Stories by Character
Ben Thompson

The adventures of Ben Thompson are often at the center of the Junkyard Tales stories. A clever and world-savvy cat, he is friend to all in the Junkyard. He is always ready to share an adventure or pull together friends for some community fun.

Find Ben in all the Junkyard Tales stories.

The Birds That Didn't Listen

The Birds That Didn't Listen

A pair of dive-bombing birds moves into the Junkyard. Can Ben Thompson let them know that the Junkyard animals mean only peace?
25 min
5+

Halloween Magic

Halloween Magic

Lil Mamma and Spiro have a bit of an ongoing competition during the Halloween season - whose costume is the best?
30 min
4+

Let's Get to Work

Let's Get to Work

It is hot in the Junkyard. Ben, Spiro and Sally claim they can make rain!
22 min
5+

December One: Sergeant Calls a Meeting

December One: Sergeant Calls a Meeting

The Junkyard animals are distressed over news that the Warden might have to leave the Junkyard and take Sergeant and Winnie with them, but then a familiar mouse arrives with some help.
17 min
4+

Superheroes

Superheroes

Sally believes the "Brave and Busy Beaver Brigade" are real superheroes. Are they really?
21 min
5+

Junkyard Valentine's Day

Junkyard Valentine's Day

Every year the junkyard animals draw names for a Valentine's gift exchange. This year, Ben Thompson is worried about finding the perfect gift for Georgia Bean...
26 min
4+

Now That's a Camp!

Now That's a Camp!

Ben plans to create a summer camp for the mice, with the help of his talented friends.
18 min
5+

The Back Up Plan

The Back Up Plan

Spiro's desire to win clouds his judgment as a coach. Only when he lets go of his plan does he remember what he loves about mudball.
42 min
4+

The Star Formation

The Star Formation

The Junkyard animals nominate Spiro to be the mudball team captain. Is he up for the job?
34 min
4+

The Other Teams

The Other Teams

Spiro and Dizzy see two of the other teams play, and realize their initial game plan might not work.
18 min
4+

A Time for Play

A Time for Play

The Junkyard friends enjoy playing in the hail from a recent storm — can they get Sergeant to join the fun?
24 min
5+

Beaver Days

Beaver Days

Fredland the Moose arrives with an exciting invitation: come to “Beaver Days,” a fun summer celebration!
24 min
5+

Kind Favors

Kind Favors

Ben needs help with his home. From there, a delightful series of kind favors spread across the Junkyard.
19 min
5+

The Spring Festival

The Spring Festival

While hiding eggs for the mice, Ben finds a mysterious egg. What does it mean? Who hid it? A true egg hunt begins!
27 min
5+

The Junkyard Clean Up

The Junkyard Clean Up

It's a full Junkyard Clean-Up! By day's end, it's not looking good. How will they get it clean in time?
27 min
4+

Frogs and Toad

Frogs and Toad

In the Junkyard, there is a rule that "All Belong". This rule is tested when a group of frogs and a straight-talking toad appear.
20 min
4+

Cat and Skunk Tricks

Cat and Skunk Tricks

Ben joins in a traditional day of "tricks" - but he doesn't realize that the biggest trick is about to be played on him
16 min
5+

Big and Small Alike

Big and Small Alike

The mice are not allowed to visit the Far Side of the Junkyard. Is that fair?
17 min
5+

The Gift of Inventor Mouse

The Gift of Inventor Mouse

Tiny Newberry is a shy inventor-mouse. Ben helps his gift to shine quietly without drawing too much attention to the mouse.
16 min
5+

Flower Petals

Flower Petals

The animals are preparing for the flower parade and the Warden discovers their decorations! What will they do?
24 min
5+

Buster: A Story about Bullying

Buster: A Story about Bullying

When Zippy is being bullied, Sergeant knows how to discover the true source of the teasing and transform it with understanding and kindness.
25 min
5+

The Geese

The Geese

The loud geese make their annual stop at the Junkyard, and Ben is surprised when one of them takes teasing too far.
19 min
5+

Angus the Camel

Angus the Camel

The Junkyard welcomes a new visitor. A camel!
24 min
5+

Harriet Hawk and the Big News

Harriet Hawk and the Big News

Harriet has some news: she's found the house where Ben was born!
20 min
5+

Curiosity and the Cat

Curiosity and the Cat

Ben is convinced that Sergeant is leaving the Junkyard and concocts a far-fetched plan to keep his friend from going.
19 min
5+

Introduction Part One: The Cat's New Home

Introduction Part One: The Cat's New Home

A cat named Benjamin Thompson accidentally discovers his new home - a most unusual place.
20 min
4+

The Busy Rabbit's Trick

The Busy Rabbit's Trick

The Junkyard has an autumn festival that involves disguises, intricate plans and surprises - and Lil Mamma, ,the busy rabbit, is the master.
21 min
5+

The Cool House

The Cool House

It's hot in the Junkyard, and the animals want to help old Mr. Flinch stay cool. Will they find a way?
22 min
5+

The Wizard's Words

The Wizard's Words

For years a silent healer has helped a small village, never uttering a word. One day he announces that a powerful wizard is trying to take over, but assures them he has the means — be them unusual — to help.
25 min
6+

The Lost and Lonely Owl

The Lost and Lonely Owl

Ben Thompson and friends help a lost owlet find his way home.
28 min
5+

Little Moone's New Home

Little Moone's New Home

Little Moone's mouse family is moving from the junkyard he's always called home to a new home in the city. Moone goes through many emotions before finally accepting this big change.
23 min
3+

Even Moles Need a Hand

Even Moles Need a Hand

Merryweather Mole is in a fix. She is very stubborn, but finally admits that even moles sometimes need help.
20 min
5+

The Sleepless Cat

The Sleepless Cat

Ben Thompson, clever cat, can't fall asleep. A sleepwalking friend helps.
19 min
5+

Zippy and the Worry Charm

Zippy and the Worry Charm

Zippy loses his worry charm and now he's afraid he can't sleep. What will he do?
22 min
5+

Introduction Part Two: The Rowlands

Introduction Part Two: The Rowlands

Ben Thompson meets a family of raccoons and they are tickled by this new and curious cat!
16 min
4+

Traditions

Traditions

Sergeant, the steadfast watchdog, helps Ben realize what is truly important about holiday traditions.
20 min
5+

Sparkle Car #11: Out and About

Sparkle Car #11: Out and About

Includes: an original Junkyard Tales story, plus a Russian folktale "Baba Yaga and the Girl with the Kind Heart."
61 min
3+

Slow, Steady, and Invisible

Slow, Steady, and Invisible

Snapping turtles Terrance and Thaddeus emerge from the mud next to the Junkyard pond, and an adventure ensues.
17 min
5+

First Snow

First Snow

Ben wakes up to see snow and he doesn't like it. The day turns around when he follows some mice headed for surprising winter fun.
22 min
5+

Midwinter Thaw

Midwinter Thaw

It's winter, but Ben can see and smell SPRING. And the Junkyard animals are feeling springy! Can Ben and Sergeant keep them in check?
22 min
5+

The Winter Robins

The Winter Robins

Ben Thompson is surprised to find himself surrounded by a flock of robins. A flock of robins? In winter? Yes! And they are hungry!
23 min
5+

The Old Tree and the New Friend

The Old Tree and the New Friend

Lil Mamma and Sally must leave their home in the tree, but they make a new friend.
23 min
5+

Mud Boat Races

Mud Boat Races

It's been raining for days, and now the paths are muddy streams. What to do?
20 min
5+

Mudball

Mudball

Sergeant discovers the muddy fun to be had in the Junkyard during Spring.
29 min
5+

Because We Take Care of Each Other

Because We Take Care of Each Other

Winnie is nervous for her first vet visit, and so Ben and Spiro secretly come along.
24 min
5+

Newberry

Newberry

Newberry the mouse is overwhelmed by the plans for his birthday...
23 min
4+

Part Three: Halloween Surprise

Part Three: Halloween Surprise

Right before the cats arrive, the animals scramble to adjust to some last-minute changes. There are Halloween surprises in store!
28 min
4+

Part Two: The Three Little Kittens and the Big Bad Skunk

Part Two: The Three Little Kittens and the Big Bad Skunk

Mr. Flinch comes up with a story to perform at the festival, and the whole Junkyard is a-bustle with Halloween preparations!
19 min
4+

Part One: Cat-Loweeen

Part One: Cat-Loweeen

Ben Thompson invites a friend, and his friend's friends, to the Junkyard Halloween festival and all the animals decide to celebrate them.
23 min
4+

Sparkle Car #6: Expeditions and Discoveries

Sparkle Car #6: Expeditions and Discoveries

Includes: an original Junkyard Tales story, plus a nature tale and a folktale from Yugoslavia.
61 min
3+

A Visit from Cowboy

A Visit from Cowboy

When Ben has a guest, he starts to wonder – is there room for two cats in the Junkyard?
21 min
5+

The China Cabinet

The China Cabinet

Ben's bed is soggy and he needs a new place to sleep. His friends have some crazy ideas to find just the right place for the cat.
21 min
5+

Introduction Part Four: The House of Chairs

Introduction Part Four: The House of Chairs

Ben Thompson is determined to help Mr. Flinch to help by discovering just the right spot for his new home.
23 min
4+

Introduction Part Three: Mr. Flinch

Introduction Part Three: Mr. Flinch

Ben Thompson learns that things can change quickly in the Junkyard.
22 min
4+

The Pie Festival

The Pie Festival

It's the Pie Festival! What kind of pie should Ben make? And will the mystery judge like it?
24 min
5+

Everyone is Afraid of Something

Everyone is Afraid of Something

Sergeant the watchdog doesn't want his friends to know he's afraid of lightning, but then learns that all the junkyard animals have fears of their own.
21 min
4+

Part Three: Practice and Play

Part Three: Practice and Play

Sergeant and Ben put Georgia Bean's lessons into practice.
19 min
5+

Real Magician

Real Magician

When the mice mistake Spiro's quick eating for a magic trick, the mice all wish to be magicians, too. Will Spiro tell the truth or let the magic go on?
29 min
4+

The Visitors

The Visitors

It’s holiday time and everyone seems to be expecting visitors, except for Ben Thompson. Can he keep his holiday cheer?
20 min
5+

On Leave

On Leave

When Sergeant injures his foot, Ben finds out what it is like to be the watchdog — with all its responsibility and reward!
23 min
5+

The Forgetful Turkey

The Forgetful Turkey

Sergeant and Ben Thompson hear a strange sound one morning. There's a lost turkey in the Junkyard!
23 min
5+

A Quiet Festival

A Quiet Festival

Not many of the Junkyard friends can attend this year's Harvest Festival, so it looks like it will be quiet. Or will it?
16 min
5+

Time with the Grandkits'

Time with the Grandkits'

Lil Mamma needs help with her seven grandkits. Her Junkyard friends become a community of care.
25 min
5+

The Guardian of the Junkyard

The Guardian of the Junkyard

Ben discovers that two if his friends are knights! And once a year, they engage in an epic battle...
23 min
5+

The Train

The Train

One morning the junkyard begins to shake, and all the animals are alarmed — is it an earthquake? A hurricane? A dragon? What could it be?
19 min
5+

So Many Apples

So Many Apples

Angus the camel returns, with apples! The Junkyard turns it into an Apple Festival.
21 min
5+

Courage

Courage

When Ben Thompson encounters Spots, the polite but very hungry bobcat, he realizes the true meaning of courage.
22 min
5+

The Diamond

The Diamond

Rebecca Rowland finds a diamond necklace, and then gets distracted. Will it find it's true owner again?
24 min
5+

The Open World

The Open World

When Ben runs into an old friend, he sees his life through new eyes.
20 min
5+

In Need of a Bath

In Need of a Bath

It hasn't rained in weeks, and the Junkyard Pond is almost empty! How will the friends bathe?
20 min
5+

Connections

Connections

It is Ben Thompson’s birthday, and the clever cat has a surprising wish: he’d like to get closer to the Junkyard Warden.
23 min
5+

The Ring Game

The Ring Game

Tomorrow is the annual Junkyard Ring Game, and the Junkyard friends can't find the special ring!
22 min
5+

How She Does It

How She Does It

How does Mitzie Niegel, the mysterious mouse from the far side of the Junkyard, know the secret and surprising things she knows?
25 min
5+

Brothers and Sisters

Brothers and Sisters

Mr. Flinch has a brother! When the animals go to find him, they find a cat that looks an awful lot like Ben...
25 min
5+

Spiro's Secret

Spiro's Secret

Where is Spiro? Why has he been late or absent to Junkyard meetings?
21 min
5+

Moving Mouse

Moving Mouse

The excavator is coming and the mice must move! Can Sergeant and Ben help them feel safe?
26 min
5+

Fredland the Moose

Fredland the Moose

When Ben Thompson gets lost, it takes the kindness of a rather large forest animal to help the cat find his way back to his friends.
23 min
5+

A Dip in the Pond

A Dip in the Pond

Ben says cats don't swim. But when Mr. Flinch accidentally falls into the pond, Ben quickly realizes he might be wrong.
20 min
5+

Strawberries

Strawberries

It's almost Georgia Bean's birthday, and Ben and the Rowlands come up with perfect gift for her...
27 min
5+

Ben's Big Surprise

Ben's Big Surprise

Ben and Sergeant go into town to find where Ben was born. When they arrive, they meet something totally unexpected!
24 min
5+

The Excavator

The Excavator

The mice's mulch pile home is scheduled for removal. How will the friends coax out three scared, hiding mice?
19 min
5+

Harriet the Hawk

Harriet the Hawk

A very big and adventurous hawk visits the Junkyard and, strangely, she seems to recognize Ben Thompson!
21 min
5+

The Turtle Shell

The Turtle Shell

While repairing a hole in the pond, the animals uncover a pair of turtle shells — and accidentally wake the turtles inside!
24 min
5+

Home

Home

Ben longs to have some quality time with his town friends, and learns what " home" truly means.
17 min
5+

Sally

Sally

Ben realizes he doesn't know much about Sally. In fact, he's not sure she likes him much. How can he win her friendship?
20 min
5+

False Alarm

False Alarm

Little mouse Newberry mistakes a discarded stuffed animal for a fierce badger!
20 min
5+

I'm Sorry

I'm Sorry

Ben loses a special statue that was important to his Junkyard animals, and tries to replace it.
22 min
5+

Mr. Blinch

Mr. Blinch

Mr. Flinch makes his birthday wish - he wants to visit his brother Mr. Blinch who lives under a dumpster in town. How will he get there?
25 min
5+

Mr. Flinch's Birthday

Mr. Flinch's Birthday

How will they celebrate Mr. Flinch's birthday? With stories! Ben Thompson's story contains a "jewel" of information that surprises them all!
24 min
5+

Ben's New Home

Ben's New Home

Ben wakes to find the mysterious and wise mouse Mitzie Niegle with important news for him: his home is to be taken away, and in hours!
26 min
5+

Star Gazing

Star Gazing

Ben joins the Rowlands and their growing party on the hill for star sighting and more.
22 min
5+

Mitzie Niegel

Mitzie Niegel

Something important is lost, and Sergeant suggests they enlist the help of the ever-mysterious mouse — Mitzie Niegel.
21 min
5+

The Flowers

The Flowers

Ben Thompson wonders where all the flowers that are popping up around the junkyard are coming from. With the help of Mizzie the wise mouse, he finds the answer and a new friend.
25 min
4+

New Friends

New Friends

The animals have a day of rest and tell stories about where they came from.
15 min
4+

Part Three: A Pleasant Surprise

Part Three: A Pleasant Surprise

Spiro comes to the rescue with a plan that will bring Winnie back to the Junkyard!
10 min
4+

Snow Possums

Snow Possums

It's a snow sculpture spectacular at the Junkyard, and even old Mr. Flinch jumps in.
22 min
5+

Sergeant's Rounds

Sergeant's Rounds

Ben understands why Sergeant's rules are so important when he follows him on his rounds one day.
22 min
5+

Spring Break

Spring Break

It’s time for the yearly Spring Festival, but it's cold. How will the Junkyard animals meet the challenge?
15 min
4+

What We Have and What We Need

What We Have and What We Need

In preparation for the Mudball tournament, the junkyard friends run into a problem - no mud!
21 min
4+

In the Stillness

In the Stillness

A single muskrat arrives on this cold day with some incredible news - she is going to have a baby!
16 min
5+

Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night

Mr. Flinch inspires Spiro and Ben Thompson to discover the true meaning of the Twelfth Night of Christmas.
21 min
5+

December Twenty Five: Merry Christmas Warden!

December Twenty Five: Merry Christmas Warden!

The Junkyard animals are tempted to show themselves to the Warden to wish him a Merry Christmas, but they must keep hidden. Can a little Christmas magic provide a solution?
19 min
4+

December Twenty Three: Mike Steps In

December Twenty Three: Mike Steps In

The Junkyard animals are finally ready for the Warden to discover their hard work, but when things don't go as planned, will everything work out?
15 min
4+

December Twenty One: Melody Crow Sings a Sad Song

December Twenty One: Melody Crow Sings a Sad Song

One cold morning the Junkyard animals realize all the coins, cards, and gifts they collected are missing. Melody the crow's song helps them with their feelings.
13 min
4+

December Fourteen: Cat's Night Out

December Fourteen: Cat's Night Out

The neighborhood cats are thrilled to help Ben find some Christmas presents for the Warden’s children, but fun for cats is different from fun for children.
17 min
4+

December Thirteen: Cowboy and Company

December Thirteen: Cowboy and Company

When Ben's old friend, Cowboy, shows up, he learns just how many animals care about the Junkyard's challenge and want to help.
12 min
4+

December Twelve: Hootie's Return

December Twelve: Hootie's Return

When coins keep showing up in the flower pots outside Mr. Flinch’s House of Chairs, Ben stays up to see who is putting them there, he is delighted to see an old friend.
15 min
4+

December Three: Ben Has a Plan

December Three: Ben Has a Plan

After hearing Mitzie’s story, Ben has an idea about how to save the Junkyard — and the solution is right under their noses.
17 min
4+

The Junkyard Feast: A Story of Thanksgiving

The Junkyard Feast: A Story of Thanksgiving

Every year Sergeant misses the junkyard animals thanksgiving feast because he spends it with the warden's family. But this year, the animals do something special to show him their appreciation.
25 min
4+

Zippy and the All Clear Common

Zippy and the All Clear Common

Zippy the porcupine brings Ben Thompson to "All Clear Day" — a day when the workers stay home and the animals get to enjoy the grounds all by themselves!
24 min
4+

Part One: The Puppy

Part One: The Puppy

We are introduced to a stray puppy and the animals fall instantly in love with her. Spiro, however, is not impressed.
32 min
4+

Part Two: What To Do?

Part Two: What To Do?

The puppy gets a name, and the Warden plans to take her to the animal shelter!
28 min
4+

Sparkle Car #2: Coming Home

Sparkle Car #2: Coming Home

Includes: an original Junkyard Tales story, plus tales from Norway, India and Germany.
64 min
3+

Sparkle Car #4: Over the Meadow and Through the Woods

Sparkle Car #4: Over the Meadow and Through the Woods

Includes: an original story from Junkyard Tales, plus nature stories and an adapted Grimm's fairy tale.
61 min
3+

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