Storytime Explorers: Stories for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Growing Minds

Birthday surprises can be so much fun, especially when friends remember what someone loves.

In this story, Milo’s friends want to do something special for his birthday. Ella, Zara, Leo, and Hugo think about Milo’s favorite things: bananas, the sandbox, climbing, and swinging. Then they turn them into a birthday obstacle course, just for him.

Along the way, Leo calls it a secret, and the friends learn the difference. We do...

Birds can turn an ordinary walk into something full of wonder. From the songs they sing to the nests they build, there is so much for young kids to notice, ask about, and explore.

In this Wonder Time episode, Ella the Elephant and Zara the Zebra head out on a bird walk with their binoculars. Along the way, they wonder about birdsong, nests, and eggs… and discover tiny hummingbirds, big ostriches, and birds that fly farther th...

Siblings can be so sweet. And sometimes… they can feel like a lot.

In this story, Ella the Elephant loves her little brother, Eddie. And Eddie loves being near Ella. From breakfast to the playroom to the sidewalk outside, Eddie wants to sit close, use the same things, and do everything Ella does.

It’s sweet, but it’s also a lot. When Ella takes a little space in the sandbox, she notices something: she can want room...

Some moments feel big, like a new place, a new face, a first try. And sometimes, even when children want to be brave, their belly feels fluttery and their feet feel stuck.

This affirmation story helps children understand that feeling scared and being brave can happen at the same time. They can listen to their body, take a breath, ask for help, and try one small step when they're ready.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

There’s something magical about a fairy garden made from a child’s imagination.

In this story, Zara the Zebra has been dreaming about building a fairy garden of her own. Today, with Leo the Lion by her side, she brings that idea to life. They find just the right spot under the big tree, build a river and pond, add a bridge for tired fairy wings, and make a sign to welcome the fairies.

This story helps toddlers and prescho...

Dinosaurs lived long, long ago, but many children are fascinated by what they were like, what they ate, and how we can still learn about them today.

In this Wonder Time episode, Hugo the Hippo is coloring a dinosaur picture after spending the week looking through dinosaur books. When Leo the Lion notices Hugo’s drawing, the two friends begin to wonder about dinosaurs, fossils, eggs, and what made some dinosaurs so big and stro...

Telling the truth can feel hard for young kids, especially when they worry someone might feel upset or disappointed.

In this story, Ella the Elephant and her friends are getting ready to play superheroes when they discover their colorful scarves are all tangled together. Ella knows why, but the words feel stuck for a moment. With one deep breath and a little bravery, she tells what’s true and helps her friends figure out what ...

There is something so sweet about the way young kids want to help. They notice when someone is busy, want to jump in, and feel proud when they get to be part of something real. It may be a small part, but to them, it matters.

In this story, Hugo sees his neighbor, Ms. Betty, working hard in her garden and offers to help. When he realizes it is a big job, he calls his friends over too. Together, they pull weeds, water flowers, and he...

Trees are all around us, but we don’t always stop and think about them. This story helps kids slow down and notice how trees grow, change, and do so much around us.

As Zara the Zebra and Leo the Lion walk along their favorite hiking trail, they look up at tall trees, spot roots on the trail, wonder about changing leaves, and discover rings inside a tree stump. Along the way, they learn a little more about what trees need and w...

New foods can feel big for little kids, and sometimes it’s not even the taste yet…it’s just that the food is new. If you’ve ever put something on your child’s plate and watched them pause, stare, or push it aside without even trying it, this story will probably feel familiar.

Milo spots a food he hasn’t tried before, wonders what it is, and takes his time getting curious. When his friends share t...

Growing can bring excitement and frustration, sometimes within the same five minutes. One moment, your child is eager to try, and the next, they’re ready to give up. When they pause, try again, and finally do it themselves, that look on their face feels priceless. As adults, we know that learning something new, making mistakes, and trying again is something we practice our whole lives, and those early years are where it first...

Kids can be very particular about the “right” way to do something. They learn a way that feels steady and predictable, and they want to stick with it. That makes sense, because predictability helps young brains feel safe and in control.

In this story, Leo the Lion is building a puzzle with his friends when Hugo tries a different way. What feels uncomfortable at first slowly opens into a reminder that there can be more th...

Insects are all around us, crawling, flying, and moving through the world in surprising ways. This story invites children to slow down just enough to notice the small details that they might not always see.

As Milo the Monkey and Ella the Elephant walk together on a warm day, they spot ants carrying crumbs, bees buzzing between flowers, and a ladybug crawling and flying from leaf to leaf. Along the way, they begin to wonder about ho...

Feeling bored can be the spark that leads to creativity.

In this story, Ella the Elephant and her friends are inside on a rainy day, ready to play…but not sure what to do next. When boredom shows up, they pause, look around, and share ideas. With dress-up wings, scarves, and imagination, they turn an “I’m bored” moment into a brand new game.

This story helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Notice that feeling b...

Losing can feel like a really big deal.

In this story, Zara the Zebra races her friends on a sunny day. She runs fast, feels proud… and still doesn’t come in first. Disappointment shows up. Zara pauses, remembers why they’re racing, and races again when she’s ready.

This story supports toddlers and preschoolers as they:

• Notice what losing can feel like in their body and emotions
• Learn how to pause when disa...

We often remind kids to be kind. But kindness is something they can already feel in their hearts.

This affirmation story helps children connect with the kindness they feel in their own hearts, remember that they are worthy of kindness too, and begin to notice how even small moments of kindness can make a difference.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Recognize kindness as something they already have in their heart
• Use ki...

A simple walk can turn into something full of wonder, especially when kids have so many questions. This story leans into curiosity, noticing, and asking “why?” together.

On a sunny walk through the jungle, Milo and Ella notice so many things around them. They feel curious, wonder, ask questions, and sometimes turn to a friend for answers.

This story helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Practice curiosity and noticing what&...

Mornings with toddlers can feel like a mix of rushing, big feelings, and tiny victories. It’s true, and it’s not just you. In this story, Zara the Zebra moves through her morning routine in a way kids can understand. By the end, she feels calm, confident, and ready for whatever the day brings.

This story helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Build independence through simple morning steps like dressing, brushing hair, and ...

Joining in can take courage, especially when friends are already laughing and playing.

If you’ve ever watched your child hover nearby, wanting to join but not quite sure how, you’ll recognize Leo in this story. That fluttery mix of excitement and uncertainty is something almost every child experiences. And when they find the courage to ask, or the kindness to invite someone else in, it can turn an ordinary moment into so...