Storytime Explorers: Stories for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Growing Minds

Mornings with toddlers can feel like a mix of rushing, big feelings, and tiny victories. It’s true, and it’s not just you. In this story, Zara the Zebra moves through her morning routine in a way kids can understand. By the end, she feels calm, confident, and ready for whatever the day brings.
This story helps toddlers and preschoolers:
Build independence through simple morning steps like dressing, brushing hair, and helping with breakfast
Notice their own comfort cues (“too scratchy,” “too warm,” “too hot”)
Practice slowing down, breathing, and trying again when something feels tricky
Feel proud of doing things “all by myself” in a developmentally appropriate way
If your mornings feel rushed or tense, Zara can help your child think about their routine and feel encouraged to keep going.
You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.
☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Joining in can take courage, especially when friends are already laughing and playing.
If you’ve ever watched your child hover nearby, wanting to join but not quite sure how, you’ll recognize Leo in this story. That fluttery mix of excitement and uncertainty is something almost every child experiences. And when they find the courage to ask, or the kindness to invite someone else in, it can turn an ordinary moment into something really special.
This story helps toddlers and preschoolers:
Recognize that fluttery feeling when they want to join in
Practice asking to play with kindness and confidence
Notice when someone else might be hoping for an invitation
See how inclusion makes playtime warmer, sillier, and more fun for everyone
If your child ever hesitates to join in, or if they’re learning to make space for others, you can borrow Leo’s phrase, “I can join and play too!” to make joining in feel brave and kind.
Follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.
☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Snow can make the whole world feel magical, sparkly, bright, and full of possibilities.
When Ella the Elephant opens her door to see snow falling for the very first time, her imagination comes alive. With Milo the Monkey and Zara the Zebra by her side, she rolls, lifts, and laughs her way through building a snowman, one that might just come to life with a little teamwork and a lot of imagination.
This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:
Experience the wonder of new discoveries through imagination
Practice teamwork and cooperation while creating together
See how helping and sharing ideas make play more fun
Feel inspired to build, imagine, and create with friends
There’s something truly magical about imagining together, whether it’s snowing outside or you’re pretending.
Follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.
☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Some days feel busy, full of sounds, movement, and excitement, and that can feel like a lot.
This calming story helps children slow down, listen to their bodies, and find the quiet space that’s always waiting inside.
This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:
Recognize what “busy” feels like in their body and mind
Practice slowing down with soft cues that help their body settle
Learn that it’s okay to take space and rest when they need to
Build self-regulation and emotional safety through calming affirmations
Whether said out loud or quietly in their hearts, these affirmations help children feel grounded, loved, and safe anytime they need it.
Follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.
☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com

Baking together isn’t just about what comes out of the oven. It’s about the smiles, teamwork, and tiny moments that make it special.
In this cozy kitchen story, Zara the Zebra and Leo the Lion decide to bake blueberry muffins. Measuring, mixing, stirring, and cleaning up along the way. When a bit of eggshell sneaks into the bowl, they stay calm and work as a team to fix it. And when the muffins finally come out warm and golden, they discover that sharing what they made feels just as good as eating it.
This episode helps toddlers and preschoolers:
Follow simple steps and routines (measuring, mixing, waiting)
Practice patience and flexible thinking when things don’t go as planned
Work together through shared tasks and problem-solving
Experience the joy of creating and sharing with others
A reminder that the best part of baking isn’t just the muffins, it’s the time spent together making them.
You can follow along @storytimeexplorers for sweet, simple ways to help kids grow through storytelling.
☀️ Explore more at storytimeexplorers.com