Storytime Explorers: Stories for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Growing Minds
Storytime Explorers is a heartfelt kids’ podcast filled with short, meaningful stories that nurture imagination, emotional growth, and joyful connection for toddlers, preschoolers, and the parents who love them.
Whether you're at home, in the car, or winding down for quiet time, these calm and engaging stories invite curious young listeners into a world of kindness, courage, and connection.
Created by Halie, a mom and pediatric DNP who understands how stories can help kids grow emotionally, socially, and confidently.
Storytime Explorers supports early emotional development through storytelling that feels real, gentle, and full of heart.
Learn more at storytimeexplorers.com
Episodes
24 episodes
Leo Joins In: A Story About Social Bravery, Friendship, and Including Others
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 excite...
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7:01
Ella and Friends Build a Snowman: A Story About Wonder, Imagination, and Joy
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 Zebr...
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7:13
Words for a Calm Heart: A Story About Slowing Down, Taking Space, and Feeling Safe
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 he...
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3:16
Zara and Leo Bake Muffins: A Story About Baking Together, Teamwork, and Sharing Joy
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, ...
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7:05
Hugo Helps Clean Up: A Story About Little Steps, Helping Hands, and Making Cleanup Fun
If you’ve ever asked your child to help clean up after playtime, you know it’s not always easy. What feels like a simple ask to us can feel “too big” for them. That’s exactly how Hugo the Hippo feels in this story, until his friends remind him ...
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5:55
Milo Gets Ready For Bed: A Story About a Bedtime Routine, Calming Down, and Sleep
Bedtime isn’t always smooth sailing, especially for toddlers and preschoolers who still feel wide awake.In this story, Milo the Monkey isn’t ready for sleep just yet. He splashes in the bath, stomps around in his dinosaur pajamas, brushe...
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6:09
Leo and Friends Go on a Search: A Story About Teamwork, Taking a Break, and Not Giving Up
You know how fast things can go missing with kids, like a shoe, a backpack, a favorite stuffed animal. And when that happens, it can feel nearly impossible to keep looking.In this story, Leo can’t find his helmet and feels ready to give ...
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6:16
Milo Takes Time To Forgive Hugo: A Story About Apologizing, Forgiveness, and Repairing Friendships
Forgiveness takes time, and that’s okay.When Hugo accidentally knocks down Milo’s cozy reading spot, he says, “I’m sorry,” but Milo’s still upset. In this story, kids see that apologizing is a caring first step, and that forgiving can co...
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6:23
Ella Goes Apple Picking: A Story About Fall Fun, Waiting Turns, and Sharing With Others
A fall day of apple picking, with a little waiting, a little teamwork, and a whole lot of joy.Ella heads to the apple farm with Zara and Hugo. They ride the tractor, pick apples, in all kinds of colors, and save a few to share with someo...
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6:21
Leo Visits The Doctor For a Check-Up: A Story About Bravery, Body Awareness, and Feeling Prepared
Going to the doctor can bring up all kinds of feelings for toddlers, preschoolers, and parents too. But stories like this can help, whether before a visit or while playing pretend at home. In this story, Leo the Lion heads in for a check-up. He...
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6:34
Words to Keep in Your Heart: A Story About Affirmations, Emotional Regulation, and Building Confidence
Kids thrive on reminders that they are safe, strong, and loved, whether they’re trying something new, working through big emotions, or growing in everyday ways.A calming affirmation practice that kids can come back to anytime they need a...
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3:37
Zara’s New Classroom and a Hug in Her Heart: A Story About Starting School, Big Feelings, and Staying Connected All Day
Starting school, whether it’s a brand-new classroom or just a change in routine, can bring up big feelings. Zara the Zebra is excited to play and learn… but she’s also a little nervous. With heart socks, a goodbye hug, and a special phrase she ...
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6:18
Ella and Leo's Lemonade Stand: A Story About Imagination, Teamwork, and Sharing With Friends
Big ideas often start with a simple list.In this story, Ella the Elephant dreams of having a lemonade stand, and today, with Leo the Lion, she turns that idea into something real! They start with a list, make tickets and signs, mix the l...
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6:24
Hugo and Friends Say Goodbye at the Park: A Story About Transitions, Saying Goodbye, and Coming Back Again
It’s hard to leave when you’re having fun.This story is for that exact moment: the tough transition from fun to done. Hugo the Hippo knows the feeling well after a joyful morning at the park with his friends, when he’s just not quite rea...
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6:03
Zara's Library Day: A Story About Reading, Storytime, and Making Choices
Zara the Zebra has been looking forward to this all week… It’s library day! She gallops to storytime, listens with her best ears, and picks out a few new books, all on her own. From frog splashes to rocket launches, every page brings something ...
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6:09
Ella Spills The Paint and Keeps Going: A Story About Mistakes, Big Feelings, and Resilience
Mistakes and accidents happen, but to young kids, they can feel huge.Whether it’s a spilled cup or a smudged drawing, little accidents often come with big feelings. This story helps toddlers and preschoolers begin to understand that:...
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6:33
Milo and Friends Stir Up a Jungle Snack: A Story About Pretend Play, Imagination, and Outdoor Fun
Some of the best play happens when kids have a little space, a few sticks and leaves, and the freedom to follow their ideas.In this story, Milo the Monkey has big plans for jungle soup, and his friends Zara and Ella jump right in with th...
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5:50
Hugo and Zara Stay Safe Near the Water: A Story About Water Safety, Listening, and Swim Readiness
This story introduces a simple phrase kids can remember near water: wait for your grown-up. Before they even reach the water, Hugo and Zara take time to slow down, remember swim lessons, and play in ways that build confidence.This story ...
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5:03
Zara Gets Brave and Jumps: A Story About Bravery, Confidence, and Trying Something New
Trying something new can feel a little scary, but that doesn’t mean your child isn’t brave.In this story, Zara the Zebra wants to do something she’s never tried before. At first, her belly feels fluttery and her body isn’t quite ready. B...
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6:46
Leo Feels Frustrated, Then Tries a New Way: A Story About Frustration, Feeling Calm, and Trying Again
Frustration can show up fast, like when something feels tricky, doesn’t go as planned, or just won’t work the way a child imagined.This story captures one of those moments: what it feels like to be frustrated, how to name that feeling, a...
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6:29
Ella and Friends Feel Thankful: A Story About Gratitude, Kindness, and Big Feelings
Gratitude starts with something simple, like saying thank you, and grows into a practice that helps kids notice what feels good, safe, and connected.In this story, Ella the Elephant brings her friends on a picnic and invites them to shar...
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5:49
Milo Takes Turns With Zara: A Story About Taking Turns, Patience, and Cooperation
Sometimes kids really don’t want to take turns, and that’s okay.This story captures one of those moments we’ve all seen: when something feels too special to share just yet, and a little time (and a patient friend) makes all the differenc...
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6:35
Leo and Zara Help Each Other: A Story About Helping, Teamwork, and Friendship
Sometimes, asking for help is the bravest thing a kid can do.And sometimes, being the helper brings the biggest smile.This story is full of connection, fun, and moments that feel so familiar, like trying to zip a jacket, pre...
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6:29
Welcome to Storytime Explorers: Short Stories for Toddlers and Preschoolers About Kindness, Emotions, and Growing Together
Hi! I’m so glad you’re here.Storytime Explorers is a podcast full of short, thoughtful stories for toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. I started telling stories during quiet moments with my own kids, and I s...
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1:13