Grab Some Sticks Audio Stories

Story number 32 is here!

It’s called: 'Amazing Algorithms All Around You!’

Written by Shradha Shah and illustrated by Shailly Gajjar

This story takes you on a journey through the hidden patterns that guide our everyday lives. From the order we get ready in the morning, to the steps a chef follows in a busy kitchen - algorithms are working behind the scenes, helping the world run smoothly.

Shradha Shah:

“As a software engineer with over fifteen years of experience and more importantly, a mum of two. I wrote this book because of a moment that changed everything. During the pandemic, my young boys would watch me coding all day and ask, "What do you do, Mum?” I wanted to answer them in a way that didn’t require screens or apps-just the simplicity of our daily life and the quiet magic of bedtime stories. I realised that our everyday routines already reflect the fundamentals of coding. So I started breaking down those, “big tech words” into something their little minds already understood. This story focuses on one powerful concept: Algorithms. By using relatable examples from your child’s daily life, this book gives them a gentle, screen-free introduction to how coding really works. It’s not just a story, it’s a foundation, helping them build confidence, curiosity and readiness for the digital future. I hope this brings you the same joy it brought our home and helps you see that you don’t need to be a tech expert to raise one”.

Thank you Shradha! It’s the perfect blend of imagination and learning - ideal for curious kids, young thinkers, and families who love exploring how things work!

To buy this book:

https://codermumslife.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068497300/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_7SV7CECKVHV5PHPJQJPH?linkCode=ml1&tag=codermumslife-20&linkId=e70d4cd35c6b18f97c340f512d479ba9&fbclid=PAVERFWAPV1GpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafw2IZAz1-bh7R8NYbimBLXw_1aqjjJ7Zc3fQtNm2tc9trVVKF3WVRR0k9Ofw_aem_2dum0ds0tVVlaQ-vypuevQ

Available to listen on Apple Podcasts also.

Thank you for listening and supporting the story podcast - every play, share, and message means the world! 💛

#grabsomesticks

I’m excited to share a brand-new story all about the Mid-Autumn Festival!🏮🐇🍂

When I first moved to Hong Kong eight years ago, the Mid-Autumn Festival was completely new to me. Over the years, I’ve learnt about its beauty and meaning, and now I’m so excited to share that wonder with you! If this festival is new to you, I hope this story helps you discover something special. And if it’s already a tradition you celebrate, may it feel like a comforting reminder of your own memories and traditions 🥰

A very special thank you to all the children who shared their incredible artwork! 🎨💛 Your creativity brings the Mid-Autumn Festival to life! Thank you to Colby for the cover art! I taught Colby when he was only four years old 🥹

Let’s journey into the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival together 😃🌕✨

@grabsomesticks

Story number 30 is here and it’s a special one for National Family Day 🫶🏽

It’s called:

'Where Am I From?’ Written by Jade Amez.

@whereamifrombook

Illustrated by Meg Rafferty.

Jade Amez’s story is inspired by her adoption journey and the many ways people are connected. She believes it’s important to show children that love and belonging don’t have just one shape - you don’t have to look alike to share a home, a bond, or a story.

Jade:

'Growing up, I rarely saw children’s books that reflected the adoptee experience or mixed families. So, sharing my own story became not only a way to address this societal need but also a deeply personal healing journey. This book is a conversation starter - a way to talk about family, differences, identity, complex emotions and racial sensitivity. I hope my book helps expand the understanding of what ‘family' and ‘home' can truly mean and encourages every reader to feel a sense of belonging’

Her debut book celebrates the beauty of mixed, blended and multi-cultural families, assuring young readers that there is no shame in their unique family structure. Her book gently encourages conversations about cultural diversity and self-discovery, while beautifully illustrating the reality that families are wonderfully diverse. 

Jade's story offers readers the opportunity to cultivate empathy, reflect on their personal narratives, deepen their understanding of adoption, and ultimately embrace their identity - not letting where you're born or where you live define you.

Thank you Jade for writing this emotive story ❤️

Where can you buy this book?

www.whereamifrombook.com

✨ Story number 29 is here, and it’s a noisy one! 🇭🇰✨

It’s called:

Sounds of Hong Kong with Tommy & Lily

Written by Liudmila Rijk Baksheeva

Illustrated by Kitty N. Wong.

This book truly captures the essence of Hong Kong and all the unique daily sounds we hear! From bustling streets to tranquil moments, this book is a celebration of everything that makes, #homekong so special 🥰🇭🇰 My children loved pressing the buttons and smiling at the familiar sounds 😃

It’s perfect for little ones who call this vibrant city home or anyone who wants to share its charm with their loved ones.

Featuring adorable, hand-painted illustrations by the talented Hong Kong artist Kitty N. Wong this book is a feast for both the eyes and ears!

Perfect for young explorers, little hands (it’s a board book) nostalgic souls, and fans of Hong Kong’s unique charm 😃

Liudmila:

“This book holds a special place in my heart, as it was inspired by my children, George and Isabella! Born in Hong Kong, they’ve grown up surrounded by the city's unique sounds. They always loved mimicking these sounds in their own adorable way, and they even call this book the ‘Ga Yao’ book because of its first sound—how cute is that?! 🥰”

Where to purchase?

Liudmila is offering this book for a special promotional price of 150 HKD for all our listeners! Send me a message to get the link🎉

You can also find it at:

📚 Bookazine,

📚 The Lion Rock Press,

📚 Seeds Children’s Bookstore,

🛒 Etsy.

Don’t miss out on this special book that brings Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and sounds to life! 🌟🇭🇰

A new story episode is on the podcast and this one is close to home 😃 🇭🇰 

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is a vibrant celebration observed by millions of people around the world. In this episode, we explore the traditions, stories, and joy surrounding this special festival. You may be lucky enough to witness a lion dance or share a delicious meal with loved ones to mark the occasion. 

This year, we welcome the Year of the Snake!  People born in the Year of the Snake can be very charming, making friends easily with their warm personality. They often listen well and can understand how others feel. The Year of the Snake can be a time for adventures, where you might learn new things and discover hidden talents, just like a snake exploring its surroundings!

Perfect for schools or for teaching your children about the festival, this episode dives into the meaning behind Chinese New Year and how it’s celebrated.

If you celebrate - what does Chinese New Year mean to you?

“Let go of the old, welcome the new, start a new journey, and continue to work hard to complete it.”

“CNY is a time to meet up with the family and enjoy welcoming the new year together through lots of celebrations that include fireworks.”

“Chinese New Years means the best time of reunion with family and friends. Many people spend their good time to celebrate with each other, and hope everybody will have good fortune, healthy and prosperous year ahead!”

A special thank you to Colby for the cover art! Sending love from our family to yours, wherever you are in the world. 

Happy New Year/Kung Hei Fat Choi!

🧧🐍🎉

Here are ways to say "Happy Chinese New Year" in different languages:

Mandarin Chinese:  

新年快乐 (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè)

恭喜发财 (Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái)

Wishing you prosperity and wealth"  

Cantonese:  

新年快樂 (San Nin Fai Lok)– "Happy New Year"  

恭喜發財 (Gung Hei Fat Choi)

"Wishing you prosperity and wealth"  

Korean:  

새해 복 많이 받으세요 

(Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo)

"Wishing you lots of luck in the New Year"  

Vietnamese:  

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới

“Happy New Year"  

Cung Chúc Tân Xuân

“Gracious wishes for the new spring"  

Japanese:  

明けましておめでとうございます (Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu)

"Happy New Year"  

Thai:  

- **สวัสดีปีใหม่จีน (Sawasdee Pee Mai Jeen)** – "Happy Chinese New Year"  

Malay:  

Selamat Tahun Baru Cina

“Happy Chinese New Year"  

Tagalog (Filipino):  

Maligayang Bagong Taon

“Happy New Year"  

Indonesian:  

Selamat Tahun Baru Imlek

“Happy Lunar New Year"  

This list highlights the diversity of greetings across cultures and languages while celebrating the joy of Chinese New Year! 🎉🧧

Story number is here and it’s a festive one 🥰 🎅 ☃️ 🎄 🤶 🛷 

This delightful tale illuminates the beauty of spreading happiness and love during the holiday season 🥰

It’s called, Jordan’s Happiest Christmas. 

Written by Sanduni Lankadari Mendis

@Sanduni_lankadari_mendis

@dreaming_panda_publications 

Illustrated by Sandamini Dissanayake 

@dinu_illustrator 

Sanduni: 

“As you all know, Christmas is the perfect time to reach out to others to spread joy and bring peace. This story will give an essence of true happiness to the little readers. They will understand that Christmas is not just about receiving gifts but also about being there for someone.

They will understand that this feeling is not just a mere feeling but a deep fulfilling feeling which keeps your heart truly at peace.

I wanted to communicate the true meaning of Christmas to the kids, not by big deep words, but by colourful illustrations and a beautiful simple story of little jordan's curious question to her dadda, "What makes you truly happy?"

The inspiration behind this project came from realising how Christmas has gradually turned into a commercialised event, overshadowing its true meaning. In today’s busy and business-driven world, the essence of this beautiful season seems to be lost. I felt the need to bring back its true spirit by starting with little minds, as they are more open and moldable than adults. 

My hope is that, through this, they will grow to embrace and cherish the true meaning of Christmas amidst the chaos of modern busy life.”

Thank you Sanduni and we hope you all truly enjoy this magical story of the true meaning of Christmas ☺️🎄

Where to buy the book:

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Jordans-Happiest-Christmas-Sanduni-Mendis-ebook/dp/B0CS5F6NZ6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lMd04HXRZ3rINO8hGngovQ.Y7Bvzhn6dMTPFLn_R_24ieD22aIsAWEwymFOFcFvpkI&dib_tag=se&qid=1733405137&refinements=p_27%3ASandamini+Dissanayake&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Sandamini+Dissanayake

Free on Kindleunlimited  😃

In Sri Lanka:

~ Sarasavi Bookshop (Pvt) Ltd 

~ M.D. Gunasena 

~ Vijitha Yapa Bookshop (Pvt) Ltd. 

~ Expographic Books 

~ Vaishi 

~ The Jam Fruit Tree Publications

~ True store

Also on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/dreamingpandapublications?mibextid=ZbWKwLhttps://www.instagram.com/dreaming_panda_publications/profilecard/?igsh=czUxcWV6cHZ0dGZp

Merry Christmas everyone!

A new story episode is on the podcast and this one shines brightly 🎇😍

Diwali for me represents so many elements. From visiting family and friends and eating some sort of nasto (Indian snacks), going to the mandir (sometimes three!) preparing the tray of sweet treats for guests to have (Smarties galore), homes being filled with delicious delicacies such as my mum’s homemade chakri (spiral shaped snacks) and the night sky being filled with fireworks! 🎆 

This episode can be used in schools or simply teaching your own children about the festival. 

Recommended age category - 5+ (discretion advised for young children) 

Sending love from our family to yours!

Wherever you are in the world - we hope the light of Diwali shines in your heart all year round 🪔 🎆🎇🌅

🎇🪔Happy Diwali everyone! 🪔🎇

🎇✨Happy New year!✨🎇

🎇✨Sal Mubarak✨🎇

🎇✨Nutan Varshabhinandan ✨🎇

If you celebrate - what does Diwali mean to you?

Thank you to my niece Sisi for the cover art 😍