Senza esitare, le scarpe corsero verso le finestre della torre per vedere cosa fosse successo! Non solo erano aperte, ma di nuovo illuminate da fiaccole di luce calda e tremolante.Da lì potevano vedere il paese sottostante, dove zucche di tutte le misure illuminavano il paese con le loro candele accese. Il pericolo stavolta era passato davvero e quella fu la più bella notte di Halloween. Sul terrazzo c'erano dolcetti appetitosi di tutti i tipi, alcuni erano anche a forma di ragno, croccanti da sgranocchiare.Finalmente salve e contente, il mattino seguente avrebbero potuto continuare il loro viaggio.Nella notte, fra loro si chiedevano:“Ma quel ciuco Senapino sarà stato parte dell'incantesimo che ci aveva imprigionato?” “Boh, boh, chi lo può sapere?”E tutte in coro:“Forse la Streghetta Soletta ne sa qualcosa! Sarà lei che manovra il filo magico della ragnatela?”Che cosa ci possiamo aspettare a questo punto, dopo le peripezie dell'estate e dell'autunno?Fate attenzione; il racconto proseguirà nella terza parte della storia: l'avventura invernale sulle montagne innevate. Non perdetevi il prossimo viaggio ad alta quota! Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: A Quiet Dreamer's Journey to Finding Home Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/a-quiet-dreamers-journey-to-finding-home Story Transcript:Hu: Az őszi levelek halkan remegtek a Budapest Árvaház udvarán, ahol a gyerekek vidám nevetése visszhangzott.En: The autumn leaves gently trembled in the courtyard of the Budapest Orphanage, where the cheerful laughter of children echoed.Hu: Az árvaház egy régi, téglából épült épület volt, a Duna partján.En: The orphanage was an old, brick-built building on the banks of the Danube.Hu: Belül színes falfestmények díszítették a falakat, melegséget és meghittséget árasztva.En: Inside, colorful murals decorated the walls, radiating warmth and coziness.Hu: Bence, a csendes és álmodozó fiú, egy sarokban ült, könyvet szorongatva.En: Bence, a quiet and dreamy boy, sat in a corner clutching a book.Hu: Mindig is szeretett történeteket olvasni, különösen azokról, akik otthonra találtak.En: He had always loved reading stories, especially about those who found a home.Hu: Szíve mélyén ő is erről álmodott: megtalálni azt a családot, amelyik igazán szereti.En: Deep in his heart, he dreamed of the same: finding a family that truly loved him.Hu: Azon a napon az árvaház készülődött a Magyar Élet Napjára, amikor leendő örökbefogadók látogatták meg az intézményt.En: On that day, the orphanage was preparing for the Day of Hungarian Life, when prospective adoptive parents visited the institution.Hu: Márta, az árvaház gondoskodó nevelője, különösen kötődött Bencéhez.En: Márta, the caring caretaker of the orphanage, was particularly attached to Bence.Hu: Olyan kedves és figyelmes fiú volt.En: He was such a kind and attentive boy.Hu: De Márta aggódott, mert Bence köhögni kezdett, és láza is felment.En: But Márta was worried because Bence had started coughing and had a fever.Hu: Az orvos azt javasolta, hogy pihenjen az orvosi szobában.En: The doctor advised him to rest in the infirmary.Hu: Bence hallotta az előkészületek zaját, és bár gyengének érezte magát, tudta, hogy ott kell lennie.En: Bence heard the sounds of preparations, and although he felt weak, he knew he had to be there.Hu: Ez volt az egyetlen esélye, hogy találkozzon azokkal, akik lehetnek a leendő szülei.En: It was his only chance to meet those who could be his future parents.Hu: Miközben Márta elment egy percre, Bence elhatározta, hogy kislisszan az orvosi szobából.En: While Márta stepped out for a moment, Bence decided to slip out of the infirmary.Hu: Az udvarra érve a levelek színes takaróként borították a fűt.En: Reaching the courtyard, he found the leaves covering the grass like a colorful blanket.Hu: A látogatók kíváncsian sétálgattak körbe, ismerkedve a gyerekekkel.En: Visitors were walking around curiously, getting to know the children.Hu: Bence csendesen figyelte őket, észrevéve egy kedves arcú párt, akik mosolyogva néztek körbe.En: Bence watched them quietly, noticing a kind-faced couple who were looking around with smiles.Hu: A pár hamarosan észrevette Bencét is.En: The couple soon noticed Bence as well.Hu: Valami különlegeset láttak benne, ahogy a gyerekekkel beszélt, és megérintette őket a fiú őszinte mosolya.En: They saw something special in him as he spoke with the other children, and they were touched by his sincere smile.Hu: De ahogy közelebb értek hozzá, Bencét újabb köhögőroham támadta meg.En: But as they got closer to him, Bence was overcome by another bout of coughing.Hu: Az emberek aggódva léptek hátrébb, és Márta is odafutott, hogy segítsen.En: People stepped back in concern, and Márta rushed over to help.Hu: Bence azonban kitartó volt.En: Nevertheless, Bence was persistent.Hu: Márta mellett állva elmagyarázta, mennyire szeretne egy családot.En: Standing beside Márta, he explained how much he longed for a family.Hu: A pár, látták Bencében a kitartást és bátorságot, meghatottan mellette maradt.En: The couple, seeing Bence's perseverance and courage, stayed near, moved by his determination.Hu: Félrehívták Mártát, és halkan suttogtak vele.En: They pulled Márta aside and spoke with her quietly.Hu: A nap végére a pár ismét megkereste Bencét.En: By the end of the day, the couple sought out Bence again.Hu: Elmondták, hogy segítenének neki felépülni, és szívesen fogadnák családjukba.En: They told him they would help him recover and warmly welcomed him into their family.Hu: Bence szívverése felgyorsult az örömtől.En: Bence's heart raced with joy.Hu: Ahogy rájuk pillantott, érezte, hogy igazán látják őt: a bátor, álmodozó fiút, aki bár gyengének tűnt, mégis erősebb volt, mint valaha.En: As he looked at them, he felt truly seen: the brave, dreamy boy who, despite seeming weak, was stronger than ever.Hu: Márta könnyeit törölgetve ölelte meg Bencét, boldogságát nem tudta elrejteni.En: Márta, wiping her tears, hugged Bence, unable to hide her happiness.Hu: Az árvaház udvarán lassan alkonyodott, a levelek aranyszínűre váltak a naplementében.En: As dusk slowly fell in the orphanage courtyard, the leaves turned golden in the sunset.Hu: A szél csendesen susogott, mintha egyszerre mesélné Bence történetét az erőről és a hitről, amely új ajtókat nyithat meg bárki előtt.En: The wind softly whispered, as if telling Bence's story of strength and faith, which can open new doors for anyone.Hu: Aznap a csendes álmodozóból családtag lett, aki megtalálta otthonát.En: That day, the quiet dreamer became a family member who found his home. Vocabulary Words:trembled: remegtekcourtyard: udvaráncheerful: vidámechoed: visszhangzottmurals: falfestményekcoziness: meghittségclutching: szorongatvadreamed: álmodottprospective: leendőadoptive: örökbefogadókfever: lázainfirmary: orvosi szobapreparations: előkészületekbouts: rohampersistent: kitartódetermination: kitartáscourage: bátorságsought: megkeresterecovery: felépülniwelcomed: szívesen fogadnákraced: felgyorsultdusk: alkonyodottgolden: aranyszínűrewhispered: susogottstrength: erőrőlfaith: hitrőldoors: ajtókatquiet: csendesdreamer: álmodozómember: családtag

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to Owl Babies one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Too often we have a reactive over a proactive approach to mental health, focusing on mental ill health rather than on thriving. Matt Bawler shares his work around this, including establishing strong foundations and providing children with the tools and agency to be able to thrive in life. Read Matt's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:  Matt's previous episode and article around Growth mindset in early childhood - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood/ Dawn Jone's episode and article on Problematising behaviour management systems - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/problematising-behaviour-management-systems/  Dr Mine Conkbayir's episode and article on Self-regulation, co-regulation and mental health - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-regulation-co-regulation-and-mental-health/ Maureen Hunt's episode and article on Self-efficacy in young children - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-efficacy-in-young-children/ Episode break down: 00:00 – What do we mean by proactive mental health? 05:00 – Reverse engineering and going ‘upstream' 07:00 – Maslow's hierarchy of needs 08:00 – A deep belief of not being lovable 10:00 – Falling over to get back up again 12:00 – What is behind the behaviour? 17:00 – Watching the language you use 23:30 – ‘I am, I can and I will' framework 27:30 – What's wrong with affirmations? 31:00 – High self-esteem vs positive self-esteem 34:00 – Growth over happiness & reclaiming resilience 37:00 – Threat vs challenge 41:00 – ‘What's right with you' vs ‘what's wrong with you' 41:20 – 24 character strengths 42:00 – ‘Use your tools' 43:00 – Moving away from sticker culture 44:00 – Moving away from ‘othering' 48:20 – Using stories to explore challenges 50:45 – Embodied agency 53:00 – Matt's current projects 57:00 – Book recommendations For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com 

I Robot sulla CollinaIn una luminosa giornata di primavera, dei bambini in gita scolastica passarono nelle vicinanze dell'Osservatorio Sulla Collina. Il grande edificio scintillante era una meraviglia architettonica, con alte torri che svettavano verso il cielo, cupole argentate che brillavano al sole e telescopi giganteschi che spuntavano come occhi curiosi, sempre pronti a esplorare l'universo. Era la prima volta che lo vedevano da vicino e, ai loro occhi, apparve come la meraviglia delle meraviglie.Rientrati a scuola, i bambini non riuscivano a smettere di pensare a quel luogo misterioso e, durante le rimanenti ore di lezione, alzavano spesso le mani per fare domande. Ma le risposte degli insegnanti erano vaghe e i loro dubbi rimasero irrisolti. A essere sinceri, non è che molti in paese sapessero un granché di quella costruzione. Era lì da così tanto tempo che nessuno ci faceva più caso. Forse c'era sempre stata.Tra gli studenti di quella classe c'erano un fratello e una sorella, che erano forse un po' più curiosi degli altri. Tornati a casa, decisero di andare a trovare la nonna che, più spesso che non, sapeva rispondere alle loro domande più strane:“Nonna, tu che ci racconti sempre delle memorie del passato, e che una giostra e un carillon erano i tuoi giochi più cari, potresti dirci qualcosa del futuro? Quali segreti si nascondono nel cielo? Cosa succede nel grande Osservatorio Sulla Collina?”La nonna sorrise, e i suoi occhi si illuminarono di un misterioso luccichio. I due nipoti, tra l'altro, erano sicuri che la nonna nascondesse qualche segreto nel suo garage super privato. In effetti, la nonna non era solo appassionata di storie di altri tempi: leggeva tantissimo, ascoltava la radio e spesso, la notte, osservava il cielo con degli attrezzi peculiari. Ed era proprio in cielo che aveva un caro amico, il Mago del Sapere, con cui aveva collaborato spesso in passato per decifrare i misteri dell'universo e del futuro.Senza esitazione, la nonna decise di chiamarlo via radio, così che fosse lui a rispondere ai suoi curiosi nipoti. Dopo qualche istante, il Mago del Sapere apparve con la sua navicella spaziale scintillante. Fluttuava accanto a lui un libro magico, che si apriva e si chiudeva da solo, rivelando segni strani, antiche formule e segreti.Il Mago si rivolse ai bambini con un sorriso saggio e disse loro che l'Osservatorio Sulla Collina è aperto a 360° sul mondo, fatto di vetrate dalla visuale infinita, da dove si può studiare l'universo intero. Dei robot, provenienti da pianeti lontani, l'hanno scoperto mentre girovagavano sulla Terra. Per svolgere i loro studi come scienziati astronomi, era il luogo perfetto.I robot che lo abitavano ed erano al comando del progetto di ricerca avevano nomi particolari:ASSO, il Robot più bravo ad organizzare le cose, era a capo della spedizione.CONNI, il Robot esploratore, che era connesso con l'universo e lo comprendeva più di tutti gli altri.UNO, il Robot genio della matematica, contava le stelle e tutti i corpi celesti volanti, comprese le meteore e le stelle cadenti.SALUS, il Robot ricercatore e conoscitore del Pianeta Terra, scrutava tutti i suoi abitanti e ogni cambiamento, dagli ecosistemi alla biodiversità.AUDIO, l'Intelligenza Artificiale che non si vedeva, ma che era responsabile di tutte le comunicazioni spaziali e coordinava le scoperte tra i vari pianeti.Oltre a spiegare a voce, il Mago del Sapere invitò la nonna e i nipoti a salire a bordo della sua navicella, e insieme fluttuarono lentamente verso l'osservatorio. La gravità sembrava sospesa e tutto intorno a loro brillava di una luce magica.Il Mago offrì loro dei palloncini colorati che li sollevarono in aria e, dal tetto aperto della navicella, li trasportarono fino ai vetri dell'Osservatorio.Che meraviglia! C'erano centinaia di attrezzature e tantissimi robot di diverse dimensioni che si muovevano tutti indaffarati. Fra di loro spiccavano per grandezza, forma e colore Asso, Conni, Uno e Salus. Guardavano in alto, sorpresi e meravigliati alla vista dei visitatori, e non sapevano come comportarsi. I bambini inviavano baci e saluti, ma i robot, che non conoscevano l'affetto, si scambiarono solo segnali luminosi e si rimisero a lavorare come di consueto. Chissà quali pensieri avevano e che segreti nascondevano nei loro cervelli elettronici.Una volta tornati a casa, erano contenti per l'avventura, ma la loro curiosità era cresciuta ancora di più. Il lavoro dei robot sarebbe continuato, ma secondo loro, era necessario che potessero interagire con gli uomini per condividere le loro scoperte e collaborare per un mondo migliore.I robot che avevano visto dalle vetrate erano di poche parole e troppo presi dai loro incarichi per chiacchierare con loro. Ma forse era proprio quello che non si vedeva che poteva essere la soluzione: AUDIO, l'Intelligenza Artificiale!Per contattarlo ci voleva un'idea geniale: la radio della nonna poteva essere quello che ci voleva. Ma con qualche modifica. Immediatamente la corredarono con un'antenna e un microfono super potenti. Senza indugi provarono a mettersi in contatto con AUDIO, spiegando la loro idea. Ma nessuna risposta arrivò. Cambiando frequenze, provarono per diverse sere, ma senza fortuna.Un giorno, la nonna, mentre cucinava spaghetti al pomodoro e basilico, ascoltava notizie sull'universo sintonizzata su una nuova radio locale chiamata Stazione Spaziale. Per caso, ci fu un'interferenza e, fra una forchettata di spaghetti e un'altra, nell'aggiustare la sintonia, intercettò una voce metallica che sembrava voler comunicare con i suoi nipoti. Non c'erano dubbi: capì che la trasmissione arrivava dall'Osservatorio Sulla Collina e che quello era AUDIO!La nonna informò subito i suoi nipoti e tutti i bambini del paese, che felici si ritrovavano ogni giorno dopo la scuola per parlare con AUDIO. Parlavano un po' di tutto e, mentre loro imparavano tante cose, altrettanto faceva lui, e così anche gli altri robot, con i quali AUDIO poteva fare da traduttore.Il tempo passava e tante informazioni e scoperte continuavano ad arrivare dall'Osservatorio. Dopo un anno che si conoscevano, i bambini chiesero ad AUDIO:“Possiamo festeggiare con una torta con le candeline?”AUDIO rispose: “Io non ho età e il tempo non fa differenza per me. Poi, per essere sincero, lo zucchero fa male agli ingranaggi. Mangiate voi la torta e fate spegnere le candeline dal vento.”I bambini sorrisero, comprendendo che la loro curiosità aveva davvero aperto una finestra sul futuro.“Ecco!” esclamarono di gioia, “AUDIO e i suoi amici sono una delle meraviglie del futuro.”La nonna, in un giorno di pioggia e sole, tirò fuori dal garage la sua mini navetta spaziale, la mise rapidamente in moto e, dopo una sosta di rifornimento sull'arcobaleno, raggiunse a velocità incredibile il Pianeta della Sapienza per un saluto e un tè delle cinque con l'amico Mago.Tornò a casa prima del buio e, dopo aver parcheggiato la sua mini navetta spaziale nel garage segreto, si rilassò in giardino. Mentre era seduta sulla sua sedia a dondolo, arrivarono i suoi nipoti, che le chiesero:“Cosa guardi?”“Sto osservando il cielo, sai, è affollato di astronauti su navicelle spaziali, alcune dirette verso la Luna, altre verso Marte e persino oltre.”“Tu la sai lunga, nonna,” le dissero sorridendo. “La giostrina e il carillon erano il tuo passato, ora conosci i segreti del futuro. Brava! E se un giorno volerai di nuovo, faccelo sapere; ti guarderemo insieme ai robot e ai nostri amici. Magari un giorno potremmo venire con te in una delle tue avventure spaziali. Che ne dici, nonna?”La nonna sorrise e, guardando il cielo stellato, rispose: “Chissà? Un giorno, forse verrete con me!” Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

Robots on the HillOn a bright spring day, some schoolchildren on a field trip passed near the Observatory on the Hill. The large, gleaming building was an architectural wonder, with tall towers reaching toward the sky, silver domes shining in the sun, and gigantic telescopes protruding like curious eyes, always ready to explore the universe. It was the first time they had seen it up close, and to their eyes, it appeared as the wonder of wonders.Back at school, the children couldn't stop thinking about that mysterious place, and during the remaining hours of lessons, they frequently raised their hands to ask questions. But the teachers' answers were vague, and their doubts remained unresolved. To be honest, not many in town knew much about that building. It had been there for so long that no one paid much attention to it anymore. Maybe it had always been there.Among the students in that class were a brother and sister, who were perhaps a little more curious than the others. When they got home, they decided to visit their grandmother, who, more often than not, knew how to answer their strangest questions: "Grandma, you who always tell us memories of the past, and that a merry-go-round and a music box were your favorite games to play, could you tell us something about the future? What secrets are hidden in the sky? What happens in the great Observatory on the Hill?"Grandma smiled, and her eyes lit up with a mysterious sparkle. The two grandchildren, by the way, were sure that their grandmother was hiding some secret in her super-private garage. In fact, Grandma wasn't just passionate about stories from the past: she read a lot, listened to the radio, and often, at night, she observed the sky with peculiar tools. And it was in the sky that she had a dear friend, the Wizard of Knowledge, with whom she had often collaborated in the past to decipher the mysteries of the universe and the future.Without hesitation, Grandma decided to call him on the radio, so that he could answer her curious grandchildren. After a few moments, the Wizard of Knowledge appeared with his shimmering spaceship. Floating next to him was a magical book, which opened and closed on its own, revealing strange symbols, ancient formulas, and secrets.The Wizard turned to the children with a wise smile and told them that the Observatory on the Hill is open 360° to the world, made of glass windows with an infinite view, from where you can study the entire universe. Some robots, coming from distant planets, discovered it while wandering on Earth. To conduct their studies as astronomer scientists, it was the perfect place.The robots that lived there and were in charge of the research project had particular names:ASSO, the Robot best at organizing things, was the head of the expedition.CONNI, the Explorer Robot, who was connected to the universe and understood it better than anyone else.UNO, the Math Genius Robot, who counted the stars and all flying celestial bodies, including meteors and shooting stars.SALUS, the Researcher Robot, who was knowledgeable about Planet Earth, observed all its inhabitants, and tracked every change, from ecosystems to biodiversity.AUDIO, the Artificial Intelligence that was invisible but responsible for all space communications and coordinated discoveries between the various planets.After explaining, the Wizard of Knowledge invited Grandma and the grandchildren to board his spaceship, and together they floated slowly toward the observatory. Gravity seemed suspended, and everything around them shone with a magical light.The Wizard offered them colorful balloons that lifted them into the air, and through the open roof of the spaceship, they were transported to the glass windows of the Observatory.What a wonder! There were hundreds of instruments and many robots of different sizes, all busy with their tasks. Among them stood out for size, shape, and color, Asso, Conni, Uno, and Salus. They looked up, surprised and amazed at the sight of the visitors, and didn't know how to react. The children sent kisses and greetings, but the robots, who didn't understand affection, exchanged only light signals and went back to work as usual. Who knows what thoughts they had and what secrets they hid in their electronic brains.Once back home, they were happy about the adventure, but their curiosity had grown even more. The robots' work would continue, but in their opinion, it was necessary for them to interact with humans to share their discoveries and collaborate for a better world.The robots they had seen through the glass were of few words and too absorbed in their tasks to chat with them. But perhaps what couldn't be seen was the solution: AUDIO, the Artificial Intelligence!To contact it, they needed a genius idea: Grandma's radio could be what they needed. But it required some changes. They immediately fitted it with super-powerful antenna and microphone. Without hesitation, they tried to get in touch with AUDIO, explaining their idea. But no response came. They changed frequencies and tried for several evenings, but without luck.One day, Grandma, while cooking spaghetti with tomato and basil, was listening to news about the universe, tuned to a new local radio station called Space Station. By chance, there was an interference and, between one forkful of spaghetti and another, as she adjusted the tuning, she intercepted a metallic voice that seemed to want to communicate with her grandchildren. There was no doubt: she realized that the transmission came from the Observatory on the Hill and that it was AUDIO!Grandma immediately informed her grandchildren and all the children in town, who happily gathered every day after school to talk to AUDIO. They talked about all sorts of things, and while they were learning a lot, so was he, and so were the other robots, with whom AUDIO could act as a translator.Time passed, and many pieces of information and discoveries continued to arrive from the observatory. After a year of knowing each other, the children asked AUDIO: "Can we celebrate with a cake with candles?"AUDIO replied: "I have no age, and time makes no difference to me. Besides, to be honest, sugar is bad for gears. You eat the cake and let the wind blow out the candles."The children smiled, realizing that their curiosity had truly opened a window to the future."Look!" they exclaimed joyfully, "AUDIO and his friends are one of the wonders of the future." Grandma, on a day of rain and sunshine, took her mini spaceship out of the garage, quickly started it up, and after a refueling stop on the rainbow, reached the Planet of Wisdom at incredible speed for a greeting and afternoon tea with her friend, the Wizard.She returned home before dark, and after parking her mini spaceship in her secret garage, she relaxed in the garden. While she was sitting in her rocking chair, her grandchildren arrived and asked her:"What are you looking at?""I'm observing the sky, you know, it's crowded with astronauts in spaceships, some headed for the Moon, others for Mars, and even beyond.""You know a lot, Grandma," they said, smiling. "The merry-go-round and the music box were your past games to play, now you know the secrets of the future. Well done! And if one day you fly again, let us know; we'll watch you along with the robots and our friends. Maybe one day we can join you on one of your space adventures. What do you think, Grandma?"Grandma smiled, and looking at the starry sky, replied:"Who knows... maybe one day..." Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to All Aboard The Dinosaur Express one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to Gordon the Big Strong Engine one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to Chicken Licken one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Healing Waves: Sibling Bonding in Times of Turmoil Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/healing-waves-sibling-bonding-in-times-of-turmoil Story Transcript:Ca: Els raigs del sol jugaven sobre l'aigua cristal·lina de la platja de Llafranc, creant milers de lluentors com diamants.En: The sunbeams danced over the crystal-clear water at Llafranc beach, creating thousands of sparkles like diamonds.Ca: Mariona i el seu germà petit, Pere, estaven asseguts a la sorra.En: Mariona and her little brother, Pere, sat on the sand.Ca: Mariona mirava l'horitzó mentre Pere llançava pedres al mar amb frustració.En: Mariona gazed at the horizon while Pere threw stones into the sea with frustration.Ca: —No vull estar aquí —va dir Pere amb mal humor.En: "I don't want to be here," said Pere, sulky.Ca: Mariona va sospirar, mirant el seu germà amb paciència.En: Mariona sighed, looking at her brother patiently.Ca: Des de la separació dels seus pares, Pere estava sempre enfadat.En: Since their parents' separation, Pere was always angry.Ca: Mariona volia tornar-li el somriure, però no sabia com.En: Mariona wanted to bring back his smile but didn't know how.Ca: —Va, Pere, fem un castell de sorra —va proposar amb una veu suau, intentant animar-lo.En: "Come on, Pere, let's build a sandcastle," she suggested softly, trying to cheer him up.Ca: Pere es va limitar a sacsejar el cap i va seguir llançant pedres.En: Pere just shook his head and continued tossing stones.Ca: El dia era calorós, i el murmuri suau de les onades semblava voler calmar les seves ànimes inquietes.En: The day was hot, and the gentle murmur of the waves seemed to want to calm their restless souls.Ca: Mariona va decidir provar una altra cosa.En: Mariona decided to try something else.Ca: Va agafar una pilota inflable que havien portat i la va fer rodar cap a Pere.En: She picked up an inflatable ball they had brought and rolled it towards Pere.Ca: Però en lloc de seguir jugant, Pere es va aixecar de cop i va arrencar a córrer cap a l'aigua.En: But instead of playing, Pere suddenly jumped up and ran towards the water.Ca: —Pere, espera!En: "Pere, wait!"Ca: —va cridar Mariona, corrent darrere d'ell.En: Mariona shouted, running after him.Ca: Quan el va atrapar, Pere es va girar, amb llàgrimes als ulls.En: When she caught up to him, Pere turned around, tears in his eyes.Ca: —Per què no podem tornar a casa?En: "Why can't we go home?Ca: Per què no podem ser una família normal?En: Why can't we be a normal family?"Ca: —va xisclar, ple de ràbia i dolor.En: he yelled, full of rage and pain.Ca: Mariona va sentir una punxada de dolor al cor.En: Mariona felt a pang in her heart.Ca: No havia sabut com explicar-li els seus propis sentiments.En: She hadn't known how to explain her own feelings to him.Ca: Ella també volia que tot tornés a la normalitat, però sabia que això no era possible.En: She also wanted everything to return to normal, but she knew that wasn't possible.Ca: —Pere, jo tampoc no sé què fer —va dir, amb la veu trencada.En: "Pere, I don't know what to do either," she said, her voice breaking.Ca: Les llàgrimes li van omplir els ulls—.En: Tears filled her eyes.Ca: Em sento perduda, com tu.En: "I feel lost, just like you."Ca: Pere la va mirar, sorprès, i va abaixar la veu.En: Pere looked at her, surprised, and lowered his voice.Ca: —Però tu sempre sembles forta.En: "But you always seem strong."Ca: —Només ho faig per tu.En: "I only do it for you."Ca: —Mariona va fer un pas endavant, abraçant-lo—.En: Mariona stepped forward and hugged him.Ca: Però tots dos ens hem de recolzar.En: "But we need to support each other.Ca: No podem fer-ho sols.En: We can't do this alone."Ca: Per un moment, es va fer el silenci entre ells.En: For a moment, there was silence between them.Ca: Les ones segueixen trencant suaument a la platja.En: The waves continued softly breaking on the shore.Ca: Pere finalment va abraçar la seva germana amb força.En: Pere finally hugged his sister tightly.Ca: —Ho sento, Mariona —va murmurar—.En: "I'm sorry, Mariona," he murmured.Ca: No volia fer-te mal.En: "I didn't mean to hurt you."Ca: —No passa res, Pere.En: "It's okay, Pere.Ca: També estic trista i confosa.En: I'm sad and confused too.Ca: Però trobarem una manera de sortir-nos-en junts.En: But we'll find a way to get through this together."Ca: Van tornar caminant cap a la tovallola, més units que mai.En: They walked back to the towel, closer than ever.Ca: Mariona sabia que les coses no serien fàcils, però ara comprenia que no estava sola.En: Mariona knew things would not be easy, but now she understood that she wasn't alone.Ca: Començaven un nou camí, junts, amb l'esperança que, pas a pas, podrien trobar una nova normalitat, una en què ambdós podrien ser feliços.En: They were starting a new journey together, with the hope that, step by step, they could find a new normal where both could be happy.Ca: Llafranc, amb la seva bellesa i calma, els va regalar aquell moment de pau, i els va recordar que, encara que el camí fos difícil, podien comptar l'un amb l'altre.En: Llafranc, with its beauty and calm, gifted them that moment of peace and reminded them that even though the road ahead was difficult, they could count on each other. Vocabulary Words:the sunbeams: els raigs del solthe crystal-clear water: l'aigua cristal·linathe horizon: l'horitzóthe sandcastle: el castell de sorrathe murmur of the waves: el murmuri de les onadesthe soul: l'ànimathe inflatable ball: la pilota inflablethe rage: la ràbiathe pain: el dolorthe pang: la punxadathe strength: la forçathe hug: l'abraçadathe shore: la platjathe tear: la llàgrimathe towel: la tovallolathe wave: l'onathe calm: la calmathe beauty: la bellesathe separation: la separacióthe frustration: la frustracióthe smile: el somriurethe head: el capthe patience: la paciènciathe journey: el camíthe step: el pasthe grief: el dolorthe whisper: el xiuxiueigthe silence: el silencithe hope: l'esperançathe brother: el germà

DUMP TRUCKS dumping, EXCAVATORS digging and JACKHAMMERS hammering ­­––they're fixing the road right in front of Old Mrs. Moody and Catbaloo's houses. It is very exciting to watch! But, when the roadcrew digs through the water line with an excavator, they'll be without water for the rest of the day. Oh dear, now they won't be able to get any of their daily chores done. So, they decide to make the most of their situation. It's a good time to get comfy, to take a rest, and listen to a good story. Catbaloo tells Old Mrs. Moody the tale of Marty Mole—a little mole who loves to dig and dig and dig. Marty has a sweet daddy who helps him understand, that working hard is important, but knowing when to stop and how to rest are important, too. If your kiddos love construction equipment, the fantastic sounds they'll hear in this episode will make it one of their favorites.   Don't miss Marty's bedtime story at the end – it's a sweet one. I thoroughly enjoyed writing and recording this one for your kiddos. Thank you for listening! /sb veskerna

The Tribe of Wandering ShoesA Story Under the Stars in Four Parts. Just like the seasons!The Summer AdventureIn a large clothing store downtown, among other items for sale, there were some rather peculiar sports shoes. In addition to being very comfortable, cheerful, and available in various colors, they would occasionally swap laces and positions for fun. And, believe it or not, they talked to each other.Lately, during the closing hour from 1:45 to 2:45, they would plot how one day they could fulfill their dream: they wanted to wander the world aimlessly, thus becoming the Tribe of Wandering Shoes.Hidden behind thick curtains were the fitting rooms, where, invisible to the store staff and customers, lived a lively little witch. Her name was Soletta the Witch, and she had a glowing magic wand from which she cast spells whenever she pleased.By day she spied, and by night she schemed, wandering around the store as if it were her own; it was no surprise she knew about the plot of the sports shoes.When they decided to take action, Soletta the Witch cast a spell, first tripling their number and with a flick of her wand and a puff of air, sent them sliding down the escalator. Suddenly, they found themselves free outside.Now, free and multiplied, the Tribe of Wandering Shoes was ready for adventure.It was summer, the days were so hot and sunny that they decided to go to the beach. This would be their first stop. After packing for the journey, they set off.Step by step, they reached the seaside just at sunset: an incredible light reflected on the waves, turning them silver, and upon arriving at the beach, they swayed like leaves in the wind. The cool sand was pleasant to step on, but the grains that got into their shoes as they walked caused a lot of itching. They started jumping, dancing, and having fun, waking up all the umbrellas which reopened along with the drowsy deckchairs. At that point, everyone was laughing and dancing with the shoes; joy, as we know, is contagious.After a wonderful evening together, they went to their hotel, and after a refreshing sleep, they got up early. The sun was still low on the horizon, and all agreed it would be nice to take a walk in the pine forest. After a hearty breakfast, they set off in single file: one, two, three, one, two, three, forward march.They walked in the shade along a tree-lined avenue. Seeing them, people were curious and said: “What beautiful colorful shoes” and they, happy and indifferent, continued: one, two, three, one, two, three, forward march.Reaching the pine forest, they sat under a huge tree. Everything was pleasant and relaxing until a bright flash, a sudden bolt from the blue, grazed them. They closed their eyes in fright, and when they opened them, they saw a vast field of mushrooms in front of them.Were they magical mushrooms? How could they have appeared so suddenly? And what about the pine forest? Was it perhaps a fantastic and enchanted place?Seeing the bewilderment of the Wandering Shoes, some mushrooms began to speak in unison: “We are part of a magic spell. This is the Pine Forest of Wonders. We communicate with fantastic creatures and, together with them, protect the animals and plants living in this habitat.”“We are very curious about this,” said the surprised Wandering Shoes, “what else do you do?”The mushrooms responded again in chorus: “At night we illuminate the undergrowth with iridescent lights, our stems grow, and our caps change color.”And they continued: “We traverse secret paths, where magical plants grow that emit an enveloping and intoxicating fragrance. We enter caves where elves, squirrels, owls, bunnies, and many others live. We have the power to communicate with them.”“But if you are wondering why we appeared to you, it is because, unexpectedly, something fantastic has happened. The bright flash that grazed you has given you a superpower that now allows you to know the magical secrets of the pine forest.”The mushrooms invited the entire Tribe of Wandering Shoes, astonished and speechless, to stay in the pine forest and wait for the night. Mystery hung in the air until dusk when the forest magically transformed into an enchanted fairy tale.And as the mushrooms had said, the shoes with their newfound superpower became part of it. They quietly explored the secret paths, entered the caves following the mushrooms, and met the elves and all the other inhabitants of the pine forest — magical and non-magical.At one point, all the shoes found themselves asleep under the big tree. Awakening before dawn as if from an incredible and fantastic dream, the pine forest returned to their eyes as it was the day before. They lay for a while, reflecting on the mystery of the magical mushrooms.Drawn to the fantastic life of the nighttime pine forest, they returned once, twice, three times, and more. They learned the secret language used by the animals, mushrooms, and elves to communicate with each other, and thus the Wandering Shoes became part of the fairy tale.They spent the rest of the summer days breathing in the sea air and watching the sunsets, while the waves whispered mysterious melodies on the sand. But they spent the nights in the pine forest. Occasionally, they looked at each other and whispered incredulously: “Do we really have a superpower?!” “Who knows?”And all in chorus: “Maybe Soletta the Witch knows something!”_______________________________And maybe, just maybe, she does. Yes? No? What do you think?From summer to autumn, the adventure of the Tribe of Wandering Shoes continues with a slightly spooky, but not too scary, Halloween story! Don't miss the next thrills and surprises. Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

LA TRIBÚ DELLE SCARPE ERRANTIUna storia Sotto Le Stelle in quattro parti. Proprio come le stagioni!L'avventura estiva.In un grande negozio di abbigliamento del centro cittadino, erano in vendita, fra l'altra merce, delle scarpe sportive un po' particolari. Oltre ad essere comodissime, simpatiche e di vario colore, di tanto in tanto si scambiavano per divertimento i lacci e i posti dove erano in bella mostra. E, udite udite, parlavano fra di loro.Ultimamente, durante l'ora di chiusura ai clienti, precisamente dall'una e quarantacinque alle due e quarantacinque, complottavano su come un giorno avrebbero potuto realizzare il loro sogno: desideravano girovagare per il mondo senza meta, trasformandosi così nella Tribù delle Scarpe Erranti.Nascosti dietro grosse tende c'erano i camerini di prova, dove invisibile a chi lavorava nel negozio e ai clienti, non ci credereste… abitava una piccola strega tutto pepe. Il suo nome era Streghetta Soletta e possedeva una bacchetta magica luminosa dalla quale lanciava sortilegi e incantesimi quando gli pareva e piaceva.Di giorno spiava e la notte tramava, gironzolando per il grande magazzino come se fosse suo; figurarsi se non era a conoscenza del complotto delle scarpe sportive.Nel momento in cui decisero di passare all'azione, la Streghetta Soletta con un incantesimo, prima le triplicò di numero e con un tocco della bacchetta magica e un soffio le fece scivolare giù dalla scala mobile. Tutto ad un tratto si ritrovarono libere all'aperto.Adesso si, che libera e moltiplicata, la Tribù delle Scarpe Erranti era pronta per l'avventura.Era estate, le giornate erano talmente calde e soleggiate che decisero di andare al mare. Questa sarebbe stata la loro prima tappa. Preparato il necessario per il viaggio, si misero in cammino.Un passo dopo l'altro arrivarono in riva al mare proprio all'ora del tramonto: una luce incredibile si rifletteva sulle onde che si coloravano d'argento e giunte sulla spiaggia dondolavano come foglie al vento. La sabbia raffreddata era piacevole da pesticciare, ma i granelli che entravano nelle scarpe mentre camminavano causavano un gran pizzicore. Iniziarono a saltare, ballare e, divertendosi, svegliarono tutti gli ombrelloni che si riaprirono insieme agli sdrai ormai assonnati. A quel punto, tutti ridevano e ballavano insieme alle scarpe; l'allegria, si sa, è contagiosa.Passata una gran bella serata in compagnia se ne andarono in albergo e dopo una dormita rigenerante, si alzarono di buon'ora. Il sole era ancora basso sull'orizzonte e tutte d'accordo decisero che sarebbe stato bello andare a fare una girata in pineta. Dopo una abbuffata per colazione, partirono in fila indiana: uno, due, tre, uno, due, tre, avanti marcia.Camminarono all'ombra lungo un viale alberato. A vederle, la gente si incuriosiva e diceva: “che belle scarpe variegate di colore” e loro beate e indifferenti: uno, due, tre, uno, due, tre, avanti marcia.Giunte in pineta, si misero all'ombra di un albero grandissimo. Tutto era piacevole e rilassante, ma un bagliore luminoso, un lampo improvviso a ciel sereno, le sfiorò. Chiusero gli occhi per lo spavento e quando gli riaprirono, videro una grande distesa di funghi davanti a loro.Erano forse funghi magici? Come potevano essere apparsi così all'improvviso? E la pineta allora? Forse era un luogo fantastico ed incantato?Vedendo lo sbigottimento delle Scarpe Erranti, alcuni funghi iniziarono a parlare in coro: "Noi facciamo parte di una magia. Questa è la pineta delle meraviglie. Comunichiamo con creature fantastiche e, insieme a loro, proteggiamo gli animali e le piante che vivono in questo habitat.”“La cosa ci incuriosisce molto” dissero le Scarpe Erranti sorprese, “che altro fate?”I funghi risposero di nuovo in coro: “La notte illuminiamo il sottobosco con luci iridescenti, i nostri gambi crescono e i nostri cappelli cambiano colore.”E continuarono: “Percorriamo sentieri segreti, dove crescono piante magiche che emanano un profumo avvolgente ed inebriante. Entriamo nelle caverne dove vivono folletti, scoiattoli, gufi, coniglietti, e tanti altri. Noi abbiamo il potere di comunicare con loro.”“Ma se adesso vi state chiedendo come mai siamo apparsi per voi, è perché inaspettatamente, una cosa fantastica è successa. Il lampo luminoso che vi ha sfiorati vi ha donato un super potere che ora possedete e vi permette di conoscere i magici segreti della pineta.”I funghi invitarono l'intera Tribù Delle Scarpe Erranti, sbigottita, stupita e senza parole, a rimanere nella pineta ed aspettare la notte. Il mistero aleggiava nell'aria finché all'imbrunire, il bosco si trasformò magicamente in una fiaba incantata.E come gli avevano detto i funghi, le scarpe con il loro super potere ne fecero parte. Esplorarono, quatte quatte, i sentieri segreti, entrarono nelle caverne a seguito dei funghi e conobbero i folletti e tutti gli altri abitanti della pineta — magici e non.Ad un certo punto, tutte quante le scarpe si ritrovarono addormentate sotto il grande albero. Svegliatesi prima dell'alba come da un sogno incredibile e fantastico, la pineta tornò ai loro occhi quella del giorno prima. Rimasero sdraiate per un bel po' ripensando al mistero dei funghi magici.Attratte dalla fantastica vita della pineta notturna, ci tornarono di nuovo una volta, due volte, tre volte ed anche più. Impararono il linguaggio segreto che usavano gli animaletti, i funghi ed i folletti per comunicare fra di loro e così anche le Scarpe Erranti erano entrate a far parte della fiaba.Passarono il resto dei giorni estivi respirando l'aria di mare e osservando i tramonti, mentre le onde sussurravano sulla sabbia melodie misteriose. Ma le notti le passavano in pineta. Ogni tanto, si guardavano e sottovoce bisbigliavano incredule: “Ma siamo veramente in possesso di un super potere?!” “Bho, bho, chi lo può sapere?” E tutti in coro: “Forse la Streghetta Soletta ne sa qualcosa!”E forse forse qualcosa ne saprà davvero. Si? No? Ma voi cosa ne pensate?Dall'estate all'autunno, l'avventura della Tribù Delle Scarpe Erranti continua con una storia di Halloween un po' spaventosa, ma non troppo! Non perdetevi le prossime emozioni e sorprese. Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/

Children's Corner: Bless the Earth with June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling Bless the Earth is a beautifully illustrated collection of poems and prayers to help children develop an appreciation for the natural world. Divided into five chapters, young readers, ages 3-7, are invited to explore a colorful world filled with musical rainforests, majestic birds, sea creatures, stars, and much more! Bless the Earth is a wonderful resource, for both adults and children alike, to learn more about the Earth, how we can engage with the world around us. June Cotner is the author of almost forty books, including the bestsellers Graces, Bedside Prayers, and House Blessings. Her books altogether have sold more than one million copies. June has appeared on national television and radio programs and her books have been featured in many national publications, including USA Today, Better Homes & Gardens, Woman's Day, and Family Circle. Nancy Tupper Ling is a children's author, poet, bookseller, and librarian. Her most recent books are One Perfect Plan: The Bible's Big Story in Tiny Poems and a collection of poetry entitled For Every Little Thing: Poems and Prayers to Celebrate the Day, which she coauthored with June Cotner, and was a Junior Library Guild Gold selection. Nancy is a bookseller at Blue Bunny Books *************************************************** For more information about BITEradio products and services visit: http://www.biteradio.me/index.html To view the photography of Robert at: http://rpsharpe.com/

THE HALF-MAD CATIn the elementary school for household pets of all kinds, one of the most popular classes was that of the talking cats. There was a somewhat strange cat: he spoke in hops, wrote words backwards, numbers upside down, and often had his head in the clouds.Everyone said, "But that cat is half mad!"One spring morning, the cats had gotten up an hour earlier because the teacher, a very pretty, white and yellow kitten, was going to take the class to the park near the school to play and have a picnic. Everyone was very happy and couldn't wait to leave, dressed elegantly as usual: some with a colored bow on their head, some with a blue tie, and some with an orange scarf, but each with their own multicolored backpack.But if everyone was ready and happy to spend a different day outdoors, just imagine the Half-Mad Cat!He was at least three times and three quarters happier than the others. So happy that for the occasion he wore a bow and a half on his head, three ties around his neck, a rainbow scarf, and an umbrella on his wrist.Along the way between his house and the school, he did incredible acrobatics, walking on his hind legs and having fun doing somersaults: three forwards and one backward.Passersby stopped to watch him because he was funny and also a bit ridiculous. He was really curious and half mad, this cat!Before departure, the lovely teacher checked that everyone had what they needed: nothing was missing, not even great joy — which in the end was the most important thing."Ready, let's go!"In no time, the Half-Mad Cat was already on the road. Seeing a traffic cop passing by, the cat said to him:"Excuse me, Mr. Traffic Cop, we're in a hurry, could you lend me your tools to direct traffic?"The cop, chuckling under his mustache, played along and replied:"You seem nice, but be careful. I'll be watching you."With the whistle in his mouth and the baton in his paw, the cat began:"Stop! Right! Stop! Left! Turn here! Go there! Everyone do the roundabout!"In doing so, he had blocked all the traffic, and the traffic light was cracking up with laughter, flashing red, green, and yellow.Despite all this commotion, the school-kitten crossed the street, thanking the traffic light, Mr. Traffic Cop, and, of course, the Half-Mad Cat.In pairs, they entered the park along the tree-lined avenue. At the end was a little grey elephant making sure everyone kept pace and in line.Once they reached the central meadow and set down their backpacks, it was free rein for everyone who could now jump, run, and play on the grass.The little elephant kept an eye on everyone: "Careful, kittens! Don't get too close to the pond because if you fall in, I have to fish you out."But as if nothing happened, the cats chased each other, did somersaults, and had the time of their lives. The children played with them too, and some flew kites of different colors and shapes that everyone looked up at.In all this joyful celebration, the Half-Mad Cat, who often did as he pleased, decided to copy the children, opened his umbrella, and flew into the sky like a kite.A strong gust of wind made him flutter a bit to the right and a bit to the left. Suddenly, the umbrella closed, and the Half-Mad Cat landed precisely in the pond with all the kites."Splash! Splush! Splish! Splesh!" And endless meowing."Oh no! Help. Help. Help. Save the Half-Mad Cat!"Luckily, under the west bank of the pond was the famous Gorgonzola Bath, where the local mice went to sunbathe together. Alerted by this commotion, they immediately realized that a rescue was needed.There was no time to lose!Without hesitation, they dived into the pond and, helping each other, saved the Half-Mad Cat.The entire school let out a sigh of relief, while the mice, soaking wet but happy, began to joyfully hop around.The little elephant, who didn't even have to get wet, thanked the mice who were already playing hide and seek with the cats.And the Half-Mad Cat?Well, as if nothing had happened, he was drying off in the sun apart, watching the clouds in the sky that were smiling and dancing, winking at him.On that magical spring day, the picnic turned into a great adventure and, with full bellies, the cats walked back to school.The fact is that in every backpack, a mouse had snuck in, wanting to live with a cat, because by now they had all become friends.With the usual imagination and a pinch of magic, from then on, cats and mice loved each other very much and went to school together."One had never seen such a cheerful class," said the little elephant.And the Half-Mad Cat?After the dive into the pond, he no longer spoke in hops, and wrote words straight, but with his new mouse friends, he enjoyed coloring the blackboard with the chalkboard eraser.Mad, yes, but only halfway!

IL GATTO MEZZO MATTONella scuola elementare per animali domestici di ogni genere, una delle classi più frequentate era quella dei gatti parlanti. Lì c'era un gatto un po' strano: parlava a saltelli, scriveva le parole al contrario, i numeri capovolti e aveva spesso la testa fra le nuvole.Tutti dicevano: “Ma quel gatto è mezzo matto!”Una mattina di primavera, i gatti si erano alzati un'ora prima, perché la maestra, una gattina molto carina, bianca e gialla, avrebbe portato la classe nel parco vicino alla scuola per giocare e fare un picnic. Tutti erano contentissimi e non vedevano l'ora di partire, vestiti eleganti come al solito: chi con un fiocco colorato sulla testa, chi con una cravatta blu, e chi con una sciarpa arancione, ma ognuno con il suo zainetto multicolore.Ma se tutti erano pronti e contenti di passare una giornata diversa all'aria aperta, immaginatevi voi il Gatto Mezzo Matto!Era contento almeno tre volte e tre quarti più degli altri. Ma così contento che per l'occasione aveva indossato un fiocco e mezzo in testa, tre cravatte al collo, una sciarpa arcobaleno e un ombrello al polso. Lungo il tragitto tra la sua casa e la scuola, faceva acrobazie incredibili, camminando sulle zampe posteriori e divertendosi a fare salti mortali: tre avanti e uno indietro.I passanti si fermavano a guardarlo perché era simpatico e anche un po' ridicolo. Era proprio curioso e mezzo matto questo gatto!Prima della partenza, la maestrina tanto carina controllò che tutti avessero l'occorrente: non mancava proprio niente, neppure una grande allegria — che in fondo era la cosa più importante.“Pronti, si parte!”In men che non si dica, il Gatto Mezzo Matto era già sulla strada. Vedendo un vigile urbano che passava da quelle parti, il gatto gli disse: “Scusi Signor vigile, siamo di fretta, non mi potrebbe mica imprestare i suoi attrezzi per guidare il traffico?”Il vigile, sogghignando sotto i baffi, stette al gioco e rispose: “Mi sembri simpatico, ma fai attenzione. Io ti terrò d'occhio.”Con il fischietto in bocca e la paletta nella zampa, il gatto iniziò: “Alt! A destra! Alt! A sinistra! Gira di qua! Vai di là! Fate tutti il girotondo!” Così facendo aveva bloccato tutto il traffico e il semaforo si sbellicava dalle risate lampeggiando rosso, verde e giallo.Nonostante tutto questo putiferio, la scolaresca attraversò la strada ringraziando cortesemente il semaforo, il Signor Vigile e, ovviamente, anche il Gatto Mezzo Matto.In fila per due lungo il viale alberato, entrarono nel parco. In coda c'era un piccolo elefante grigio che controllava che tutti tenessero il passo e la fila.Una volta giunti nel prato centrale e posati gli zainetti, via libera per tutti che ora potevano saltare, correre e giocare sull'erba.L'elefantino teneva tutti sott'occhio: “Attenzione gattini! Non avvicinatevi troppo al laghetto perché se ci cascate dentro vi devo ripescare io.”Ma come se nulla fosse, i gatti si rincorrevano, facevano capriole e si divertivano a più non posso. Anche i bambini giocavano con loro e qualcuno faceva volare aquiloni di diversi colori e forme che tutti guardavano a naso in su.In tutta questa gioiosa festa, il Gatto Mezzo Matto, che spesso faceva come voleva, per copiare i bambini decise di aprire l'ombrello e volò in cielo come un aquilone.Una forte folata di vento lo fece svolazzare un po' a destra e un po' a sinistra. Improvvisamente, l'ombrello si chiuse e il Gatto Mezzo Matto finì preciso nel laghetto con tutti gli aquiloni.“Splash! Splush! Splish! Splesh!” E miagolii a non finire.“Oh no! Aiuto. Aiuto. Aiuto. Salvate il Gatto Mezzo Matto!”Per fortuna, sotto la sponda ovest del laghetto c'era il famoso Bagno Gorgonzola, dove i topolini della zona andavano a prendere il sole in compagnia. A questo trambusto si allertarono e si resero conto immediatamente che c'era da fare un salvataggio. Non c'era tempo da perdere! Senza esitazione, si tuffarono nel laghetto e aiutandosi l'uno con l'altro, salvarono il Gatto Mezzo Matto..Tutta la scolaresca tirò un miagolio di sollievo, mentre i topini, molli fradici ma contenti, si misero a saltellare gioiosamente.L'elefantino, che non si era nemmeno dovuto bagnare, ringraziò i topolini che stavano già giocando a nascondino con i gatti.E il Gatto Mezzo Matto? Beh, come se nulla fosse, si asciugava ai raggi del sole in disparte, osservando le nuvole in cielo che sorridendo e danzando gli facevano l'occhiolino.In quel giorno magico di primavera, il picnic si trasformò in una grande avventura e, a pancia piena, i gatti si incamminarono verso la scuola.Il fatto sta che in ogni zainetto si era infiltrato un topolino, che voleva andare a vivere con un gatto, perché ormai erano tutti diventati amici.Con la consueta fantasia e un pizzico di magia, da allora gatti e topi si vollero un gran bene e andarono a scuola tutti insieme.“Non si era mai vista una classe così allegra”, diceva l'elefantino.E il Gatto Mezzo Matto? Lui dopo il tuffo nel laghetto, non parlò più a saltelli e le parole le scriveva diritte, ma con i suoi nuovi amici topolini si divertiva a colorare la lavagna con la cimosa.Matto sì, ma solo a metà!

LE ROSE DEL CASTELLO INCANTATO  C'era una volta un castello, ormai abbandonato da tempo, circondato da un grande giardino; solo due giardinieri erano rimasti a curarlo    e coltivare i fiori. Le rose, con i loro colori vivaci, brillavano in ogni stagione sul verde dei prati e nelle aiuole. Il castello dominava una vecchia cittadina. In lontananza appariva magnifico, e forse lo era stato."Che segreti ci saranno dentro il castello?" si chiedevano le rose.Una sera, dopo il tramonto, ne parlarono con le lucciole, anch'esse curiosissime per natura. La Rosa Rossa, che era sempre la più avventurosa del gruppo, si avvicinò sussurrando alle lucciole con voce sicura e vellutata: ”Amiche, che ne dite di un'avventura nel castello stasera?"La lucciola più brillante, Lucilla, rispose con entusiasmo: "Sarebbe divertente di sicuro! Ma come faremo ad entrare?""Ah, ho sentito i giardinieri parlare di una chiave nascosta sotto la terza pietra vicino al vecchio pozzo," disse la Rosa Gialla, unendo e sfregando i petali come se stesse condividendo un segreto prezioso.La Rosa Blu intervenne timidamente, "Ma dobbiamo fare attenzione, ho sentito dire che il castello nasconde misteri antichi e spiriti giocosi."Lucilla rise lievemente, "Oh, non temere, Rosa Blu. Con la nostra luce e la vostra bellezza, nessun mistero potrà resisterci!""E se incontriamo qualche ostacolo?" chiese la Rosa Bianca, sempre la più prudente del gruppo.“Li affronteremo tutti insieme," rispose la Rosa Rossa con determinazione. "Dopo tutto, non siamo solo fiori e insetti, siamo gli esploratori del castello incantato!"La decisione fu presa e nella notte buia e magica, con coraggio si incamminarono per il sentiero che portava all'ingresso del castello. Dopo una breve sosta al pozzo per procurarsi la chiave, si avvicinarono silenziosamente al grande portone. Aperta la serratura, spinsero con tutta la loro forza e con fatica, riuscirono a socchiuderlo. Un suono arrugginito e graffiante risuonò:SCREEEK. CRREEK. SCREEK.Tutti i gechi, mangiatori d'insetti, si spaventarono e correndo su e giù per i muri del castello fuggirono via in un battibaleno insieme ai pipistrelli.Le lucciole, seguite dalle rose sgattaiolarono nel grande atrio, dove un soffitto altissimo era decorato con i più fantastici disegni; ai lati si ergevano statue maestose e fantastiche — un brivido di magia fece tremare i petali delle rose. Proseguendo tutte insieme, entrarono in un salone immenso, che sembrava un museo: armature di soldati medioevali armati di spada da un lato, e di samurai giapponesi con le loro Katane affilate e luccicanti dall'altro.Ogni stanza del castello era affascinante e ricca di storia, e ce n'erano tantissime! Saloni, corridoi, scale, e stanze segrete da scoprire. Le esploratrici rimasero incantate ogni volta che aprivano una porta o giravano un angolo, ma quando si accorsero che stava arrivando la prima luce dell'alba, le rose corsero via per tornare nel giardino e le lucciole, diventate invisibili, sparirono nell'aria. Nella fuga, le rose inciamparono l'una con l'altra, e una nuvola di petali persi, di vari colori, svolazzò nell'aria. Per fortuna i giardinieri, correndo in soccorso, li rincollarono con la rugiada. Ormai avevano scoperto il furto delle chiavi e il gran movimento della notte. Tutti i fiori e gli insetti del giardino, al risveglio, si bisbigliavano l'uno con l'altro il racconto della magica notte:"Quali segreti da scoprire ci saranno ancora nel castello?"La sera successiva, non ci furono discorsi. Davanti all'ingresso del castello c'erano le rose e le lucciole, ma anche tulipani, coccinelle, grilli, gigli, api, farfalle, camelie, cavallette e anche due girasoli, alti ed imponenti, che si misero davanti al gruppo.Di nuovo il gran cigolio:SCREEEK. CRREEK. SCREEK.Entrati, tutti insieme, salirono una larga scalinata. In cima c'era un tunnel buio con in fondo una grande porta intarsiata che, toccata dai due girasoli, si aprì magicamente. All'interno, una meraviglia! Un grande salone polveroso che conteneva scaffali traboccanti di libri grandi, piccoli, e pure medi. Era la libreria segreta del castello! Sorprendentemente, c'era un gran movimento: i libri saltavano da uno scaffale all'altro, scuotendosi la polvere di dosso e le parole uscivano dalle pagine aperte e in tutto il salone inizió un gran chiacchierio. Ogni libro voleva dire la sua perché era da tanto tempo che nessuno li leggeva o ascoltava. Una delle rose, insieme a una camelia, si stavano riposando e chiacchieravano su una panca di legno, quando da uno scaffale un piccolo libro per bambini cadde sulla corolla della rosa. “Oh, oh, oh, chi è il colpevole?” esclamò quasi divertita ed, allo stesso tempo, un'idea venne ai due fiori facendo illuminare i loro petali di gioia. “Meraviglia delle meraviglie!” disse la rosa, ”Dobbiamo fare in modo di far conoscere questa biblioteca, a tutti i bambini e gli abitanti della cittadina. Ognuno di questi libri polverosi non aspettano altro che essere aperti, letti e custoditi con cura!” Così all'alba il gruppo di esploratori mentre ritornavano nel giardino stavano già studiando un piano d'azione per la notte successiva.Arrivò di nuovo il tramonto e con esso la notte e la sua magia. Quella sera, davanti alla scalinata del castello c'erano davvero tutti: le rose e le lucciole, tulipani, coccinelle, grilli, gigli, api, farfalle, camelie, cavallette e i due girasoli della notte precedente ma anche dalie, iris, millepiedi, gerani, coleotteri, petunie, ragni e pure i due giardinieri che oramai erano in combriccola e d'accordo sul da farsi.Ancora una volta il grande portone fu aperto con il solito gran cigolio:SCREEEK. CRREEK. SCREEK.Una volta entrati, tutti insieme salirono la scalinata e percorsero il tunnel buio fino alla libreria. All'ingresso questa volta apparve il vecchio custode libraio, che era lì da tempi immemorabili e che la sera precedente non si era fatto vedere perché voleva osservare cosa sarebbe successo. I suoi capelli erano grigi, indossava un mantello stinto dall'uso e tutto ricoperto di ragnatele, due mezzi guanti bucherellati e un paio di occhialini calati sul naso, senza i quali non ci vedeva da qui a lì. Intimoriti, gli abitanti del giardino si fermarono, eccetto le rose che inchinandosi salutarono il vecchio libraio ed espressero, a nome di tutti, il desiderio di aprire il castello ai bambini —  in particolare la libreria incantata, dove i libri potevano essere consultati, letti e apprezzati da tutti quanti nel paese. Cosa ne pensava di questa idea il vecchio libraio custode di antichi segreti? “Questo e' un castello incantato” disse, “con la buona volontà tutto si può avverare!”Non si perse tempo e la comitiva inizio subito con i preparativi. Nella nottata spolverarono e riorganizzarono gli scaffali e all'alba erano rimasti solamente i ritocchi finali. I giardinieri si vestirono da maggiordomi, con tanto di abito scuro, guanti bianchi e scarpe nere, per ricevere all'ingresso i bambini. Le rose andarono dall'estetista per lisciarsi i petali e accorciare le spine: il loro compito era di accompagnare le bambine e i bambini curiosi e fornire tutte le informazioni che i piccoli visitatori volevano sapere.Ormai tutto era pronto. I giardinieri maggiordomi, le rose e tutti gli abitanti del giardino entrarono in azione. I piccoli visitatori rimasero a bocca aperta, impressionati dalle armature, i dipinti e i passaggi segreti. Ma una volta giunti nel salone della libreria, non persero tempo e iniziarono a scegliere i libri da leggere. I girasoli, arrampicati su due scalette, controllavano dall'alto che il libri saltassero dagli scaffali nelle mani e gli zainetti di coloro che li avevano richiesti. All'uscita, i maggiordomi facevano un grande saluto di ringraziamento ad ogni visitatore consegnando tre dolcetti: due da sgranocchiare e uno da regalare a qualcun altro.Il castello incantato era tornato ai suoi splendori e dappertutto si raccontavano storie e meraviglie del suo passato mentre le rose e le lucciole soddisfatte erano diventate le guardiane del giardino, insieme ai due fidati giardinieri. Che bella avventura avevano iniziato insieme! “Avanti, avanti, accomodatevi, piccoli esploratori del castello incantato! Scegliete un libro e una nuova avventura inizierà immediatamente!” — diceva un cartello all'ingresso del giardino fiorito: “Siete tutti benvenuti!”

THE ROSES OF THE ENCHANTED CASTLEOnce upon a time, there was a castle, long abandoned, surrounded by a large garden; only two gardeners remained to care for it and cultivate the flowers. The roses, with their vivid colors, shone in every season on the green lawns and flowerbeds. The castle overlooked an old town. From a distance, it appeared magnificent, and perhaps it had been."What secrets might lie inside the castle?" the roses wondered.One evening, after sunset, they discussed this with the fireflies, who were also naturally very curious. The Red Rose, always the most adventurous of the group, approached whispering to the fireflies with a confident and velvety voice: "Friends, how about an adventure in the castle tonight?"The brightest firefly, Lucilla, responded enthusiastically: "It would surely be fun! But how will we get in?""Ah, I heard the gardeners talking about a key hidden under the third stone near the old well," said the Yellow Rose, joining and rubbing its petals as if sharing a precious secret.The Blue Rose intervened timidly, "But we must be careful, I've heard that the castle hides ancient mysteries and playful spirits."Lucilla laughed lightly, "Oh, do not fear, Blue Rose. With our light and your beauty, no mystery can withstand us!""And what if we encounter some obstacle?" asked the White Rose, always the most prudent of the group."We will face them all together," replied the Red Rose with determination. "After all, we are not just flowers and insects, we are the explorers of the enchanted castle!"The decision was made and in the dark and magical night, they bravely made their way along the path leading to the castle's entrance. After a short stop at the well to get the key, they approached the great door silently. Unlocking it, they pushed with all their might and with difficulty, managed to open it a crack.A rusty and scraping sound echoed: SCREEEK. CRREEK. SCREEEK.All the geckos, insect eaters, got scared and running up and down the castle walls fled away in an instant along with the bats. The fireflies, followed by the roses, sneaked into the grand hall, where a very high ceiling was decorated with the most fantastic designs; majestic and fantastic statues stood on the sides—a shiver of magic made the rose petals tremble. Moving together, they entered a huge hall, resembling a museum: medieval soldiers' armors with swords on one side, and Japanese samurais with their sharp, gleaming katanas on the other.Every room in the castle was fascinating and rich in history, and there were so many of them! Halls, corridors, staircases, and secret rooms to discover. The explorers were enchanted every time they opened a door or turned a corner, but when they realized that the first light of dawn was approaching, the roses hurried back to the garden, and the fireflies, having become invisible, disappeared into the air. In their flight, the roses tripped over each other, and a cloud of lost petals of various colors fluttered in the air. Fortunately, the gardeners, rushing to their aid, glued them back with dew. By now, they had discovered the theft of the keys and the great movement of the night. All the flowers and insects in the garden, upon waking, whispered to each other the tale of the magical night:"What secrets are yet to be discovered in the castle?"The following evening, there were no speeches. In front of the castle's entrance were the roses and fireflies, but also tulips, ladybugs, crickets, lilies, bees, butterflies, camellias, grasshoppers, and even two sunflowers, tall and imposing, who took the lead in front of the group.Again, the great creaking: SCREEEK. CRREEK. SCREEEK.Once inside, all together, they climbed a wide staircase. At the top, there was a dark tunnel with a large carved door at the end, which, touched by the two sunflowers, magically opened. Inside, a wonder! A large, dusty hall containing shelves overflowing with books large, small, and medium-sized. It was the castle's secret library!Surprisingly, there was a lot of movement: books jumped from one shelf to another, shaking off the dust, and words came out from the open pages and filled the hall with a great chatter. Every book wanted to have its say because it had been so long since anyone read or listened to them. One of the roses, along with a camellia, were resting and chatting on a wooden bench when a small children's book fell on the rose's corolla. "Oh, oh, oh, who's the culprit?" she exclaimed almost amused, and at the same time, an idea came to the two flowers, lighting up their petals with joy."Wonder of wonders!" said the rose, "We must make this library known to all the children and inhabitants of the town. Each of these dusty books is waiting for nothing more than to be opened, read, and cherished with care!"So at dawn, the group of explorers, while returning to the garden, were already devising an action plan for the following night. Sunset came again, and with it the night and its magic. That evening, in front of the castle staircase, there were really everyone: the roses and fireflies, tulips, ladybugs, crickets, lilies, bees, butterflies, camellias, grasshoppers, and the two sunflowers from the previous night but also dahlias, irises, centipedes, geraniums, beetles, petunias, spiders, and even the two gardeners who were now in cahoots and agreed on what to do.Once again, the great door was opened with the usual great creaking: SCREEEK. CRREEK. SCREEEK.Once inside, all together, they climbed the staircase and walked through the dark tunnel to the library. At the entrance, this time appeared the old librarian custodian, who had been there for time immemorial and who had not shown himself the previous evening because he wanted to see what would happen. His hair was gray, he wore a cloak faded from use and all covered in cobwebs, two half gloves full of holes, and a pair of glasses perched on his nose, without which he couldn't see from here to there.Intimidated, the garden inhabitants stopped, except for the roses who, bowing, greeted the old librarian and expressed, on behalf of everyone, the desire to open the castle to the children — particularly the enchanted library, where books could be consulted, read, and appreciated by everyone in the town.What did the old librarian custodian of ancient secrets think of this idea? "This is an enchanted castle," he said, "with goodwill, anything can come true!"No time was wasted, and the company immediately began with the preparations. During the night, they dusted and reorganized the shelves, and by dawn, only the final touches were left. The gardeners dressed as butlers, with dark suits, white gloves, and black shoes, to greet the children at the entrance. The roses went to the beautician to smooth their petals and trim their thorns: their task was to accompany the curious boys and girls and provide all the information the young visitors wanted to know.Now everything was ready. The gardener butlers, the roses, and all the garden inhabitants sprang into action. The little visitors were amazed, impressed by the armors, paintings, and secret passages. But once they reached the library hall, they wasted no time and began to choose books to read. The sunflowers, perched on two ladders, made sure that the books jumped from the shelves into the hands and backpacks of those who had requested them. At the exit, the butlers made a grand gesture of thanks to each visitor, handing out three sweets: two to munch on and one to give to someone else.The enchanted castle had returned to its splendors, and everywhere stories and wonders of its past were told while the roses and fireflies, satisfied, had become the guardians of the garden, together with the two faithful gardeners. What a beautiful adventure they had started together! "Come in, come in, little explorers of the enchanted castle! Choose a book and a new adventure will start immediately!" — said a sign at the entrance of the blooming garden: "You're all welcome!"

PEDALING TOWARDS THE STARSOne fine day, in the squares of the city of Ciclopoli, large billboards appeared advertising a bicycle race; everyone could participate, from zero years and up. There wasn't much information, but it suggested that those interested should contact the Association of Bicycles with Wheels, located at Via dei Manubri Number Eight, behind the playground. The citizens got informed. The start was scheduled for the first Saturday of June from the Piazzale of the Astronomical Observatory, next to the Municipal Library. The finish line was at the top of the Hill of Dreams, and the prize was a star for everyone who crossed the finish line. Registrations had already started and, of course, were free for everyone. Many requests for participation were received.There was a lot of talk about the event, and all the inhabitants of Ciclopoli, including animals, wanted to lend a hand. Volunteers were certainly not lacking. Finally, the day of departure arrived, and the city turned into a great festival. There was a lot of chatter from the balconies of the houses and even from the dome of the Astronomical Observatory, where some inhabitants had climbed to watch the start. Spectators from everywhere cheered on the race participants.Kites in bright colors were tied to the tricycles to keep an eye on the kids. In the playground, where the city's permanent puppet theater was located, the puppets peeked out to watch the show themselves; the strings moved, and a round of applause filled the air. The church bells rang in celebration. All the participants were ready at the start with bikes, unicycles, and tricycles, and all together they formed a varied and numerous group.The start took place despite the great confusion. Fortunately, some fawns were on duty along the race route. They had a megaphone and wore special headphones, which worked with voice transmission to communicate with each other. Little clouds in the clear sky acted as flying race assistants, drawing arrows to indicate the path to the runners at each intersection.Shortly after the start, a fawn took the megaphone: “Attention, attention, the grandfather with the green jacket has a flat tire.” Everyone stopped to wait for the tire to be repaired. Shortly after, a second fawn: “Everyone stop! The kid in the yellow shorts needs to pee.” Another brief stop and a little further ahead, the first refreshment stop. Sandwiches, sweets, and fruit were already ready to be distributed, and everyone lined up to refresh themselves. Tall-stemmed flowers wearing multicolored aprons served the cyclists as they arrived. After a great feast, they set off at full speed again. A small hare was running among the bushes at the edge of the road, and a boy in a purple shirt, curious as he was, left the race course to chase it. The nearby fawn took his megaphone: “New communication! Stop, everyone, a cyclist has gone off course,” he hurried to reach him and brought him back to the road. Everyone back on the saddle.Pedaling, pedaling, they reached the great Field of Happiness full of flowers where the grandparents got lost chasing butterflies and the children lay down to rest. Time was passing. “Let's hurry, let's hurry, the top is still far away,” said the grandparents. Owls, marmots, squirrels, and martens began to follow the runners, cheering them on. Meanwhile, the fawn on the lookout: “Help, the grandmother with the pink skirt has fallen,” but fortunately nothing was broken, and the race resumed quickly.The fastest cyclists happily reached the top of the Hill of Dreams in the early afternoon. The rest of the group arrived at sunset when it was already dark. It was later than expected, and at that point, they couldn't return to the city. How could they spend the night up there? They had no supplies, let alone blankets and sleeping bags. The animals following them understood the problem, and from the nearest farmhouse, they procured milk and cheese for everyone. They ate abundantly and, tired, lay down on the grass around the top after parking their bicycles. It was a bit chilly. In the night air, there was a great buzz. The stars were deciding what to do. They held hands and transformed the sky into a great blanket. How wonderful, a great warmth enveloped all the cyclists who fell asleep.Suddenly, while everything seemed calm, first a flash, then a thunder, and a powerful breath as if caused by the breath of a giant from the top of the hill. No fear, it was just the automatic anti-theft alarm to wake the sleeping cyclists. Awake and with their ears well-tuned to listen, they heard a strange tinkling coming from the free parking lot around the curve. This caused a commotion among the race participants, who jumped to their feet and ran towards the parking lot just in time to see some magpies, some real thieves: bicycle thieves. They had just stolen many parts: bolts, bells, chains, handlebars, rims, and spokes, carrying them away in flight. “What a disaster! And now what do we do?” The fawns did not lose heart and with their powerful means available, they sent an S.O.S. to an elderly carpenter, who was also a blacksmith in the nearby village. Received the signal, he didn't hesitate for a moment and left for the rescue with the siren on his work van. Before dawn, all the bicycles, unicycles, and tricycles of every kind had been skillfully and quickly repaired — as best as the situation allowed. But the fact is that from the first to the last, the cyclists were able to set off again towards Ciclopoli. Their means fixed as much as possible, hopping and limping here and there, they went down the descent, and everyone was laughing their heads off.What great fun! Each one carried with them the promised prize in memory of the cycling race on the Hill of Dreams: a shining star and even a piece of the blanket made of the sky from the previous night.And the Magpies?Well, they had been working for years on building their bicycles, and the race with an overnight stay on the hill offered them an opportunity not to be missed. Their bikes were completed, and that very evening, they were seen pedaling towards the sunset and disappearing on the horizon.

Pedalando Verso Le StelleUn bel giorno, nelle piazze della città di Ciclopoli, si videro dei grandi cartelloni che pubblicizzavano una corsa in bicicletta; tutti potevano partecipare, da zero anni in su. Non c'erano molte informazioni ma si suggeriva agli interessati di rivolgersi all'Associazione Biciclette Con Le Ruote, locata in via dei Manubri Numero Otto, dietro al parco giochi.I cittadini si informarono. La partenza era prevista per il primo sabato di Giugno dal Piazzale dell'Osservatorio Astronomico, accanto alla Biblioteca Comunale. L'arrivo era sulla cima della Collina dei Sogni e in premio una stella per tutti coloro che avrebbero tagliato il traguardo.Le iscrizioni erano già iniziate ed ovviamente erano gratuite per tutti. Molte furono le richieste di partecipazione. Si faceva un gran parlare dell'evento e tutti gli abitanti di Ciclopoli, animali compresi, volevano dare una mano. I volontari certamente non mancavano.Finalmente il giorno della partenza arrivò e la città si trasformò in una grande festa. Si sentiva un gran chiacchiericcio dai balconi delle case e persino dalla cupola dell'Osservatorio Astronomico, dove alcuni abitanti erano saliti per assistere alla partenza. Gli spettatori da ogni dove incitavano i partecipanti alla gara. Ai tricicli furono legati dei piccoli aquiloni dai colori vivaci per non perdere di vista i ragazzini. Nel parco giochi, dove c'era il teatrino stabile della città, le marionette si affacciarono per guardare a loro volta lo spettacolo; i fili si misero in movimento e un battito di mani riempì l'aria. Le campane delle chiese suonarono a festa. Tutti i partecipanti erano pronti al via con bici, monocicli e tricicli, e tutti insieme formavano un vario e numeroso gruppo. La partenza avvenne nonostante la grande confusione.Per fortuna, alcuni cerbiatti prestavano servizio lungo il percorso della gara. Avevano un megafono e indossavano una cuffia speciale, che funzionava con trasmissione vocale per comunicare fra di loro. Delle nuvolette a spasso nel cielo sereno facevano da assistenti di gara volanti disegnando delle frecce che indicavano la strada ai corridori ad ogni incrocio.Poco dopo la partenza, un cerbiatto prese il megafono: “Attenzione, attenzione, il nonno con la giacca verde ha bucato.” Tutti si fermarono ad aspettare che la ruota fosse riparata. Poco dopo un secondo cerbiatto: “Fermi tutti! Il ragazzino con i pantaloncini gialli deve fare la pipì.” Un'altra mini fermata e poco più avanti la prima sosta di rifornimento. Panini, dolcetti e frutta erano già pronti per essere distribuiti e tutti erano in fila per rifocillarsi. Dei fiori dal gambo lungo che indossavano grembiuli multicolore servivano i ciclisti man mano che arrivavano. Dopo un gran mangia e bevi si ripartì di gran carriera.Un piccolo leprotto stava correndo fra i cespugli ai bordi della strada, ed ecco che un ragazzino con la maglietta viola, curioso com'era, uscì dal percorso di gara, per inseguirlo. Il cerbiatto nelle vicinanze prese il suo megafono: “Nuova comunicazione! Stop, fermi tutti, un ciclista è andato al di fuori del percorso,” si affrettò a raggiungerlo e lo riaccompagnò sulla strada. Di nuovo tutti in sella. Pedala, pedala, giunsero al grande Prato Della Felicità pieno di fiori dove i nonni si persero dietro le farfalle e i bambini si sdraiarono a riposare. Il tempo passava. “Corriamo, corriamo, la cima è ancora lontana.” dissero i nonni. Gufi, marmotte, scoiattoli e martore iniziarono a seguire i corridori incitandoli. Intanto, il cerbiatto in avanscoperta: “Aiuto, la nonna con la gonna rosa è caduta,” ma per fortuna niente di rotto e la corsa riprese spedita.I ciclisti più veloci arrivarono contenti per primi in vetta alla Collina Dei Sogni nel primo pomeriggio. Il resto del gruppo giunse al tramonto, quando faceva già buio. Era più tardi del previsto e a quel punto non si poteva tornare in città. Come potevano passare la notte lassù? Non avevano rifornimenti e tantomeno coperte e sacchi a pelo. Gli animali che erano al loro seguito capirono il problema, e dal casolare più vicino procurarono latte e formaggio per tutti. Mangiarono in abbondanza e stanchi, si sdraiarono sul prato intorno alla cima dopo aver parcheggiato le biciclette. Era un po' freschino. Nell'aria notturna un grande brusio. Le stelle stavano decidendo il da farsi. Si presero per mano e trasformarono il cielo in una grande coperta. Che meraviglia, un tepore avvolse tutti i ciclisti che si addormentarono.Improvvisamente, mentre tutto sembrava tranquillo, prima un lampo, poi un tuono e un soffio potente come provocato dal respiro di un gigante dall'alto della collina. Niente paura, è solo l'allarme antifurto automatico per svegliare i ciclisti addormentati. Svegli e con le orecchie ben tese ad ascoltare, sentirono uno strano tintinnio che proveniva dal parcheggio gratis dietro la curva. Questo creò uno scompiglio tra i partecipanti alla gara che saltarono in piedi e corsero verso il parcheggio facendo in tempo a vedere delle gazze ladre, ma proprio ladre davvero: ladre di biciclette. Avevano infatti appena rubato loro molti pezzi: bulloni, campanelli, catene, manubri, cerchi e raggi, portandoli via in volo.“Che disastro! E adesso che facciamo?I cerbiatti non si persero d'animo e con i loro potenti mezzi a disposizione inviarono un S.O.S. a un anziano falegname, e anche fabbro del villaggio vicino. Ricevuto il segnale, non esitò un istante e partì per il soccorso con la sirena accesa sul suo furgoncino da lavoro. Prima dell'alba tutte le biciclette, monocicli e tricicli di ogni sorta erano stati con destrezza e velocità riparati — al meglio che la situazione permetteva. Ma fatto sta che dal primo all'ultimo i ciclisti poterono ripartire alla volta di Ciclopoli. I loro mezzi rimessi come fosse possibile, saltellando e zoppicando in qua e là andavano giù per la discesa e tutti ridevano a crepapelle.Che gran divertimento! Ognuno portava con sé il premio promesso in ricordo della gara ciclistica sulla Collina Dei Sogni: una stella luccicante ed anche un pezzetto della coperta fatta di cielo della notte precedente.E le Gazze Ladre? Beh, da anni stavano lavorando alla costruzione delle loro biciclette e la gara con pernottamento sulla collina offrì loro un'opportunità da non perdere. Le loro bici furono completate e quella sera stessa, vennero viste pedalare verso il tramonto e sparire all'orizzonte.

Hello there!!  Welcome to Alberts bookshelf.  We hope you enjoy listening to Pip and Posy the Little Puddle one of Alberts favourite books.Thanks for Listening.

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Lost and Found: A Magical Day at Tivoli Gardens Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/lost-and-found-a-magical-day-at-tivoli-gardens Story Transcript:Da: Solen skinnede.En: The sun was shining.Da: Blomsterne duftede sødt.En: The flowers smelled sweet.Da: Freja, Mikkel og Sofie var i Tivoli Gardens.En: Freja, Mikkel, and Sofie were at Tivoli Gardens.Da: De skulle have en dejlig dag.En: They were going to have a wonderful day.Da: De gik gennem porten og så rutsjebanen.En: They walked through the gate and saw the roller coaster.Da: Den var stor og farverig.En: It was big and colorful.Da: Freja smilede og pegede.En: Freja smiled and pointed.Da: "Kom, lad os prøve den!"En: "Come on, let's try it!"Da: sagde Freja.En: said Freja.Da: Mikkel og Sofie nikkede.En: Mikkel and Sofie nodded.Da: De gik hen til køen.En: They went to the line.Da: Freja holdt Sofies hånd.En: Freja held Sofie's hand.Da: Mikkel havde en rygsæk på.En: Mikkel had a backpack.Da: Inde i rygsækken var Sofies yndlingstegneserie.En: Inside the backpack was Sofie's favorite comic book.Da: De ventede i køen.En: They waited in line.Da: Endelig var det deres tur.En: Finally, it was their turn.Da: De satte sig i vognene.En: They sat in the cars.Da: Freja lo højt, da vognen startede.En: Freja laughed loudly as the car started.Da: Mikkel så op på himlen.En: Mikkel looked up at the sky.Da: Sofie holdt fast i sin yndlingstegneserie.En: Sofie held onto her favorite comic book.Da: Efter rutsjebanen gik de til næste forlystelse.En: After the roller coaster, they went to the next ride.Da: En karrusel fyldt med heste og vogne.En: A carousel filled with horses and carriages.Da: De valgte alle en hest.En: They each chose a horse.Da: De red rundt og rundt.En: They rode around and around.Da: Sofie lo af fryd.En: Sofie laughed with delight.Da: Mikkel tog billeder.En: Mikkel took pictures.Da: De blev sultne og gik til en bod.En: They got hungry and went to a food stand.Da: De købte popcorn og is.En: They bought popcorn and ice cream.Da: Mens de spiste, hørte de musik.En: While they ate, they heard music.Da: En mand spillede violin.En: A man was playing the violin.Da: Pludselig så Freja, at Sofie græd.En: Suddenly Freja saw that Sofie was crying.Da: Mikkel kiggede nervøst rundt.En: Mikkel looked around nervously.Da: "Hvad er der galt, skat?"En: "What's wrong, sweetheart?"Da: spurgte han.En: he asked.Da: "Min yndlingstegneserie er væk!"En: "My favorite comic book is gone!"Da: sagde Sofie og snøftede.En: said Sofie, sniffling.Da: De kiggede alle i rygsækken.En: They all looked in the backpack.Da: Ingen tegneserie!En: No comic book!Da: De gik tilbage til karrusellen.En: They went back to the carousel.Da: Ikke der!En: Not there!Da: Så til rutsjebanen.En: Then to the roller coaster.Da: Ikke der!En: Not there!Da: Freja fik en idé.En: Freja had an idea.Da: "Lad os spørge i informationen," sagde hun.En: "Let's ask at the information desk," she said.Da: De gik til informationsstedet.En: They went to the information desk.Da: En venlig dame stod bag skranken.En: A friendly lady was behind the counter.Da: "Vi har mistet en tegneserie," sagde Freja.En: "We lost a comic book," said Freja.Da: Damen smilede.En: The lady smiled.Da: "Hvilken slags tegneserie?"En: "What kind of comic book?"Da: "Sofie elsker elefanter," sagde Mikkel.En: "Sofie loves elephants," said Mikkel.Da: Damen skrev noget ned og gik ud bagved.En: The lady wrote something down and went to the back.Da: Hun kom tilbage med en tegneserie.En: She returned with a comic book.Da: "Er det denne?"En: "Is this it?"Da: Sofies øjne lyste op.En: Sofie's eyes lit up.Da: "Ja!"En: "Yes!"Da: Hun tog tegneserien og krammede den.En: She took the comic book and hugged it.Da: Familien takkede damen.En: The family thanked the lady.Da: De gik videre og tog flere ture.En: They continued and went on more rides.Da: Dagen endte med et fyrværkeri.En: The day ended with fireworks.Da: Lyset fyldte himlen, og farverne dansede.En: The lights filled the sky, and the colors danced.Da: Freja kiggede på Mikkel og Sofie.En: Freja looked at Mikkel and Sofie.Da: "Vi kan altid finde løsninger sammen," sagde hun.En: "We can always find solutions together," she said.Da: Mikkels mave rumlede.En: Mikkel's stomach rumbled.Da: "Lad os finde noget mere mad," grinede han.En: "Let's find some more food," he laughed.Da: De gik sammen gennem Tivoli, hånd i hånd, klar til flere eventyr.En: They walked through Tivoli together, hand in hand, ready for more adventures. Vocabulary Words:shining: skinnedesmelled: duftedesweet: sødtgate: portenroller coaster: rutsjebanencolorful: farverigpointed: pegedenodded: nikkedeline: køenbackpack: rygsækcars: vognenelaughed: losky: himlencarousel: karruselcarriages: vognedelight: frydpictures: billederfood stand: bodice cream: isviolin: violinsuddenly: pludseligcrying: grædnervously: nervøstsniffling: snøftedeinformation desk: informationsstedetfriendly: venligcounter: skrankereyes lit up: øjne lyste ophugged: krammedefireworks: fyrværkeri

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‘Peanuts' creator Charles Schulz once shared that a news editor from the South told him, “I don't mind you having a Black character [on your comic strip], but please don't show them in school together.” Racial tensions were heated back then when Schultz introduced Franklin, the first Black character in ‘Peanuts,' in July of 1968—just three months after the assassination of civil rights icon, Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite Franklin's historic arrival to a legendary comic strip, pushback remained for quite some time. Join us as host Eddie Robinson dedicates a powerful episode to two individuals who are making a profound impact on the lives of young students – syndicated cartoonist, Robb Armstrong and bestselling author, Tiffany Jewell. Armstrong, who would later become Schultz's close friend and protégé, chats unguarded about the impetus to create Franklin and how the character has evolved—as he's co-written a new origin story entitled, “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” now available on AppleTV+. Later in the episode, Jewell explores highlights from her latest book, “Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned In School,”—a collaborative memoir of her own story, along with other contributors, about how they were often racialized, at times subtle or blatant, both in and out of classrooms. While children of any race absorb coded messaging and information—whether from a ‘Peanuts' comic, a playground incident or an experience with a teacher—I SEE U takes on a provocative conversation that helps identify opportunities to course correct generations of systemic racism in places and spaces of education once thought to be safe, fair, inclusive and equitable.

Children's Corner: Adventures of Jelly Bean with Amy Pollack Ever since she was in fourth grade – back in 1960 – Amy Meislin Pollack was writing and telling stories about a character named Jelly Bean. She never stopped telling those stories, sharing them with her students over a teaching career that spanned 40+ years. She shared them with her three children when they were younger – and then with her seven grandchildren. Now her stories have been made available to everyone with the recent publishing of two coming-of-age books intended for middle-graders, The Adventures of Jelly Bean and The Further Adventures of Jelly Bean. Amy Meislin Pollack was a teacher for over four decades, raised three children, and loves to play with her seven grandchildren. From her own childhood to the classroom and as a parent and grandparent, she is perfectly positioned to pen her coming-of-age book series.  Pollack earned a BA in English from Goucher College in Baltimore and received her Master's in English from University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. She was certified as a secondary education and reading specialist for grades K-12 and earned a special education teaching degree from NJU, allowing her to teach disabled students.  For more information, please see her website, www.amypollack.com.  *************************************************** For more information about BITEradio products and services visit: http://www.biteradio.me/index.html To view the photography of Robert at: http://rpsharpe.com/

As we honor and pay tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this national holiday weekend, many Black American parents are taking this opportunity to educate their children—and have THE TALK, an unguarded conversation about racism, discrimination and the richness of Black culture. Those sometimes difficult conversations served as inspiration for children's book author, Tami Charles – who wrote and used her own New York Times best-selling picture book, “All Because You Matter,” as a springboard to navigate through the intense dialogues she's had with her son. Join Host Eddie Robinson as he chats candidly with acclaimed writer, Tami Charles. The former New Jersey schoolteacher sheds light on the obstacles she's experienced as a woman of color who found it even more of a challenge to maneuver through the children's book industry. Her latest book, “We Are Here,” celebrates the extraordinary history of trailblazers, including Dr. King, who sacrificed their lives in hopes of building a better future for all people.

Growing up deer hunting, dove hunting and fishing with a couple brothers in eastern Alabama, Sara Burkhalter was just one of the boys, which we talk about in depth. Inspired by her duck hunting husband, their first black lab, and what she percieves as a dramatic shift in the way our children are being influenced by modern technology, Sara interupted her day-to-day job as a contruction company owner to write a children's book. A powerfully articulate communicator, she describes why preserving old school ways of life are important and how she hopes to accomplish that with her first and future book projects. See related link below to get a copy for your kids, grandkids or neighbors.   Related Link: Sam's First Duck Hunt (children's book) Visit https://www.slburk.com     MOJO's Duck Season Somewhere Podcast Sponsors:   MOJO Outdoors  Benelli Shotguns BOSS Shotshells Ducks Unlimited  Flash Back Decoys  HuntProof Premium Waterfowl App Inukshuk Professional Dog Food  Tetra Hearing Tom Beckbe Voormi GetDucks.com USHuntList.com     It really is duck season somewhere for 365 days per year. Follow Ramsey Russell's worldwide duck hunting adventures as he chases real duck hunting experiences year-round: Instagram @ramseyrussellgetducks YouTube @GetDucks Facebook @GetDucks.com   Please subscribe, rate and review Mojo's Duck Season Somewhere podcast. Share your favorite episodes with friends! Business inquiries and comments contact Ramsey Russell ramsey@getducks.com