Some of the best play happens when kids have a little space, a few sticks and leaves, and the freedom to follow their ideas.

In this story, Milo the Monkey has big plans for jungle soup, and his friends Zara and Ella jump right in with their own pretend recipes. Together, they gather ingredients, help each other, and imagine a silly snack time for their favorite animal friends.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Use their imagination in open-ended, outdoor play
• Explore nature safely while building sensory awareness
• Practice sharing space, helping a friend, and working together

If your child has ever made jungle soup, pinecone salad, or dandelion tea, they’ll feel right at home in this story.

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Trying something new can feel a little scary, but that doesn’t mean your child isn’t brave.

In this story, Zara the Zebra wants to do something she’s never tried before. At first, her belly feels fluttery and her body isn’t quite ready. But with time, help, and a chance to go at her own pace, Zara starts to feel brave and decides to try.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Understand that bravery doesn’t mean rushing
• Learn how practicing with help can build confidence
• Notice body cues like butterflies in the belly or big, swirly feelings
• Feel proud of taking small steps toward something new

It’s okay to wait. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s okay to feel nervous and brave at the same time.

Try repeating Zara’s brave words the next time your child feels unsure:
“I can do it. I am brave.”

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Frustration can show up fast, like when something feels tricky, doesn’t go as planned, or just won’t work the way a child imagined.

This story captures one of those moments: what it feels like to be frustrated, how to name that feeling, and how to practice calming strategies and try again with support and a new approach.

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Name what frustration feels like in their body
• Practice calming strategies like breathing and asking for help
• Understand that trying again, or in a new way, can be helpful
• Build resilience through confidence, flexibility, and everyday problem-solving

It can be hard to feel frustrated, and even harder to name it. This story helps kids feel seen and gives them a simple, helpful phrase to hold onto as they work through frustration.

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Gratitude starts with something simple, like saying thank you, and grows into a practice that helps kids notice what feels good, safe, and connected.

In this story, Ella the Elephant brings her friends on a picnic and invites them to share something they’re thankful for. Together, they explore what gratitude means and how it feels, especially when you’re thankful for a friend!

This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Practice putting big feelings into simple, meaningful words
• Notice the people, places, and moments that bring them comfort or joy
• Understand that gratitude can be shown in many ways, like saying thank you, sharing, or doing something kind

You can revisit this story at bedtime, mealtime, or any quiet moment to help your child reflect on what felt good in their day.

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Sometimes kids really don’t want to take turns, and that’s okay.

This story captures one of those moments we’ve all seen: when something feels too special to share just yet, and a little time (and a patient friend) makes all the difference.

This story helps toddlers and preschoolers:

• Pause and think before acting (even when they really want the shovel)
• Notice how someone else is feeling, and respond with care
• Understand that it’s okay to say “no”… and just as okay to say “yes” when they’re ready
• See how taking turns can lead to connection and fun

Try bringing up Milo’s story the next time your child doesn’t feel like taking turns.
That simple phrase “Your turn, my turn, let’s take turns!” can make the idea feel a little more playful… and a lot more doable.

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Sometimes, asking for help is the bravest thing a kid can do.
And sometimes, being the helper brings the biggest smile.

This story is full of connection, fun, and moments that feel so familiar, like trying to zip a jacket, pretending to be butterflies, and figuring something out together with a friend.

It gives toddlers and preschoolers a fun way to:

• Learn that it’s okay to ask when something feels tricky
• Notice when someone else might need a hand
• Feel proud of helping and working together as a team
• See that helping can be big or small, and it all matters

You’ll hear them say: “I can help, you can too! Helping’s what we do!”
Try it out the next time your child offers to help, or needs a little help themselves. These little phrases tend to stick in the best way!

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Hi! I’m so glad you’re here.

Storytime Explorers is a podcast full of short, thoughtful stories for toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. I started telling stories during quiet moments with my own kids, and I saw how much they helped. Whether it was calming big feelings, making sense of something tricky, or just adding a little joy to the day.

In each episode, you’ll meet kind animal characters as they explore emotions, transitions, and everyday adventures.

These stories are playful, simple, and full of heart. They’re here to support emotional growth, spark imagination, and give your child something they can carry with them–even after the story ends.

Thank you for being here. I hope these stories bring a little calm, a little joy, and a little more connection to your day.