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This week's Free Story comes from the "By Thistle By Thimble" original audio story collection. It's called "The Fischer from the Top Branch". A water hole in the Serengeti plains needs a leader who will represent all creatures who need water. So - a ‘Prefect’ is elected every wet season to monitor the water and make sure everyone is served. But choosing the ‘Prefect’ is often contentious. This year the choice is between a Fischer’s Lovebird and a Leopard - and the election is emotional, ridden with conflict and indeed, personal. In the end the Lovebird is elected - but she immediately sees the need for healing - the need for the creatures to unite again. Luckily, she flies to the top branch of a nearby acacia tree and is able to see the land and all its creatures together. And that image helps her know what to do.hat if the children dressed as wizards, tigers, scarecrows, and baseball players actually became wizards, tigers, scarecrows, and baseball players? Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free story comes from the "By Thistle By Thimble" It's called "The Trick and the Treat" Septimo the magician has one trick: a card trick where the Jack of Hearts mysteriously flies into the air and disappears – only to reappear over someone’s head and then float back to the deck. But the truth is, it is not a trick at all – it is real. Septimo received the trick one Halloween night when he was seven years old – and he has been using it ever since. Until one Halloween night many years later when the Jack of Hearts suddenly disappears. Where did it go? Maybe the girl with the sparkling green eyes knows… Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "By Thistle By Thimble" original audio story collection. It's called "Knight and Magician". This story is about Ellie and Arnold, two six-year-old twins who share a wonderful idea: what would happen if all the children suddenly turned into their Halloween costumes? What if the children dressed as wizards, tigers, scarecrows, and baseball players actually became wizards, tigers, scarecrows, and baseball players? Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the " By Thistle By Thimble" original audio story collection. It's called "Halloween Wonder". In a sweet little town, there is a very particular three-story house that is the center of the town's annual Halloween celebration. Each year, the mysterious couple that lives there transforms their wrap-around porch into something new and fantastical and wows the entire town. The neighbors talk about it all year long! This year, however, it is an 8-year-old girl named Margaret that does something at once surprising and gracious which changes the town's Halloween tradition forever. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "The Dory Horde: The Gilded Dragon" original audio story collection. It's called "Episode One: The Long Ride North." Aurora and her five children live a quiet life in the woods, until one day they receive a phone call: their grandfather has died suddenly and the family must take the long journey from Kentucky to his mysterious estate in the Yukon territory. But why? And what will they learn once they arrive? Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Martin & Sylvia''s Nature School" original audio story collection. It's called "All the Pretty Voices." From the moment Martin got up in the morning, he found himself thinking about voices: how much he enjoyed Helmut's voice and how he sometimes found his sisters voice to be irritating. When he gets to Wilderness School, Eva teaches them another place where they can enjoy all the wonderful voices in nature: in birdsong. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "So Many Fairies" original audio story collection. It's called "Bardswallow — The Apple Tree Nymph." A little girl named Lucy discovers a great many things in the overgrown backyard of her new home. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Libby & Dish: Dog Park" original audio story collection. It's called "Part One: So Many Dogs." When Libby and Dish indulge in one of their favorite morning pastimes, their neighbor dog Chad chimes in on a discussion about dogs. Libby discovers, to her surprise, that Chad knows a lot more about the neighborhood dogs than she had realized — and that Dish has stronger opinions on the topic that she had known. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Junkyard Tales: All Together Now" original audio story collection. It's called "Superheroes." Ben Thompson and Sally are hiking to the lake to deliver some healing tea to Fredland the Moose. They secretly hope to spy the "Brave and Busy Beaver Brigade" along the way. "They are real superheroes!" claims Sally. But what are "real superheroes?" Listen and find out. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Martin & Sylvia: More Adventures!" original audio story collection. It's called "Listening to the Story Whispers." When brother and sister attend a storytelling workshop, Sylvia insists on telling her "Babbit Stories." She can't wait! She knows everyone will love them. Then the storyteller teaches her that some of the best stories come from listening. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Martin & Sylvia: More Adventures!" original audio story collection. It's called "Burger Night and the No No Bug." Martin and Sylvia's family is excited about a new offering by a local farm: Burger Night! They'll have hamburgers and veggie burgers and mushroom burgers — and music. The only problem is that Sylvia doesn't want to go. She doesn't like burgers, she won't know anyone, and she doesn't like the kind of music they will be playing! Daddy asks her if she has ever heard of a No No Bug. Daddy tells her the secret of the No No Bug and then the biggest secret of all — No No Bug's favorite food ... is "Yes Burgers"! Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "How to Be Super Book One: The Violet Crown" original audio story collection. It's called "Part One: The Welcome Wall." In which we are introduced to Dante and his single mother and learn that on the morning of his twelfth birthday, he experiences something incredible: he is struck by lightning. He is fine, but it begins a series of events that leads him to the neighborhood welcome wall where he receives a message that changes everything. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Junkyard Tales: All Together Now" original audio story collection. It's called "Zippy the Artist." On a visit to the lake, Zippy encounters the beautiful sculptures of a woodworking beaver and is inspired. He wants to be an artist too! He returns to the Junkyard full of excitement, and sets right to work. And how his first two works of art create a stir! Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "So Many Fairies" original audio story collection. It's called "Fairy Whispers." Gibb is a sensitive wild turkey. He notices things that other turkeys don't — things that would be helpful to the flock — but Gibb is afraid of the attention it might bring. The whispers of a watchful brownie help him find the courage and confidence to lead the flock to a source of food for the winter. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "At Home with Martin & Sylvia" original audio story collection. It's called "A Map of the Year." It is the first week of school and in Martin and Sylvia's house, that means transforming the dining room table into the homeschool work table. Everybody is excited about new books, new materials and, indeed, new subjects to learn. This year, Martin is nervous that he will not learn the same things as his friend Sasha who attends the neighborhood school. Momma and Daddy suggest they make lists of all the things each family member wants to learn this year. They compile all of the lists into something like a map: a Map of the Year! Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "By Thistle By Thimble" original audio story collection. It's called "Onatah's Table." The Duke's son is very ill, and none of a long line of doctors seems to be of much help to the boy. One doctor, however, suggests they visit an unusual Inn called Onatah's Table where he has heard miraculous recoveries take place. The Duke is suspicious at first of their simple philosophy — but soon discovers that it not only helps his son — but himself as well. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "At Home with Martin & Sylvia" original audio story collection. It's called "Daddycation." Martin and Sylvia's mother has to be away for a few days, and the children will stay with Daddy. And oh, how Daddy makes the time uniquely fun! Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Helping & Healing" original audio story collection. It's called "Indiana Bat and the Tiny Camp." Indiana Bat loves spending time under the bridge with his friends. But when a contagious illness begins to spread in their bat community, the families all need to separate for a time. And although Indiana misses his regular life, he discovers that there are some pretty special things about living with his family at Tiny Camp Quarantine. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Junkyard Tales" original audio story collection. It's called "The Pie Festival." Ben Thompson, clever cat, wakes to a buzz of activity in the Junkyard: today is the day of the Pie Festival! On this eventful day, each of the junkyard animals makes their own particular pie, and at the end of the day, the pies are judged. And, the identity of the judge is a secret! But what kind of pie should Ben Thompson make? The diets and tastes of all the junkyard animals are so different! In the end, Ben makes an original pie that will win the attention of at least one junkyard animal. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Martin & Sylvia" original audio story collection. It's called "Father's Day." Martin joins Daddy for a day of work. From yard to field to downtown studio, Martin studies his father, and wonders — why does he do things just this way? Martin’s understanding of Daddy’s work transforms from frustration to pride when he finally “sees” what Daddy is up to. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Windward Ho! Book One: Fore & Aft" original audio story collection. It's called "Episode One: Periwinkle's Parrot." In this first episode of Windward Ho! book one, Periwinkle "Wink" Mackenzie excitedly waits to purchase the next book in her favorite series, The Windward Chronicles, early on the morning of its release. She never suspects that receiving the new book will be only the beginning of an unforeseen adventure. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Junkyard Tales: All Together Now" original audio story collection. It's called "Now That's a Camp!" Ben wants to create a summer camp for the mice, but he isn't sure how to do it. Sally gives him advice and encourages him to enroll the other Junkyard animals — but Ben knows they are all very busy. When he suggests they all offer to teach something they truly love, the camp quickly comes together. And what a unique camp it is! Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "FIFTY: The Stars, the States, and the Stories" original audio story collection. It's called "Ohio: The View from Above." Blanche Noyes was the first woman to get her pilot’s license in Ohio. She placed fourth in the world famous Women’s Air Derby — right behind Amelia Earhart. Now, she flies a private Ford Trimotor airplane for Standard Oil of Ohio, spending most of her days waiting for the rich and powerful to board her aircraft. This day seems no different, until she learns who her passenger will be: none other than the richest man in the world, John D. Rockefeller. What is he doing in Cleveland and why does he want to fly in her aircraft? When the 90 year old insists on taking his first and only flight in the cockpit, Blanche and John D have a chance to talk — and realize they actually have a lot in common. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "The Dory Horde: The Gilded Dragon" original audio story collection. It's called "The Long Ride North." Aurora and her five children live a quiet life in the woods, until one day they receive a phone call: their grandfather has died suddenly and the family must take the long journey from Kentucky to his mysterious estate in the Yukon territory. But why? And what will they learn once they arrive? Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Martin & Sylvia: Saturdays!" original audio story collection. It's called "Like Cats and Dogs." As Daddy helps brother and sister understand the difference between "Dog People"and "Cat People", all three realize that they have traits that are like both dogs and cats. In fact, they can think of all sorts of animals they are like at different times of the day! Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Sparkle Sleepytime" original audio story collection. It's called "Lil Ring's Full Moon Mother's Night Off." Lil Ring and her three ringtail cubs live a hardscrabble life in the open hills of West Texas. Lil Ring works hard all night keeping her cubs safe and well-fed and after a while, her three cubs notice how tired she looks and want to help. The challenge is that their young eyes don't see well enough at night to hunt or gather food on their own. But on the night of the full moon, they all realized that at least one night a month, it is bright enough for them to give their mother a night off. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "Martin & Sylvia's Nature School" original audio story collection. It's called "Touch of Nature." This week's Goose-Eye school is focused on all the senses other than sight — and Martin feels a little nervous about this. What will it be like to walk around the forest without seeing? But Eva, this week's apprentice, gently helps him appreciate the sounds, the smells, and the touch that the natural world offers. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week's Free Story comes from the "So Many Fairies" original audio story collection. It's called "The Purple Crocus Fairy." Spilky, the purple crocus fairy, is in a hurry. He wants his crocus bulb to bloom before all the others. But in his haste, he makes a big mistake - a mistake that teaches him a lesson about patience and the value of slowing down. Each week on the Sparkle Stories Podcast, we share a free story from one of our original story series! For many many many more stories like this one, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! customerservice@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Kim John Payne is an internationally renowned family consultant and author of the book, Simplicity Parenting. In this episode, Kim, David, and Rebecca use the Junkyard Tales story “Buster” to talk about what is traditionally called "teasing" and "bullying" and is a broader way of discussing "inclusion" and "exclusion." About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Jamie Martin is co-founder and editor of simplehomeschool.net and author of "Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time." In this episode, Jamie, David, and Rebecca use the Martin & Sylvia story “A Map of the Year” to talk about planning, choosing curriculum and finding balance when homeschooling your children. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: It is the first week of school and in Martin and Sylvia's house, that means transforming the dining room table into the homeschool work table. Everybody is excited about new books, new materials and indeed, new subjects to learn. This year, Martin is nervous that he will not learn the same things as his friend Sasha who attends the neighborhood school. Momma and Daddy suggest they make lists of all the things each family member wants to learn this year. They compile all of the lists into something like a map. A Map of the Year! *This story is the subject of our conversation about homeschooling with Jamie Martin, editor of simplehomeschool.net and author of "Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time." About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Dr. Carrie Contey is not your typical parenting expert. Her work offers a new perspective on children, parenting, family life, and being a healthy, happy, whole human being. In this episode of SparkleCast, Carrie, David and Rebecca talk about common dynamics between siblings, especially when they result in conflict and hard feelings. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: Sometimes Martin just wants to be alone – and this can be frustrating to Sylvia his younger sister. After Sylvia insists on playing the same games, working on the same projects and talking about the same things, Martin asks Momma for help. Sitting on the couch, Momma tells two stories – one about an older child and one about a younger... *This story is the subject of our conversation about sibling rivalry with Dr. Carrie Contey, a human development specialist, and internationally recognized coach, author, speaker and educator.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

This week’s SparkleCast features three producers and hosts of popular science podcasts for kids, who joined us from around the country: Lindsay Patterson, a science journalist and the co-host and producer of “Tumble,” a science podcast for kids; Sanden Totten, a producer and co-host of “Brains On!,” a podcast featuring science for kids and curious adults; and Eric Butkus, whose son, Nate, is the host of “The Show About Science” podcast. In this episode, Lindsay, Sanden, Eric, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Measuring the World,” recall what got us all excited about science when we were children, and then explore ways to introduce and strengthen a love of science in kids today. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: When Sylvia declares that she knows everything there is to know about her best friend, Sofia, Momma suggest she use the scientific method to test her theory. And what is the scientific method? Momma explains that it involves measuring, collecting data and then studying the data. Sylvia and Sofia then learn the difference between using the scientific method on rocks, plants, animals and then … best friends. *This story is the subject of our conversation about science with three guests: Lindsay Patterson, a science journalist and the co-host and producer of “Tumble,” a science podcast for kids. Sanden Totten, a producer and co-host of “Brains On!,” a podcast featuring science for kids and curious adults. And Eric Butkus, whose son, Nate, is the host of “The Show About Science” podcast.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Meghan Fitzgerald is co-founder of Tinkergarten. Tinkergarten provides engaging, early-childhood education in the healthiest classroom of all – the outdoors. In this episode of SparkleCast, Meghan, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Winter Wonder,” in which Helmut, one of the Goose-eye Wilderness School apprentices, talks about how "wondering" can be an effective teacher in the natural world. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: At Goose-eye Wilderness Camp, Martin notices that his friend Sam is feeling tired of winter and missing her home in Arizona. He hesitates to tell her that there are still several weeks of winter left, but luckily Helmut, the apprentice from Germany, knows exactly how to show Sam the way to appreciate the gifts of Winter. *This story is the subject of our conversation with Meghan Fitzgerald, co-founder of Tinkergarten.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Bryn Huntpalmer is the host of the popular audio podcast, "The Birth Hour." In this episode of SparkleCast, Bryn, David, and Rebecca talk about the new story “New Brother/New Sister” – a story about a boy named Nathan who gets some important advice from a Tulip Tree elf about how to welcome his new sibling. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: Little Nathan loves his days with his mother and father. He loves their attention, he loves their snuggles and he loves playing with them ... when they are able to play. When he learns that his parents are going to have another baby, he is initially excited and imagines that he will have a playmate. But then he notices that things are changing in the house - changes that he doesn't like. Luckily Maggie, the Tulip Tree Elf, offers a perspective on the coming changes that helps him not only feel more welcoming to the baby - but honored to become something very very special: a big brother. *This story is the subject of our conversation with Bryn Huntpalmer, host of the audio podcast, "The Birth Hour."* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Steve Sheinkin is an award-winning author of thrilling history books for young adults. In this episode of SparkleCast, Steve, David and Rebecca talk about “The View from Above," (the first story in our new story series called “FIFTY: The Stars, the States and the Stories”), explore the difference between history and historical fiction, and ask the question, "what is true?" About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: Blanche Noyes was the first woman to get her pilot’s license in Ohio. She placed fourth in the world famous Women’s Air Derby – right behind Amelia Earhart. Now, she flies a private Ford Trimotor airplane for Standard Oil of Ohio – spending most of her days waiting for the rich and powerful to board her aircraft. This day seems no different, until she learns who her passenger will be: none other than the richest man in the world, John D. Rockefeller. What is he doing in Cleveland and why does he want to fly in her aircraft? When the 90 year old insists on taking his first and only flight in the cockpit, Blanche and John D. have a chance to talk – and realize they actually have a lot in common. *This story is the subject of our conversation with Steve Sheinkin, award-winning author of thrilling history books for young adults.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Leo Sofer is an intuitive storyteller and teacher based in Devon, England. In this episode of SparkleCast, Leo, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Listening to the Story Whispers” and delve into the intrinsic and practical value of learning both how to hear stories, and how to tell our own. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: When brother and sister attend a storytelling workshop, Sylvia insists on telling her "Babbit Stories". She can't wait! She knows everyone will love them. Then the storyteller teaches her that some of the best stories come from listening. *This story is the subject of our conversation with intuitive storyteller and teacher Leo Sofer, who is based in Devon, England.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Meredith Markow is a teacher, Enneagram and Living Inquiries certified practitioner, and the Sparkle Schoolhouse “Head of School”! In this episode of SparkleCast, Meredith, Rebecca, and David discuss the collection "Twelve Tales of a Tullyport Christmas” – the stories-within-the-stories of our other holiday collection, “Martin & Sylvia’s Twelve Days of Christmas.” Meredith and David talk about the history of the festival and then how it has shown up in their lives. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: Georgio Mangiapane wants to make the best Buccelleti in all of New York City. And so, having heard of the magical blueberries of the northeastern coast, he travels to Maine to find the perfect ingredient. But a bear interrupts his dream, and it’s not New York that gets to enjoy his incredible pastries, but the families of Tullyport. Thus begins the tastiest of the Tullyport Christmas traditions. *This story is the subject of our conversation about family traditions based around the 12 Days of Christmas with Meredith Markow, teacher, therapist – and "Head of School" for Sparkle Stories.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Laura Chauvin is a veteran non-profit strategist and charitable advisor. Working with women in Tanzania and the U.S., she created Her Best Foot Forward, beautiful sandals which, through collaboration, sustainability and style, empower women and girls in Africa. In this episode of SparkleCast, Laura, David, and Rebecca use the By Thistle By Thimble story “Purple” as the focus of a conversation about inspiring service in children and families. Laura tells the story of how Her Best Foot Forward was started and then talks about how service is central to her family’s life. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: Lydia is a wealthy merchant who dyes and sells purple cloth to those who can afford it. She lives a life of luxury but has a single regret - she hasn't heard from her son in years. He turned his back on "serving the rich", and has become a teacher to the poor. When she at last receives a letter telling her where he now lives, she resolves to travel to him - though she doesn't realize how difficult and transformative the journey will be. *This story is the subject of our conversation with Laura Chauvin, a non-profit strategist and charitable advisor who is the founder of Her Best Foot Forward, shoe-makers and shoe-buyers in collaboration to empower women and girls.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Andrew & Polly are award-winning music makers and the hosts of Ear Snacks, a radical podcast for kids and families. In this episode, Andrew, Polly, David, and Rebecca talk about music and ways to introduce or boost music appreciation in your home. They use the Junkyard Tales story “The Band” as a model of how music can create community and be a mechanism for social inclusion. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: It's a warm afternoon at the Junkyard. The Warden's car windows are down, and the sound of the radio is carried through the spring air. Ben can't help but be inspired -- could the Junkyard friends make their own music? They all agree to meet at the mounds of Mice Central at sundown, and bring their own unique instrument for a little Junkyard Jam! *This story is the subject of our conversation with Andrew & Polly, award-winning music-makers and hosts of the Ear Snacks podcast. The story gives guidance on inspiring a love of music in our children.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: “The Fischer from the Top Branch” is a story about an election. A water hole in the Serengeti plains needs a leader who will represent all creatures who need water. So - a ‘Prefect’ is elected every wet season to monitor the water and make sure everyone is served. But choosing the ‘Prefect’ is often contentious. This year the choice is between a Fischer’s Lovebird and a Leopard - and the election is emotional, ridden with conflict and indeed, personal. In the end the Lovebird is elected - but she immediately sees the need for healing - the need for the creatures to unite again. Luckily, she flies to the top branch of a nearby acacia tree and is able to see the land and all its creatures together. And that image helps her know what to do. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!