We have all felt moments when our failures seem to let us down and those around us. But, what if those cracks and flaws also had the power to make life beautiful. This story weaves together a folk tale from India with personal stories from my life and the lives of my ancestors. Through that journey, I hope to remind all of us that we are each cracked, broken, flawed, and failing. We are also trying. . . And that is beautiful. If these stories spark any memories or stories of your own, please share them with someone. And if you have enjoyed this set of braided tales, please consider donating to support more story creation. Search for “Mo Reynolds” on www.buymeacoffee.com and get an online shout out. Donate more than $10 and get a Mo Reynolds sticker and a thank you note in the mail. Keep sharing stories!!

This story brings together a new twist on a well known tale and some candid middle school reflections of my own. . . Hairspray and New Kids on the Block lyrics not included. Above all, I hope this story inspires you to be true to exactly who you are and let that take up as much space as you want. If you enjoy these stories, please consider showing your support by sending a donation to “Mo Reynolds” on “Buy Me a Coffee.” Every donation gets an online shout out and any donation above $10 gets a free Mo Reynolds story sticker and thank you card in the mail. Keep sharing stories!

This braiding weaves together a spunky Sleeping Beauty with a very reluctant bride. Side by side these two stories give us a new take on “Happily ever after,” and what it really takes to get there. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving a tip on “Buy Me a Coffee.” Just look for Mo Reynolds. Every donation will get an online shout out and any donation over $10 gets you a free Mo Reynolds story sticker in the mail, even autographed if you want it. Thanks for listening!

This braided tales weaves together a folk tale from Japan and the story of bringing my dad to live by us when he was diagnosed with dementia. If you enjoy this story, please share it with someone! I also welcome any donations through Buy me a Coffee. Thank you for helping me create more stories! Every donation gets a shout out online and a donation of over $10 gets a Mo Reynolds sticker in the mail for free! As always, if this story sparks memories or stories of your own, please share them with someone!

This story braids an African folktale with my own storytelling origin story. Sometimes we think we can’t do something because what we offer doesn’t look like someone else’s offering. But, we are all storytellers. We are all creators. We just have to find our beat. If you enjoy this story, please consider showing your appreciation with a donation through “Buy Me a Coffee.” Every donation gets a shout out online and for $10 get a free Mo Reynolds sticker in the mail!

This week's episode is a "Jack Tale" from the Appalacian mountains. I found this story in a book by Donald Davis, a master storyteller and an old friend of Jack. Jack tales came to America from the United Kingdom and there are hundreds of variations. I hope you enjoy mine!

Learn more about Jack's stories HERE.

This week's story is a lesser known Grimm's Tale. It has all the classic twists and turns--strange people in the woods, broken promises, enchanted castles, and invisible cloaks. Click the links to learn more about stories from the Brothers Grimm and the beautiful country of Germany!

Germany: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/germany

Brothers Grimm: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Brothers-Grimm

Activities to explore more! https://annatyszka.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-grimm-brothers-activities-and.html

A folk tale from India that includes accidentally marrying a tiger and a daring rescue by three brother wetting their pants.

This story was inspired by a tale I found in thisBOOK.

Learn more about India:

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/india

https://www.theflavorbender.com/sri-lankan-chicken-curry/

https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/india

This week's story is from the Czech Republic. It is a magical tale that reminds us of the importance of gratitude and enjoying every different season of life. I found the original story in Fireside Stories: Tales for a Winter's Eve, by Catlin Matthews and Helen Cann.

Information and activities to learn more about the Czech Republic:

https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Czech-Republic/345676

https://www.ducksters.com/geography/country.php?country=Czech%20Republic

https://aroundtheworldinhomeschooldays.com/czechia/

Enjoy this tale of three brothers in Scotland and their adventures to find their fortune, defeat a witch, and trick a few trolls.

Learn about Scotland here:

Activities: https://deliberatetravel.com/blog/2020/8/6/8-scotland-themed-activities-to-try-with-kids

Fun Facts: https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/countries/facts-about-scotland/

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