If you’ve ever asked your child to help clean up after playtime, you know it’s not always easy. What feels like a simple ask to us can feel “too big” for them. That’s exactly how Hugo the Hippo feels in this story, until his friends remind him that cleanup doesn’t have to feel heavy, and it can even be fun.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• See how big jobs feel easier when separated into smaller steps
• Experience how play and imagination can turn cleanup into fun
• Learn that working together makes tasks feel lighter
• Build pride and confidence from finishing something that first felt hard

If cleanup is a daily struggle in your home, Hugo’s story may offer a fresh way in. The simple phrase, “Clean, clean, 1-2-3!” can help turn a power struggle into connection, and maybe even a few giggles.

You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

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Bedtime isn’t always smooth sailing, especially for toddlers and preschoolers who still feel wide awake.

In this story, Milo the Monkey isn’t ready for sleep just yet. He splashes in the bath, stomps around in his dinosaur pajamas, brushes his teeth, and snuggles up for storytime. Step by step, his body slows down until finally his eyes close and he drifts into dreams.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• See how a bedtime routine helps the body wind down
• Find comfort in repeated steps like bath, pajamas, brushing teeth, and books
• Learn the simple “why” behind sleep: resting muscles, growing strong, and having energy for tomorrow
• Notice what it feels like to get sleepy: a calmer body, a tiny yawn, slower blinks

If your evenings sometimes include “But I’m not tired yet!” this story can help bedtime feel calmer.

You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

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You know how fast things can go missing with kids, like a shoe, a backpack, a favorite stuffed animal. And when that happens, it can feel nearly impossible to keep looking.

In this story, Leo can’t find his helmet and feels ready to give up… until his friends join in as helmet detectives. With a little teamwork, and even a short break, the search turns into an adventure, and the helmet is finally found.

This story helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• See that it’s okay to pause when something feels difficult
• Notice how friends can help when you feel stuck
• Learn that searching can be its own little adventure
• Feel proud of working together to solve a problem

You’ll hear them say: “Searching, searching… I can find it!” And you might just find yourself using that phrase the next time something disappears at home. Little words like this tend to stick, in the best way!

You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

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Forgiveness takes time, and that’s okay.

When Hugo accidentally knocks down Milo’s cozy reading spot, he says, “I’m sorry,” but Milo’s still upset. In this story, kids see that apologizing is a caring first step, and that forgiving can come later, when the heart is ready. With a little help (and some teamwork), Milo begins to feel better… and their friendship grows even stronger.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• See that saying “I’m sorry” is a caring first step
• Understand that forgiveness doesn’t have to happen right away
• Notice how friends can repair hurt feelings by helping each other
• Recognize that feelings like frustration or sadness can change when we’re ready to forgive

Sometimes a simple phrase is all it takes: “Saying sorry is a start. Forgiving comes from the heart!”

It’s a way for kids to remember that apologies show we care, and forgiveness can follow when their heart feels ready. Try bringing it up the next time an “oops” moment happens with a friend or sibling.

You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

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A fall day of apple picking, with a little waiting, a little teamwork, and a whole lot of joy.

Ella heads to the apple farm with Zara and Hugo. They ride the tractor, pick apples, in all kinds of colors, and save a few to share with someone special. But first… they have to wait.

And waiting isn’t easy.

With a quick game, a helping hand, and one extra-high apple that takes a big jump to reach, the day turns into something pretty sweet.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Notice what waiting feels like (wiggly, restless, a little frustrated)
• Try playful strategies, like a game, to make waiting easier
• Practice problem-solving when something’s out of reach (literally!)
• See how sharing what they picked can feel just as good as picking it

A reminder that joy isn’t always in the plan, it’s often in the little moments in between.

You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

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Going to the doctor can bring up all kinds of feelings for toddlers, preschoolers, and parents too. But stories like this can help, whether before a visit or while playing pretend at home. In this story, Leo the Lion heads in for a check-up. He’s a little nervous, but also curious. With his grown-up nearby, Leo gets to be part of the visit: asking questions, using the stethoscope, and even holding the otoscope.

This story helps toddlers and preschoolers picture what to expect at a check-up and reminds them that doctors are helpers too. And if your child loves pretend play, it’s just as fun to listen before lining up their stuffed animals for their own “check-up” at home.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Prepare emotionally for a routine doctor’s visit
• Learn simple language for medical tools and steps
• Feel confident participating in their own care
• Build resilience and bravery, even when things feel a little unsure

You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

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Kids thrive on reminders that they are safe, strong, and loved, whether they’re trying something new, working through big emotions, or growing in everyday ways.

A calming affirmation practice that kids can come back to anytime they need a boost of kindness and confidence.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Begin building a positive inner voice through repetition and rhythm
• Practice emotional regulation by naming feelings and calming the body
• Strengthen confidence and self-trust through affirming phrases
• Understand that kindness and love can be spoken to themselves, too

Whether said out loud or quietly in their hearts, these affirmations help children build emotional strength one kind word at a time.

Follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

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Starting school, whether it’s a brand-new classroom or just a change in routine, can bring up big feelings. Zara the Zebra is excited to play and learn… but she’s also a little nervous. With heart socks, a goodbye hug, and a special phrase she can whisper anytime, she discovers she can carry love with her all day.

If your child is starting preschool, pre-K, daycare, or navigating a new drop-off routine, this story is a reminder: love goes with them, and you’ll always come back.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Feel okay about being both excited and nervous
• Learn a simple grounding strategy for when they miss you
• Imagine what a school day might be like (from blocks to coloring to hugs!)
• Hold onto love and confidence in new situations

Try saying it together: “A hug in your heart means we’re never apart.”
It’s the kind of phrase that can make the next drop-off a little easier.

Follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.

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Big ideas often start with a simple list.

In this story, Ella the Elephant dreams of having a lemonade stand, and today, with Leo the Lion, she turns that idea into something real! They start with a list, make tickets and signs, mix the lemonade, and set everything up to share with friends and neighbors.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• See how big ideas come together with teamwork and imagination
• Practice simple sequencing and memory (scoop, pour, stir!)
• Feel proud of creating something and sharing it with others
• Encourage creative play from the first idea to clean up

From pretend to possible, this story might just inspire your child’s next big idea.

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It’s hard to leave when you’re having fun.

This story is for that exact moment: the tough transition from fun to done. Hugo the Hippo knows the feeling well after a joyful morning at the park with his friends, when he’s just not quite ready to go. With the chance to pick one last thing to do, and the reminder that he’ll come back, Hugo takes a deep breath and heads home.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Make goodbyes easier with a simple phrase they can repeat
• Feel more in control by choosing one last thing before leaving
• Handle big emotions like sadness or frustration when it’s time to go
• Feel reassured that they’ll come back next time

Helpful for park days, playdates, and any time leaving is tough.

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