Elderberry Tales

In Part 2 of this 3-part series, Dad takes Trooper on a visit to their mysterious neighbor, Mrs. Coronet, and the plot thickens... Story by William SterrNarrated by Carrie Coello Image by Stephen D from Pixabay

In this all-new, 3-part adventure, our Dog Detectives discover a *very* unusual bird! Original Story by William SterrNarrated by Carrie Coello Image by Stephen D from Pixabay

Part 2 of a 3-part series!This story series stands alone, but the characters of Leenie, Logan, and her parents are introduced in the series Leenie and the Big Idea. Leenie and her brother Logan are off on another adventure! When Leenie and Logan wander off during a family picnic, they encounter strange new friends in the woods. In this episode, they face the troll at the fairy bridge... Story by William SterrImage by Willgard Krause from Pixabay

Part 2 of a 3-part series!This story series stands alone, but the characters of Leenie, Logan, and her parents are introduced in the series Leenie and the Big Idea. Leenie and her brother Logan are off on another adventure! When Leenie and Logan wander off during a family picnic, they encounter strange new friends in the woods. In this episode, they realize that fairy hospitality comes at a price. Story by William SterrImage by Willgard Krause from Pixabay

Part 1 of a 3-part series!This story series stands alone, but the characters of Leenie, Logan, and her parents are introduced in the series Leenie and the Big Idea. Leenie and her brother Logan are off on another adventure! When Leenie and Logan wander off during a family picnic, they encounter strange new friends in the woods.  Story by William SterrImage by Willgard Krause from Pixabay

The thrilling conclusion to the Hound of the Baskerville Hall mystery!Story by William Sterr

The four detectives arrive in the town of Baskerville, and receive a nasty surprise.Story by William Sterr

This is part 2 of a 4 part series.The three detectives meet up with a fourth companion, and all the dogs travel to the town of Baskerville.

Introducing a new series about the dogs in the family! Overton leads his associates, Trooper and Theo, on an investigation to solve the mystery of the Hound of the Baskervilles.  Story by William Sterr

A new adventure for Desi, his superhero Dad, and the rest of the family!This story is in three parts, with a new part published each week. In Part 3, cousin Jack arrives just in time for the thrilling conclusion! By William Sterr Photo by takenbytablo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/thunder-striking-a-building-photo-680940/

A new adventure for Desi, his superhero Dad, and the rest of the family!This story is in three parts, with a new part published each week. Part 2 has us back at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, a favorite place for the family to visit every year. But this visit is... unique! By William Sterr Photo by takenbytablo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/thunder-striking-a-building-photo-680940/

A new adventure for Desi, his superhero Dad, and the rest of the family!This story is in three parts, with a new part published each week. By William Sterr Photo by takenbytablo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/thunder-striking-a-building-photo-680940/

The whole family comes together to craft a plan to clean up the Jorgensen's farm and cure Desmond once and for all!Story by William Sterr

Dad's powers continue to develop. Also, after Armando makes a very exciting discovery in the backyard, he realizes that all is not well with Desmond... Story by William Sterr

It's been many weeks since Desmond's experience with the moles... and he is still feeling the effects. What can Armie and his detective Mom do about it? Luckily, they have help... from unexpected sources!This is a three part story - come back each week for the next installment!Story by William Sterr

In part 2 of this story, Gawain travels to find the Green Knight, as promised, to meet his fate. Note: This is an old story, and contains themes of chivalry, romantic love (including allusions to infidelity), and violence. I do not feel it is inappropriate for children, but family values vary and I invite you to preview this episode and part two first if you have any concerns. Story adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for Stories to Grow By. Illustration by Tristan Liu

As King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table gather to celebrate New Year's Day, a mysterious stranger arrives with a challenge for Sir Gawain, one of the bravest knights of the Table. Note: This is an old story, and contains themes of chivalry, romantic love (including allusions to infidelity), and violence. I do not feel it is inappropriate for children, but family values vary and I invite you to preview this episode and part two first if you have any concerns. Story adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for Stories to Grow By. Illustration by Tristan Liu

John's honesty earns him a job in the Lord of Ostergaard's Estate. The Lord of Nebbegaard bets Ostergaard that he can make John tell a lie. Will John stay honest, even when he is afraid to tell the truth? Story adapted by Elaine L. Lindy from the story "Temptation", which appeared the book Scandinavian Folk and Fairy Tales, edited by Claire Booss. Used with permission from Stories to Grow ByIllustration by Elizabeth Rocha

After assisting a wounded lion, a young maiden is concerned to find that her livestock has gone missing! What can have happened to the animals? And why does the lion keep returning? This story was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy from the story "The Wounded Lion" from Wise Women: Folk and Fairy Tales from Around the World, retold and edited by Suzqanne I. Barchers. Illustration by Elizabeth Rocha.  Used with permission from Stories to Grow By.

Androcles, an escaped slave, finds an injured lion in the woods. What happens after he removes a thorn from the lion's paw? Story by Aesop, 620-580 BCE. This version is from Joseph Jacobs, "European Folk and Fairy Tales," 1916. It can be found at Stories to Grow By.Image by pamstenzel from Pixabay NOTE: This episode was originally published with an error in audio mastering. This is an updated version.

This is the story of Bambi, a young deer, from his childhood with his mother in the forest through his coming of age and adulthood. This tale is based on the novel of the same name, by Felix Salten. Adaptation by Elaine L Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By. Image by smarko from Pixabay

In this Arabian/Russian folktale mashup, a princess needs to choose between three unsuitable princes. One year, an adventure and three magical objects later, she makes a truly surprising choice.Adapted by Elaine L. Lindy from Saudi Arabian and Russian sources, this story is part of the Stories to Grow By collection. Image by Peter Fischer from Pixabay

When Leenie's parents get the Big Idea of renting a caravan from M. A. G. I. C., the family begins an adventure that surprises them all! In Part 6, the AstroVan lands on the moon, where they learn much more about the Wheezer than they could ever have imagined... Story by William SterrNarration by Carrie CoelloPhoto by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) from Pexels

When Leenie's parents get the Big Idea of renting a caravan from M. A. G. I. C., the family begins an adventure that surprises them all! In Part 5, Leenie and her family go where no caravan has ever gone before - into Orbit! Story by William SterrNarration by Carrie CoelloPhoto by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) from Pexels

When Leenie's parents get the Big Idea of renting a caravan from M. A. G. I. C., the family begins an adventure that surprises them all! In Part 4, Leenie and Theo join in the Council of Animals and hear what they all have to say. Story by William SterrNarration by Carrie CoelloPhoto by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) from Pexels

When Leenie's parents get the Big Idea of renting a caravan from M. A. G. I. C., the family begins an adventure that surprises them all! In Part 3, the van parks in the forest next to the lake, and Leenie finds a very interesting gathering deep in the woods. Story by William SterrNarration by Carrie CoelloPhoto by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) from Pexels

When Leenie's parents get the Big Idea of renting a caravan from M. A. G. I. C., the family begins an adventure that surprises them all! In Part 2, the van transforms yet again for a very special tour *under* Shasta Lake. Story by William SterrNarration by Carrie CoelloPhoto by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) from Pexels

When Leenie's parents get the Big Idea of renting a caravan from M. A. G. I. C., the family begins an adventure that surprises them all!In Part 1, the caravan is introduced, and the family makes their way to Shasta Lake. Story by William SterrNarration by Carrie CoelloPhoto by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) from Pexels

A fairy lets three farmhands borrow her three golden goats, for as long as they can hold onto them. This Swedish folk tale was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By, and is used by Elderberry Tales with permission.

This tale is told in three parts. In this third and final part, we learn about the princess's plan - and Aladdin's final wish.This story appeared in later versions of The Arabian Nights, and is credited to a Syrian storyteller, Hanna Diyab. This version was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By. Image by Karina Mannott from Pixabay

This tale is told in three parts. In this second part, we learn how Aladdin and his mother used their wishes to arrange Aladdin's marriage to the Sultan's daughter... but it did not go the way they expected!This story appeared in later versions of The Arabian Nights, and is credited to a Syrian storyteller, Hanna Diyab. This version was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By. Image by Karina Mannott from Pixabay

This tale is told in three parts. In this first part, we learn how Aladdin and his mother came to own the magic lamp.This story appeared in later versions of The Arabian Nights, and is credited to a Syrian storyteller, Hanna Diyab. This version was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By. Image by Karina Mannott from Pixabay

When Goldilocks finds an unlocked and empty cabin the woods one day, she makes some unfortunate choices... and when the three bears return home, she must face the consequences. Story adapted from the original by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By. Image by 👀 Mabel Amber, who will one day from Pixabay

In these two legends of the demigod Māui, he blesses the people in two ways: creating the Hawaiian Islands and arranging for long days in the summer to give us time to do everything we need to do. This summer solstice, Maui's arrangement with the sun is most obvious - the days are so long and the nights so very short. These legends were adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By, where you can find a wide variety of wonderful stories. Image: Participant of the Merrie Monarch Parade in Hilo performs as demigod Māui. Source: Creative Commons.

In this updated version of the beloved classic, Cinderella and the Prince's relationship is based on more than just shoe size.  Adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By

In this updated version of the classic tale, our princess discovers that frogs are not always just what they seem to be. Adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By. Image by Dawn Howeth from Pixabay

In this adaptation of the classic fairytale, Aurora isn't content with the marriage planned for her future. Instead, she takes control of her own destiny, as well as the curse that has haunted her since infancy. Adaptation by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By.Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay

What if "fairest of them all" really meant fairest, as in most just?What if Snow White and her Prince already had a friendship based on adventures and shared experiences? This updated version of Snow White has all the classic charm and drama of the original, but with a couple of key updates for a modern audience. Image by Sayaka Photos from Pixabay Adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By, where you can find dozens of fairy tales, folk tales and bedtime stories specially curated to to highlight positive messages and promote character growth.

A beautiful ball appears to Natalia and Luis one day, near their home in the Andes mountains. They follow it further and further from their valley, until it suddenly disappears, leaving them stranded - and under the spell of an evil witch. Will they ever escape and find their way home? This traditional Argentinian story appeared in Tales from Silver Lands by Charles J. Finger, published 1924. This version was adapted by Elaine Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By.  Image by Jordan Holiday from Pixabay

A young man sets out on a dangerous quest to find a magic feather from an evil ogre. Will he find the feather in time to save the ailing King? This story was originally published by Italo Calvino in 1956. This version was adapted by Elaine Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By. Photo by Isaque Pereira from Pexels

One day a wise old goose notices a small vine beginning to grow at the base of the fig tree. He is sure the vine will be trouble, but will the other geese listen to his warning?  Photo by Daniel Watson from Pexels This story is sourced from the Panchatantra, an ancient Sanskrit collection of moral tales. This version was adapted by Elaine Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By.

When the king of Granada begins his search for a wife, the king's barber offers up his magic mirror as a test for any potential brides. Can any women in the kingdom pass the mirror's test? "The Magic Mirror" is retold by Elaine L. Lindy from Tales from the Lands of Nuts and Grapes: Spanish and Portuguese Folklore, by Charles Sellers. This version is for the website Stories to Grow By.

A herd of elephants trample the village of the mice without even realizing it. What do we do when we hurt other people by accident? This story was adapted from “The Mice that Set the Elephants Free” from The Panchatantra translated from the Sanskrit by Arhur W. Ryder. Adaptation by Elaine Lindy for Stories to Grow By.

A lion, a man, a mouse, a falcon and a snake all fall into an elephant pit. Luckily, the hunter to dug the pit comes to rescue them. But their fates remain intertwined from that day forward.  This tale, with sources going back to Tibet and the Panchachantra, is variously titled "Gratitude", "The Grateful Animals and the Ungrateful Man", "From the Elephant Pit" and "The Hunter and the Trap." This version, adapted by Elaine L. Lindy, is from the website Stories to Grow By.

An old man and his son meet with criticism when they try to bring their donkey to market. It's just not possible to please everyone all of the time..."A Donkey to Market" is based on the story, "The Seller of a Donkey" from A Collection of Cambodian Folk Tales.Adapted by Elaine Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By.

The chief of a nearby village is looking for a wife, and two sisters decide they would like to meet the chief. The two women have very different experiences along their journey!The story "Chief Five Heads" is based on "The Story of Five Heads," from Kaffir Folk-lore by George McCall Theal, 1889. It is a Khosa tale, and has been adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By.  Illustration, "Girl Surprised by Snake in Tree," by Therson Boadu, is available through a Creative Commons 4.0 license.

Faraz buries his life savings under a tree, only to return and discover that someone has dug them up. Will he be able to locate the missing treasure and solve the mystery? Retold by Elaine L. Lindy from the story, "The Hidden Treasure," in the book, A Group of Eastern Romances and Stories from the Persian, Tamil, and Urdu by William Alexander Clouston. Used with permission from Stories to Grow By.

A hungry wolf is out looking for his next meal. He meets a ram, a horse, and a pig... will any of them make a good meal for a hungry wolf? From More Russian Picture Tales by Valery Carrick, Translated by Nevill Forbes [1914]Image by Christel SAGNIEZ from Pixabay

When their father-in-law sets three young women a series of seemingly impossible tasks, all seems lost - until a wise young woman on a water buffalo shows them how all three tasks can be solved in simple, everyday ways. "The Young Head of the Family" is based on a story of the same name from Chinese Fairy Tales by Adele M. Fielde. This version is adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By.

A nobleman's son disappears just days before his 12th birthday. Years later, a room in the nobleman's house seems to be haunted. Can anyone solve the mystery of the haunted room, and bring the nobleman's son back to his family?Note: Even though there is a haunted room in this story, it's not a ghost story. It's a fairy tale, and I don't think it's scary.Based on the story "The Lost Child" from Folk Lore from Foreign Lands by Catherine T. Bryce. Adapted by Elaine Lindy for Stories to Grow By. Image by Gaertringen from Pixabay

The King has two problems: there is a giant tree blocking all the light to his castle, and his castle has no fresh well water to drink. Many have tried to solve these problems, and failed. Will Boots and his brothers fare any differently from the rest? "Boots and His Brothers" is based on a story of the same name from A Collection of Popular Tales from the Norse and North German by George Webbe Dasent (London, 1907)Adapted by Elaine Lindy for Stories to Grow By Image by jplenio from Pixabay

Yuuki is high up on the mountain when he feels the earthquake, and remembers what his grandfather has taught him. He knows he needs to warn the people in the village that a tsunami might come, but will he be able to get them to safety in time?Story from "A Living God" from the book Gleanings in Buddha-Fields: Studies of Hand and Soul in the Fair East, by Lafcadio HearnAdapted by Elaine Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By

The Emperor of China has a problem on his hands... how do you weigh an elephant? From an unexpected source comes a surprisingly simple solution!Traditional Chinese folktale, adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website "Stories to Grow By".  Image by Orla

When Charlotte leaves her new mushroom incense burner in the back yard, it's discovered by someone unexpected... who finds an entirely new way to use the little mushroom!If you'd like to try building a fairy house yourself, you can find some inspiration here: https://childhoodbynature.com/fashion-a-fairy-house/And here's my all-time favorite recipe for homemade playdough, a.k.a. "forest putty": https://tinkergarten.com/activities/forest-putty Thanks to Charlotte Thistle and her daughter Ella for sending this wonderful story to share with us! Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay

William Sterr, author of the "My Mom, Detective!" series, discusses his writing process and what to expect next from the adventures of Armando, Desmond, and their parents.

In the thrilling conclusion to Desmond and the Moles, Armando and Mom return to the blueberry farm to uncover the mystery of Desmond's strange behavior. All will be revealed!Check back here later this week for a special BONUS episode, an interview with William Sterr - the author of the My Mom, Detective! series and the real-life Grandpa Bill!

After Armando and Desmond make it home from the blueberry farm, Armando finds his sleep troubled by disturbing dreams. And Desmond just isn't his normal self. What could be happening with these two brothers? Come back next week for Part 3, where all will be revealed!Story by William Sterr

Left alone at a blueberry farm, Armando and Desmond decide to play in the "forbidden" section of the field - and uncover a mystery!This is part 1 of a three-part series. Check back next week for part 2!Story by William "Grandpa Bill" SterrPicture from Pixabay

Marushka is often treated unfairly by her step-sister and step-mother. But things take a turn when her step-sister starts making impossible requests - like a bouquet of violets in January?! How could Marushka possibly fulfill Holena's demands?This Czech fairytale is sourced from The Shoemaker’s Apron: A Second Book of Czechoslovak Folk Tales by Parker Fillmore, though the story can be traced back at least as far as the 14th century writer mistr Klaret/Bartoloměj z Chlumce.

Please enjoy this episode from last year while I rest & rejoice over the holidays!Elderberry Tales will be back with a nice, long, brand-new episode January 4th.

The classic Hans Christian Andersen story of an evil glass, a malevolent queen, and a young girl's quest to save her best friend. Adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By. Image by Humming-Birdie (pixabay.com)

The classic Hans Christian Andersen story of an evil glass, a malevolent queen, and a young girl's quest to save her best friend. Adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By. Image by Humming-Birdie (pixabay.com)

A chance encounter with an old woman reveals secrets about a young man's family history, how to hunt reindeer, and even how to be a better listener. This Sami tale from the Arctic Circle was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By, and is used here with permission.

After winter lasts for three long, dark years, the animals gather in council to determine what should be done to end the season and bring heat back to the earth.Originally published by Robert Bell as "Legends of the Slavey Indians" in the Journal of American Folklore in 1901, this version was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By, and is used here with permission.

Nugget loves going to yoga class and hanging out with his Human Mama. But one day he gets into a kerfuffle with one of his doggie brothers and gets into a bad and sad and scary situation. Find joy with Nugget in this endearing romp as he explores life away from his family and eventually returns to his home sweet home and yoga class with his Human Mama. “Nugget was happy! Human Mama was happy. And everyone he met was happy, too.” Joy works when... you go with the flow. Author: Janet Lawless ChristIllustrator: Ryan HernandezPublished by JoyWorks Publishing https://joyworksnetworks.com/collections/nugget-collection/products/nugget-the-nomad-adventures-of-a-yoga-dog

Looking for a life of adventure, Audun leaves Iceland to sail to Greenland, Denmark, and Norway. Along the way he captures a magnificent polar bear, a gift worthy of a king. But which king will end up with the bear?This Icelandic tale from the 13th century work Morkinskinna has been adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By, and is used here with permission. Image by Peter Fischer from Pixabay

A father wants his three daughters to learn to read, but only one takes interest. Then an evil sorcerer comes to town, and tricks the oldest daughter into marrying him. Who will save her - and how?This Polish folktale was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By. Image by Oberholster Venita from Pixabay

When two travelers are forced to seek refuge from a sandstorm, they each meet someone unexpected - and it changes their lives forever. "Two Grains of Sand" is an Iraqi tale published by C G Campbell in "Told in the Marketplace," and retold by Elaine Lindy for Stories to Grow By, used by permission.

A young beekeeper is surprised when a white rabbit with blue eyes comes to live with him. But this rabbit is not what she seems to be... and when a stranger comes looking for her, the beekeeper needs to learn how to protect her. This Halloween story from Scotland is retold by Elaine L. Lindy for Stories to Grow By, and is used on Elderberry Tales with permission.

In the conclusion of "The Birthday Present," Armando has one more vivid dream - and wakes up on the morning of his birthday. He is finally able to see for himself what Grandpa sent from Mexico!Story by William SterrImage by Gwendal Uguen

Armando's unusual dreams take him deep into the jungle, up a pyramid, and to a surprising meeting with an old friend. This is part 2 of a 3 part story! Check back next week for part 2. Story by William SterrImage by Gwendal Uguen

Grandpa Bill sends Armando a mysterious package for his 8th birthday - what secrets does the package hold? And what is it's power over Armando's dreams?This is part 1 of a 3 part story! Check back next week for part 2. Image by Gwendal Uguen

Once upon a time in Alaska, there lived an old man who had lost his family and friends. He headed into the woods to give himself to the bears, only to find unexpected comfort. This is based on a Tlingit tale, told to John R. Swanson in 1904. This version was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By, and used here with permission.  Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Long ago in Bolivia, two groups of people fought. Their conflict ended in a great fire that burned up the world. Only one couple escaped to begin a new life after the terrible fire.This story was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for Stories to Grow By, and is used on Elderberry Tales with permission.  Image from Pixabay.

An old woman has a tree full of plums, but longs for apples. Is there a way for her to trade a basket full of plums for a basket full of apples? Find out in The Apple Dumpling Story."The Apple Dumpling" is from The Story Teller, by Maud Lindsay, published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., 1915. Adapted by Elaine Lindy, ©2001, and published on the website Stories To Grow By.  Image by Oberholster Venita from Pixabay

Sapana, friend to the birds of prey, is distressed when she finds several of them injured by porcupine quills. When she finds the giant porcupine, she gives chase up a cottonwood tree - and right through the sky.This Arapaho Caddo tale was adapted by Elaine L. Lindy for the website Stories to Grow By, and is used here with permission. You can find a wealth of stories for children, selected for their value in developing character, at www.storiestogrowby.org. Image by Chris Robbins from Pixabay

Here it is, the third part in our series "The Boy on the Porch". Learning to deal with loss is an important part of our emotional development as humans. During this global pandemic, we are all experiencing loss. Perhaps your family knows someone who has died of covid-19, or someone who has lost a job, had to move or been displaced. We are also all experiencing the loss, or change, in our everyday social interactions.Here is a resource to help you support your child (and yourself) during times of loss and grief:https://childmind.org/Story by William Sterr

If you haven't listened to part one yet, be sure to listen to that here first! In part 2 of this story by William Sterr, Armando and Kofi deepen their friendship. Kofi teaches Armando how to play his favorite game, chess.

Armando finally gets to meet the boy on the porch from The Magic Library. He isn't quite what Armie was expecting, but this is the start of a beautiful friendship

When her two older brothers fail to return from the quest to find the healing waters of the magic lake at the end of the world, Ampata decides to head out on her own - and makes an important choice along the way. An Incan folktale, retold by Elaine L. Lindy of Stories to Grow By, used by permission.

When Mama Lion steals Mama Ostrich's chicks to raise as her own, Mama Ostrich sets out to find another animal willing to stand up to the fierce lioness.Adapted by Elaine L. Lindy from the story, "The Story of the Ostrich Chicks," from the book, The Masai: Their Language and Folklore, by A.C. Hollis (Oxford, 1905) p. 198. Copyright Elaine L. Lindy ©2002.. Used with permission from Stories To Grow By.   Image Giacomo Zanni from Pixabay

When Tante Adela discovers a skunk in her oven, it will take the entire village to figure out how to - very carefully - remove it. This French Canadian tale was adapted by Stories to Grow By, and is used here with permission. Visit Stories to Grow By for more tales that entertain and build character.

High in the Andes mountains of Peru lives a frog that is not like the other frogs. When she discovers a girl held prisoner by a condor, her compassion compells her to take a big risk and help the girl. Will they both be able to escape? How will this chance encounter transform their lives?This traditional tale is adapted by Elaine L. Lindy and is part of the Stories to Grow By collection, used here with permission. Visit the Stories to Grow By website for a wealth of stories that entertain and inspire, and encourage character growth for children.

When Deer goes missing, her friends Turtle, Rat, and Crow work together to find her and help her escape. This classic story has it's origins in the Panchatantra, and has been adapted by Elaine L. Lindy from Rev. W. Knatchbull's 1818 work "Fables of Bidpai". Published on the website Stories to Grow By, it is used here with permission.

Rejected by his first love, a young man moves to a deserted island. When he catches a mermaid, she offers him a magic ring that will give him a second chance at love - but will he take it? This story is part of the Stories to Grow By collection, and is used with permission here on Elderberry Tales.

A group of animals want to build a house for themselves in the middle of the forest, but what will happen when the Big Bad Wolf arrives for a visit?This story is produced in collaboration with Stories to Grow By, a collection of fables and folktales from around the world, carefully selected and adapted to inspire character growth in children.

When a flock of doves is captured in a hunter's net, they need to work together to escape. This classic story is adapted from the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables attributed to Vishnusharma. This story is produced in collaboration with Stories To Grow By, an award-winning collection of stories from around the world, carefully selected and adapted to build character in children.  Image by Gerhard Gellinger from Pixabay

Emma and Josh heard that something happened in their town. A Black man was shot by the police. "Why did the police shoot that man?" "Can police go to jail?" Something Happened in Our Town follows two families — one White, one Black — as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives. Written by Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP, Marietta Collins, PhD, and Ann Hazzard, PhD, ABPP Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin   Thank you to the American Psychological Association, and Magination Press, for permission to share this story with you on Elderberry Tales. I highly recommend purchasing a copy of this book; partly for the illustrations, partly so you can return to it again as needed, and partly so you can share it with a friend. You can purchase your own copy through Magination Press here:https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/441B228

Refiloe's sister is getting married. Refiloe's chickens are very dirty and she decides to wash them for the wedding. The chickens do not like being washed. Refiloe cannot find her chickens when it is time for the wedding, and everyone is in for a big surprise!This story: Refiloe and the Washed Chickens is written by Marion Drew. Illustrations by Wiehan de Jager. © African Storybook Initiative, 2014. Some rights reserved. Released under CC BY 4.0 license.African Storybook Initiative provides open access to picture storybooks in the languages of Africa, for children’s literacy, enjoyment and imagination.

If you haven't yet, please listen to "The Magic Library Part 1" before listening to this episode!When we left Armie, he was having a nightmare about a chimera! In this second half, we learn what Armie's dream means, and the family returns to the magic library to fulfill their half of the bargain. Written and Illustrated by William SterrFeaturing Armando Coello and Desmond Coello as themselvesIf you're enjoying Elderberry Tales, the best way you can support us is to share your favorite episodes on social media! Help us find new listeners :)

The latest and greatest installment in the "My Mom, Detective!" series!When Armando and his mother find a little library in their neighborhood, Armando is delighted to bring home "Wonders of the World." However, strange and unsettling events start to concern him. Could it be connected to the library and the book?Written and Illustrated by William Sterr

In this classic English Fairy Tale, a couple wishes for a child, even if he is only as big as thumb - and that is exactly what they get. It isn't easy being small in a big person's world! Listen to how Tom gets into - and out of - trouble.This version of the classic tale appeared in the Beacon Second Reader, by James H. Fassett, published in 1914 and available here through Project Gutenberg.

When a cold dreary day with no food brings the roosters, hens and geese down into "the dumps," one rooster manages to lift their spirits and make the best of things. Followed by a discussion about how we can lift our mood when we face challenges and disappointments. Story by Frances M. FoxIllustrator unknownPublished as part of "The Child's World Third Reader", edited by Hetty Browne, Sarah Withers, W.K. Tate and available here.Originally appeared in The Outlook.

Long, long, ago an Emperor grows up so spoiled that no one is willing to do anything that might upset him, or make him think he is wrong in any way. It takes an honest peasant to make him aware of how he is being deceived. Written by Anna von RydingsvardFrom the Wide Awake Third Reader, 1908. Available through Project Gutenberg

In today's story, we observe a single ant over the course of several minutes as she does what ants do: wander, find dinner, carry it back to the nest, and share it with her friends. We also take a moment to reflect on how we can interact with nature while we #stayathome, wherever we may be.Story by Helen Jackson HuntFrom the Wide Awake Third Reader, 1908. Available online through Project Gutenberg Photo by Michael Willinger from Pexels

Make sure you listen to "The Missing Salmon, Part 1" before you enjoy this episode!When we last visited our heroes, Armie & Desi, and their Detective Mom, they were convinced Desi had seen Bigfoot in the woods near the Issaquah Creek. In this week's episode, they head back to the creek with their old friend Mr. Suquardle to get to the bottom of the case of the missing salmon...Written by William SterrImage by chanwity of Pixabay

In this latest installment of the "My Mom, Detective!" series, Armando and his friends track Desmond into the woods near the Issaquah Creek. Desmond claims to have seen Bigfoot - could it be true?Warning: This episode ends on a cliffhanger! Tune in next week for part 2! Written by William SterrFeaturing Armando and Desmond Coello as themselves

Do rainy days make you feel that the world is full of possibilities? The lion in the story certainly believes so! Listen this story to meet him as he takes a rainy day holiday from the zoo and have as much fun as the children in the story. After all, the author maintains that this story is ‘almost true’! Written by Paro AnandIllustration by Avishek SenHere's my favorite pakoda recipe, if you'd like to make some at home:http://www.manjulaskitchen.com/vegetable-pakora/Thanks to StoryWeaver, a division of Pratham Books, for making this story available on a Creative Commons License.

Once upon a time, in a little village by a mountain, an old man came to sell his dumplings. He sold one for one cent, two for two cents and three for free! As the villagers started gobbling up the dumplings three at a time, strange things started happening around them. Listen to this tantalizing tale from Taiwan to see what happened in this village by the Ban Pin Shan Mountain!Written by GreystrokeIllustration by P. G. DineshOriginally published by StoryWeaver, a division of Pratham Books, with a Creative Commons 4.0 license.