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Check out our free reading comprehension worksheet that pairs with this video at changetheworldwithkaryn.com 🌈

Meet Dottie, a young girl who spins elaborate stories to hide a secret she's too afraid to share. With a wild imagination and tales of her adventurous mum, Dottie weaves a world of fantasy to fit in, but her friends soon begin to question the truth...When Dottie finally opens up, we discover she is being fostered. With the help of her friends, Dottie learns that being different is nothing to be ashamed of.

Dottie's Tall Tales is a heartwarming story about a young girl learning to accept herself, embrace her uniqueness, and celebrate the differences that make us all special. Beneath the fun tales in the story lies a deeper message all about inclusiveness, acceptance and celebrating different types of families.

Looking for foster care books for children or adoption stories that help kids understand diverse family structures? This gentle animated read-along is perfect for families navigating foster care, adoption, or simply wanting to teach children about acceptance and inclusion. Dottie's Tall Tales supports children's social-emotional learning through relatable characters and age-appropriate storytelling. Whether you're a foster family, adoptive family, educator, or parent seeking resources about different types of families, this story creates a safe space for conversations about belonging, self-acceptance, and celebrating what makes each family unique. Ideal for story time, PSHE lessons, or bedtime reading for children aged 4-8.


About the author
Vicky Phillips is a Primary School Teacher with a passion for storytelling. She has spent many joyful years working with children and it is often the little things that they say or do that spark new ideas for her stories. Vicky especially enjoys sharing rhyming picture books with those she teaches, watching how the rhythm and wordplay can light up a child’s imagination.

Vicky began writing while working for a teaching resource company, where she created comprehension texts for young readers. Although she enjoyed writing both fiction and non-fiction texts, it was the short, imaginative tales – with playful characters and thoughtful messages – that she found most rewarding and creatively fulfilling.

More recently, Vicky has begun a new chapter in her writing journey by creating a number of picture books. These stories are inspired by the curiosity and playful cheekiness that she sees in her classroom every day. With each book, she hopes to bring smiles to young readers’ faces, while gently sharing lessons that children can carry with them.

A Cozy, Magical Autumn Adventure Awaits!

Join Levi as he explores colorful autumn leaves, smells the cozy scents of fall, and discovers the magic hidden in every seasonal moment while creating the perfect autumn potion.

Thank Fall is a delightful, magical, and inclusive picture book that encourages children to slow down, notice life’s little joys, and practice gratitude. Perfect for families, teachers, librarians, and anyone who loves autumn magic, this story is destined to become a new fall classic and seasonal favorite.

Written by international award-winning author Ciara L. Hill (Soulful Holidays, Shiloh and Dande the Lion, and Cocoa Mistletoe), this picture book brings warmth, joy, and mindful fun to every page.

A Must-Have Autumn Story for Home, Classroom, and Storytime:

•Sparks imagination and sensory exploration in this autumn picture book with colorful leaves, cozy scents, and fall magic.
•Encourages mindfulness and gratitude, helping children savor the little moments of the season.
•Ideal for family reading, classroom lessons, or a beloved fall story time tradition.
•Engaging for ages 4–8, yet enjoyable for the whole family

*Thank Fall, a story welcoming all readers and crafted to celebrate autumn without focusing on any specific holidays.

About the author
Ciara L. Hill is the founder of Soulful KidLit™, an international award-winning author, mindful book coach, and therapist, where she combines holistic coaching and creative guidance to help aspiring children's picture book authors bring their stories to life with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Whether you’re navigating creative blocks or the self-publishing process, Ciara provides personalized support at every step.

Ciara’s books have been featured in PBS Kids, Real Simple magazine, Hello magazine, the New York Public Library, and more. Her book Shiloh and Dande the Lion won The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2020 and was named "Best of the Best" by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. She is also the author of Soulful Holidays and Thank Fall, both seasonal best-sellers, as well as Cocoa Mistletoe.

📥 Grab the free worksheet made to go with this video at changetheworldwithkaryn.com

“If you could be any bird in the world, what would you be?” asked Sullivan, Sophie’s best friend.

For Sophie Sparrow, that is an easy question. She would be a beautiful flamingo named Pinky with a long, graceful neck and feathers the color of pink cotton candy, and she would eat delicious shrimp ice-cream sundaes. Luckily, Miss Sapphire, the new, young Blue Jay who moved into the penthouse suite on Maple Lane, had magical powers.

‘‘Hold the pink feather, and say the magic words, Bingo, Lingo, Ringo, I want to be a Flamingo, three times,’’ said Miss Sapphire.

Poof! Sophie disappeared into a cloud of pink smoke. Will Miss Sapphire’s magic spell make Sophie Sparrow’s dream come true, or will it be a nightmare?

This amusing and heartwarming story will remind you that the perfect life you wish for is often in front of you and found in the magic of friendship, family, and simple delights like a chocolate-covered worm with rainbow sprinkles.

📚About the author Andrea Hyatt
Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo is Andrea Hyatt’s third children’s book. Inspiration came from the cheerful but noisy birds that chirp outside her bedroom window, making her wonder, ‘What are they tweeting about this early in the morning?’ Perhaps they are chirping about her previous books, Juliette’s Web and Santa’s Nice List. When Andrea isn’t writing heartwarming stories, she teaches first graders and enjoys baking sweet treats with her curious cat, Ivy. Although she loves anything chocolate, she has yet to try Juliette’s chocolate beetle soufflé or Sophie Sparrow’s chocolate-covered worms with rainbow sprinkles – sounds interesting! Coming Soon… Sophie Sparrow and Friends to the Rescue

This gentle read-aloud is perfect for ages 5-7, with calm animation that won't overstimulate and a thoughtful discussion at the end where we chat with the characters about what the story means. It's great for bedtime, quiet afternoons, or classroom time when you want something meaningful that holds their attention.

After the story, we explore themes of gratitude, contentment, and finding happiness in the everyday moments—perfect conversation starters whether you're a parent, teacher, or homeschooling.

GOLDIE AND THE THREE KIND BEARS!

The three bears looked at the frightened girl before them. She ate all their crunchy cereal, broke a comfy chair, and read books in one of their cozy beds. They should be angry, but they felt sorry for her. With a smile, they said, "You must need a home." Goldie couldn't believe how generous and kind the three bears were. To show her appreciation, she baked her favorite thing for them, a Gingerbread Man. Will the three kind bears enjoy their delicious treat, or will the Gingerbread Man escape just in the nick of time? This heartwarming and amusing story puts a unique and clever spin on two classics, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and The Gingerbread Man, and will remind you that kindness is a special gift to receive but even better to give away.

Sometimes the most beautiful friendships begin with simple acts of kindness. This sweet tale shows children how generosity and compassion can create unexpected joy and turn strangers into family. Perfect for bedtime conversations about empathy, helping others, and the magic that happens when we open our hearts, this story will leave families talking about the wonderful things that can happen when we choose to be kind.
✨ Perfect for: Ages 3-8, bedtime stories, teaching kindness and empathy, family reading time, and classroom discussions about friendship.

📚About the author Andrea Hyatt
Inspiration for Goldie and the Three Kind Bears came from Andrea's love for baking delicious treats in her cozy kitchen. Like her sweet main character, Goldie, one of Andrea's favorite things to make is a Gingerbread Man. She has one tip for you when baking Gingerbread Men: never leave them alone, or they may escape. Like the delightful treats Andrea bakes for her family and friends, she hopes her heartwarming books, with a sweet message and whimsical illustrations, bring joy to those who read them. Other charming books by Andrea Hyatt include Juliette's Web, Santa's Nice List, Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo, and Sophie Sparrow and Friends to the Rescue.

Yeti does not wear anything fancy. A bow tie? No way! Probably not. But what would it be like if he did? Yeti's curiosity wins and he tries one on. Something unexpected happens - He loves it! In fact, he begins to dream up unusual ways to wear it, places to display it, and friends who might like one. This laugh-out-loud tale reminds readers that trying something new can be an adventure.

Janice Hostetter's creative storytelling and Pixy Petal's playful illustrations weave together seamlessly to yield a hysterical story with a big heart.

✨ Perfect for encouraging creativity, self-expression, and the courage to try new things! This heartwarming tale helps children understand that it's okay to be different and that curiosity can lead to amazing discoveries. Whether you're looking for bedtime stories that spark imagination or read aloud content that teaches valuable life lessons, this story delivers both entertainment and meaningful messages.

📚 Great for: Ages 3-8, storytime sessions, classroom discussions about individuality, bedtime routines, and family reading time.

💡About the author Janice Hostetter
Janice Hostetter is an author of beautifully illustrated picture books, fulfilling a lifelong dream that began with scribbling stories in spiral notebooks. Her upbringing in Appalachia has infused her tales with the warm wonder of her home region, drawing from the rich storytelling traditions of her childhood. As a proud mother to five human babies and two fur babies, she finds endless inspiration in the laughter and chaos of family life.

When Janice isn’t penning tales or immersed in a good book, you can find her behind the lens, capturing the beauty of nature through photography. She finds joy sharing cherished moments with her loved ones and connecting with the great outdoors during camping trips. Through her creative pursuits and love for exploration, she continues to weave tales that spark the imaginations of young readers.

THERE'S A MOOSE ON THE LOOSE!
In this rollicking bedtime adventure, Kenny's imagination runs wild, and he's determined to stay awake and dream of swimming with sharks and hunting for treasure.

But when his noisy playtime leads to a surprise encounter with a mischievous, party-loving moose, Kenny's night takes a chaotic turn. As the moose turns the house into a dance floor, Kenny must find a way to outwit the rambunctious moose and restore peace and quiet before his parents wake up.
With a mix of humor and heart, "Don't Wake Mom and Dad" is a charming tale of imagination and problem-solving that proves bedtime can be anything but boring.

✨ Perfect for bedtime stories, read aloud time, and interactive storytelling! This magical adventure helps children develop creative problem-solving skills while encouraging quiet play and imaginative thinking. Whether you're looking for calming bedtime content or educational entertainment, this story balances excitement with gentle life lessons about responsibility and creative thinking.

📚 Educational Benefits:
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Imagination and creative play development
Understanding consequences and responsibility
Quiet time and bedtime routine support

🎭 Great for: Ages 3-8, bedtime stories, storytime, read aloud sessions, family screen time, imagination development, and peaceful evening routines.
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About the author Brody Kelly
Brody Kelley is an Elementary teacher from Nebraska. With a Master's Degree in literacy, Brody enjoys using books to teach his students about life.

While a kid, Brody would use his active imagination to entertain his friends. Now, when he isn't writing, Brody tries his best to brainwash his students into loving reading.

Join a magical tugboat adventure through imaginative waters where kids meet tigers, octopuses, rainbow fish, and hippos! This 4:30-minute adaptation of Kathleen Gauer's beloved "Bathtime Fun!" follows diverse characters as they embark on an ocean voyage that transforms an ordinary bath into an extraordinary adventure.

The story begins with high-energy exploration but gradually winds down to a peaceful ending, naturally helping kids transition from active play to bedtime. Perfect for ages 3-6, we've kept the animation low-stimulation with gentle narration and calming visuals.

Great for families dealing with bathtime struggles or anyone looking for routine-building content that makes getting clean feel like an adventure rather than a chore.

About the author 💡

Toronto children’s author Kathleen Gauer writes books that encourage children to be imaginative, kind to others and grateful. The Wish Carvers is Kathleen Gauer’s third book. Previously published works include illustrated children’s books High in the Sky and For No Reason, as well as poetry, and magazine and newspaper articles. Her books have been acquired in libraries across Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Kathleen worked as an associate editor for Spires Magazine (a community focus publication serving Etobicoke) for 15 years and as an arts columnist for the Etobicoke Guardian newspaper. She retired as a Special Education Teacher’s Assistant with the Toronto District School Board after 29 years. When not writing or reading, this active grandmother enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, yoga, knitting, travel, and singing in a local choir. She also volunteers with IBBY Canada’s Readers and Refugee Program and does author visits and story time programs in schools and libraries.

#BedtimeRoutine #BathTimeStruggles #ToddlerBedtime #GentleParenting #SensoryFriendly

Join sibling elves Fay and Eddie as they discover a magical carving knife that brings their wishes to life. When their dreams of gold, castles, and riches come true, they learn that sometimes the best things in life are the ones you already have.

This gentle animated story follows two relatable characters through a whimsical adventure that naturally introduces the joy of gratitude and appreciation. Through beautiful watercolor animation and thoughtful storytelling, children explore alongside Fay and Eddie as they navigate their wishes and discover what truly matters.

Perfect for ages 4-8, this 15-minute animated tale encourages families to explore gratitude together. Parents and educators can use this story as a conversation starter about appreciation, making thoughtful choices, and finding happiness in simple moments.

Based on the timeless lesson "be careful what you wish for," this story offers a fresh take on classic fairytale wisdom through engaging characters children connect with and learn from.

Subscribe for more animated stories that inspire meaningful conversations and character growth!

About the author 💡

Toronto children’s author Kathleen Gauer writes books that encourage children to be imaginative, kind to others and grateful. The Wish Carvers is Kathleen Gauer’s third book. Previously published works include illustrated children’s books High in the Sky and For No Reason, as well as poetry, and magazine and newspaper articles. Her books have been acquired in libraries across Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Kathleen worked as an associate editor for Spires Magazine (a community focus publication serving Etobicoke) for 15 years and as an arts columnist for the Etobicoke Guardian newspaper. She retired as a Special Education Teacher’s Assistant with the Toronto District School Board after 29 years. When not writing or reading, this active grandmother enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, yoga, knitting, travel, and singing in a local choir. She also volunteers with IBBY Canada’s Readers and Refugee Program and does author visits and story time programs in schools and libraries.

#GratitudeStory #AnimatedBooks #BedtimeStories