The Barber King

STORY

The Barber King

By Thistle By Thimble

Every town has its center — and it is not always a town hall or square, but is sometimes a person. At the center of the western town Elkhorn, is its barber — an aging man that the locals call Old Fisher. Old Fisher is always ready to offer up one of his barbershop chairs along with some friendly wisdom, but the folks of Elkhorn give him little more than the occasional bit of business. It takes a newcomer from the city to help the old man — and in helping the old man, he helps the entire town.

22 min
6+
Topics: Illness & Injury

Projects, Crafts, and Recipes for this Story

Sparkle Crafts

Sparkle Craft: Homemade Kid's Shampoo

Not only does it get the kids' hair squeaky clean, because castile soap rinses out so quickly, the rinsing step — which always seems to be the most tortuous part of hair washing—lasts all of three seconds, even on days when the kids have played hard or are extra grubby.

By Thistle By Thimble

The Caster's Secret

The Caster's Secret

The caster's daughter is faced with a difficult decision to tell the truth or seize an opportunity...
26 min
6+

The Pigeon King and the True Source

The Pigeon King and the True Source

When a group of children – all descended from the three distinct lineages – find each other, they discover an ancient spring of water. This is the true source that binds them all together — and a seed of peace and reconciliation is planted.
22 min
5+

The Orchardman and the Scarecrow

The Orchardman and the Scarecrow

There is a mystery at Kamwell’s apple orchard. How is it that every morning he finds all the ripe apples neatly picked and lying on the soft grass?
23 min
5+

Camp Over The Hills And Far Away

Camp Over The Hills And Far Away

Frances has a camp that she wishes to attend, but everyone tells her it doesn't really exist. Then she finds a flier at the library for camp "Over the Hills and far Away"... could this be it?
27 min
6+

The Storying Project: The Harbormaster

The Storying Project: The Harbormaster

Firtha MacGill serves as the harbormaster of Tullyport, Maine, keeping the harbor town safe and secure against the wilds of the world.
23 min
7+

Good Morning Magic

Good Morning Magic

Pippy and her dad spend every morning as she wakes, and every night when she goes to bed together, and the fairies in their apartment enjoy this special time too!
22 min
6+

The Trick and the Treat

The Trick and the Treat

Septimo the magician has one trick: a card trick where the Jack of Hearts mysteriously flies into the air and disappears – only to reappear over someone’s head. But the truth is, it is not a trick at all – it is real.
23 min
4+

What's So

What's So

Thomas is a squire feels that the knight he serves lacks adventure, glory and riches, as he spends his time caring for the poor and needy. But soon he comes to deeply respect him and his ways.
23 min
6+

The Rat Catcher's Son

The Rat Catcher's Son

Even though the job of "rat-catcher" isn't respected in the city where Bern lives, he learns that the patience and perseverance it requires are great life skills to have.
21 min
6+

Horse at Play

Horse at Play

A young racehorse learns that a little time out to play can actually lead to her best work on the racetrack.
24 min
6+

The Council of Fools

The Council of Fools

In a land where being a Fool was a position of honor of respect, certain Fools began to forget how to use their "fools" skills to entertain the people, until a newcomer reminds them of their true purpose.
28 min
6+

Purple

Purple

When the son of a wealthy merchant leaves to become a teacher to the poor, he cuts ties with his mother. Years later, she goes to see him and the journey transforms her.
24 min
6+

The Navigator

The Navigator

One girl has the courage to stand up to her whole village, leave her comfortable home, and keep a promise to their Captain.
27 min
6+

The Barber King

The Barber King

Old Fisher, the barber of Elkhorn, is always available to offer up friendship and wisdom, but the townspeople don't give him much business. But a newcomer from the city changes all that...
22 min
6+

Onatah's Table

Onatah's Table

When the Duke's son becomes very ill a doctor suggests his father take him to an unusual Inn called Onatah's Table where miraculous recoveries take place.
26 min
6+

Constable Phelps and the Wondersmith

Constable Phelps and the Wondersmith

Constable Phelps keeps the town of Iontas is in perfect order. The people work hard and there is never any trouble or complaint. But there also aren't any smiles or laughter. That is, until the Wondersmith arrives and quietly, gently changes everything.
15 min
4+

Lady Jovial

Lady Jovial

When the smiling, kind "pigeon lady" stops showing up at the river, the people wonder where she has gone. Then a young girl finds out her true identity and her life changes forever...
25 min
6+

The Wizard's Words

The Wizard's Words

For years a silent healer has helped a small village, never uttering a word. One day he announces that a powerful wizard is trying to take over, but assures them he has the means — be them unusual — to help.
25 min
6+

The Goldsmith Who Knew How to Fish

The Goldsmith Who Knew How to Fish

When a hardworking goldsmith finally takes the time to partake in his favorite hobby — fishing — he realizes why taking time to relax actually benefits his work as well.
24 min
6+

Mr Gabriel and His Toy Shop

Mr Gabriel and His Toy Shop

Mr. Gabriel run a beautiful toy shop — something you wouldn’t expect from a grumpy fellow. The most incredible part of his toy shop, however, is what happens to the front window during December as it transforms into a magical Christmas scene.
21 min
5+

Little Hammer, the Nubian Ibex: A Story for Hanukkah

Little Hammer, the Nubian Ibex: A Story for Hanukkah

Little Hammer, a young mountain goat, lives at the top of a dry, craggy mountain in Israel with his family. When a messenger comes, the community learns some worrying news ... which ultimately becomes an opportunity to see a miracle.
19 min
4+

The Lambs Wool Blessing

The Lambs Wool Blessing

People travel from afar to find out the secret of Mr. Dorsett's apple orchard success, but they never find out his secret — a blessing passed down by an apple tree elf!
25 min
6+

The Middle of the Night

The Middle of the Night

Willow has loved to camp ever since her grandfather introduced her to a magical barred owl named Lucy. The magic she learned comes in handy during a stormy night in the woods.
24 min
6+

The Secret of Schuyler Springs

The Secret of Schuyler Springs

When the springs unexpectedly dry up in the famous Schuyler Springs, a special person must rely on the clues left by three young girls to save the Springs.
34 min
6+

Sister's Sword

Sister's Sword

When a blacksmith takes in a young girl who's father was recently lost in battle, he finds that her father's courage and sense of adventure are alive and well within the girl.
23 min
6+

The Magician and the Knight

The Magician and the Knight

This story is about Ellie and Arnold, two six-year-old twins who share a wonderful idea: what would happen if all the children suddenly turned into their Halloween costumes?
23 min
4+

Halloween Wonder

Halloween Wonder

In a sweet little town, there is a very particular three-story house that is the center of the town's annual Halloween celebration...
24 min
5+

The Cellar in the Woods

The Cellar in the Woods

When Micah and his brother discover some curious things in the woods, they find that one of the bits of "junk" is really a very special crystal.
22 min
6+

The Golden Boy

The Golden Boy

A boy named Sempronius Elija Boyd can actually smell gold, and as he grows, he uses this skill to become very rich. But in his quest for riches, he loses his sense of delight. Years later, he meets a young girl who helps him remember.
26 min
5+

The Christmas Gifts

The Christmas Gifts

A poor father and son who live in a hovel and work all day in order to afford food and necessities both plan their Christmas gifts for each other in secret.
21 min
5+

Anne of the Long Window

Anne of the Long Window

Anne has an imaginary friend, Gilbert, who lives in the reflection of a window in her home. Then one day, she meets a real boy named Gilbert and finds he has an imaginary friend named Anne!
20 min
6+

The Blanket

The Blanket

Leah loves her "smudgy" blanket because each smudge remind her of things she loves about her town, and how each mark got there. Can she let her parents wash it?
20 min
6+

Set in Stone

Set in Stone

Nani has a falling out with his brother and leaves the family and the island he's called home. Many years later his granddaughter shows him what he's lost by being so stubborn.
25 min
6+

The Gift that Traveled Around the World

The Gift that Traveled Around the World

An iron bulldog bank was cast in a small factory in Erie, Ohio nearly 100 years ago. After passing through many owners around the world, it miraculously ends up right back where it started!
26 min
6+

In the Woods

In the Woods

When long time woodsman and hunter Lanny decides to modernize his techniques with a trail camera, he discovers there's a lot more happening in the woods than he ever imagined!
21 min
6+

The Milkweed Lady and the Monarch Marble Man

The Milkweed Lady and the Monarch Marble Man

Wilson is quite ill and the doctors can't help him, but after meeting the "Milkweed Lady" he is reminded of his set of magic marbles and his transformation begins.
26 min
6+

The Thimble, the Stein, and the Lantern

The Thimble, the Stein, and the Lantern

Pavla the tailor keeps to himself and lives a quiet life, but long ago he was in love with a mysterious girl who disappeared with out a trace.
32 min
6+

Mrs. Hartwig and the Golden Talons

Mrs. Hartwig and the Golden Talons

When a beloved teacher passes away, her niece sorts through her things and finds thousands of pages of her aunt's writing that explains all the magnificent stories she's told her students for years.
22 min
6+

The Gentle Woodsman and the Final Fall Phoebe

The Gentle Woodsman and the Final Fall Phoebe

Tobias has always believed he would never marry, and found fulfillment in his work. Until, one day he follows a migrating phoebe bird and meets a special lady.
30 min
6+

The Carousel Painter

The Carousel Painter

Brigit works for a famous carousel painter and is promoted from painting the saddles to an entire horse. Her special touch changes the way carousels will look forever!
26 min
6+

The Tin Cup

The Tin Cup

When the son of a very busy carpenter meets a craftsman traveling through town, he realizes there are different ways to approach his craft and sees new light for his future.
21 min
6+

The Sweet Grass Basket

The Sweet Grass Basket

A hard working family is gifted a magical sweet grass basket that they are told 'will give back whatever you put in it." They are amazed at what transpires after putting a wish in the basket!
26 min
6+

The Fort Keeper

The Fort Keeper

A dedicated fort keeper is the only enlisted man at an abandoned fort and one day he discovers an intruder — a young boy. After introducing himself, he finds everything changes...
24 min
6+

Message in the Sand

Message in the Sand

Enrico travels to an exotic island to make an important life decision and soon begins to receive advice from everywhere — the food, a kite, and then a message in the sand!
31 min
6+

Fit for the King

Fit for the King

When a King creates unrealistic standards for his subjects, many leave the land to make their own way. But when his son takes over the kingdom he learns from his father's mistakes and changes things for the better.
26 min
6+

To Be a Catcher

To Be a Catcher

A nice old man who mops floors and serves lunches to kids at the baseball park wishes to keep the secret of his baseball fame in order to teach the kids the most important skill in baseball.
27 min
6+

The Dollmaker

The Dollmaker

When Max accidentally breaks a porcelain doll that's been a family heirloom, his mother decides to bring the doll to a master doll maker who discovers, the doll has actually been broken before.
21 min
6+

The Log Dancer

The Log Dancer

Bishop Shaddock has followed in the footsteps of his father as a "log dancer" — someone who prevents log jams while moving logs downriver. But he realizes the hardest job of all is being a father himself.
18 min
6+

The Sickleman's Riddle

The Sickleman's Riddle

Alwin the sickleman, travels from farm to farm to mow their hay fields, but he never speaks. People wonder if he can, but really he's just listening and learning.
22 min
6+

The Cello Maker

The Cello Maker

Ilana is a talented 12 year old cellist but her new cello just sounds wrong. When she starts to hate playing, her teacher takes her to a famous cello maker with a secret...
30 min
6+

Times Gone By

Times Gone By

Michael, a history teacher, loves the Old American West, and decides to take his daughter Linny on a trip to "times gone by" to help her get over her unhappiness at school.
28 min
6+

A Bird in the Airport

A Bird in the Airport

David is nervous about returning from his grandparents to the new house his father moved into, but a little bird in the airport gives him a different perspective.
18 min
6+

The Woman Who Moved a Mountain

The Woman Who Moved a Mountain

Jeanine Norton has kept a secret for 50 years — that she is moving a mountain! How and why is this mother, grandmother, and crossing guard accomplishing such a huge task?
24 min
6+

Grit and the Glover

Grit and the Glover

Finnian wants to be a glover — a maker of gloves. But he realizes there's nobody in town to teach him how. Can "grit" get him through the challenge so he can fulfill his dream?
24 min
6+

The Royal Burden

The Royal Burden

When an adventurous King and Queen leave behind servants to explore new lands, most leave for new positions. Only the Fool and the Cook remain, with a surprising plan to change their lives.
26 min
6+

The Secret of the Redwings

The Secret of the Redwings

Over the years a small town has gone from vibrant and pristine to overgrown and unkempt. But when a little girl begins to explore the park, it begins to transform.
21 min
6+

The School House

The School House

Three townsmen wish to build a schoolhouse for their children but lack the resources to do so. Little do they know that their wish will be granted... eventually.
27 min
6+

The Thief

The Thief

Three figures walk along a road on a beautiful day, but what they seek is not enjoyment of the weather, but rather to find a thief!
43 min
6+

Riches or Wishes

Riches or Wishes

Renzelman the Great is an traveling magician who isn't very good at magic. But the one trick he has — changing a stone into a tiny man — isn't really a trick at all.
23 min
6+

The Baker's True Home

The Baker's True Home

Angus bakes pies and tarts for the Parliament and enjoys his work but feels lost lost and alone in the city. One day a surprising invite changes his simple life forever.
23 min
6+

The Fool's Son

The Fool's Son

The King refuses to let his Princess daughter marry the man of her choice — the Fool's son, Jalphi. But when war breaks out, the king soon sees that Jalphi is no fool and can save the kingdom.
22 min
6+

Tibby and the Fifth Virtue

Tibby and the Fifth Virtue

Tibby loves books, especially those about knights and warriors. One day he finds a book and does not know how it arrived, could it actually be about him?
22 min
6+

Birdland

Birdland

Each spring, Maati looks forward to seeing her chickadee friends but this year only one returns and she learns that the other has gone to Birdland.
22 min
6+

The Road to the Old Stone Chapel

The Road to the Old Stone Chapel

Mr. Shields wants to renovate the new manor he purchased, but runs into a challenge with the old stone chapel — beavers! He soon finds that a little magic works better than traps to move the beavers to a new home.
26 min
6+

The Oath of Brothers

The Oath of Brothers

After being elected president of his country, Bo Corsi receives a note from his long-lost brother remininding him of an oath they took to pledge their lives to the poor...
25 min
6+

Get our Newsletter

Sign up to receive weekly email updates with new stories, Sparkle news, and seasonal activities!

Stay Connected

Download on the Apple App StoreDownload on the Google Play
©2025 Sparkle Stories. All rights reserved.