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A gentle, low-stimulation read-aloud of The Cloud by Kate Hauser: a children's book about grief, loss and love, for kids who are missing someone special. 🌻
For ages 4–12, at home, in the classroom, with school counselors or in grief support.

☁️ Since losing his grandpa, Ben has a cloud that goes everywhere he goes. It isn't big, but it's heavy. It makes his favorite food taste soggy, keeps him awake at night, and makes him feel left out while other kids laugh and play in the sun.

Then Mom sits down beside him. She doesn't try to chase the cloud away. Together they plant a seed for Grandpa, who loved his garden, and remember their walks and his big bear hugs. As Ben waters it each day, his cloud starts to feel a little lighter, until one morning a sunflower blooms, and Ben realizes his love for Grandpa is still with him, growing in new ways.

As always, the pace is slow and soothing, the narration is warm, and there are no loud sounds or flashy cuts, just a gentle story to share together.

🌻 After the story, Ben joins me beside his sunflower. He shares what helps him remember Grandpa, why it's okay to feel sad and happy at the same time, and what helped most when his cloud first appeared: people who didn't try to make it go away, but simply sat with him, listened, and asked about Grandpa.

💛 For grown-ups: Ben's story can be a gentle way to start a conversation with a child who has lost a grandparent, parent, friend or pet. It shows that big feelings are okay, that tears are part of healing, and that what helps most is often just being there.

✏️ Try this after the story: invite your child to draw their own cloud, in any shape or color, or a picture of the person they miss. Kate would love to see them, and you'll find her at katehauserwrites.com.

Supports social-emotional learning around naming big feelings, coping with change and asking for support (CASEL self-awareness, self-management and relationship skills), plus comprehension work on how a character responds to a challenge (Common Core RL.K.3, RL.1.3, RL.2.3).

📚 About the book
The Cloud: A Gentle Story About Grief, Loss & Love is written by Kate Hauser and illustrated by Pedro Noreña Ricoy. Kate has also created a companion activity book, The Cloud: A Workbook for Grieving Hearts, with a foreword by child life specialist and grief counselor Suzanne Tovey. Find both at katehauserwrites.com. If this story helped your family, please support Kate by buying the book or leaving her a kind review.

About the author
Kate Hauser is an award-winning children’s author who believes stories can help kids understand and process life’s biggest emotions. Her book, The Cloud, gently explores grief and loss, offering comfort and hope to young readers during tough times. With a background in marketing, public relations, and communications, Kate blends her love of storytelling with her skills in connecting with people to create meaningful and easy-to-understand stories for children.

Now living on a small island in Denmark, Kate finds daily inspiration in the peaceful surroundings and the cozy Danish idea of hygge. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hunting for missing socks, packing snacks for her two little ones after meals, or chasing after her dog, whose favorite hobby is outsmarting the neighbor’s cat.

The Cloud has won The Golden Wizard Book Prize 2025.

🌈 More gentle stories
Grandpa's Magical Hugs: https://youtu.be/5GwSohpzpdE
When Things Get Too Loud: https://youtu.be/xMtnWWjv_wM
More free read-alongs: changetheworldwithkaryn.com

#ReadAloud #GriefForKids #ChildrensBooks #SELforKids #StoryTimeWithKaryn

Some days, everything just feels like too much. This is a gentle read aloud about sensory overload, and the big feelings that any child can have when the world gets too loud.

Meet Bo. Noises, smells, bright lights, busy places: sometimes it all piles up until Bo just wants to hide. In this calm animated story, we follow Bo as his Feel-O-Meter climbs from 1 to 10, and we discover what sensory overload feels like, what can set it off, and the little things that help him find his way back to calm. Along the way, Bo makes a remarkable little friend who changes everything.

The Feel-O-Meter is a simple 1 to 10 feelings scale that gives children a way to show how big a feeling is before they have the words for it. It's a lovely thing for parents and children to share, a bit like a feelings thermometer you can talk about together.

Sensory overload is something any child can feel, and this story is written for all of them. It's also a warm, supportive watch for children with autism, sensory processing differences, and any little one who gets overwhelmed easily. Bo is never labelled, because feeling this way is simply part of being human, but families navigating sensory needs will find a lot to hold onto here.

This is a low-stimulation read aloud on purpose: slow pacing, soft visuals, and a quiet voice, so the video itself can be a calm-down moment when things feel like too much. And stay till the end, because Bo hops off the page to say hello, just like in our other videos.

For teachers, counsellors, and homeschooling families: this story supports social-emotional learning around naming and recognising emotions (CASEL self-awareness) and managing big feelings and stress (CASEL self-management), and it works beautifully for character-focused reading practice (Common Core RL.K.3, RL.1.3, and RL.1.4).

There's a free companion worksheet that pairs with the story and Bo's coping ideas, waiting for you at changetheworldwithkaryn.com

Cozy up, press play, and let's take a deep breath together.

About the author Anne Alcott
Anne lives among giant rolls of cheese, romantic canals and masses of bikes in Utrecht, Netherlands. In her childhood she spent countless hours running through the Black forest in Germany, imagining all sorts of fantastical creatures and enchanted portals to other worlds. After dabbling in theatre, visual arts and designing clothes her creative heart found the most fulfilment in telling stories for adults and children alike.

Crafting stories to show the beauty of diversity and to help children cope with difficult situations is one way for her to try and erase the stigma around people who are “different”.

The planet needs helpers, and even the smallest of us can be one. This is a gentle animated read aloud about caring for our planet, looking after the ocean, and helping the animals who call it home.

Join cat brothers Julian and Oliver, the brave Karma Cats, on their most daring mission yet! When they learn that Savannah the sea lion pup is trapped in a dangerous fishing net, the Karma Cats dive deep into the ocean to help. Armed with razor-sharp claws and clever teamwork, the feline heroes work to free Savannah and her ocean friends from harm. And when they hear how litter has been hurting the animals who live there, the Karma Cats have an idea: a beach clean-up, to look after their home and keep it safe for everyone.

Packed with heart, heroism, and a little ocean magic, Karma Cats to the Sea is a calm, low-stimulation story about courage, friendship, and protecting our planet. The heart of it is simple: even the smallest paws can create big waves of change for our world.

After the story, some of the characters step out of the book to say hello and chat with me about the small, real things we can all do to care for our planet, like picking up litter or joining a beach clean-up of our own.

For a free companion activity, visit changetheworldwithkaryn.com to download the reading comprehension worksheet made to pair with this video, along with a gentle "ways we can help the planet" page.

For teachers and homeschooling families: this story supports learning about how our choices affect the environment, and how we can help (NGSS K-ESS3-3), teamwork and caring choices (CASEL relationship skills and responsible decision-making), and describing characters and story events (Common Core RL.K.3 and RL.1.3).

Cozy up, press play, and let's care for our planet together.

About the author Kathleen Kastner
Kathleen Kastner is the author of the Karma Cats book series, which teaches kids to be kind and compassionate to animals. Her books are inspired by her lifelong commitment to helping animals and being an animal shelter volunteer. Kathleen has a M.S in Education and a B.S in Journalism from the University of Kansas. She lives in Encinitas, CA with her husband and three rescue cats.

Big Sister, Little Sister is a gentle animated read-aloud about the special bond between two sisters, and the everyday love that keeps them close through the happy days and the tricky ones.

"We'll always be close, like we have from the start. Little sister, I LOVE YOU with all my heart."

This sweet rhyming story is a celebration of sisterhood: playing together, forgiving each other, and discovering that sisters are each other's very first friend. Through warm, relatable moments, little ones see empathy, kindness, and cooperation in action, and hear the reassuring reminder that a sister's love stays safe and strong, even on the harder days.

As always, this is a low-stimulation read-aloud with calm pacing, warm narration, soft colours, and no flashing lights or loud sounds. It's the kind of gentle storytime that's lovely for quiet time, winding down, or bedtime.

And stay till the end! After the story, the two sisters come to life for a heartfelt chat with me about something I find tricky: getting along with my own sister. They share a beautiful little lesson, that no one is perfect, that love is a choice, and that a sibling bond is like a garden. The more love and effort you pour in, the more it grows.

Perfect for ages 2 to 6, at home or in the classroom. This story supports social-emotional learning around relationship skills and empathy, and pairs beautifully with early reading work on getting to know story characters. There's a free companion reading comprehension worksheet, made to go along with this video, waiting for you at changetheworldwithkaryn.com

Big Sister, Little Sister is the second story in a warm rhyming series all about the special bond between brothers and sisters.

About the author Dana Wilson 📚
Dana Wilson is a mom to three boys. She practices relationship-based parenting, with a deep focus on connection, emotional safety, and the parent- child bond.

After her third son was born, she noticed how sibling relationships shifted and evolved within her family. While her youngest and oldest quickly formed a strong bond, her middle son took time to warm up to his new brother. As the boys grew, feelings of jealousy and competition naturally emerged, creating challenges in their relationships.

As she looked for children’s books that reflected what her family was experiencing, she realized many stories didn’t truly capture the emotional side of sibling relationships. Wanting her children to feel seen and understood, Dana decided to write the books she couldn’t find - stories that gently model empathy, connection, and the deep love that can grow between siblings.

👉 SUBSCRIBE to Storytime with Karyn for more calm, low-stimulation read-alongs.

When Tom the cat wakes up not quite himself, his family knows something's wrong, and a caring vet team helps them find out what.

Come cuddle up for a calm, gently animated read-aloud of "What's Wrong With Tom?" Tom is a playful cat who suddenly isn't acting like his usual self. With a loving family, a kind vet team, and a good dose of his own courage, Tom goes on a brave trip to the vet to discover what's wrong and start feeling better. It's a warm, hopeful story told in bouncy rhyme, with a lovely surprise woven through: every so often we hear Tom's own thoughts, so little ones feel like they're right there beside him.

As always, the pace is slow and soothing, the narration is warm, and there are no loud sounds or flashy cuts, just a cozy story to share together.

After the story, Tom hops right out of the book to say hello, and borrows a pet translator so he can chat with us properly. We talk about how scary it can be when a pet gets sick, how grateful he is for his family and his brave vet team, and how important it is to look after the animals around us. Then Tom sends over a few treasures: Dr. Gal Chivvis's kid-friendly glossary of the big words in the story, her gentle exercises for when you're feeling stressed, and my own reading comprehension worksheet made to pair with this video. You'll find them all, free, at changetheworldwithkaryn.com

Perfect for ages 4 to 8, at home or in the classroom. This one pairs beautifully with a community helpers unit, and supports social-emotional learning around empathy and teamwork (CASEL social awareness and relationship skills) as well as comprehension work on how characters respond to challenges (Common Core RL.K.3, RL.1.3, RL.2.3).

This is the first story in The Critter Care Crew series.

About the author, Dr. Gal Chivvis

Dr. Gal Chivvis is an internship-trained emergency veterinarian, author, homeschool mom, and indie publisher who bridges veterinary medicine, education, and storytelling. With nearly 15 years of emergency clinical experience, she blends real-world veterinary insight with narrative to make complex pet health topics more understandable outside the exam room.

She is the author of The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies, recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award and the 2025 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal, as well as The Cat Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies. Her practical guides provide clear, veterinarian-vetted information designed to help pet owners recognize urgent concerns, respond appropriately, and work effectively with their veterinary team.

Dr. Chivvis is also the creator of the Critter Care Crew children’s series. Her debut picture book, What’s Wrong with Tom?, launched in August 2025, with What Did Libby Do? projected for August 2026. Her stories weave together education, empathy, and social-emotional learning to help young readers understand health, compassion, and the veterinary experience in an age-appropriate way. She has also developed educational coloring books and activity books that make learning about pets engaging and accessible.

She is the founder of CritterCareCollective, an educational platform dedicated to making accurate pet care information clear, practical, and approachable for families.

Dr. Chivvis believes in transparency, growth through trial and error, and the power of making veterinary knowledge accessible to everyone.


#ReadAloud #VetForKids #KindnessToAnimals #CalmKidsContent #StoryTimeWithKaryn

If YOU were the mommy… what rules would you make?

In "If I Were a Mommy," one little girl has had quite enough of broccoli for breakfast, itchy wool sweaters, and being sent to bed far too early. So she starts to imagine - what if SHE were the mommy? She'd throw dance parties every day, serve candy for breakfast, and banish homework forever! But when her brand-new rules start to go a little sideways (uh oh… those teeth!), she begins to realise that being a mommy is actually rather hard work — and that rules usually come from a place of love.

This is a warm, gently funny read aloud, told at a calm, cozy pace with soft narration — a low-stimulation story little ones can enjoy any time of day, including the wind-down before bed.

It's a giggly celebration of imagination and pretend play, and a lovely conversation starter, too. After the story, ask your little one: what rules would YOU make if you were the mommy?

And stay for the special part at the end, where the characters come alive to chat about the story together — about why we have rules, and all the ways the grown-ups who love us show they care.

Perfect for ages 3 to 7 (preschool, pre-K, kindergarten, and early elementary), at home or in the classroom. A gentle fit for lessons on pretend and dramatic play, family, gratitude, and understanding why rules matter. A lovely watch for Mother's Day, or any day of the year.

Grab the free companion worksheets at changetheworldwithkaryn.com

Cozy up, press play, and let's read together.

About the publisher AnngriArts

This week's story comes from Anngri Arts, a children's book author and publisher with a real heart for nurturing young imaginations and sparking a love of reading.

Anngri Arts is actually a family team - Dexter, Pavel, and Anna Gritsai - based in Bellevue, Washington. (And in case you were wondering, "Anngri" is short for ANNa GRItsai!) Between them, they bring a wonderful mix of journalism, character animation, graphic design, and computer science to their work, which is exactly why their picture books feel so carefully crafted, with engaging stories and bright, vibrant illustrations made to capture little minds and hearts.

What I love about their approach is the belief that books are more than just stories, they're windows into new worlds, sparks for imagination, and gentle tools for learning. Every one of their books is created to inspire children to dream big, explore new perspectives, and build a lifelong love of reading, while offering something meaningful for the grown-ups reading along, too.

Join Alexa and her best friend Pup as they count their way through the zoo from 1 to 10! 🦁

Watch as they meet line-dancing tigers, lazy lions lounging in the sun, giraffes blowing bubbles, elephants playing flutes, and puffy pandas munching bamboo. Each page brings a new number, a new silly animal, and plenty of giggles.

This calm, animated counting book read-aloud is for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-5) learning their numbers. The rhyming story keeps little ones engaged while they practice counting along with Alexa and Pup.

It's gentle. No flashy cuts, no shouting, no overstimulation, just a sweet story told at a pace that feels right for little ones still learning to love books.

Your child is learning number recognition, one-to-one counting, zoo animal names, and early rhyming patterns. (It aligns with Head Start early math standards and Common Core counting goals if that matters to you.)

Story Time With Karyn shares low-stimulation animated read-alouds — the kind of screen time that doesn't end in a meltdown. Every video is paced slowly, narrated warmly, and made with little nervous systems in mind.

Free counting worksheet with activities: changetheworldwithkaryn.com

Subscribe for new calm read-alouds every week!

#CountingBook #ReadAloud #LowStimulationShows #ToddlerLearning #ZooAnimals

An imagination adventure bedtime story perfect for energetic kids ages 4-7!

Swing into the most incredible adventure! An energetic child hops onto a tire swing and blasts off on an amazing imaginary journey — soaring through outer space, surfing giant waves, and swinging through the jungle. When the adventure finally ends, it's time to flop into bed and dream of flying high all over again.

This low-stimulation animated read-aloud captures the magic of childhood imagination and outdoor play, making it the perfect bedtime story for adventurous kids who go full speed until their head hits the pillow.

👩‍🏫 Teachers: Perfect for creative play lessons, imagination discussions, or calming transition time. Aligns with Head Start P-ATL 13 (imagination in play) and Common Core RL.K.7 and RL.1.7 (using illustrations to understand story).

This animated read-aloud includes a special post-story segment where Karyn discusses the themes WITH the story's characters — the characters come alive to reflect on imagination and dreams together!

FREE companion worksheet with activities and discussion questions: changetheworldwithkaryn.com

Subscribe to Story Time With Karyn for new animated read-alouds every week!

#BedtimeStory #ImaginationForKids #ReadAloud #ChildrensBooks #AdventureStory

Join Jane and her friend Molly at the school carnival in this low-stimulation animated growth mindset read aloud! When Jane excels at all the carnival games while Molly (a perfectionist) struggles and doubts herself, Jane shows empathy and encourages her friend to practice and come back stronger next year. A heartwarming story about friendship, perseverance, and learning that comparing yourself to others doesn't define you.

Perfect for teaching growth mindset, empathy, resilience, and that it's okay to make mistakes.


This animated read-aloud includes a special post-story segment where Karyn discusses the themes WITH Jane and Molly—the characters come alive to reflect on the story together! Perfect for classroom SEL lessons, morning meetings, and family conversations.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
"Jane's Carnival Adventure" is the second book in "The Adventures of Jane's Imagination" series by award-winning author Jennifer Nestor. New to Jane? No worries—this story stands completely on its own! You can find Jane's first adventure "Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality" on our channel.

PERFECT FOR:
PreK-2nd grade classrooms, SEL lessons, morning meetings, character education, homeschool read-alouds, and bedtime stories. Aligns with CASEL competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills), Second Step SEL curriculum Units 1-3, and Common Core ELA standards RL.1.2, RL.2.2, RL.2.3.

FREE companion worksheet with discussion questions and activities: changetheworldwithkaryn.com


Subscribe to Story Time With Karyn for new animated read-alouds every week!

#GrowthMindset #EmpathyForKids #SELReadAloud


About the author
Jennifer Nestor’s passion for writing grew out of her love for penning poems, song lyrics, and short stories as a little girl. Now a marketing and communications professional, Jennifer draws on these experiences as an adult and considers writing one of the best parts of her career. She’s always enjoyed the creativity and emotion of storytelling and is truly thrilled to share new stories that encourage bravery in young readers. Her mission as an author is to create imaginative books that make a positive impact and promote diverse characters who acquire strength, courage, and a sense of individuality through their adventures.