Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Launched! How to Be Super Book Three: The Bridge Between
It's finally here! Our latest twenty-story collection in the How to Be Super series!
FIFTY Study Page – South Dakota: "Trying to Do Some Good"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore Westward Expansion. We also cover compelling biographies of Wild West characters like Wild Bill Hickok, George Custer and Calamity Jane.
Strong Women of Sparkle Stories
In honor of our theme this week, "Strong Girls," we wanted to introduce you to the strong women behind Sparkle Stories.
Storybox Playlist – Stories of Strong Girls
There is a long history of strong girls - from Cleopatra to Rosa Parks, and Marie Curie to Queen Elizabeth - but the strong girls of today are changing the definition of strength. Here are some stories that explore the many ways girls (and boys) can be strong.
Friday's Kind Words: Light & Joy
We love your stories and all the light, joy, and conversations they inspire in our home. ~Lindsey
Celebrating Spring Equinox
How do you include the Spring Equinox in your life? Easy! Get outside, make crafts from natural materials, and forage for spring greens to eat.
sparkle kitchen: "just cheese" crackers
In a nod to the cows of this story, this week's recipe is made from milk — or, rather, from milk's favorite daughter, cheese. These “just cheese” crackers have long been a cracker substitute for folks who can't eat wheat, but they're delicious enough to make for their own sake.
FIFTY Study Page – Alaska: " A Mountain to Conquer"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Alaska from the Aleut, Spanish, Russian, and then American point of view.
Make Natural Egg Dye In Minutes
In the Martin & Sylvia story, "Signs of Spring," Sylvia loves to color eggs – she loves to make the dyes, draw designs, and soak white eggs in the colors. Natural dyes are fun and easy to make with just few ingredients you can find right in your kitchen.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Luck
We are all lucky — all have good fortune just around the corner — all have a shot at the impossible. And here are some stories that support that.
Friday's Kind Words: Our Son's Favorite Series
My 8 year old son has been listening to Sparkle Stories for years and has declared this (Dry Gables: Hands Together) series to be his very favorite. ~Erica
March Tips for Creating a Day of Rest
This month, Martin and Sylvia’s family has been considering the nature of work and asking lots of questions! If your family is anything like theirs, it might be a good time to snuggle up with a bowl of buttered popcorn and have a heart-to-heart chat. You might like to take a few notes during the conversation.
Sweet and Spicy "Circus" Peanuts
Long before the gooey, orange candy, vendors at traveling circuses sold “hot roasted peanuts” to nosh on as you watched the show. The recipe below is a nod to those original “circus peanuts.
SparkleCast Episode 13 – For the Love of Science with Podcasts "Tumble," "Brains On!" and "The Show about Science"
In this episode, Lindsay, Sanden, Eric, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Measuring the World,” recall what got us all excited about science when we were children, and then explore ways to introduce and strengthen a love of science in kids today.
FIFTY Study Page - New York: "All Have Our Part"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Immigration in the United States – especially through New York City.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of All Together Now
Now, more than ever, we need stories to help us retain our uniqueness and yet, learn to live with those that seem so different.
Friday's Kind Words: Awesome Things in a Troubled World
You're doing awesome things in a troubled world. I really appreciate it. Truly. ~Jessie
Indoor Obstacle Course
If it's rainy and cold where you are, you don't need a gym or special equipment to set up your own obstacle course. With just a few common household items and a little space, you can quickly have your kids off to the races — trying to beat their best times and burning off some of that “stuck inside” energy.
Sparkle Kitchen: Post Race Snacks
Here are a few ideas for snack combinations that are delicious and satisfying after a day of heavy play. They're all three vegetarian, and (with the substitution of a gluten-free tortilla, which is easy enough to find these days), the first two are gluten-free.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Big Energy
What to do when our big energy doesn't really match the environment? Here are some stories that may help.
