Bryn Huntpalmer is the host of the popular audio podcast, "The Birth Hour." In this episode of SparkleCast, Bryn, David, and Rebecca talk about the new story “New Brother/New Sister” – a story about a boy named Nathan who gets some important advice from a Tulip Tree elf about how to welcome his new sibling. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: Little Nathan loves his days with his mother and father. He loves their attention, he loves their snuggles and he loves playing with them ... when they are able to play. When he learns that his parents are going to have another baby, he is initially excited and imagines that he will have a playmate. But then he notices that things are changing in the house - changes that he doesn't like. Luckily Maggie, the Tulip Tree Elf, offers a perspective on the coming changes that helps him not only feel more welcoming to the baby - but honored to become something very very special: a big brother. *This story is the subject of our conversation with Bryn Huntpalmer, host of the audio podcast, "The Birth Hour."* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Joining the conversation is Steve Sheinkin, an award-winning author known for making history exciting for young readers. He shares insights on his new story series, presenting a gripping tale about Jim Thorpe and discussing the fine line between history and historical fiction. The hosts dive into the lasting impact of storytelling on childhood development and explore how narratives shape American identity. With a focus on credible research, they discuss the art of engaging younger audiences through compelling historical stories.

In today's story: Blanche Noyes was the first woman to get her pilot’s license in Ohio. She placed fourth in the world famous Women’s Air Derby – right behind Amelia Earhart. Now, she flies a private Ford Trimotor airplane for Standard Oil of Ohio – spending most of her days waiting for the rich and powerful to board her aircraft. This day seems no different, until she learns who her passenger will be: none other than the richest man in the world, John D. Rockefeller. What is he doing in Cleveland and why does he want to fly in her aircraft? When the 90 year old insists on taking his first and only flight in the cockpit, Blanche and John D. have a chance to talk – and realize they actually have a lot in common. *This story is the subject of our conversation with Steve Sheinkin, award-winning author of thrilling history books for young adults.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Leo Sofer is an intuitive storyteller and teacher based in Devon, England. In this episode of SparkleCast, Leo, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Listening to the Story Whispers” and delve into the intrinsic and practical value of learning both how to hear stories, and how to tell our own. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: When brother and sister attend a storytelling workshop, Sylvia insists on telling her "Babbit Stories". She can't wait! She knows everyone will love them. Then the storyteller teaches her that some of the best stories come from listening. *This story is the subject of our conversation with intuitive storyteller and teacher Leo Sofer, who is based in Devon, England.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Meredith Markow is a teacher, Enneagram and Living Inquiries certified practitioner, and the Sparkle Schoolhouse “Head of School”! In this episode of SparkleCast, Meredith, Rebecca, and David discuss the collection "Twelve Tales of a Tullyport Christmas” – the stories-within-the-stories of our other holiday collection, “Martin & Sylvia’s Twelve Days of Christmas.” Meredith and David talk about the history of the festival and then how it has shown up in their lives. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: Georgio Mangiapane wants to make the best Buccelleti in all of New York City. And so, having heard of the magical blueberries of the northeastern coast, he travels to Maine to find the perfect ingredient. But a bear interrupts his dream, and it’s not New York that gets to enjoy his incredible pastries, but the families of Tullyport. Thus begins the tastiest of the Tullyport Christmas traditions. *This story is the subject of our conversation about family traditions based around the 12 Days of Christmas with Meredith Markow, teacher, therapist – and "Head of School" for Sparkle Stories.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

Laura Chauvin is a veteran non-profit strategist and charitable advisor. Working with women in Tanzania and the U.S., she created Her Best Foot Forward, beautiful sandals which, through collaboration, sustainability and style, empower women and girls in Africa. In this episode of SparkleCast, Laura, David, and Rebecca use the By Thistle By Thimble story “Purple” as the focus of a conversation about inspiring service in children and families. Laura tells the story of how Her Best Foot Forward was started and then talks about how service is central to her family’s life. About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!

In today's story: Lydia is a wealthy merchant who dyes and sells purple cloth to those who can afford it. She lives a life of luxury but has a single regret - she hasn't heard from her son in years. He turned his back on "serving the rich", and has become a teacher to the poor. When she at last receives a letter telling her where he now lives, she resolves to travel to him - though she doesn't realize how difficult and transformative the journey will be. *This story is the subject of our conversation with Laura Chauvin, a non-profit strategist and charitable advisor who is the founder of Her Best Foot Forward, shoe-makers and shoe-buyers in collaboration to empower women and girls.* About SparkleCast: SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool. For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com Enjoy!