Storytime Explorers: Stories for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Growing Minds

If you’ve ever asked your child to help clean up after playtime, you know it’s not always easy. What feels like a simple ask to us can feel “too big” for them. That’s exactly how Hugo the Hippo feels in this story, until his friends remind him that cleanup doesn’t have to feel heavy, and it can even be fun.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• See how big jobs feel easier when separated into smaller steps
• Experience how p...

Bedtime isn’t always smooth sailing, especially for toddlers and preschoolers who still feel wide awake.

In this story, Milo the Monkey isn’t ready for sleep just yet. He splashes in the bath, stomps around in his dinosaur pajamas, brushes his teeth, and snuggles up for storytime. Step by step, his body slows down until finally his eyes close and he drifts into dreams.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• See how a bedtim...

You know how fast things can go missing with kids, like a shoe, a backpack, a favorite stuffed animal. And when that happens, it can feel nearly impossible to keep looking.

In this story, Leo can’t find his helmet and feels ready to give up… until his friends join in as helmet detectives. With a little teamwork, and even a short break, the search turns into an adventure, and the helmet is finally found.

This story helps toddlers and ...

Forgiveness takes time, and that’s okay.

When Hugo accidentally knocks down Milo’s cozy reading spot, he says, “I’m sorry,” but Milo’s still upset. In this story, kids see that apologizing is a caring first step, and that forgiving can come later, when the heart is ready. With a little help (and some teamwork), Milo begins to feel better… and their friendship grows even stronger.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• See t...

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.

...

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 todd...

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...

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: lov...

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 seque...

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 ...

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 ...

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”...

Some of the best play happens when kids have a little space, a few sticks and leaves, and the freedom to follow their ideas.

In this story, Milo the Monkey has big plans for jungle soup, and his friends Zara and Ella jump right in with their own pretend recipes. Together, they gather ingredients, help each other, and imagine a silly snack time for their favorite animal friends.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Use the...

This story introduces a simple phrase kids can remember near water: wait for your grown-up. Before they even reach the water, Hugo and Zara take time to slow down, remember swim lessons, and play in ways that build confidence.

This story helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Understand the importance of water safety in a way that feels empowering, not scary
• Practice waiting, slowing down, and staying close to their grown-up near water
• R...

Trying something new can feel a little scary, but that doesn’t mean your child isn’t brave.

In this story, Zara the Zebra wants to do something she’s never tried before. At first, her belly feels fluttery and her body isn’t quite ready. But with time, help, and a chance to go at her own pace, Zara starts to feel brave and decides to try.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Understand that bravery doesn’t mean rushing
• Lear...

Frustration can show up fast, like when something feels tricky, doesn’t go as planned, or just won’t work the way a child imagined.

This story captures one of those moments: what it feels like to be frustrated, how to name that feeling, and how to practice calming strategies and try again with support and a new approach.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Name what frustration feels like in their body
• Practice calming st...

Gratitude starts with something simple, like saying thank you, and grows into a practice that helps kids notice what feels good, safe, and connected.

In this story, Ella the Elephant brings her friends on a picnic and invites them to share something they’re thankful for. Together, they explore what gratitude means and how it feels, especially when you’re thankful for a friend!

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Practice...

Sometimes kids really don’t want to take turns, and that’s okay.

This story captures one of those moments we’ve all seen: when something feels too special to share just yet, and a little time (and a patient friend) makes all the difference.

This story helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Pause and think before acting (even when they really want the shovel)
• Notice how someone else is feeling, and respond with care
• Understand that it’s ok...

Sometimes, asking for help is the bravest thing a kid can do.
And sometimes, being the helper brings the biggest smile.

This story is full of connection, fun, and moments that feel so familiar, like trying to zip a jacket, pretending to be butterflies, and figuring something out together with a friend.

It gives toddlers and preschoolers a fun way to:

• Learn that it’s okay to ask when something feels tricky
• Notice when someone el...