A fall day of apple picking, with a little waiting, a little teamwork, and a whole lot of joy.

Ella heads to the apple farm with Zara and Hugo. They ride the tractor, pick apples, in all kinds of colors, and save a few to share with someone special. But first… they have to wait.

And waiting isn’t easy.

With a quick game, a helping hand, and one extra-high apple that takes a big jump to reach, the day turns into something pretty sweet.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Notice what waiting feels like (wiggly, restless, a little frustrated)
• Try playful strategies, like a game, to make waiting easier
• Practice problem-solving when something’s out of reach (literally!)
• See how sharing what they picked can feel just as good as picking it

A reminder that joy isn’t always in the plan, it’s often in the little moments in between.

You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Going to the doctor can bring up all kinds of feelings for toddlers, preschoolers, and parents too. But stories like this can help, whether before a visit or while playing pretend at home. In this story, Leo the Lion heads in for a check-up. He’s a little nervous, but also curious. With his grown-up nearby, Leo gets to be part of the visit: asking questions, using the stethoscope, and even holding the otoscope.

This story helps toddlers and preschoolers picture what to expect at a check-up and reminds them that doctors are helpers too. And if your child loves pretend play, it’s just as fun to listen before lining up their stuffed animals for their own “check-up” at home.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Prepare emotionally for a routine doctor’s visit
• Learn simple language for medical tools and steps
• Feel confident participating in their own care
• Build resilience and bravery, even when things feel a little unsure

You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Kids thrive on reminders that they are safe, strong, and loved, whether they’re trying something new, working through big emotions, or growing in everyday ways.

A calming affirmation practice that kids can come back to anytime they need a boost of kindness and confidence.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Begin building a positive inner voice through repetition and rhythm
• Practice emotional regulation by naming feelings and calming the body
• Strengthen confidence and self-trust through affirming phrases
• Understand that kindness and love can be spoken to themselves, too

Whether said out loud or quietly in their hearts, these affirmations help children build emotional strength one kind word at a time.

Follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Starting school, whether it’s a brand-new classroom or just a change in routine, can bring up big feelings. Zara the Zebra is excited to play and learn… but she’s also a little nervous. With heart socks, a goodbye hug, and a special phrase she can whisper anytime, she discovers she can carry love with her all day.

If your child is starting preschool, pre-K, daycare, or navigating a new drop-off routine, this story is a reminder: love goes with them, and you’ll always come back.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Feel okay about being both excited and nervous
• Learn a simple grounding strategy for when they miss you
• Imagine what a school day might be like (from blocks to coloring to hugs!)
• Hold onto love and confidence in new situations

Try saying it together: “A hug in your heart means we’re never apart.”
It’s the kind of phrase that can make the next drop-off a little easier.

Follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Big ideas often start with a simple list.

In this story, Ella the Elephant dreams of having a lemonade stand, and today, with Leo the Lion, she turns that idea into something real! They start with a list, make tickets and signs, mix the lemonade, and set everything up to share with friends and neighbors.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• See how big ideas come together with teamwork and imagination
• Practice simple sequencing and memory (scoop, pour, stir!)
• Feel proud of creating something and sharing it with others
• Encourage creative play from the first idea to clean up

From pretend to possible, this story might just inspire your child’s next big idea.

☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

It’s hard to leave when you’re having fun.

This story is for that exact moment: the tough transition from fun to done. Hugo the Hippo knows the feeling well after a joyful morning at the park with his friends, when he’s just not quite ready to go. With the chance to pick one last thing to do, and the reminder that he’ll come back, Hugo takes a deep breath and heads home.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Make goodbyes easier with a simple phrase they can repeat
• Feel more in control by choosing one last thing before leaving
• Handle big emotions like sadness or frustration when it’s time to go
• Feel reassured that they’ll come back next time

Helpful for park days, playdates, and any time leaving is tough.

☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Zara the Zebra has been looking forward to this all week… It’s library day! She gallops to storytime, listens with her best ears, and picks out a few new books, all on her own. From frog splashes to rocket launches, every page brings something new to imagine.

This library day adventure helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Get excited about reading and going to the library
• Practice listening and following along with a shared story
• Make small choices and feel confident picking just a few books
• Picture themselves in new roles, like an astronaut, builder, or helper, through stories

A reminder that every book can spark curiosity, and every library visit is its own little adventure.

☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Mistakes and accidents happen, but to young kids, they can feel huge.

Whether it’s a spilled cup or a smudged drawing, little accidents often come with big feelings. This story helps toddlers and preschoolers begin to understand that:

• Accidents can happen, even when they’re trying their best
• It’s okay to feel sad, frustrated, or stuck
• Grown-ups can help when something goes wrong
• Taking a breath and looking again can turn a “mistake” into something new
• Kind words and gentle support help build confidence and emotional resilience

Through Ella’s experience, this story models how to cope with mistakes, stay curious, and try again, even when things don’t go as planned. A story about being human. And learning how to keep going.

☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com