Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Friday's Kind Words: Recenter & Relax
"We are so grateful for the stories and content you bring to our family. This week I took a group of kindergarteners on a field trip to a farm. It was a long drive for them. So, naturally I turned to Sparkle Stories to help them recenter themselves and relax on the journey home." ~ Tracy
Storybox Playlist: Stories of the Lantern Walk
The lantern walk symbolizes the process of bringing light to the darkest time of the year, be that literal light or metaphorical. It's a tale of compassion for those less fortunate and a tale of giving without expecting something in return.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Simple Celebrations
This week, we've gathered some stories that focus on celebrating in a low-key way that is both restful and meaningful at this busy time of year.
Friday's Kind Words: Meet Us Where We Are
"I am really grateful for you all and the gifts you share with us via Sparkle Stories! Thank you for being a consistent presence in our lives for years now, and for offering stories that continue to meet us where we are. Our family is incredibly thankful."
~Stacey
Storybox Playlist: Stories of the Power of Advent
Advent is a powerful time. It is a time of waiting, patience, and quiet. It's also a time of transformation and looking inward. It's a powerful time when the year is coming to an end, the day are short and dark, and the natural world is moving into stillness.
It's Advent with Martin & Sylvia! Stories & Projects
December first is almost here and that means Advent is coming! Why not celebrate Advent with Martin and Sylvia and their holiday adventures? You'll not only enjoy stories but printables and project fun. We've gathered all the advent calendar stories and projects right here in one place.
It's a Libby & Dish Holiday! Libby & Dish Good Deed a Day Club
Looking for something a little different this year for advent? Why not join Libby & Dish for their Good-Deed-a-Day Club? We've got everything right here to get you started!
It's a Junkyard Tales Advent! Stories & Projects
Celebrate Advent with the Junkyard crew! We've gathered all the Junkyard Tales Advent calendar stories and projects right here in one place so you can easily organize for Advent.
Our Three Audio Advent Calendars (First Stories are FREE)
Learn all about our three Audio Advent Calendars!
Storybox Playlist: Stories for Saying Thank You
This week, the playlist focuses on ways to say "thank you." It's not always easy to be grateful, especially when we are feeling a very strong emotion like anger or sadness or frustration.
Martin & Sylvia Halloween Costume Paper Dolls
Do you love your Martin & Sylvia Paper Dolls? Check out this tutorial for coordinating paper doll Halloween costumes to bring your dolls some seasonal fun!
Nine Naturally Sweet Treats for Halloween (or anytime!)
This round-up is all about naturally sweet treats. These morsels use honey or dried fruit to sweeten them and are a perfect way to have sweets at Halloween that are delicious and nutritious. Best of all, they don't have to be relegated to Halloween — they are great any time of the year!
Storybox Playlist: Stories for Managing Halloween Sugar Overload!
Whether your family indulges in sugar or not, we here at Sparkle want to encourage your family to take a moderate stance. Indulge if you like, but also fill your bellies with lots of good whole food. Or if you never indulge in sweets, maybe try making a naturally sweetened treat to branch out a little.
Halloween Round Up Extravaganza!
Here at Sparkle we take Halloween very seriously — meaning we put on silly wigs, big glasses, Halloween capes, and magic crowns. We make delicious treats and fun decorations.
Storybox Playlist: Five Favorite Halloween Stories!
Halloween is almost here! That means a whole lot of Sparkle magic. From tales of the Switch Witch to magic tricks and dragons, there is a story for everyone.
Friday's Kind Words: A Much-Needed Reminder
"Thank you for this message, Lisabeth. I know I'm a great mama but I often find myself wishing it was as easy for me as it is for Martin and Sylvia's parents. They really have it together. Your message is a much-needed reminder that they are just imaginary people. Although they set a great example, going our own way is good too. ~ Leslie
The Wonder of Halloween
David talks about why children actually want to dress in gory costumes of monsters, the undead and the maimed: they are still looking for wonder!
Helping Children with Fear at Halloween
We have found that stories are the most effective and enduring way to help children process — and then release — these images so they can enjoy all the magic and fun the season has to offer. Here are two stories that we think might help.
Managing Anxiety with Renee Jain, SparkleCast Episode 3
In this episode of SparkleCast, Renee, David, and Rebecca discuss how storytelling can not only change perspectives but also help children face fears, dismantle panic and undo patterns of anxiety.
Storybox Playlist: Stories for Being with Fear
The stories in this playlist are all about being with fear, knowing where it comes from, and steps for managing it in a healthy, healing way. We hope these stories help anyone in your family who is feeling fear right now.
