This week, we welcome Canadian children’s author Eliza Thorncroft, whose woodland worlds are filled with warmth, wit, and wonder. Eliza joins us to share one of her childhood favourites — The Wind in the Willows — and how it inspired her lifelong love of animal tales.

Together with Hawthorn Quill Publishing, she has created a beautiful abridged retelling of this beloved classic, blending humour, heart, and a touch of riverside mischief. Gather the family, settle in, and enjoy a storytime brimming with imagination.

Stay tuned for a quick Riverbank Riddle Game, and hear about Eliza’s upcoming book Bunnies in the Berry Row, the first in her Cozy Burrow Chronicles series, now available for pre-order.

• A nostalgic retelling of The Wind in the Willows, narrated by Eliza Thorncroft in the spirit of classic British storytelling.
• Themes of friendship, curiosity, and the quiet joys of riverside life.
• Gentle humour and whimsy inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s timeless woodland world.
• Soft piano, birdsong, and flowing water soundscapes to create a calm, storytime atmosphere.

Join us next time for Coral and Ooma - a touching story about friendship, courage, and the beauty of helping others find their way home beneath the shimmering tides of the Crabby Tidepool.

Connect with Hawthorn Quill Publishing:

Visit us at hawthornquill.ca

Follow us on Instagram: @hawthorn.quill Threads: @hawthorn.quill

Explore our books on Goodreads, Library Thing, Bookshop.org

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In this week's tale, we travel to a quaint village in the Alsace region of France, where the villagers prepares for a spring fete called the Festival of Empty Baskets.

Through this gentle story, The Festival of Empty Baskets reminds us that even the smallest offerings shared can make even the most difficult moments of scarcity, that much more brighter.

This story is the first tale in the Chatenay Fables -a crafted language learning series made up of 12 stories, for intermediate B1-B2 readers. Inviting readers into a world of gentle lessons and timeless traditions, of kindness, courage and community - and engaging stories that encourage deeper comprehension and cultural exploration.

• A gentle introduction to the Lapinette family and other residents
• Theme reflections of community, need, giving and humility.
• A glimpse of the quaint Alsatian community of Chatenay.
• Soft acoustic guitar, piano and nature sounds for relaxing atmosphere.

Join us next time for our special Hawthorn Quill Author guest spotlight including their narration of one of their favourite stories.

• Visit us at hawthornquill.ca
• Follow us on Instagram: @hawthorn.quill Threads: @hawthorn.quill
• Explore our books on Goodreads, Library Thing, Bookshop.org

Subscribe now so you don't miss the next story in our cozy storytelling corner!

In this week's tale, we return to the peaceful woodlands of Hedgerow Hollows, where the Holloway bunny family awaits a joyful event - the birth of their bunny twins. Beneath the roots of an old hedgerow, their cozy burrow glows with warmth and anticipation as neighbours gather to celebrate the arrival of two tiny lives.

Through this gentle story, Welcome, Little Ones reminds us that even the smallest arrivals can fill a home with light, and that kindness and community make every new beginning shine brighter.

This story is part of the Hedgerow Hollows Tales: Volume 1-a series of ten heartwarming tales set among the woodland creatures who live beneath the hedgerows and brambles. Each story offers a glimpse into the simple joys of friendship, gratitude, and the beauty of everyday moments.

The full audiobook edition of Hedgerow Hollows Tales: Volume 1 is now available from Hawthorn Quill Publishing, featuring all ten tales read-aloud for families to enjoy during quiet evenings or long car rides.

• A gentle introduction to the Holloway bunny family
• Them reflections on love, family and new beginnings.
• A glimpse of the close-knit community of Hedgerow Hollows.
• Soft acoustic guitar, piano and nature sounds for relaxing atmosphere.

Join us next time for The Festival of Empty Baskets - a touching story about gratitude, community and the joy of sharing what we have, even when it seems we have little to give.

• Visit us at hawthornquill.ca
• Follow us on Instagram: @hawthorn.quill Threads: @hawthorn.quill
• Explore our books on Goodreads, Library Thing, Bookshop.org

Subscribe now so you don't miss the next story in our cozy storytelling corner!