Storytime Explorers: Stories for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Growing Minds

Joining in can take courage, especially when friends are already laughing and playing.If you’ve ever watched your child hover nearby, wanting to join but not quite sure how, you’ll recognize Leo in this story. That fluttery mix of excitement and uncertainty is something almost every child experiences. And when they find the courage to ask, or the kindness to invite someone else in, it can turn an ordinary moment into something really special.This story helps toddlers and preschoolers:Recognize that fluttery feeling when they want to join inPractice asking to play with kindness and confidenceNotice when someone else might be hoping for an invitationSee how inclusion makes playtime warmer, sillier, and more fun for everyoneIf your child ever hesitates to join in, or if they’re learning to make space for others, you can borrow Leo’s phrase, “I can join and play too!” to make joining in feel brave and kind.Follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Snow can make the whole world feel magical, sparkly, bright, and full of possibilities.When Ella the Elephant opens her door to see snow falling for the very first time, her imagination comes alive. With Milo the Monkey and Zara the Zebra by her side, she rolls, lifts, and laughs her way through building a snowman, one that might just come to life with a little teamwork and a lot of imagination.This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:Experience the wonder of new discoveries through imaginationPractice teamwork and cooperation while creating togetherSee how helping and sharing ideas make play more funFeel inspired to build, imagine, and create with friendsThere’s something truly magical about imagining together, whether it’s snowing outside or you’re pretending.Follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Some days feel busy, full of sounds, movement, and excitement, and that can feel like a lot.This calming story helps children slow down, listen to their bodies, and find the quiet space that’s always waiting inside.This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:Recognize what “busy” feels like in their body and mindPractice slowing down with soft cues that help their body settleLearn that it’s okay to take space and rest when they need toBuild self-regulation and emotional safety through calming affirmationsWhether said out loud or quietly in their hearts, these affirmations help children feel grounded, loved, and safe anytime they need it.Follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Baking together isn’t just about what comes out of the oven. It’s about the smiles, teamwork, and tiny moments that make it special.In this cozy kitchen story, Zara the Zebra and Leo the Lion decide to bake blueberry muffins. Measuring, mixing, stirring, and cleaning up along the way. When a bit of eggshell sneaks into the bowl, they stay calm and work as a team to fix it. And when the muffins finally come out warm and golden, they discover that sharing what they made feels just as good as eating it.This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:Follow simple steps and routines (measuring, mixing, waiting)Practice patience and flexible thinking when things don’t go as plannedWork together through shared tasks and problem-solvingExperience the joy of creating and sharing with othersA reminder that the best part of baking isn’t just the muffins, it’s the time spent together making them.You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

If you’ve ever asked your child to help clean up after playtime, you know it’s not always easy. What feels like a simple ask to us can feel “too big” for them. That’s exactly how Hugo the Hippo feels in this story, until his friends remind him that cleanup doesn’t have to feel heavy, and it can even be fun.This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:See how big jobs feel easier when separated into smaller stepsExperience how play and imagination can turn cleanup into funLearn that working together makes tasks feel lighterBuild pride and confidence from finishing something that first felt hardIf cleanup is a daily struggle in your home, Hugo’s story may offer a fresh way in. The simple phrase, “Clean, clean, 1-2-3!” can help turn a power struggle into connection, and maybe even a few giggles.You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com