Stories For Children by We Nurture Collective

Tumbleweed is a fairy with no wings but she’s able to fly with her loyal pet Raven. In the autumn, Tumbleweed and her friend Primrose gather all Mother Earth’s root children and help them into their nighties and beds for a long winter’s sleep. Then one little root child discovers that Pasha, the littlest root child is not in his bed and the search begins.

We recommend this story for ages 3-7

About the Author Mary Natale
Mary has been a teacher of young children for many years. She studied at the Institute of Child Study in Toronto, and upon graduating with her Ontario Teacher's Certificate and Diploma in Child Studies, she began working in a private setting, telling stories and engaging children in artistic activities. After teaching Kindergarten at the Toronto Catholic District School Board for ten years, to her delight, she discovered Waldorf education and has been working at the Toronto Waldorf School for the past sixteen years as an Assistant in the Nursery and Kindergarten programs.  “It was not until I began assisting in the Waldorf Early Childhood programs, where my soul was fed each day, that I began to write children's stories.” Mary lives in Toronto with her husband, two sons and two spoiled dogs - Joey and Charlie.
To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Little Wind Fairy love Bluebird’s song and she wants to sing a song of her own but she doesn’t have one. Bluebird tells her that perhaps she lost it while flying about, so she goes in search of her song.

We recommend this story for ages 3 - 6

About the Author - Christy Klincewicz

This is my 20th year as a Waldorf Early Childhood Educator.  My early experiences of exploring the wonder and beauty of the natural world and the reverent moments created by lighted candles on the Christmas tree and ringing a bell to invite the angels in, have shaped me to take up my work with young children.

The imaginations impressed upon my soul from the taste of cold, clear mountain streams and peeping into the magical worlds hidden beneath their mossy banks have given me a rich pictorial language.  I love creating stories where the world is good, kind friends help those in need and love weaves a mantle of safety and warmth.  Often these stories arise when the children say, “Tell us a story.”

Then I, too, listen as Mother of the Fairy Tales whispers in my ear.

To learn more about Christy’s work and to purchase her book “Fleetfoot Fox Catches a Cold”, visit  www.rockinghorsestories.com

To discover more please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture

A beautiful and tender story about a little girl named Lorenza who dearly misses her grandmother who has crossed the rainbow bridge. One autumn morning, Lorenza was feeling sad because she wanted to see her grandmother again. Mother Earth sees Lorenza walking in the forest and goes to help her so that she can once again feel her grandmother’s light in her heart.

We recommend this story for ages  4 - 7

About the Author - Maria Fernanda Wetzel

Maria is originally from Ecuador and has been living in Chicago for 20 years. She was a public school teacher for 10 years and left the public school system when her daughter was a toddler. She found Waldorf when she was looking for a preschool for her daughter and fell in love with the Waldorf parent-child program. Maria started her journey in a Waldorf school as an assistant and currently she is working as a mixed age early childhood lead teacher. Maria loves her job and hopes to continue growing. In her free time, she loves to cook, read and run. 

To discover more please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Pit-a-Pat, a little pumpkin Gnome and his spider friend It-a-Bit love to play together everyday in the pumpkin patch or at It-a-Bit’s house. In the Autumn, Mother Pumpkin needed Pit-a-Pat’s help to prepare the pumpkins for Halloween. Pit-a-Pat decided to play with It-a-Bit and then he caught the sniffles. Oh, dear, how would he ever finish preparing the pumpkins?

We recommend this story for ages 3-7

About the Author - Christy Klincewicz

This is my 20th year as a Waldorf Early Childhood Educator.  My early experiences of exploring the wonder and beauty of the natural world and the reverent moments created by lighted candles on the Christmas tree and ringing a bell to invite the angels in, have shaped me to take up my work with young children.

The imaginations impressed upon my soul from the taste of cold, clear mountain streams and peeping into the magical worlds hidden beneath their mossy banks have given me a rich pictorial language.  I love creating stories where the world is good, kind friends help those in need and love weaves a mantle of safety and warmth.  Often these stories arise when the children say, “Tell us a story.”

Then I, too, listen as Mother of the Fairy Tales whispers in my ear.

To discover more please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture

It’s a blustery autumn morning and Tiny mouse is looking for a cozy warm house. Mother Earth finds him, picks him up and puts him in her cozy apron pocket but Tiny mouse quietly hops out when he sees an acorn too good to pass by. Mother Earth goes into her house, shuts the door and doesn’t know that Tiny mouse isn’t in her apron pocket. Oh, dear! How will Tiny mouse find a cozy house?

We recommend this story for ages 3 - 6

About the Author - Christy Klincewicz

This is my 20th year as a Waldorf Early Childhood Educator.  My early experiences of exploring the wonder and beauty of the natural world and the reverent moments created by lighted candles on the Christmas tree and ringing a bell to invite the angels in, have shaped me to take up my work with young children.

The imaginations impressed upon my soul from the taste of cold, clear mountain streams and peeping into the magical worlds hidden beneath their mossy banks have given me a rich pictorial language.  I love creating stories where the world is good, kind friends help those in need and love weaves a mantle of safety and warmth.  Often these stories arise when the children say, “Tell us a story.”

Then I, too, listen as Mother of the Fairy Tales whispers in my ear.

To learn more about Christy’s work and to purchase her book “Fleetfoot Fox Catches a Cold”, visit  www.rockinghorsestories.com

To discover more please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture

A sweet story about a little girl who lived in a cozy cottage with her grandmother. One afternoon, she went to her grandmother and asked what she could do because she was tired of her toys and puzzles and books. Well, her grandmother sent her on a journey to find a little red house with no doors and no windows and a star inside.

We recommend this story for ages 3 - 7

About the Author - Connie Manson

“Throughout childhood I loved performing! It was to me a vehicle to connect with others in a joyful, meaningful way. Not long after completing a theatre arts degree, I was asked by a fellow graduate to help perform puppet stories for school children. We knelt in a large black box, holding the puppets above our heads, so we never had the opportunity to see the children's faces, but I was struck by how silent they were throughout the entire show. Later after beginning the journey as a teacher in a classroom, whenever a puppet troupe traveled to our school, it was unforgettable to see how strongly the children connected with the puppets! 

The journey continued after beginning my Waldorf teacher training, where I discovered a treasure trove of nurturing stories, and a puppet storytelling style adored by children.  Starlite Puppets was born, and thus began the journey of sharing music and puppetry worldwide.” 

Discover more about Connie and her work at starlitepuppets.blogspot.com

To discover more please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Sammy Spider loves to dance. He loves to turn, twist, twirl, tap and do the tango. Sammy’s parents want him to weave blankets for Mother Earth’s children instead of dance but Sammy doesn’t want to weave. One day, Ruby Robin delivered a letter from Mother Earth asking Sammy’s family to weave blanket for the root children’s winter sleep and Sammy is sad because all he wants to do is dance. How long will it be before Sammy can dance again?

We recommend this story for ages 3-7
(This story is not available in written format)

About the Author Mary Natale
Mary has been a teacher of young children for many years. She studied at the Institute of Child Study in Toronto, and upon graduating with her Ontario Teacher's Certificate and Diploma in Child Studies, she began working in a private setting, telling stories and engaging children in artistic activities. After teaching Kindergarten at the Toronto Catholic District School Board for ten years, to her delight, she discovered Waldorf education and has been working at the Toronto Waldorf School for the past sixteen years as an Assistant in the Nursery and Kindergarten programs.  “It was not until I began assisting in the Waldorf Early Childhood programs, where my soul was fed each day, that I began to write children's stories.” Mary lives in Toronto with her husband, two sons and two spoiled dogs - Joey and Charlie.
To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Clarabell lived in a small cottage by the sea and every morning she collected seashells by the shore. One day, Clarabell closed her eyes and made a wish. She wished to have her very own star. A little star heard Clarabell’s wish and started its journey down to earth.

We recommend this story for ages 3-7

About the Author - Christy Klincewicz

This is my 20th year as a Waldorf Early Childhood Educator.  My early experiences of exploring the wonder and beauty of the natural world and the reverent moments created by lighted candles on the Christmas tree and ringing a bell to invite the angels in, have shaped me to take up my work with young children.

The imaginations impressed upon my soul from the taste of cold, clear mountain streams and peeping into the magical worlds hidden beneath their mossy banks have given me a rich pictorial language.  I love creating stories where the world is good, kind friends help those in need and love weaves a mantle of safety and warmth.  Often these stories arise when the children say, “Tell us a story.”

Then I, too, listen as Mother of the Fairy Tales whispers in my ear.

To discover more please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Once there was a forest where a great many birds made their homes and during the day the young birds played together with their friends. One day danger came to their forest and all the birds had to stay in their nests and could no longer play together. 

We recommend this story for ages 3 - 7 

About the Author - Stephen Spitalny is a writer, early childhood consultant and kindergarten teacher. He offers insight into early childhood development and into various aspects of the young child. Stephen offers individual consulting, lectures and courses for parents and teachers around the world since the early 1990s. 

He has taught at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School since 1990.  

Stephen’s first book, Connecting With Young Children: Educating the Will, was published in 2011. Conscious Parenting: A Guide to Living with Young Children and What's the Story: Storytelling as a Path Toward Living Happily Ever After were published in 2015. He has written numerous articles for various journals and magazines and book collections. His work has been translated into several languages. Visit chamakanda.com to learn more about Stephen and his work.

To discover more please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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The setting is summertime and this is a simple story about the life of a caterpillar. Follow the journey of the caterpillar as he looks around for something to eat and inches through the grass, up hills and down hills, climbing over and under sticks. 

We recommend this story for ages 3 - 5

About the Author - Kristen McArthur is a Waldorf Early Childhood teacher at Alabama Waldorf School in Birmingham, AL.  Although she is relatively new to teaching, she loves stories and made this story up to tell her kindergarten class one year during summer camp. They enjoyed it, so she wrote it down! In this version, Kristen decided that the caterpillar would turn into a moth as butterflies get all the attention!

To discover more please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Daisy and Dilly are two Mama ducks that live in a beautiful little pond with all their ducklings. One day, they notice that their ducklings have grown so much that there’s not enough room in the pond or enough food for everyone. What can they do? 

We recommend this story for ages 2 - 7

About the Author - Anja Toddington

Anja moved to the UK from Germany nearly 30 years ago and she currently works as a Kindergarten teacher and early years manager at South Devon Steiner School in the UK, and this is her 14th year at the school. 
The school is in a very rural and beautiful area, which provides the perfect inspiration for writing stories about animals, nature, and elementals.  Anja wrote this story many years ago as a transition story for a group of nursery children where some of them were moving up to the Kindergarten class that she would be teaching while others were staying in the Nursery with her assistant who became the Nursery teacher.
Please visit www.southdevonsteinerschool.org to learn more about Anja's school! 

To discover more about We Nurture, please visit wenurturecollective.com

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A very sweet tale about a hedgehog named Pete who lived in a garden. One day, Pete falls asleep in the gardener's  basket. He wakes up and discovers that he’s on a journey!

We recommend this story for ages 3 - 7

About the Author - Jill Tina Taplin was born and brought up in the UK, graduated from university with a degree in philosophy and was busy until her early 30s as a gardener, house builder and mother.  Then she joined a group of parents founding a Steiner Waldorf school in the north east of Scotland, near a spiritual community.  Soon she found herself working in the kindergarten and discovered that was where she really wanted to be.  She worked as a kindergarten teacher in Scotland and Devon until 2008 when family reasons brought her to a new part of the UK with no Waldorf school nearby.  Since then she has expanded her interest in working with adults - students, teachers and parents – through working as a kindergarten mentor, workshop leader, adult education tutor and writer. She has completed an MA in Education (Steiner Philosophy) and now has commitments to support Steiner Waldorf early childhood training mainly in several countries around the world.  In addition to magazine and newsletter articles, she is co-author of Understanding the Steiner Waldorf Approach, published by David Fulton

To discover more please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Tobias is the talented tailor of the Kingdom of Timberlap. He lives alone with a timid mouse named Mabel. Although they never speak to each other, they help each other. One day Tobias is so ill that he cannot he cannot finish sewing Princess Rebecca’s dress and Mabel mouse comes to his rescue. 

Author - Mary Natale

Mary has been a teacher of young children for many years. She studied at the Institute of Child Study in Toronto, and upon graduating with her Ontario Teacher's Certificate and Diploma in Child Studies, she began working in a private setting, telling stories and engaging children in artistic activities. After teaching Kindergarten at the Toronto Catholic District School Board for ten years, to her delight, she discovered Waldorf education and has been working at the Toronto Waldorf School for the past sixteen years as an Assistant in the Nursery and Kindergarten programs.  “It was not until I began assisting in the Waldorf Early Childhood programs, where my soul was fed each day, that I began to write children's stories.” Mary lives in Toronto with her husband, two sons and two spoiled dogs - Joey and Charlie.

We recommend this story for ages 3 - 7

To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Slow and Steady Tammy is about a turtle who wishes to be a heroine. One day, when a thunderstorm left Sally Spider and her many little children clinging to a branch, Tammy Turtle found being slow and steady made her a heroine after all!

Author: Mary Natale

Mary has been a teacher of young children for many years. She studied at the Institute of Child Study in Toronto, and upon graduating with her Ontario Teacher's Certificate and Diploma in Child Studies, she began working in a private setting, telling stories and engaging children in artistic activities. After teaching Kindergarten at the Toronto Catholic District School Board for ten years, to her delight, she discovered Waldorf education and has been working at the Toronto Waldorf School for the past sixteen years as an Assistant in the Nursery and Kindergarten programs.  “It was not until I began assisting in the Waldorf Early Childhood programs, where my soul was fed each day, that I began to write children's stories.” Mary lives in Toronto with her husband, two sons and two spoiled dogs - Joey and Charlie.

We recommend this story for ages 3 - 7

To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Simon Spider lives with his mother and father at the bottom of a giant ash tree the home of Periwinkle fairy. Simon is waiting for the day when he will be able to spin beautiful, useful things like his mother and father can. The one day he helps an elf.

Author - Mary Natale

Mary has been a teacher of young children for many years. She studied at the Institute of Child Study in Toronto, and upon graduating with her Ontario Teacher's Certificate and Diploma in Child Studies, she began working in a private setting, telling stories and engaging children in artistic activities. After teaching Kindergarten at the Toronto Catholic District School Board for ten years, to her delight, she discovered Waldorf education and has been working at the Toronto Waldorf School for the past sixteen years as an Assistant in the Nursery and Kindergarten programs.  “It was not until I began assisting in the Waldorf Early Childhood programs, where my soul was fed each day, that I began to write children's stories.” Mary lives in Toronto with her husband, two sons and two spoiled dogs - Joey and Charlie.

We recommend this story for ages 2.5 - 7

To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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From the book, Thirty Sunsets and A Moon, a collaborative project by Ashley J. May & Jessica Lewis Stevens 

Here is a tale about a flock of birds that embark on a soul moving journey. An adaptation of Farid al Din Attar’s “The Conference of the Birds”, deeply inspired by the wisdom of my motherline and two little boys who believe they can fly. I tell this story each summer. Sometimes, I tell it all year long--adding tiny new details along the way as my children grow more and more curious about the childhood memories of my grandmother, and her mother, that I hold dear to my heart. It’s best told under the shade of your favorite tree with jugs of honey lemonade for sipping, and the sweetest little hoopoe puppet flying about on a stick.

Author - Ashley J. May You can discover more about Ashley and her work on Instagram @mayashleyj. Ashley J. May is a mother and ethnographer living on the unceded Tongva lands commonly known as Los Angeles, CA. She is the Founder and Project Director of The Grassroots Morning Garden Project that aims to liberate families and organize parents and their children around spaces of freedom through a co-constructed model for holistic, nature immersive parent and child groups, community-engaged research, public scholarship, and collective care.   

Her graduate training is in research and evaluation--specifically in early childhood and community care contexts.  She has over 20 years of experience in education and holds a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit from the California Department of Education.  She is a member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America, the American Anthropological Association, and the Society for the History of Children and Youth.

Ashley infuses the beauty of Waldorf philosophy, feminist pedagogy, and culturally sustaining, place-based informal educational practices into her work and home life while interrogating places of expansion and opportunities for transformation in order that we are in right relationship with the families and communities we serve.

We recommend this story for ages 3 and up

To discover more please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Amir loves his cat Leyla. Every night Leyla snuggles with Amir in his bed and every morning they wake up together. One day, Leyla goes missing and Amir cannot ind her, even when his dad’s Hossein and Josef help him search the whole house.

Author - Mary Natale

Mary has been a teacher of young children for many years. She studied at the Institute of Child Study in Toronto, and upon graduating with her Ontario Teacher's Certificate and Diploma in Child Studies, she began working in a private setting, telling stories and engaging children in artistic activities. After teaching Kindergarten at the Toronto Catholic District School Board for ten years, to her delight, she discovered Waldorf education and has been working at the Toronto Waldorf School for the past sixteen years as an Assistant in the Nursery and Kindergarten programs.  “It was not until I began assisting in the Waldorf Early Childhood programs, where my soul was fed each day, that I began to write children's stories.” Mary lives in Toronto with her husband, two sons and two spoiled dogs - Joey and Charlie

Ages 3 - 7

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Grandfather had a beautiful garden where he grew lots of vegetables and flowers. He loved working in his garden. One day a big storm came and knocked down the flowers in the garden beds and even blew leaves off the trees. Grandfather had to find the courage to tidy up his garden and make it beautiful again.

Ages 3 - 6

About the author

Jill Tina Taplin was born and brought up in the UK, graduated from university with a degree in philosophy and was busy until her early 30s as a gardener, house builder and mother.  Then she joined a group of parents founding a Steiner Waldorf school in the north east of Scotland, near a spiritual community.  Soon she found herself working in the kindergarten and discovered that was where she really wanted to be.  She worked as a kindergarten teacher in Scotland and Devon until 2008 when family reasons brought her to a new part of the UK with no Waldorf school nearby.  Since then she has expanded her interest in working with adults - students, teachers and parents – through working as a kindergarten mentor, workshop leader, adult education tutor and writer. She has completed an MA in Education (Steiner Philosophy) and now has commitments to support Steiner Waldorf early childhood training mainly in several countries around the world.  In addition to magazine and newsletter articles, she is co-author of Understanding the Steiner Waldorf Approach, published by David Fulton

Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Bella Butterfly is about a lovely brown butterfly who survives a terrible storm. One day Bella Butterfly was gathering sweet nectar in an acorn cup for her friend Benjamin Beetles birthday. Suddenly a storm came and blew hard on Bella's brown velvet wings.Toby the tulip called to her and she flew into his petals to rest her tattered and torn wings.

Author - Mary Natale

Mary has been a teacher of young children for many years. She studied at the Institute of Child Study in Toronto, and upon graduating with her Ontario Teacher's Certificate and Diploma in Child Studies, she began working in a private setting, telling stories and engaging children in artistic activities. After teaching Kindergarten at the Toronto Catholic District School Board for ten years, to her delight, she discovered Waldorf education and has been working at the Toronto Waldorf School for the past sixteen years as an Assistant in the Nursery and Kindergarten programs.  “It was not until I began assisting in the Waldorf Early Childhood programs, where my soul was fed each day, that I began to write children's stories.” Mary lives in Toronto with her husband, two sons and two spoiled dogs - Joey and Charlie.

We recommend this story for ages 3 - 7

No part of this story may be reproduced, in any form, without written permission from the author.
 
To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Bluebell was written to encourage children to be strong. One spring day, Lady Spring asked a little fairy named Celeste to help her wake up the woodland flower seeds and bulbs. Celeste was honored. One little seed named Bluebell didn’t want to wake up so Celeste coaxed it by describing the beauty and wonder of the woods.

Author - Mary Natale

Mary has been a teacher of young children for many years. She studied at the Institute of Child Study in Toronto, and upon graduating with her Ontario Teacher's Certificate and Diploma in Child Studies, she began working in a private setting, telling stories and engaging children in artistic activities. After teaching Kindergarten at the Toronto Catholic District School Board for ten years, to her delight, she discovered Waldorf education and has been working at the Toronto Waldorf School for the past sixteen years as an Assistant in the Nursery and Kindergarten programs.  “It was not until I began assisting in the Waldorf Early Childhood programs, where my soul was fed each day, that I began to write children's stories.” Mary lives in Toronto with her husband, two sons and two spoiled dogs - Joey and Charlie.

We recommend this story for ages 3 - 7

To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Susie loved collecting little treasures all summer long. Everywhere she went she found lovely treasures to collect and bring home. One thing kept happening and that was she sometimes would loose a treasure and this made her very sad. One day Susie’s mama came up with a wonderful plan to keep all her treasures safe.

Ages 2.5 to 7

About the author

Rhiannon Silver-Gilmore is the author of this very lovely summer story. You can find Rhiannon on instagram at my____fable where she creates gorgeous seasonal magic making kits for children and their families. This beautiful story about The Treasure Pocket is available in written form in her current summer craft box. You can also find her at www.myfable.co.uk/shop/summer-days-box/

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This story was written by Susan Perrow and is a therapeutic story. Children will enjoy it whether it is used for therapeutic reasons or not. A "story for 'separation anxiety', (it was) written for a four-year-old boy who was having difficulty parting from his mother at pre-school."

An A-Z Collection of Behaviour Tales by Susan Perrow

Published by Hawthorn Press

We recommend this story for ages 4 - 7

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Thirty sunsets and a moon - volume one

A collaborative project by Ashley J. May & Jessica Lewis Stevens

“This is a sweet tale I love to share with children. Especially my own children. It is a tale of everyday childhood wonder, rooted in their own family histories. A testament to the power of oral tradition and intergenerational storytelling to bring two small boys into the arms of their grandparents, in spite of the oceans and heavens between them. It really comes to life with the addition of puppetry such as a story doll, a woolly butterfly and a shining crescent moon hanging from a string. Little stones, leaves and bits of nature are the perfect finishing touches for this Ramadan tale. But, it’s just as beautiful told to children at bedtime or while seated on your lap.”   Ashley J. May

We recommend this story for ages 2 ½ to 7

To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children

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Long, long ago in a land far, far away the sky lived very close to the earth. It stayed close to the earth for many, many years until one year the people of the land upset the sky, so the sky moved.

A Nigerian Folktale retold. 

We recommend this story for ages 4 - 7

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I wrote this story to help children who have a fear about weather, particularly dark clouds, rain and storms. My hope is that it will offer a sense of courage and triumph. It’s also just a sweet story to listen to again and again.

Written by Chinyelu Kunz

We recommend this story for ages 3 to 6

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One spring, The Three Billy Goats Gruff wanted to go to the mountains and eat sweet mountain grass. To get to the mountains they had to cross a bridge and under that bridge there lived a troll. The first to cross was little billy goat gruff, then medium sized billy goat gruff then big billy goat gruff. Each billy goat had to meet up with the troll before they could get to the mountains to eat sweet mountain grass.

Traditional Folktale retold

We recommend this story for Ages 4 - 7

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This story was written by Susan Perrow and is a therapeutic story. Children will enjoy it whether it is used for therapeutic reasons or not. This story has been used by families of children aged four to seven to help give a sense of stability in times of transition. On the farm of Farmer "Just Right' everything has its place and function. There is also delicious mud play in the story, which could help a child who doesn't like to get dirty to take a few more risks - the story encourages getting muddy but with the promise of being able to clean up afterwards."

We recommend this story for Ages 4 - 7

Therapeutic Storytelling by Susan Perrow

Published by Hawthorn Press

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This Chinese folktale has been adapted and retold from the book 'Chinese Children's Favorite Stories' by storyteller and artist, Mingmei Yip.  The story is about a frog who lived in a well. The frog thought that he knew everything about the world but when a turtle visits one day, they have a conversation and the frog comes out of his well and discovers that the world is much bigger than his well!

We recommend this story for ages 3 to 7

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Once upon a time, long long ago in China, there was a boy named Ping. Ping loved flowers and anything he planted would bloom.

The Emperor of the land loved flowers too. The time came when the Emperor had to choose an heir and this was a difficult choice. The Emperor gave a flower seed to each child and “said “Whoever can show me their best in a year's time," he proclaimed, "shall succeed me to the throne!"

Ping plants his seed and takes care of it every day. Month after month passes, and nothing grows and when the time comes, Ping must go to the Emperor with nothing but an empty pot.

Story adapted from original ‘The Empty Pot’ by Demi

Ages 3 to 7

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A Japanese Folktale

In Japan, there once lived an old man and old woman who had no food to eat one cold, cold winter. The old man went to the market to sell the old woman’s kimono so they could buy food and on the way he meets three statues.

We recommend this story for ages 3 to 7

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Adapted by Sharifa Oppenheimer from a story by Olive Beaupre Miller, My Book House, Vol. 1.

Join little Robin as he sets off on a journey to the palace to sing for the King.

We recommend this story for ages 2 to 7

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A Ukrainian Folktale

Little Nicki’s grandma knitted him a pair of white mittens so he could go out and play in the snow. When he dropped one of his mittens, many forest friends snuggled inside.

We recommend this story for ages 2 to 7

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Old man north wind tries to drive Shingebiss away with his cold and icy nature but she is not afraid and finds ways to stay warm and live in the frozen winter land. 

Shingebiss is a (Chippewa) Native American story which exemplifies resilience, fearlessness, courage and the virtue of perseverance and fortitude.

Ages 3 to 7

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Every winter, Silvercap King of Frostland along with his fairies visit the little Earth children and make the world beautiful. They must work quickly so as not to be seen.

Ages 3 to 7

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Once there was a lovely green meadow where a beautiful tall sunflower grew and in this sunflower there was a little seed. Little seed did not know that soon he would need to go on a journey for King Winter was on his way and Brother wind would soon be blowing his cold breath across the land.

For ages 3 to 7, this story is helpful for building a sense of security, safety and confidence in the young child.

The Little Seeds Journey, by Cindy Brooks. Cindy Brooks is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Santa Cruz, CA, who specializes in working with children and adults. A graduate of the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training (2003), Cindy is integrating Anthroposophy and Depth Psychology in her work as a parent educator and therapist. These stories are part of a book she has co-authored with Joya Birns, Waldorf Teacher, called Parenting with Spirit. For more information, contact [email protected].

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This story is part of Susan Perrow’s collection of children’s stories and poems that have emerged to ‘meet the hour’ during this extraordinary time of Covid 19.

A Light for Little Gnome’s Lantern is a sweet story about courage in seeking to find the light and let it shine for all to see. This story offers peace, hope and a sense of safety.

This story and other Little Gnome stories can be found at susanperrow.com/stories

Additional stories for children in books authored by Susan Perrow and Published by Hawthorn Press can be found in Healing Stories for Challenging Behavior,  Therapeutic Storytelling, and Behaviour Tales.  hawthornpress.com

We recommend this story for ages 3 to 6

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A story about love, courage, and great kindness. This story tells how a little girl helps her mother grow strong again after being ill by being brave, unselfish and kind.

The story, along with many other wonderful stories, can be found in the book, ‘For the Children’s Hour’ by Carolyn Bailey

We recommend this story for ages 3 to 7

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This delightful story about a little fir tree who wants to be picked and see life will warm your heart. Just when we least expect, we can all brighten someone’s day!

We recommend this story for ages 2 to 7

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This Chanukah story tells the miracle that happened in the land of Israel long, long ago. The miracle of light that burned for eight days in a magnificent lamp is celebrated as Chanukah. This story, appropriate for even the very youngest child, is told in a simple way.

-The rhyming part of this story was written by Sara Briggs, New York City

-The story that comes after was written by Chinyelu Kunz

We recommend this story for ages 3 to 7

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Long, long ago there lived a man whose name was Bishop Nicholas. Like so many people today, Bishop Nicholas cared for people near and far and always helped those in need. One day he heard about some people in a far away land who needed food and so he called for his helpers to gather food so that he could take it to the hungry children and their families. A beautiful story that reminds us to help those in need.

We recommend this story for ages 3 to 7

A traditional Waldorf Advent story

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Once upon a time in a little village, there lived an old light keeper. He had grown quite old and could no longer tend the light, so the village grew dark. One day, a kind young girl came and helped the villagers get back their light.

We recommend this story for ages 3 to 7

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Letta is thrown into a Thanksgiving adventure. Her courage is tested and her kindness rewarded in this tale about giving and receiving.

Recommended for ages 0-12

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Grandpa wants to roast an apple but there are no apples on the apple trees because the harvest has been gathered and stored away. How will Grandpa get a nice big red apple?

Ages 3 - 6

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This delightful story is about Little Munchkin and her quest to find a home before winter arrives. Although she spends her days helping Mother Nature’s children, like the butterflies and lizards, summer has gone and winter is on the way so it’s time for Little Munchkin to find a new home that she can snuggle into. “This story, (writes author, Susan Perrow) is positive encouragement that the almost impossible can be achieved”

You can find this story in Healing Stories for Challenging Behavior by Susan Perrow; Published by Hawthorn Press -  www.hawthornpress.com

Additional stories for children in books authored by Susan Perrow and Published by Hawthorn Press can be found in Therapeutic Storytelling and Behaviour Tales.

Ages 3 to 6

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This story is about the festival of Diwali. This beautiful festival celebrates and honors Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune, wealth, and prosperity.  On the night of the festival, lamps are lit outside of homes in hopes of attracting the attention of this benevolent goddess.

Age 4 to 7

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A heartwarming story about a little shepherd boy who lost his lamb while they were in the pasture.  In his quest to find his little lamb he received help from the animals and a little man who lives in the forest.

Ages 3 - 7

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Here's a sweet story about a little boy who discovers, with his mother's help, that every apple wondrously has a star hiding inside.  Follow his journey to discovery!

Ages 2 to 5

The author of Star Apple is unknown

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It's almost halloween and there's one last pumpkin left in the garden waiting to be picked.  Who will take this little pumpkin home?

Ages 2 - 5

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The Wise Old Gnome cares for Mother Earth. He lives deep in the Limindoor woods under the roots of a great oak tree.  Every autumn, he gathers acorns from the squirrels so he can plant them to keep the forest growing with lots of trees.  This simple and delightful autumn tale invites us, child and adult alike, to connect with nature and inspires us to care for Mother Earth.

Adapted from the story "Brother Acorn" by Sieglinde De Francesca, author of 'a donsy of gnomes' which you can find at: teachwonderment.com

Ages 2 - 5

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This story, perfect for autumn, has been adapted from the Russian folktale, 'The Turnip'.  In this retelling of the story, grandfather plants a turnip seed in the spring hoping to harvest a big turnip in the autumn so that he can make delicious turnip soup.  The turnip grew and grew, in fact it grew so big that grandfather couldn't pull it out of the ground by himself.  He calls grandmother, who calls granddaughter, who calls the dog, who calls the cat who calls the mouse and then they are able to pull the turnip out.

Recommended for ages 2 to 6

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This is a wonderful African Folktale story of a magic cow and other animals that teach a lesson to two friends.

Recommended for ages 5 to 9

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This week's story is a therapeutic story written for a child needing support for a move specifically a move because of a divorce or separation.

Herbie the Hermit Crab enjoys his happy, simple life at Sandy Point.  This is the story of Herbie looking for a new home and the power of friendship.

Written by and told by Molly Brett

Ages 3-7

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This story is about a special friendship between Hamid, the son of a poor date grower and Omar, the son of a Sultan.  They meet in a Moroccan market place where Omar has come to learn more about life. Last week we heard about Hamid’s long journey with his father, Abdul as they rode on their donkey, Zagib to the marketplace to sell their dates.  Both Hamid and Abdul were so thirsty when they arrived at the marketplace but they had no money to buy water.  Abdul then decided to go to the mosque to pray and told Hamid that he must guard their wares until he returned.  While Hamid waited, a snake charmer came to play his flute for him while the snake danced.  Meanwhile, across town the Sultan’s son, Prince Omar who lived in a palace was unhappy and decided he wanted to know about life outside of the palace.  Now the story continues…

We adapted this story for audio, original story by Anne Rose; published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc.

We recommend this story for ages 5 to 9

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This story is about a special friendship between Hamid, the son of a poor date grower and Omar, the son of a Sultan.  They meet in a Moroccan market place where Omar has come to learn more about life. We adapted this story for audio, original story by Anne Rose; published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc.  

We recommend this story for ages 5 to 9

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A fisherman and his wife get caught up in a saga with a fish who grants them many wishes.  This tale proves that greed can get the better of us if we let it.

A Grimm's Story

Ages 7-12

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Set in the days when Kings and Queens ruled lands, Jack, the son of a farmer sets out into the world to make a life for himself.  He encounters an old man in the forest, a magical horse, and an unkind magician.  This is a story about courage, trust, and friendship!

(Adapted from the original story written by Suse Konig)

Ages 4 to 8

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Arrow Chain is a beautiful story about friendship and courage.  Two boys who are best friends, one being a chief's son who rescues his friend when he is taken to the sky to live with the moon.  It is a Tlingit tale.  The Tlingit are indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.

Ages 5-7

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Connla and Nora finish their adventures meeting the fairy queen and receiving gifts to take home!  They return to their mother after their long journey and they are reunited!

Author unknown, adapted by Molly Brett

Ages 5-7

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Connla and Nora continue on their journey adventuring to the land of the sea meeting Mermaid folk and continuing their sojourn to more unknown worlds.

Author unknown, adapted by Molly Brett

Ages 5-7

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A brother and sister find themselves on a mystical adventure thru many unknown worlds after they help save the life of a bird.  This is part one.  The journey will continue next week with part two.  

Author unknown, adapted by: Molly Brett

Ages 5-7

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A Karuk Coyote Tale About How Fire Came to the People. 

Description by Julian Lang

"In Fire Race, we are reminded just how important the willow tree is to our way of life.  We are told of one way that coyote helped us.  We are reminded that we must remember to respect each other.  The story reveals that all-natural living things are important, from the little frog to the soaring eagle."

Author's note

This story is based on various versions of the Karuk myth, The Karuk - meaning "upriver" - people are native to the rugged Klamath River region of Northwest California.

Retold by Jonathan London

Illustrated by Sylvia Long

Chronicle Books, San Francisco

Ages 5 - 8

Buy Fire Race Here

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This is the story of how the crow saved the creatures of the earth from the cold by flying up to the Creator who thinks all things into being.  In his adventures, his beautiful feathers turn to soot but his sacrifice proves beneficial and he is rewarded for his efforts.

A Lenni Lenape Folktale, retold by S.E. Schlosser, adapted by Molly Brett.

Ages 5-7

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One day when the world was new pieces of the sky started falling in a little village in China. The children ran to Loawnu, the wisest person in the village to ask for her help.  Loawnu finds a way to mend the sky and she even adds a magical touch!

For ages 2 to 6

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A baker in a village bakes bread and discovers something special about her dough.

For Ages 2 to 5

Adapted from the story Sunday Bread by A. Vinnal from the book Spindrift

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The Gunny Wolf is thought to be an old African American folktale that has been passed down orally.  It is a gentle tale of caution that recounts what a little girl experiences when she does not listen to her mother about staying out of the forest.

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Farmer John and his wife Betty live in a cozy house on top of a green grassy hill.  Every day, they have lots of chores to do and on this particular day Farmer John must take care of all the chores.  Help comes his way when brother wind, fire fairies, and sister rain visit him even though he's fallen fast asleep.

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A Buddhist Tale from Ancient India about generosity and loving all the people of the world!

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This story describes the concern of a group of elves during a period of no rain in their forest. It tells of the bravery of one elf, Beecher, who went to search for water to save the leaves from wilting. On his quest, this courageous elf meets many wonders of the natural world.

The Dance of the Elves By Andrew Linnell, Illustrated by Elizabeth Auer

Mercury Press of The Fellowship Community. Discover Mercury Press by visiting their website mercurypress.org

About Mercury Press "We are a small Non-Profit publisher and print shop located at the Fellowship Community, originating in the 1970s to foster continuing education in the study of anthroposophical literature.  Since many of Rudolf Steiner's significant lectures had yet to be translated and printed in English, this became part of our work and provided material for unfolding the community's spiritual life.
Mercury Press is a "work activity group" providing educational, economic, social, and therapeutic experiences in the editing, printing, binding, collating, and shipping of books to interested English-speaking people all over the world.  This activity, in turn, produces funds which enable us to care for the elderly members at a cost far below more conventional homes for the aging."

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This is a continuation of the story of Wise Grandfather Turtle. Meet Lizzie Lizard and Neville Newt as they reminisce about the joys of the summer's past and make plans for the summer to come. As they emerge from their burrows with plans of their own a wonderful surprise for all the woodland, meadow, and pond creatures awaits.

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An African folktale from Malawi adapted and retold from the book "The River That Went To The Sky" by Mary Medlicott - illustrated by Ademola Akintola.

There was once a river in Africa that thought that the stars in the sky were twinkling eyes. The river was very curious and wanted to go to the sky. The sun said he would help the river up but he had to find his way back down.

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The Story of Brother Swan and the Fairy Queen is a tale of a little girl who is transported to a magical world by a kind Swan. Her magical adventure takes her right to the fairy queen's doorstep. This is the story of her time with the fairy folk.

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An old traditional tale about a pancake that ran away and had an adventure before it was eaten. This story was adapted and told on several occasions as a puppet play for the children in Rosebud Garden. We hope you enjoy our version of this well-loved story!

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A traditional Japanese folktale about a poor but kind woodcutter who shares his lunch of 3 rice balls and how he is rewarded.

The story has been adapted for preschool aged children.

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The story of The Wise Grandfather Turtle was written as a therapeutic response to this time of the pandemic. In Waldorf Early Childhood education, teachers will often tell the children a therapeutic story when there is a need. There are times when the teacher notices a challenging behavior in the classroom or a child in their care has experienced trauma.  The aim of therapeutic stories is to bring healing images and gestures through the stories we tell.

This story offers the image of a Wise Grandfather Turtle who knows how to keep all the little animals in his pond safe after a big storm. The pond is too messy to be enjoyed so a frog family, heeding Grandfather Turtles' advice stays home while Grandfather Turtle gets to work tidying up the pond for all.

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