Big Stories for Little Ears

By Health Coach, Mom, RD
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  • STORIES FOR KIDS

Big Stories for Little Ears helps explain the life lessons that adults struggle with most, written to support and guide kids as they experience big feelings, perhaps for the first time. Also look for stories about food and cooking to inspire and empower kids to participate in the kitchen. Stories are read in a bedtime-friendly tone. amberbell.substack.com

Episodes

  1. 08/17/2023

    A Tale of Two Wolves, Part 2

    This is a continuation of A Tale of Two Wolves. Please start with Part 1 of this story. :) As Sam journeyed through the magical forest, he encountered a particularly challenging situation one day. A group of mischievous animals had accidentally caused a playful commotion, which led to some of the other animals feeling upset and angry. A trio of raccoons were looking for an adventure. With their fluffy tails twitching and bright eyes gleaming, they scampered through a nearby farm, their tiny paws leaving playful prints in the soft soil. As they explored, they stumbled upon a pile of freshly harvested vegetables that Farmer Jack had lovingly gathered for his farm friends. With a mischievous glint in their eyes, the raccoons couldn’t resist the urge to have a little fun. Their antics caught the attention of the cows who paused their grazing, their big brown eyes blinking with surprise, and the pigs who lifted their heads from the muddy patches where they were lounging. The goats stopped their playful head-butting, and even the chickens hopped down from their perches to see what was happening. The fresh harvest was ruined, and now the animals would have to forage once again for dinner. They were so disappointed. And sad. And well - downright mad about it! Sam found himself in the middle of a tense situation, feeling the angry wolf roaring inside him, urging him to react with frustration. Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, Sam took a deep breath and reminded himself of the wisdom he had learned from the old man and the owl. He knew that reacting with anger wouldn't help the situation. The old man had told him that being calm and understanding would help him find a solution that everyone could say “okay” and feel good about. But as he tried to get calm, the angry wolf continued to growl loudly within him, making it difficult to stay centered. Sam realized that he needed to find a way to calm the angry wolf before he could help the animals find a resolution. Remembering the advice of the old man, Sam decided to intentionally have some fun to feed his loving wolf. He knew that engaging in playful activities would bring joy to his heart and help him find the strength to approach the situation with a positive attitude. So, he gathered some of the animals, including the mischievous ones, and suggested they have a friendly game of tag. As they ran and laughed through the forest, the tension started to ease, and the angry wolf's growls softened. The simple act of having fun filled Sam's heart with joy and nurtured his loving wolf, allowing him to find clarity and balance. With newfound calmness, Sam returned to the tense situation and listened carefully to each animal's perspective. He empathized with their feelings and encouraged them to find a way to make amends. Slowly but surely, the angry wolf inside him settled, and he was able to guide the animals towards understanding and forgiveness. As time went on, Sam made it a daily practice to intentionally have fun and nurture his loving wolf. He would spend time swinging from the branches with the monkeys, dancing with the butterflies, and playing hide-and-seek with the curious fox cubs. These moments of joy not only strengthened his bond with the animals but also allowed him to see the forest with childlike wonder and appreciation. By feeding his loving wolf daily, Sam became more adept at handling challenging situations. Whenever the angry wolf tried to take control, he would turn to playful activities to find peace within himself. This allowed him to approach every day with a positive attitude and spread happiness to all he encountered. Over time, the enchanted forest transformed into an even more harmonious and joyful place, thanks to Sam's unwavering commitment to nurturing his loving wolf. His presence brought unity among the animals, and they looked up to him as a true leader and friend. And so, the young man, Sam, continued to walk the path of compassion, patience, and joy. Through moments of struggle and moments of play, he embraced both the loving and angry wolves within him, understanding that both had their place in shaping the person he had become. As he continued his journey through the magical forest, he knew that as long as he fed his loving wolf and embraced the balance within, he would always be guided towards a life filled with kindness, understanding, and love. The End. Hello, I’m Amber. Thank you for enjoying my stories inspired by two young story lovers and AI. If you enjoy these stories, consider subscribing and support a fellow mom.  Get full access to Bell Worlds at amberbell.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min

  2. 08/10/2023

    Mouthwatering Magic

    Once upon a time, in a cozy little house nestled at the edge of a vibrant village, lived a family full of love and laughter. There was Mama Mia, the creative cook; Papa Pedro, the jolly gardener; and their three imaginative children – Emma, Alex, and Sage. One sunny day after school, Emma came home with a sparkle in her eyes. She hurried to the kitchen where Mama Mia was bustling around, and arranging ingredients on the counter. Emma looked around and exclaimed, "Mama, I have an idea!" Her face was beaming with excitement. Papa Pedro and the boys joined them in the kitchen, curious about Emma's idea. "What do you think, dear?" Mama Mia asked with a smile, her apron fluttering as she spun around. Emma looked at the ingredients spread out before them – tortillas, beans, a colorful array of veggies, cheese, tomato sauce, spices, and a jar of zesty salsa. "Let's make something amaaaaaazing today," she suggested, a twinkle in her eye. Alex grinned. "Oooh, yeah, it looks like a puzzle! Let's each come up with our own recipes using just these ingredients." Sage's eyes lit up. "I want to make a magic garden on a plate! Can my little gnomes help me?" Papa Pedro chuckled and ruffled Sage's hair. "Sounds great, let's get started." Mama Mia clapped her hands and divided the family into teams. Emma teamed up with Papa Pedro, and Alex paired with Sage. With a sense of camaraderie, they began their culinary adventure. Emma and Papa Pedro decided to create "Flavorful Fiesta Tacos." Emma loved to experiment with spices, so she mixed a secret blend that made their taste buds dance with joy. Papa Pedro, the gardener, picked freshly harvested veggies from their garden – crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce. They cooked the beans until they were tender and saucy, adding a touch of Mama Mia's special tomato sauce. As a finishing touch, they sprinkled just the right amount of cheese on top. Meanwhile, Alex and Sage were busy concocting their own masterpiece. Alex called it "Salsa Sensation Surprise." They decided to make a creative twist on traditional enchiladas. Alex carefully spread a layer of Mama Mia's tomato sauce at the bottom of the pan, then onto each tortilla. Then Sage added a hearty scoop of beans. Sage's magic garden idea came to life as he used colorful veggies to create a whimsical scene on top of each tortilla. Once the veggies were arranged, they rolled up the tortillas and placed them in a baking dish. A generous layer of cheese covered the enchiladas, and then they spooned zesty salsa over the top. Finally, it was time to taste their creations. The family gathered around the table, their eyes shining with anticipation. They savored the Flavorful Fiesta Tacos and the Salsa Sensation Surprise, amazed by the burst of flavors in each bite. As they relished their delicious creations, Emma, Alex, and Sage felt an immense sense of pride and joy. "Mama, Papa, I have another idea!" Sage exclaimed with a grin. Mama Mia and Papa Pedro exchanged amused glances. "What's your idea, little one?" Sage’s eyes twinkled mischievously. "I call this dessert, 'Sweet Salsa Swirls'!" Everyone burst into laughter, their hearts full of love and their bellies happy. And so, the family's magical kitchen adventure continued, as Emma, Alex, and Sage shared their unique gifts and skills, creating many unforgettable meals. And as they laughed and cooked together, their home was filled with the warmth of togetherness and the joy of creative curiosity. Be brave. Be curious. Be yourself! The End. Recipe 1: Flavorful Fiesta Tacos Ingredients: - Tortillas - Beans (cooked and saucy) - Assorted veggies (bell peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, etc.) - Cheese (grated) - Mama Mia's tomato sauce - Spices (your choice, for a secret blend) - Zesty salsa (optional, for serving) Instructions: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Mix your secret spice blend in a small bowl. Warm the tortillas on the skillet, then set aside. In a separate pan, combine the beans and a few tablespoons of Mama Mia's tomato sauce. Heat gently until warmed through. While the beans are warming, prepare the veggies – slice bell peppers, dice tomatoes, and shred lettuce. Assemble the tacos: Place a generous spoonful of saucy beans onto each tortilla. Top with a variety of veggies and a sprinkle of cheese. Fold the tortillas and serve with a side of zesty salsa for dipping. Recipe 2: Salsa Sensation Surprise (Enchiladas) Ingredients: - Tortillas - Beans (cooked) - Assorted veggies (carrots, zucchini, corn, etc.) - Cheese (grated) - Mama Mia's tomato sauce - Spices (such as cumin, paprika, and garlic powder) - Zesty salsa Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a bowl, mix the cooked beans with a pinch of your chosen spices. 3. Lay out the tortillas and spread a thin layer of Mama Mia's tomato sauce on each. 4. Place a spoonful of seasoned beans onto each tortilla, followed by a medley of colorful veggies. 5. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish. 6. Cover the enchiladas with grated cheese, and drizzle more tomato sauce over the top. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 8. Serve with a dollop of zesty salsa on each enchilada. Recipe 3: Sweet Salsa Swirls (Dessert) Ingredients: - Tortillas - Variety of sweet fillings (fruit preserves, chocolate chips, nuts, etc.) - Cream cheese (softened) - Powdered sugar - Vanilla extract - Cinnamon sugar (for dusting) - Zesty salsa (optional, for a surprising twist) Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. 3. Lay out the tortillas and spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on each. 4. Add a spoonful of your chosen sweet fillings – fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or nuts – onto the cream cheese layer. 5. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet. 6. Brush the tops of the tortillas with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden and crispy. 8. For a surprising twist, serve with a small side of zesty salsa for dipping, adding a unique burst of flavor to your dessert. Enjoy! (Note: The recipes provided are meant to be adapted and customized according to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.) Amber Bell is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Bell Worlds at amberbell.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min

  3. 08/05/2023

    Jack the Farmer

    Once upon a time, in a lush and magical valley embraced by misty mountains, there was a young farmer named Jack. He lived in a quaint wooden cottage, nestled amidst colorful meadows and the sweet songs of birds. Each morning, as the golden sun painted the sky, Jack would wake up with a heart full of wonder and a special dream - to learn the secrets of Permaculture, a magical way of farming where plants and animals lived together like best friends, helping and caring for each other. One sunny morning, as the flowers greeted the day with their radiant smiles, Jack set out on a journey to discover the wonders of Permaculture. The path ahead was filled with curious surprises, and Jack's eyes sparkled with excitement. On his way, he met a wise owl named Oliver, known for his gentle heart and wisdom. Oliver offered to be Jack's guide on this magical journey. Oliver shared with Jack the importance of having a farm full of different plants and animals. He explained how some plants protected others from pesky bugs, just like friends helping each other when they needed support. Jack was amazed and couldn't wait to try it all out. With Oliver's guidance, Jack started planting all sorts of crops on his farm. He carefully selected flowers that butterflies and bees adored, inviting them to a delightful dance among the blossoms. The butterflies fluttered their delicate wings, while the bees hummed sweet melodies, creating a magical symphony in the air. He even made a cozy home for ladybugs, the heroes of the garden, who chased away pesky bugs that tried to bother his plants. The ladybugs wore shiny red armor and marched through the leaves like tiny warriors, protecting their green kingdom. One day, a mischievous group of crows arrived at Jack's farm and started munching on his precious crops. Jack felt a little sad but remembered Oliver's wise words. He thought of a clever idea and made a friendly scarecrow to protect his fields. The scarecrow had straw hair and a cheerful face that seemed to wink at the crows playfully. Jack named him Sir Scarecrow, and together, they became the guardians of the farm. To outwit the crows further, Jack planted tall and bright sunflowers that the crows loved to play with. Those sunflowers were like giant guardians of joy, swaying and bending to the crows' antics, making them giggle with delight. The crows soon forgot about the tasty veggies and spent their days frolicking with the sunflowers, creating a delightful spectacle in the farm. As Jack spent more time in his farm, tending to his beloved plants, he discovered a secret world beneath the soil - a world of tiny earthworms! These little creatures worked quietly and tirelessly, turning the soil into a soft, crumbly haven for the plants. Jack watched them wiggle and squirm, like a silent dance of joy, and he marveled at their hard work. With a heart full of gratitude, Jack thanked the earthworms for their diligent efforts, singing them songs of appreciation. The earthworms seemed to wiggle even more with happiness, as if they understood Jack's melodies of love. Sometimes, the sun shone so brightly, and rain forgot to visit the valley, making the farm feel thirsty. Jack worried about his plants but remembered another lesson from Oliver. He dug gentle ditches called swales to collect rainwater and give it to his plants when they were thirsty. The swales were like tiny rivers that brought life to the land, nourishing the plants and making them sing with joy. The plants thanked Jack with colorful blooms, and the flowers swayed in a joyful dance, their petals perfuming the air with sweet scents. The farm became a vibrant canvas of colors, with the birds adding their cheerful chirps to the melody of nature. Word about Jack's magical farm spread like whispers in the wind, carried by the birds from one end of the valley to another. Soon, lovely deer came to visit, gracefully prancing through the meadows, their gentle eyes reflecting the magic of the farm. They nibbled on the sweet grass and drank from the glistening streams, leaving behind a sense of peace and harmony. Buzzing bees heard about the enchanted farm too, and they decided to build their honeycombs in the ancient trees that stood like ancient guardians of wisdom. The bees flitted from flower to flower, gathering golden nectar, and returned to the hives with happy hums of contentment. They painted the farm with a touch of golden sweetness, a treasure they shared with everyone who visited. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Jack's farm blossomed like a beautiful dream. It became a place where plants and animals danced together, where the land sang songs of joy, and where Jack's heart brimmed with happiness. Every creature that visited the farm felt the warmth of love and harmony that Jack had nurtured with care. And so, in this enchanting valley, the tale of Jack's adventure in Permaculture came to life, a story of friendship, learning, and love. The farm was no longer just a farm but a magical sanctuary, where nature's symphony played on, enchanting young and old alike. The story of Jack's magical journey, with Oliver as his wise guide, touched the hearts of all who heard it, forever and ever. The End. Hello, I’m Amber. Thank you for enjoying my stories inspired by two young story lovers and AI. If you enjoy these stories, consider subscribing and support a fellow mom.  Get full access to Bell Worlds at amberbell.substack.com/subscribe

    8 min

  4. 08/04/2023

    Speed Racer Sam

    Once in a lively neighborhood, there lived a young boy named Sam who had a deep passion for remote control cars. His heart was set on owning the fastest RC car in the town, the legendary Speedster 3000. But there was one problem - the Speedster 3000 was quite expensive, and Sam's family couldn't afford to buy it for him. Determined to make his dream come true, Sam decided to take matters into his own hands. He set his mind on earning the money to buy the Speedster 3000 himself. Sam loved helping others, and he noticed that many of his neighbors' lawns needed mowing. That's when an idea struck him like a lightning bolt! With a determined glint in his eye, Sam knocked on doors around the neighborhood, offering his lawn-mowing services. He didn't mind the hard work because he knew it was for a greater cause. However, things didn't go as smoothly as he had hoped. Some people were already hiring other lawn-mowing services, while others thought he was too young for the task. But Sam refused to give up. He realized that patience was the key to achieving his goal. So, he practiced mowing his family's lawn with utmost care, learning the art of neat and precise grass-cutting. Every day, he approached different neighbors, showing his determination and passion for earning the money. Weeks turned into months, and Sam's enthusiasm never wavered. With each rejection, he kept reminding himself of the dream that waited for him at the finish line - the Speedster 3000, the car of his dreams. One day, as he was walking back home feeling a bit disheartened, he heard the familiar jingle of Mr. Thompson's keys. Mr. Thompson was known for his large and tricky lawn, which nobody had ever mowed to his satisfaction. Sam saw an opportunity, and with a little courage, he approached Mr. Thompson. "I know I'm just a kid, sir, but I promise to do my best," Sam said earnestly. Mr. Thompson looked at Sam and smiled, impressed by his determination. "Alright, young man, you can give it a try." Sam's heart pounded with excitement and nervousness as he started mowing Mr. Thompson's lawn. He took his time, carefully maneuvering the mower around the flower beds and trees. He didn't rush; he knew that patience was key. Finally, after hours of hard work, Sam stepped back, admiring his handiwork. Mr. Thompson walked over and was amazed by the meticulous work Sam had done. "Son, you did an outstanding job!" Mr. Thompson exclaimed. "I'll pay you extra for your dedication and attention to detail." With a beaming smile, Sam received his payment. Day by day, he continued to mow lawns, and his reputation for excellent work spread through the neighborhood like wildfire. After months of tireless effort, Sam finally saved enough money to buy the Speedster 3000. He raced to the toy store and proudly walked out with his dream car in hand. The Speedster 3000 was everything he had hoped for - sleek, fast, and the pride of his collection. As he sped his new RC car through the neighborhood, he realized that the struggle, passion, resilience, and patience he had shown had made the moment even sweeter. Sam had not only earned a faster RC car, but he had also learned valuable lessons about determination and hard work. From that day on, Sam's passion for RC cars grew even more. He continued to mow lawns, not just for money, but because he genuinely enjoyed helping others. And as he zoomed around with the Speedster 3000, he knew that dreams could come true with perseverance and a heart full of determination. The End. Hello, I’m Amber. Thank you for enjoying my stories inspired by two young story lovers and AI. If you enjoy these stories, consider subscribing and support a fellow mom.  Get full access to Bell Worlds at amberbell.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min

  5. 08/03/2023

    A Tale of Two Wolves

    A story of internal struggle and choosing "to feed" and nurture the path of light & love. Get full access to Bell Worlds at amberbell.substack.com/subscribe

    10 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Big Stories for Little Ears helps explain the life lessons that adults struggle with most, written to support and guide kids as they experience big feelings, perhaps for the first time. Also look for stories about food and cooking to inspire and empower kids to participate in the kitchen. Stories are read in a bedtime-friendly tone. amberbell.substack.com

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