Welcome friends! We’re so glad you’re joining us for the Season 5 premiere of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast!

In this special Kidventure episode, Todd is joined by three thoughtful kids, Georgia, Jaden, and Carmine, for a warm, meaningful conversation about families and what makes them special.

Together, they talk about family traditions, bedtime routines, games, meals, and the everyday moments that build love and belonging.

Then, the kids close their eyes and travel as tiny imaginary particles to the Land of Qook-a-lakas, where they meet Quilliam, a Qook-a-laka who worries that their family is “just too teeny-weeny” to make a Dream Fest quilt square. With creativity, empathy, and big hearts, the kids help Quilliam discover that families of every size create meaningful memories and that love is what matters most.

This Kidventure episode of Little Kids, Big Hearts supports social and emotional learning by encouraging empathy, perspective-taking, emotional expression, and inclusion, while celebrating the idea that families come in all shapes and sizes. Perfect for kids ages 3–11 and for listening together as a family.

About Our Guest Star:
The role of Quilliam in this episode is played by Ryann Redmond, an actress and singer. Ryann originated Bridget in Bring It On: The Musical, appeared in the original cast of If/Then, performed in Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, and made history as the first female Olaf in Frozen on Broadway.

In This Episode, Kids Will:

• Explore different family structures in an inclusive, age-appropriate way
• Practice empathy through conversation and imagination
• Learn that love, care, and connection define “family”
• Use creative storytelling to solve a problem in the Land of Qook-a-lakas
• Reflect on routines and traditions that build belonging

Grown-Ups, Extend the Conversation By Asking:

• Who is part of our family? 
• What are some special things we like to do together as a family? Do we have any traditions? 
• How are our family routines similar or different from our friends' routines? 
• What helps you feel safe, loved, and included at home?
• What would YOU include on your quilt square? 

Find educator resources to keep the learning going at:
https://playsparkler.org/familyepisode/

About Little Kids, Big Hearts:
Little Kids, Big Hearts is a social and emotional learning podcast where kids lead the discussion through Kidventures, stories, songs, missions, and conversations!

Subscribe, Rate, and Share:
If this episode resonated with your family, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. It helps other families discover Little Kids, Big Hearts!

🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@littlekidsbighearts
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Credits:
Hosted by Todd Loyd. Produced by Julia Levy at Sparkler Learning, with support from Meaghan Penrod. Sound design and mixing by Ryan Marth, with original music by Bill English.

Special thanks to Noggin for their support and use of “Like Nobody Else” from the Big Heart Beats album.

Learn more and find episode resources at:
https://playsparkler.org/podcast