Stories For Children by We Nurture Collective

A Ukrainian FolktaleLittle Nicki’s grandma knitted him a pair of white mittens so he could go out and play in the snow. When he dropped one of his mittens, many forest friends snuggled inside.We recommend this story for ages 2 to 7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Old man north wind tries to drive Shingebiss away with his cold and icy nature but she is not afraid and finds ways to stay warm and live in the frozen winter land. Shingebiss is a (Chippewa) Native American story which exemplifies resilience, fearlessness, courage and the virtue of perseverance and fortitude.Ages 3 to 7Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Every winter, Silvercap King of Frostland along with his fairies visit the little Earth children and make the world beautiful. They must work quickly so as not to be seen.Ages 3 to 7Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Once there was a lovely green meadow where a beautiful tall sunflower grew and in this sunflower there was a little seed. Little seed did not know that soon he would need to go on a journey for King Winter was on his way and Brother wind would soon be blowing his cold breath across the land.For ages 3 to 7, this story is helpful for building a sense of security, safety and confidence in the young child.The Little Seeds Journey, by Cindy Brooks. Cindy Brooks is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Santa Cruz, CA, who specializes in working with children and adults. A graduate of the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training (2003), Cindy is integrating Anthroposophy and Depth Psychology in her work as a parent educator and therapist. These stories are part of a book she has co-authored with Joya Birns, Waldorf Teacher, called Parenting with Spirit. For more information, contact [email protected] along on Instagram @we_nurture

This story is part of Susan Perrow’s collection of children’s stories and poems that have emerged to ‘meet the hour’ during this extraordinary time of Covid 19.A Light for Little Gnome’s Lantern is a sweet story about courage in seeking to find the light and let it shine for all to see. This story offers peace, hope and a sense of safety.This story and other Little Gnome stories can be found at susanperrow.com/storiesAdditional stories for children in books authored by Susan Perrow and Published by Hawthorn Press can be found in Healing Stories for Challenging Behavior,  Therapeutic Storytelling, and Behaviour Tales.  hawthornpress.comWe recommend this story for ages 3 to 6To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

A story about love, courage, and great kindness. This story tells how a little girl helps her mother grow strong again after being ill by being brave, unselfish and kind.The story, along with many other wonderful stories, can be found in the book, ‘For the Children’s Hour’ by Carolyn BaileyWe recommend this story for ages 3 to 7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This delightful story about a little fir tree who wants to be picked and see life will warm your heart. Just when we least expect, we can all brighten someone’s day!We recommend this story for ages 2 to 7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This Chanukah story tells the miracle that happened in the land of Israel long, long ago. The miracle of light that burned for eight days in a magnificent lamp is celebrated as Chanukah. This story, appropriate for even the very youngest child, is told in a simple way.-The rhyming part of this story was written by Sara Briggs, New York City-The story that comes after was written by Chinyelu KunzWe recommend this story for ages 3 to 7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Long, long ago there lived a man whose name was Bishop Nicholas. Like so many people today, Bishop Nicholas cared for people near and far and always helped those in need. One day he heard about some people in a far away land who needed food and so he called for his helpers to gather food so that he could take it to the hungry children and their families. A beautiful story that reminds us to help those in need.We recommend this story for ages 3 to 7A traditional Waldorf Advent storyTo discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Once upon a time in a little village, there lived an old light keeper. He had grown quite old and could no longer tend the light, so the village grew dark. One day, a kind young girl came and helped the villagers get back their light.We recommend this story for ages 3 to 7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Letta is thrown into a Thanksgiving adventure. Her courage is tested and her kindness rewarded in this tale about giving and receiving.Recommended for ages 0-12To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Grandpa wants to roast an apple but there are no apples on the apple trees because the harvest has been gathered and stored away. How will Grandpa get a nice big red apple?Ages 3 - 6To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This delightful story is about Little Munchkin and her quest to find a home before winter arrives. Although she spends her days helping Mother Nature’s children, like the butterflies and lizards, summer has gone and winter is on the way so it’s time for Little Munchkin to find a new home that she can snuggle into. “This story, (writes author, Susan Perrow) is positive encouragement that the almost impossible can be achieved”You can find this story in Healing Stories for Challenging Behavior by Susan Perrow; Published by Hawthorn Press -  www.hawthornpress.comAdditional stories for children in books authored by Susan Perrow and Published by Hawthorn Press can be found in Therapeutic Storytelling and Behaviour Tales.Ages 3 to 6Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This story is about the festival of Diwali. This beautiful festival celebrates and honors Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune, wealth, and prosperity.  On the night of the festival, lamps are lit outside of homes in hopes of attracting the attention of this benevolent goddess.Age 4 to 7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

A heartwarming story about a little shepherd boy who lost his lamb while they were in the pasture.  In his quest to find his little lamb he received help from the animals and a little man who lives in the forest.Ages 3 - 7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Here's a sweet story about a little boy who discovers, with his mother's help, that every apple wondrously has a star hiding inside.  Follow his journey to discovery!Ages 2 to 5The author of Star Apple is unknownTo discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

It's almost halloween and there's one last pumpkin left in the garden waiting to be picked.  Who will take this little pumpkin home?Ages 2 - 5To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

The Wise Old Gnome cares for Mother Earth. He lives deep in the Limindoor woods under the roots of a great oak tree.  Every autumn, he gathers acorns from the squirrels so he can plant them to keep the forest growing with lots of trees.  This simple and delightful autumn tale invites us, child and adult alike, to connect with nature and inspires us to care for Mother Earth.Adapted from the story "Brother Acorn" by Sieglinde De Francesca, author of 'a donsy of gnomes' which you can find at: teachwonderment.comAges 2 - 5To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This story, perfect for autumn, has been adapted from the Russian folktale, 'The Turnip'.  In this retelling of the story, grandfather plants a turnip seed in the spring hoping to harvest a big turnip in the autumn so that he can make delicious turnip soup.  The turnip grew and grew, in fact it grew so big that grandfather couldn't pull it out of the ground by himself.  He calls grandmother, who calls granddaughter, who calls the dog, who calls the cat who calls the mouse and then they are able to pull the turnip out.Recommended for ages 2 to 6To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This is a wonderful African Folktale story of a magic cow and other animals that teach a lesson to two friends.Recommended for ages 5 to 9To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This week's story is a therapeutic story written for a child needing support for a move specifically a move because of a divorce or separation.Herbie the Hermit Crab enjoys his happy, simple life at Sandy Point.  This is the story of Herbie looking for a new home and the power of friendship.Written by and told by Molly BrettAges 3-7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This story is about a special friendship between Hamid, the son of a poor date grower and Omar, the son of a Sultan.  They meet in a Moroccan market place where Omar has come to learn more about life. Last week we heard about Hamid’s long journey with his father, Abdul as they rode on their donkey, Zagib to the marketplace to sell their dates.  Both Hamid and Abdul were so thirsty when they arrived at the marketplace but they had no money to buy water.  Abdul then decided to go to the mosque to pray and told Hamid that he must guard their wares until he returned.  While Hamid waited, a snake charmer came to play his flute for him while the snake danced.  Meanwhile, across town the Sultan’s son, Prince Omar who lived in a palace was unhappy and decided he wanted to know about life outside of the palace.  Now the story continues…We adapted this story for audio, original story by Anne Rose; published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc.We recommend this story for ages 5 to 9To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This story is about a special friendship between Hamid, the son of a poor date grower and Omar, the son of a Sultan.  They meet in a Moroccan market place where Omar has come to learn more about life. We adapted this story for audio, original story by Anne Rose; published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc.  We recommend this story for ages 5 to 9To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

A fisherman and his wife get caught up in a saga with a fish who grants them many wishes.  This tale proves that greed can get the better of us if we let it.A Grimm's StoryAges 7-12To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Set in the days when Kings and Queens ruled lands, Jack, the son of a farmer sets out into the world to make a life for himself.  He encounters an old man in the forest, a magical horse, and an unkind magician.  This is a story about courage, trust, and friendship!(Adapted from the original story written by Suse Konig)Ages 4 to 8To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Arrow Chain is a beautiful story about friendship and courage.  Two boys who are best friends, one being a chief's son who rescues his friend when he is taken to the sky to live with the moon.  It is a Tlingit tale.  The Tlingit are indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.Ages 5-7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Connla and Nora finish their adventures meeting the fairy queen and receiving gifts to take home!  They return to their mother after their long journey and they are reunited!Author unknown, adapted by Molly BrettAges 5-7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Connla and Nora continue on their journey adventuring to the land of the sea meeting Mermaid folk and continuing their sojourn to more unknown worlds.Author unknown, adapted by Molly BrettAges 5-7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

A brother and sister find themselves on a mystical adventure thru many unknown worlds after they help save the life of a bird.  This is part one.  The journey will continue next week with part two.  Author unknown, adapted by: Molly BrettAges 5-7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

A Karuk Coyote Tale About How Fire Came to the People. Description by Julian Lang"In Fire Race, we are reminded just how important the willow tree is to our way of life.  We are told of one way that coyote helped us.  We are reminded that we must remember to respect each other.  The story reveals that all-natural living things are important, from the little frog to the soaring eagle."Author's noteThis story is based on various versions of the Karuk myth, The Karuk - meaning "upriver" - people are native to the rugged Klamath River region of Northwest California.Retold by Jonathan LondonIllustrated by Sylvia LongChronicle Books, San FranciscoAges 5 - 8Buy Fire Race HereTo discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This is the story of how the crow saved the creatures of the earth from the cold by flying up to the Creator who thinks all things into being.  In his adventures, his beautiful feathers turn to soot but his sacrifice proves beneficial and he is rewarded for his efforts.A Lenni Lenape Folktale, retold by S.E. Schlosser, adapted by Molly Brett.Ages 5-7To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

One day when the world was new pieces of the sky started falling in a little village in China. The children ran to Loawnu, the wisest person in the village to ask for her help.  Loawnu finds a way to mend the sky and she even adds a magical touch!For ages 2 to 6To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

A baker in a village bakes bread and discovers something special about her dough.For Ages 2 to 5Adapted from the story Sunday Bread by A. Vinnal from the book SpindriftTo discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

The Gunny Wolf is thought to be an old African American folktale that has been passed down orally.  It is a gentle tale of caution that recounts what a little girl experiences when she does not listen to her mother about staying out of the forest.To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

Farmer John and his wife Betty live in a cozy house on top of a green grassy hill.  Every day, they have lots of chores to do and on this particular day Farmer John must take care of all the chores.  Help comes his way when brother wind, fire fairies, and sister rain visit him even though he's fallen fast asleep.To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

A Buddhist Tale from Ancient India about generosity and loving all the people of the world!To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This story describes the concern of a group of elves during a period of no rain in their forest. It tells of the bravery of one elf, Beecher, who went to search for water to save the leaves from wilting. On his quest, this courageous elf meets many wonders of the natural world.The Dance of the Elves By Andrew Linnell, Illustrated by Elizabeth AuerMercury Press of The Fellowship Community. Discover Mercury Press by visiting their website mercurypress.orgAbout Mercury Press "We are a small Non-Profit publisher and print shop located at the Fellowship Community, originating in the 1970s to foster continuing education in the study of anthroposophical literature.  Since many of Rudolf Steiner's significant lectures had yet to be translated and printed in English, this became part of our work and provided material for unfolding the community's spiritual life.Mercury Press is a "work activity group" providing educational, economic, social, and therapeutic experiences in the editing, printing, binding, collating, and shipping of books to interested English-speaking people all over the world.  This activity, in turn, produces funds which enable us to care for the elderly members at a cost far below more conventional homes for the aging."To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

This is a continuation of the story of Wise Grandfather Turtle. Meet Lizzie Lizard and Neville Newt as they reminisce about the joys of the summer's past and make plans for the summer to come. As they emerge from their burrows with plans of their own a wonderful surprise for all the woodland, meadow, and pond creatures awaits.To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

An African folktale from Malawi adapted and retold from the book "The River That Went To The Sky" by Mary Medlicott - illustrated by Ademola Akintola.There was once a river in Africa that thought that the stars in the sky were twinkling eyes. The river was very curious and wanted to go to the sky. The sun said he would help the river up but he had to find his way back down.To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

The Story of Brother Swan and the Fairy Queen is a tale of a little girl who is transported to a magical world by a kind Swan. Her magical adventure takes her right to the fairy queen's doorstep. This is the story of her time with the fairy folk.To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

An old traditional tale about a pancake that ran away and had an adventure before it was eaten. This story was adapted and told on several occasions as a puppet play for the children in Rosebud Garden. We hope you enjoy our version of this well-loved story!To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

A traditional Japanese folktale about a poor but kind woodcutter who shares his lunch of 3 rice balls and how he is rewarded.The story has been adapted for preschool aged children.To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-childrenFollow along on Instagram @we_nurture

The story of The Wise Grandfather Turtle was written as a therapeutic response to this time of the pandemic. In Waldorf Early Childhood education, teachers will often tell the children a therapeutic story when there is a need. There are times when the teacher notices a challenging behavior in the classroom or a child in their care has experienced trauma.  The aim of therapeutic stories is to bring healing images and gestures through the stories we tell. This story offers the image of a Wise Grandfather Turtle who knows how to keep all the little animals in his pond safe after a big storm. The pond is too messy to be enjoyed so a frog family, heeding Grandfather Turtles' advice stays home while Grandfather Turtle gets to work tidying up the pond for all.To discover more about please visit wenurturecollective.com/stories-for-children Follow along on Instagram @we_nurture