This month, we’re exploring Kindness—the quiet strength of helping others, the joy of giving without expecting anything in return, and the surprising ways even the smallest act can change a heart, or even a whole day.

Today’s story is a classic fable—about a mighty lion, a tiny mouse, and an unexpected act of kindness that weaves them together in the most extraordinary way.It’s a tale that reminds us that no one is too small to make a difference, and kindness is never wasted.

This was one of our first three intro special stories, which served as previews of our first three themed months! If you missed it, here’s a great opportunity to tune into this wonderful story. And we are deep in the full swing of summer over here, which means that this week’s post is a bit behind schedule in arriving to your inbox! Stay tuned for a brand new story this coming Monday, the last story for our Kindness theme, and then we are on to Courage next month with some great stories coming your way!

For our little listeners

Sometimes, kindness is a big thing—like saving someone in trouble

And sometimes, it’s something small—like saying “thank you” or offering a smile.

But all kindness matters.And when we’re kind, we make the world a little softer, a little braver, and a whole lot brighter.

Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you in a small way that felt really big? Or a time when you helped someone who didn’t expect it?

Kindness is like a circle…. it always comes back around.

For our grownups

Kindness grows in children when it’s modeled, noticed, and nurtured.

This week, invite your child to notice and name small acts of kindness—both given and received. These micro-moments shape how they understand empathy, trust, and connection.

You can support this by:

* Pointing out kind actions in real time When your child helps a sibling, shares a toy, or comforts a friend, pause and reflect that back:

* “I saw how you helped your brother when he was sad—that was so kind of you.”

* Modeling empathy out loud (“That person looks sad—I wonder what might help them feel better.”)

* Celebrating effort over outcome (“Even though it didn’t work, I saw how kindly you tried.”)

Remember: kindness is caught more than it’s taught. When we live it, they learn it.

This month, we’re exploring Kindness—the quiet strength of helping others, the joy of generosity, and the ripple effect that even the smallest good deed can have in the world around us.

Today’s tale is a heartwarming one about a poor shoemaker, a few tiny visitors, and a beautiful exchange of kindness that changes everything. It reminds us that help can come in the most surprising ways—and that a thankful heart can give just as generously as it receives.

Each month, we shine our lantern-light on a special virtue, one powerful quality that helps us live with heart and courage.

This month, we're welcoming in Kindness ✨ The warmth of caring. The strength of sharing. The magic of looking out for someone else.

Today’s story is about a giant with a cold, closed heart... and how kindness opened it again. It’s a tale of seasons, children, and a garden that remembers the love it was once given. This is The Selfish Giant — a story with wonder, gentleness, and the quiet reminder that kindness always grows.

Today’s story is a playful and profound tale about an emperor, a very strange outfit, and one clear, honest voice. It’s a story about how sometimes, speaking the truth takes bravery… but it can also set us all free.

This month, we’re exploring Honesty: the courage to speak the truth, even when it’s hard or when everyone around us stays silent. It’s the kind of honesty that helps us stay connected to what’s real and reminds us to listen to our hearts.

This month, we’re exploring Honesty: the strength it takes to tell the truth, the beauty of being trustworthy, and the quiet power of words that can be counted on.

Today’s story is a golden one about a humble woodsman, a shimmering surprise, and a moment when truth spoke louder than treasure.

It’s a tale that shows how honesty, even in small choices, can shine brighter than gold.

This story was originally published as one of our first three intro stories, and it’s a gem if you missed it! For those following along, I’ve been traveling the west coast with my two little guys enjoying summer in the rivers and redwoods and visiting friends and family so I am a little late getting this one published!

We are looking forward to returning home soon, and we’ve got a brand new story coming out next Monday as the last installment in our month focusing on Honesty.

So now —Snuggle in, open your ears, take a slow deep breath…and let’s journey into our story together

It’s a story about trust, truth, and what happens when our words lose their meaning. The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

Truth is like a bridge between people. Every time we speak truthfully, that bridge gets stronger. But when we twist the truth or use our words carelessly, the bridge begins to crack… until one day, it may not hold at all.

Our word has the power to create, and it is vital to shine the light on what we are creating. Let’s turn away from dishonesty, murkiness, and trickery and turn towards truth, clarity, and integrity.

Today’s tale is a timeless one, about a gentle boy named Ping, an Emperor’s test, and a surprising truth that blossoms into something extraordinary. It’s a story of seeds, and the courage to stand tall with honesty, no matter what.

Each month, we shine our lantern-light on a special virtue—one powerful quality that helps us live with heart, courage, and kindness.

This month, we’re exploring Honesty—the quiet strength it takes to tell the truth, even when it’s hard, the beauty of being trustworthy, and the simple power of words—and actions—that can be counted on.

Welcome to all of our little listeners and grownups alike, to this magical space where stories are a call to courage, clarity, and connection. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself through sharing my heartfelt gratitude that you are here, my prayers for our time on this adventure together, and a sweet family friendly poem that captures the vital heart at the center of this podcast: an invitation to slow down, awaken our senses, and learn from stories and the natural world alike.

Get to know the voice behind Brave & Bright Stories and discover what’s coming next as we begin a journey through the theme of Honesty, starting Monday June 9th ✨So snuggle in, open your ears, and let’s grow braver and brighter together —one story at a time.

Welcome to Brave & Bright Stories—a magical storytelling podcast for families who love wonder, wisdom, and growing together.

Before we begin our monthly adventure through the virtues, we’re sharing a special trio of stories—little lanterns to light the path ahead.

One story to spark honesty, One to stir kindness, And one to awaken courage. They’re a taste of the magical themes we’ll explore together in the months to come.

Today’s tale is about a little girl with a big dream—and the courageous journey she takes to reach it.

It’s a story of wonder, determination, and climbing into the sky.

So now... ✨ Snuggle in 👂 Open your ears🌬️ Take a slow, deep breath... And Let’s journey into our story together.

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Parents: you can submit an audio recording of your little one via email at [email protected] :)

Welcome to Brave & Bright Stories—a magical storytelling podcast for families who love wonder, wisdom, and growing together.

Before we begin our monthly adventure through the virtues, we’re sharing a special trio of stories—little lanterns to light the path ahead.

One story to spark honesty, One to stir kindness, And one to awaken courage. They’re a taste of the magical themes we’ll explore together in the months to come.

Today’s story is about a tiny mouse and a mighty lion, and how a simple act of kindness can change everything. It’s called The Lion and the Mouse.

So now... ✨ Snuggle in 👂 Open your ears🌬️ Take a slow, deep breath... And Let’s journey into our story together.