Amma’s Stories
By clicking the buttons below you can listen to free audio samples of six stories. You will find there is also a synopsis of each of my stories and their accompanying lesson plans.
My site is constantly updated as I regularly add new stories, lesson plans and blogs.
Story Audio Samples
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Coyote's Trick #1
The Tanglebeings #2
Goldilocks, Teddy Bear & The Little Witch #3
The Day Marrisa Sent Her Baby Brother Back #4
The Little Christmas Tree #5
Latisha & The Shadow Lion #6
THE WHOLE STORY OF GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure)
© Madeleine Sklar 2007
10:28 Min, MP3 Audio
Download MP3
The Whole Story Of Goldilocks & The Three Bears provides a sequel to the traditional story as it answers my granddaughter’s question, “What happened after Goldilocks ran away from the three bears’ house?” This sequel, in turn, opened the gateway to a series of short stories about witches and fairytales that describe the various adventures of the two friends, Teddy Bear and Goldilocks.
The Eco and Green lesson plans and art projects offered with this short fairytale teach children to respect and value the interconnected web of life. This story and lesson plan will also appeal to home schoolers.
GOLDILOCKS, TEDDY BEAR & THE LITTLE WITCH
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure) © Madeleine Sklar 2007
2:12 Min, MP3 Audio
On the way to visit her friend Teddy, Goldilocks gets lost in a sudden fog. She finds herself at the house of Matilda, a tiny witch. When Goldilocks and Matilda fly to Teddy’s house, Matilda explains that she was not always tiny and pleads with the friends to help her get her magic wand back from the Wicked Wizard who stole it and shrank her to the size of a mouse.When they agree to help, the three fly to Castle Gloom, the Wicked Wizard’s home.
This will be of interest to those wanting short stories about witches, and short fairy tales. It includes art projects for children and discussion topics that stimulate their imagination making it a good preschool literacy activity. Because of the open ended quality of the questions, discussion points, and activities in the lesson plan, it can also be used with older children.
COYOTE’S TRICK
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure)
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
10:21 Min, MP3 Audio
Mischievous Coyote decides to trick Goldilocks and Teddy into fighting first with each other and then with the fairies. When a fairy gets accidentally hurt, the two friends try to save her.
The lesson plan accompanying this story offers nature projects and discussion topics that teach diversity to children, and reference American Indian values, and the beliefs of indigenous peoples. The story and lesson plans will appeal to those doing online home schooling.
LATISHA & THE SHADOW LION
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
11:43 Min, MP3 Audio
When Latisha gets sick, her mother finds a porcelain lion to comfort and give her the courage to fight her sickness. In the nightlight glow the lion’s shadow grows to the size of a real lion. The Shadow Lion carries Latisha to a land where she finds her courage and by so doing, overcomes her fear and discovers she has the inner strength that helps her recover.
The lesson plan and preschool literacy activities, accompanying this short fairy tale, offers science projects for children of all ages, which encourages eco and green awareness. The discussion topics help develop compassionate thinking.
THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
13:46 Min, MP3 Audio
The Little Christmas Tree is a short story about a young tree that longs to grow big enough to be “a lovely living Christmas tree”. ‘I’ll never be big enough,’ he whispered to the wind in his branches. A Dark-eyed Junco bird landed beside him ‘Be patient. You’ll grow. Seasons always change,’ she chirped cheerily nudging his needles with her beak.”
The accompanying lesson plans focus on giving children an appreciation of diversity and also inspires eco and green values.
THE TANGLEBEINGS
© Madeleine Sklar 2007
9:24 Min, MP3 Audio
If you’ve ever struggled to brush the tangles from a child’s hair, this short fairy tale is the perfect solution to your problem. This is a story to be read, and retold during the hair brushing process. Verses can be added to the soothing songs.
The description of the Tanglebeings one by one falling asleep as the nightingale sings and the blue fairy brushes them out, is engaging, and the telling can be extended by the adult, making the dreaded hair-brushing experience much more pleasant for all involved.
LITTLE RUDE
© Madeleine Sklar 2007
19:42 Min, MP3 Audio
My story LITTLE RUDE is about “Princess Beauty,” whose bad behavior and tantrums result in a fairy (after suffering her rudeness) transforming her into Little
Rude.
I wrote the story for my then four-year old granddaughter, so that she might become more conscious of the way her behavior affected others (her parents, grandparents, and her peers). She enjoyed the story and her behavior did change.
THE DAY MARRISA SENT HER BABY BROTHER BACK
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
12:13 Min, MP3 Audio
After her baby brother is born, Marrisa discovers that her mother doesn’t have the same amount of time for her. Also, her new baby brother is not as much fun as she thought he would be. When Marrisa decides to send him back to the hospital everyone learns an important lesson.
I want this story to give parents and children a vehicle for sharing the emotions (fears, insecurities and needs) that underlie sibling rivalry.
TEDDY AND THE GIANT BEE
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure)
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
9:41 Min, MP3 Audio
Seeing Teddy eating stolen honey, the wicked witch, Pivy, decides to have some fun. Casting a grow spell she makes the angry bee the size of Teddy. Although the terrified bear gives the honey back, The bee no longer fits in her hive. She begins to cry. Teddy, compassion overcoming greed, suggests Matilda, the good witch, can help.
In this short fairy tale, when the former enemies become friends, everyone wins.
Children who love stories about witches will particularly enjoy this story. The fairy tale and lesson plan inspires children’s scientific curiosity about bees and the natural world.
GOLDILOCKS AND TEDDY RESCUE THE RAINBOW FAIRY
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure)
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
17:02 Min, MP3 Audio
One summer day as Teddy and Goldilocks play in the lush garden, they are shocked to see all the colors vanish. Suddenly everything fades to black, white, and shades of grey. When Matilda the witch arrives asking for their help rescuing the rainbow fairy from the Wicked Wizard’s clutches, the friends need their wits, and all their courage, to free the fairy and return colors to the world.
The lesson plan and discussion topics accompanying this short fairy tale, encourages children’s scientific curiosity. Because of the open ended quality of the questions, discussion points, and activities in the lesson plan, it can also be used with older children.
THE BULLHEADED KING
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
15:55 Min, MP3 Audio
The princess cries because there is no butter. Her father the king, offers a generous reward to anyone with a cow who can provide it. Smitz, a poor farmer, counts on the reward to buy schoolbooks for his daughter. When the selfish king reneges on his promise, the fairies transform the king’s head to that of a bull to teach him a lesson. When the princess learns the reason for the change in her father’s appearance, she is angry and races to correct the wrong her father has done.
The lesson plan that accompanies this fairytale has both activities geared to preschoolers and older elementary students as well. A children’s story with a moral, this is a good teaching short story.
TWO FERRETS’ HATS
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
6:08 Min, MP3 Audio
Sebastian wears his new boots when he goes to visit his Tanta Lulu and her little dog, Bridget. While eating toast and jam, they are alerted by Bridget’s furious barking. It seems the mischievous ferrets have stolen and hidden Sebastian’s boots. It is only Tanta Lulu’s ingenious idea, and a few stitches, that persuade the ferrets to return the boots.
In spite of the simplicity and preschool level of the story, the lesson plan that accompanies this short story will be inspiring not only to preschoolers, but older children with an interest in the natural sciences.
IN THE MONSTER ANT’S TRAP
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure)
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
11:57 Min, MP3 Audio
On a day in early spring, Goldilocks and Teddy go to visit Matilda, the witch. Although they promised to remain on the path, Goldilocks leaves it to pick a beautiful red tulip. Tugging the flower, Goldilocks begins sliding into the giant ant’s trap. When Teddy tries to help, he too falls in. Fortunately, at the last moment, Matilda hears their cries and rescues them.
This will also appeal to those who like somewhat scary short stories about witches and monsters. The accompanying lesson plan was designed to inspire children’s scientific curiosity.
ROGER AND ELLIE – TWO SHY
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
11:21 Min, MP3 Audio
Roger and Ellie are two painfully shy children who, while simultaneously attempting to avoid a social interaction, crash into each other. The accident cracks open their protective walls and they discover the comfort of being understood and the delight of having a friend.
The lesson plan and discussion topics that accompany this teaching story, opens the door to communication about feelings that shy children often have trouble expressing. The discussion topics can help children become more articulate about their emotions.
VIOLET AND THE PIRATES
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
19:43 Min, MP3 Audio
“Violet lived in a time when people rode in carriages pulled by horses, and in ships with sails driven by wind rather than gas or electricity, as they are today.” So begins the story wherein Violet, separated from her parents finds herself shipwrecked alone on an island. Moon Water, discovers the crying child and in spite of her strangeness brings Violet to her mother. One day on their way to the beach, the girls discover pirates have landed with two ragged slaves (Violet’s parents). With the girls help, in a daring raid Violet’s parents are freed, and the terrified pirates, banished. In a great celebration, the reunited family joins the island community.
Because of the open ended quality of the questions, and the focus on understanding and valuing cultural diversity, the discussion points, and activities in the lesson plan, will also be of interest to older children.
THE COLOR FAIRIES
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
8:35 Min, MP3 Audio
This short fairy tale begins: “Once upon a time the Rainbow Fairy lived on a cloud with her three oldest children who each had their own bubble room. Their mother called them her three Primaries because they were the first of their kind and primary means first. The little fairies names were Primary Red, Primary Yellow, and Primary Blue. They were called that, because each fairy’s color was so clear and strong.”
THE COLOR FAIRIES is both a fairy tale and lesson plan, as the fairies dance and play music, mixing colors while they visit each other’s bubble worlds. It provides an excellent art project for children to learn about the color wheel.
GOLDILOCKS UN-GROWS
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure)
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
18:10 Min, MP3 Audio
One snowy day the wicked witch, Pivy, having grown bored mixing her potions,
flies off looking to make trouble. Spying Goldilocks on her new sled, Pivy
sprinkles un-grow powder on the child. The next morning, Goldilocks alarmed,
realizes she is shrinking but to her dismay only her friend Teddy believes
her. The two finally turn to their last hope for help, Matilda, a good witch.
This short story about witches addresses the important issue of asking for
help if you are worried or troubled. It stresses the importance of continuing
to search and speak out until you find a caring adult who will listen and help.
The accompanying lesson plan is perfect for preschoolers and elementary age
children.
DIEGO AND LUCA
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
9:01 Min, MP3 Audio
Diego and his dog Luca live in a tree house in the tallest tree in the forest. When loggers come to cut his tree down, Diego begs them to give him a little time. The loggers agree to give him two weeks. One evening before bed, Diego from his high perch, notices a distant fire. When he calls the forest service to warn them he manages to save not only the forest but his home as well.
This lesson plan inspires children’s scientific curiosity. It’s also focused on the importance of protecting our old growth forests, and teaching eco and green values as children are inspired to think “out of the box,” and learn about alternative building materials. It makes a perfect story for home schooling.
ROMEO THE THEATER CAT
© Madeleine Sklar 2008
10:01 Min, MP3 Audio
Romeo lives with a girl named Sally. To earn their keep, Sally runs the box office in the theater below and Romeo keeps the place free of rats and mice. All goes well until Romeo spies a mouse racing for the dressing-room during a Production of Romeo and Juliet. Giving chase, he accidentally discovers open pots of makeup and decides to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor.
This amusing story and the accompanying lesson plans, includes art projects
for children and discussion topics that stimulate their imagination. It will
be especially appealing to children who love acting and playing dress-up.
The lesson plan’s literacy activities will also be of interest to elementary
age and older children.
KIDNAPPED BY THE WIRE WIZARD
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure)
© Madeleine Sklar 2009
18:52 Min, MP3 Audio
Goldilocks is a clever girl, smart enough to run into her house and lock the
door as the Wire Wizard approaches her. However, when she hears scratching, she peeps out. When she sees the Wire Wizard in his disguise as a “kitty,” the unsuspecting girl invites him inside.
While Goldilocks offers the kitty a bowl of milk, the wizard throws off his disguise and thrusts her into his sack. As the wizard heads for Castle Gloom, Teddy (on his way to visit Goldilocks) hears her cries for help and follows.
The lesson plan accompanying this story contains both literacy activities,
and an opportunity for children to work with movement exploration and Yoga
positions.
THE BIRD GIRL
© Madeleine Sklar 2009
18:27 Min, MP3 Audio
When Tamar and Samuel’s prayers are answered, Tamar gives birth to a beautiful baby girl, Zipporah. All goes well until her first day of school. Although mercilessly taunted by the other children at school, Zipporah must return. With her mother’s guidance, she makes a friend, and everyone learns an important lesson about the value of uniqueness.
The lesson plans that accompany this short fairytale contains projects and
discussion topics formulated to help children with their self esteem by helping
them learn to accept and value their own and other’s uniqueness. Children of
all ages are helped to appreciate the usefulness and the importance that having differences contributes to any given group.
ARTHUR, THE REBELLIOUSE DRAGON
© Madeleine Sklar 2009
16:36 Min, MP3 Audio
Arthur is a dreamer who’d rather watch a beautiful sunset or listen to music
than burn, pillage and create mayhem like the other dragons. Worst of all,
much to his parents’ dismay, he even fails at hoarding. Finally exiled from
Dragondom, the world of his childhood, he discovers a new world and a makes a new friend.
Like the previous lesson plan this one The lesson plan contains projects and
discussion topics formulated to help children with their self esteem. It can
them learn to accept and value their own and other’s uniqueness. It also opens the door for children to explore and discuss the difficult emotional issues of hearing their parents fight and talk about them as if they’re not there.
THE HAUNTED MIRROR
© Madeleine Sklar 2009
19:32 Min, MP3 Audio
This short fairy tale for children is my response to my granddaughter’s request for a “scary story.” Although she loved it, I’ve labeled it
PG, since some children are more sensitive then others and I don’t want to be responsible for any child’s nightmares.
In this scary short story for kids, Goldilocks
and her friend Teddy, break their promise to her mother to “stay on the path.” Instead they enlist the help of their dragon friend Arthur in an end of summer adventure. The friends discover a haunted castle and are trapped in an evil magic mirror.
The accompanying lesson plan contains scientific experiments, and discussion around mirrors and the way we see.
THE ICE DEMON
© Madeleine Sklar 2010
12:51 Min, MP3 Audio
In this short fairy tale, The Ice Demon freezes Princess Spring, Teddy and Goldilocks in blocks of ice while creating an unseasonable ice storm. When the demon’s storm freezes the bad witch, Pivy’s toxic plants, and the good witch Matilda’s herbs, the two enemy’s find a way to work together in order to defeat him and bring back the spring.
The lesson concerning the importance of learning to collaborate (even with those you don’t like) in order to create a mutual benefit is important for children to learn. In our increasingly contentious world, this fairytale could provide a good lead in to discussion and exercises in conflict resolution.
DON’T APOLOGIZE JANE
© Madeleine Sklar 2010
19:23 Min, MP3 Audio
“Don’t Apologize Jane” addresses the issue of emotional abuse in a real and yet imaginatively entertaining way. Jane’s story speaks even to children who’ve no experience of abuse since most have, at one time or another, felt a lack of self-esteem.
Because her empowering journey invites class discussion and sharing around a difficult topic, it can help identify children in need. “Don’t Apologize Jane” can also provide an effective tool in a therapeutic setting.
GOLDILOCKS AND TEDDY GO SPELUNKING
© Madeleine Sklar 2010
16:13 Min, MP3 Audio
This adventure begins when Teddy arrives at Goldilocks door with his new spelunking hat and a map. The friends discover a petrified forest and a cave.
This adventure story includes much information about petrified forests and caves.
There are other lessons in the story including the importance (even if someone appears attractive) of listening to the warnings of our intuition, the still small
voice within.
Lev and Evie’s Hanukah Challah
© Madeleine Sklar 2010
10:03 Min, MP3 Audio
While preparing for Hanukah (the celebration of the festival of lights) Lev and Evie’s embattled family experiences their own miracle. A moment of enlightenment
lifts them.
This sudden distance vision allows them to step back from their anger, laugh at themselves, remember their love and together defeat the monster
their rage created.
The lesson plan accompanying this story includes a recipe for Challah and definitions of the Hebrew and Yiddish words used in the story.
THE WHOLE STORY OF GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure) © Madeleine Sklar 2007 10:28 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package The Whole Story Of Goldilocks & The Three Bears provides a sequel to the traditional story as it answers my granddaughter’s question, “What happened after Goldilocks ran away from the three bears’ house?” This sequel, in turn, opened the gateway to a series of short stories about witches and fairytales that describe the various adventures of the two friends, Teddy Bear and Goldilocks. The Eco and Green lesson plans and art projects offered with this short fairytale teach children to respect and value the interconnected web of life. This story and lesson plan will also appeal to home schoolers.GOLDILOCKS, TEDDY BEAR & THE LITTLE WITCH
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure) © Madeleine Sklar 2007 2:12 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package On the way to visit her friend Teddy, Goldilocks gets lost in a sudden fog. She finds herself at the house of Matilda, a tiny witch. When Goldilocks and Matilda fly to Teddy’s house, Matilda explains that she was not always tiny and pleads with the friends to help her get her magic wand back from the Wicked Wizard who stole it and shrank her to the size of a mouse.When they agree to help, the three fly to Castle Gloom, the Wicked Wizard’s home. This will be of interest to those wanting short stories about witches, and short fairy tales. It includes art projects for children and discussion topics that stimulate their imagination making it a good preschool literacy activity. Because of the open ended quality of the questions, discussion points, and activities in the lesson plan, it can also be used with older children.COYOTE’S TRICK
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure) © Madeleine Sklar 2008 10:21 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package Mischievous Coyote decides to trick Goldilocks and Teddy into fighting first with each other and then with the fairies. When a fairy gets accidentally hurt, the two friends try to save her. The lesson plan accompanying this story offers nature projects and discussion topics that teach diversity to children, and reference American Indian values, and the beliefs of indigenous peoples. The story and lesson plans will appeal to those doing online home schooling.LATISHA & THE SHADOW LION
© Madeleine Sklar 2008 11:43 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package When Latisha gets sick, her mother finds a porcelain lion to comfort and give her the courage to fight her sickness. In the nightlight glow the lion’s shadow grows to the size of a real lion. The Shadow Lion carries Latisha to a land where she finds her courage and by so doing, overcomes her fear and discovers she has the inner strength that helps her recover. The lesson plan and preschool literacy activities, accompanying this short fairy tale, offers science projects for children of all ages, which encourages eco and green awareness. The discussion topics help develop compassionate thinking.THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE
© Madeleine Sklar 2008 13:46 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package The Little Christmas Tree is a short story about a young tree that longs to grow big enough to be “a lovely living Christmas tree”. ‘I’ll never be big enough,’ he whispered to the wind in his branches. A Dark-eyed Junco bird landed beside him ‘Be patient. You’ll grow. Seasons always change,’ she chirped cheerily nudging his needles with her beak.” The accompanying lesson plans focus on giving children an appreciation of diversity and also inspires eco and green values.THE TANGLEBEINGS
© Madeleine Sklar 2007 9:24 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package If you’ve ever struggled to brush the tangles from a child’s hair, this short fairy tale is the perfect solution to your problem. This is a story to be read, and retold during the hair brushing process. Verses can be added to the soothing songs. The description of the Tanglebeings one by one falling asleep as the nightingale sings and the blue fairy brushes them out, is engaging, and the telling can be extended by the adult, making the dreaded hair-brushing experience much more pleasant for all involved.LITTLE RUDE
© Madeleine Sklar 2007 19:42 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package My story LITTLE RUDE is about “Princess Beauty,” whose bad behavior and tantrums result in a fairy (after suffering her rudeness) transforming her into Little Rude.I wrote the story for my then four-year old granddaughter, so that she might become more conscious of the way her behavior affected others (her parents, grandparents, and her peers). She enjoyed the story and her behavior did change.
THE DAY MARRISA SENT HER BABY BROTHER BACK
© Madeleine Sklar 2008 12:13 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package After her baby brother is born, Marrisa discovers that her mother doesn’t have the same amount of time for her. Also, her new baby brother is not as much fun as she thought he would be. When Marrisa decides to send him back to the hospital everyone learns an important lesson. I want this story to give parents and children a vehicle for sharing the emotions (fears, insecurities and needs) that underlie sibling rivalry.TEDDY AND THE GIANT BEE
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure) © Madeleine Sklar 2008 9:41 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package Seeing Teddy eating stolen honey, the wicked witch, Pivy, decides to have some fun. Casting a grow spell she makes the angry bee the size of Teddy. Although the terrified bear gives the honey back, The bee no longer fits in her hive. She begins to cry. Teddy, compassion overcoming greed, suggests Matilda, the good witch, can help. In this short fairy tale, when the former enemies become friends, everyone wins. Children who love stories about witches will particularly enjoy this story. The fairy tale and lesson plan inspires children’s scientific curiosity about bees and the natural world.GOLDILOCKS AND TEDDY RESCUE THE RAINBOW FAIRY
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure) © Madeleine Sklar 2008 17:02 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package One summer day as Teddy and Goldilocks play in the lush garden, they are shocked to see all the colors vanish. Suddenly everything fades to black, white, and shades of grey. When Matilda the witch arrives asking for their help rescuing the rainbow fairy from the Wicked Wizard’s clutches, the friends need their wits, and all their courage, to free the fairy and return colors to the world. The lesson plan and discussion topics accompanying this short fairy tale, encourages children’s scientific curiosity. Because of the open ended quality of the questions, discussion points, and activities in the lesson plan, it can also be used with older children.THE BULLHEADED KING
© Madeleine Sklar 2008 15:55 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package The princess cries because there is no butter. Her father the king, offers a generous reward to anyone with a cow who can provide it. Smitz, a poor farmer, counts on the reward to buy schoolbooks for his daughter. When the selfish king reneges on his promise, the fairies transform the king’s head to that of a bull to teach him a lesson. When the princess learns the reason for the change in her father’s appearance, she is angry and races to correct the wrong her father has done. The lesson plan that accompanies this fairytale has both activities geared to preschoolers and older elementary students as well. A children’s story with a moral, this is a good teaching short story.TWO FERRETS’ HATS
© Madeleine Sklar 2008 6:08 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount PackageSebastian wears his new boots when he goes to visit his Tanta Lulu and her little dog, Bridget. While eating toast and jam, they are alerted by Bridget’s furious barking. It seems the mischievous ferrets have stolen and hidden Sebastian’s boots. It is only Tanta Lulu’s ingenious idea, and a few stitches, that persuade the ferrets to return the boots.
In spite of the simplicity and preschool level of the story, the lesson plan that accompanies this short story will be inspiring not only to preschoolers, but older children with an interest in the natural sciences.
IN THE MONSTER ANT’S TRAP
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure) © Madeleine Sklar 2008 11:57 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package On a day in early spring, Goldilocks and Teddy go to visit Matilda, the witch. Although they promised to remain on the path, Goldilocks leaves it to pick a beautiful red tulip. Tugging the flower, Goldilocks begins sliding into the giant ant’s trap. When Teddy tries to help, he too falls in. Fortunately, at the last moment, Matilda hears their cries and rescues them. This will also appeal to those who like somewhat scary short stories about witches and monsters. The accompanying lesson plan was designed to inspire children’s scientific curiosity.ROGER AND ELLIE – TWO SHY
© Madeleine Sklar 2008 11:21 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package Roger and Ellie are two painfully shy children who, while simultaneously attempting to avoid a social interaction, crash into each other. The accident cracks open their protective walls and they discover the comfort of being understood and the delight of having a friend. The lesson plan and discussion topics that accompany this teaching story, opens the door to communication about feelings that shy children often have trouble expressing. The discussion topics can help children become more articulate about their emotions.VIOLET AND THE PIRATES
© Madeleine Sklar 2008 19:43 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package “Violet lived in a time when people rode in carriages pulled by horses, and in ships with sails driven by wind rather than gas or electricity, as they are today.” So begins the story wherein Violet, separated from her parents finds herself shipwrecked alone on an island. Moon Water, discovers the crying child and in spite of her strangeness brings Violet to her mother. One day on their way to the beach, the girls discover pirates have landed with two ragged slaves (Violet’s parents). With the girls help, in a daring raid Violet’s parents are freed, and the terrified pirates, banished. In a great celebration, the reunited family joins the island community. Because of the open ended quality of the questions, and the focus on understanding and valuing cultural diversity, the discussion points, and activities in the lesson plan, will also be of interest to older children.THE COLOR FAIRIES
© Madeleine Sklar 2008 8:35 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package This short fairy tale begins: “Once upon a time the Rainbow Fairy lived on a cloud with her three oldest children who each had their own bubble room. Their mother called them her three Primaries because they were the first of their kind and primary means first. The little fairies names were Primary Red, Primary Yellow, and Primary Blue. They were called that, because each fairy’s color was so clear and strong.” THE COLOR FAIRIES is both a fairy tale and lesson plan, as the fairies dance and play music, mixing colors while they visit each other’s bubble worlds. It provides an excellent art project for children to learn about the color wheel.GOLDILOCKS UN-GROWS
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure) © Madeleine Sklar 2008 18:10 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package One snowy day the wicked witch, Pivy, having grown bored mixing her potions, flies off looking to make trouble. Spying Goldilocks on her new sled, Pivy sprinkles un-grow powder on the child. The next morning, Goldilocks alarmed, realizes she is shrinking but to her dismay only her friend Teddy believes her. The two finally turn to their last hope for help, Matilda, a good witch. This short story about witches addresses the important issue of asking for help if you are worried or troubled. It stresses the importance of continuing to search and speak out until you find a caring adult who will listen and help. The accompanying lesson plan is perfect for preschoolers and elementary age children.DIEGO AND LUCA
© Madeleine Sklar 2008 9:01 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package Diego and his dog Luca live in a tree house in the tallest tree in the forest. When loggers come to cut his tree down, Diego begs them to give him a little time. The loggers agree to give him two weeks. One evening before bed, Diego from his high perch, notices a distant fire. When he calls the forest service to warn them he manages to save not only the forest but his home as well. This lesson plan inspires children’s scientific curiosity. It’s also focused on the importance of protecting our old growth forests, and teaching eco and green values as children are inspired to think “out of the box,” and learn about alternative building materials. It makes a perfect story for home schooling.ROMEO THE THEATER CAT
© Madeleine Sklar 2008 10:01 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount PackageRomeo lives with a girl named Sally. To earn their keep, Sally runs the box office in the theater below and Romeo keeps the place free of rats and mice. All goes well until Romeo spies a mouse racing for the dressing-room during a Production of Romeo and Juliet. Giving chase, he accidentally discovers open pots of makeup and decides to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor.
This amusing story and the accompanying lesson plans, includes art projects for children and discussion topics that stimulate their imagination. It will be especially appealing to children who love acting and playing dress-up. The lesson plan’s literacy activities will also be of interest to elementary age and older children.
KIDNAPPED BY THE WIRE WIZARD
(A Goldilocks & Teddy Adventure) © Madeleine Sklar 2009 18:52 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package Goldilocks is a clever girl, smart enough to run into her house and lock the door as the Wire Wizard approaches her. However, when she hears scratching, she peeps out. When she sees the Wire Wizard in his disguise as a “kitty,” the unsuspecting girl invites him inside. While Goldilocks offers the kitty a bowl of milk, the wizard throws off his disguise and thrusts her into his sack. As the wizard heads for Castle Gloom, Teddy (on his way to visit Goldilocks) hears her cries for help and follows. The lesson plan accompanying this story contains both literacy activities, and an opportunity for children to work with movement exploration and Yoga positions.THE BIRD GIRL
© Madeleine Sklar 2009 18:27 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package When Tamar and Samuel’s prayers are answered, Tamar gives birth to a beautiful baby girl, Zipporah. All goes well until her first day of school. Although mercilessly taunted by the other children at school, Zipporah must return. With her mother’s guidance, she makes a friend, and everyone learns an important lesson about the value of uniqueness. The lesson plans that accompany this short fairytale contains projects and discussion topics formulated to help children with their self esteem by helping them learn to accept and value their own and other’s uniqueness. Children of all ages are helped to appreciate the usefulness and the importance that having differences contributes to any given group.ARTHUR, THE REBELLIOUSE DRAGON
© Madeleine Sklar 2009 16:36 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package Arthur is a dreamer who’d rather watch a beautiful sunset or listen to music than burn, pillage and create mayhem like the other dragons. Worst of all, much to his parents’ dismay, he even fails at hoarding. Finally exiled from Dragondom, the world of his childhood, he discovers a new world and a makes a new friend. Like the previous lesson plan this one The lesson plan contains projects and discussion topics formulated to help children with their self esteem. It can them learn to accept and value their own and other’s uniqueness. It also opens the door for children to explore and discuss the difficult emotional issues of hearing their parents fight and talk about them as if they’re not there.THE HAUNTED MIRROR
© Madeleine Sklar 2009 19:32 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package This short fairy tale for children is my response to my granddaughter’s request for a “scary story.” Although she loved it, I’ve labeled it PG, since some children are more sensitive then others and I don’t want to be responsible for any child’s nightmares. In this scary short story for kids, Goldilocks and her friend Teddy, break their promise to her mother to “stay on the path.” Instead they enlist the help of their dragon friend Arthur in an end of summer adventure. The friends discover a haunted castle and are trapped in an evil magic mirror. The accompanying lesson plan contains scientific experiments, and discussion around mirrors and the way we see.THE ICE DEMON
© Madeleine Sklar 2010 12:51 Min, MP3 Audio Download MP3 Download PDF Complete Discount Package In this short fairy tale, The Ice Demon freezes Princess Spring, Teddy and Goldilocks in blocks of ice while creating an unseasonable ice storm. When the demon’s storm freezes the bad witch, Pivy’s toxic plants, and the good witch Matilda’s herbs, the two enemy’s find a way to work together in order to defeat him and bring back the spring. The lesson concerning the importance of learning to collaborate (even with those you don’t like) in order to create a mutual benefit is important for children to learn. In our increasingly contentious world, this fairytale could provide a good lead in to discussion and exercises in conflict resolution.DON’T APOLOGIZE JANE
© Madeleine Sklar 2010 19:23 Min, MP3 Audio“Don’t Apologize Jane” addresses the issue of emotional abuse in a real and yet imaginatively entertaining way. Jane’s story speaks even to children who’ve no experience of abuse since most have, at one time or another, felt a lack of self-esteem.
Because her empowering journey invites class discussion and sharing around a difficult topic, it can help identify children in need. “Don’t Apologize Jane” can also provide an effective tool in a therapeutic setting.
GOLDILOCKS AND TEDDY GO SPELUNKING
© Madeleine Sklar 2010 16:13 Min, MP3 Audio This adventure begins when Teddy arrives at Goldilocks door with his new spelunking hat and a map. The friends discover a petrified forest and a cave. This adventure story includes much information about petrified forests and caves. There are other lessons in the story including the importance (even if someone appears attractive) of listening to the warnings of our intuition, the still small voice within.Lev and Evie’s Hanukah Challah
© Madeleine Sklar 2010
10:03 Min, MP3 Audio
While preparing for Hanukah (the celebration of the festival of lights) Lev and Evie’s embattled family experiences their own miracle. A moment of enlightenment lifts them.
This sudden distance vision allows them to step back from their anger, laugh at themselves, remember their love and together defeat the monster their rage created.
The lesson plan accompanying this story includes a recipe for Challah and definitions of the Hebrew and Yiddish words used in the story.