Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!

Storybox Playlist: Cultivating Empathy Through Play
Recently, Sparkle Stories Spinner David Sewell McCann went live for a discussion with Tinkergarten’s Chief Learning Officer, Meghan Fitzgerald. The two discussed the developmental importance of — play! Why is making time for fun, play, and silliness for our little ones so important?

Storybox Playlist: Stories to Keep Kids Engaged (So Mom Can Relax)
Sparkle moms, we’ve curated this playlist with you in mind — to help us express that gratitude! These are some of our most engaging, captivating, can’t-stop-listening, play-it-over-again stories, grouped by age. Use this playlist to keep everyone’s ears busy so you can get an hour of downtime this Mother’s Day!

Our Favorite Sparkle Moms and Why We Love Them
In Sparkle Land, we love to honor mothers and all of those who “mother” us in our hearts, even if they aren’t strictly related to us. These Sparkle mothers have inspired us to do the best we can in our lives — and we hope you receive that encouragement from them too!

A Companion Guide to Dory Horde: Dawn of the Jaguar
Over in Sparkle Land, we've been embracing a growth mindset. Take a behind-the-scenes look at a process we're working on to ensure we fully research the cultural and historical details in our stories. These experiences help to keep us in a learning mindset!

Storybox Playlist: Stories for When Things Go Wrong
We've curated a storybox full of growth mindset examples so that you and the children in your life can envision a world where mistakes aren't failures — just opportunities for more growth.

Storybox Playlist: Stories About Learning to Listen
The focus of our latest podcast, The Storying Project, is asking our guests: "What do children need to hear right now?" We've curated this storybox to explore the treasures one finds through listening carefully to each other and the world around us. Enjoy!

Make Mistakes (We All Do)
If you want to learn something — if you want to get good at something — then welcome mistakes. Make lots of them. Learn from them. Experiment and be willing to look bad. The more mistakes you make, the better you will get. Nothing keeps someone from mastery more than success.

Storybox Playlist: Stories to Help Children Know They Are Loved
At Sparkle Stories, we are reflecting on what children need to hear right now, and this concept comes to mind right away: "You Are Loved."

What Do Children Need to Hear Right Now?: You Are Loved
At Sparkle Stories, we are reflecting on what children need to hear right now, and this concept comes to mind right away. “You Are Loved.”

Friday's Kind Words: Layers Reveal Themselves
"Our family is looking forward to listening to Martin & Sylvia's Easter Story again. We have listened every year for many years now, and — as with the Christian story — more and more layers reveal themselves each time we listen to it." ~ Heather

Storybox Playlist: Your Best Easter Stories
Kids can explore nature, creativity, and participate in fun Easter-themed festivities in this darling Easter Playlist with four stories containing accompanying crafts and interactive activities.

Friday's Kind Words: Empower and Inspire
"I am in awe at the creativity and knowledge that flourish in each story (not to mention the ridiculously marvelous storytelling). The messages empower and inspire my parenting and I look forward to listening as much as my kids do!" ~Tamara

How Are Sparkle Stories Made? The Martian Chronicles
Our newest upcoming series, The Martian Chronicles, is a work-in-progress! We wanted to take this opportunity to give listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what goes into creating new Sparkle Stories.

Take a Peek Behind-the-Scenes at Sparkle Stories!
It takes a village — even at Sparkle Stories! With 1400+ audio stories, each member of our team plays an important role in bringing the stories to you, our fellow sparklers. Today we are introducing some new team members — and re-introducing some familiar faces that have been with us from the beginning. Meet the Sparkle Team!

What the Pandemic Has Taught: The Sparkle Team Reflects on the Past Year
This past year has been challenging for everyone, including all of us at Sparkle Stories. We want to take a pause to reflect on the lessons we’ve learned, the ways that we’ve grown, and ultimately what has kept us going. Read the reflections of the Sparkle Team below, along with their favorite story recommendations!

Help for Young Texans After the Winter Storm 2021
The Sparkle Team here in Austin, Texas have come through the winter storm relatively unscathed. We were lucky, and we’re grateful.
NEW Libby & Dish Paper Doll Outfits & Accessories
Bring the new Libby & Dish adventure to life! We’ve expanded the original Libby & Dish paper doll collection for a special occasion: Aunt Cecily’s Wedding!

Our Android App Is Here!
The new Android App is here! This is not an update on a previous app. It’s a new design from the ground up based on our iOS app. Find it in the Google Play Store!

iOS App Update
We've been hard at work on enhancements to our iOS app. This release includes bug fixes plus two exciting new features!

Friday's Kind Words: Uplift My Child
I always imagine my young self listening to these stories and relating to the characters and feeling less odd and alone. They heal me as much as they uplift my child. I can't thank you enough for these gifts you've given the world. ~ Lindsey