Independence Day on the Green

Independence Day on the Green

Martin & Sylvia

It is Independence Day! Martin wants to watch the fireworks from the central Green in town rather than from their bedroom windows like in previous years. But Sylvia is worried about leaving their old dog Billbill, who is terrified of the sound of fireworks. Through cleverness and ingenuity, Martin and Sylvia solve this impasse and have a rather memorable 4th of July.

19 min
4+
Topics: AnimalsHolidaysSensitivity

Characters in this Story

Martin

Martin is the delightful older brother in all of the various Martin & Sylvia Series. Known for his bright ideas, his enterprising spirit and his kind heart, this seven year old boy finds adventure at all turns, and in all seasons.

Sylvia

Sylvia is the younger sister in the well-loved Martin & Sylvia stories. Five years old, she is known for her cleverness, her delight, and her wonderful sense of humor. She and her brother Martin create adventures and discover marvels -- whether they are at home or out exploring their town.

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When Sylvia wakes with a plan to build a Fairy Snow Fort, the whole family pitches in and experiences the joy of working together.
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Helping Out

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First Day

First Day

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The downtown’s First Day celebration is here and the group decides to make Martin's idea for a snow sculpture. When Sylvia feels left out, who can help her create the snow sculpture of her imagination?
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A Plane Trip

A Plane Trip

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Christmas is over and it's cold and the family is restless. Daddy has an idea - "Let's go to the beach!" Sylvia learns how much fun a plane trip can be
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Throwing a Party

Throwing a Party

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Martin & Sylvia work hard to earn money for and throw a party for their parents and friends. On the day of the party, they feel a little nervous - what will it be like? Will everyone enjoy themselves?
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Festival of Lights

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Martin discovers the similarities between all the festivals and holidays that take place during this time of year and he and Sylvia are inspired to create a festival of their very own.
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Winters Little and Big

Winters Little and Big

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When the first snow falls and brother and sister get the winter books down from the attic, they discover not only books that they dearly love, but also treasures that inspire sweet memories of years past.
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Family Farms

Family Farms

Martin & Sylvia
When the Brown's farm can't supply enough milk, Momma and Daddy take Martin & Sylvia to a farm run by three families. Brother and sister are resistant, but find the farm offers much more than they thought!
19 min
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Comfort Food

Comfort Food

Martin & Sylvia
When family friend Mr. Weber has surgery, they decide to cook for him. The family delights in learning how to cook carefully, slowly and how to fill the food with love.
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Helping Hands

Helping Hands

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On a visit to town, Sylvia unexpectedly needs (and gets!) a helping hand.
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Tracking

Tracking

Martin & Sylvia
When an autumn snow doesn't stick, Martin and Sylvia's friends Jonathan and Sasha come up with an idea that melts all disappointment.
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A Trip to the Doctor

A Trip to the Doctor

Martin & Sylvia
When Sylvia hurts her arm and needs to get an xray, she and Momma use a special imagination game to help them feel brave and relaxed, and, in the process, even delight the hospital doctor.
20 min
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Super Raker

Super Raker

Martin & Sylvia
Why is it that Daddy never seems to tire when he's raking? Does he have superpowers? Maybe they ALL have superpowers!
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The Sit Spot

The Sit Spot

Martin & Sylvia
After a day at Wilderness School, Martin tells his sister and Daddy about finding a "sit spot" or personal spot in the woods. Momma is too busy, but finally takes a minute for herself.
23 min
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Apple Pies

Apple Pies

Martin & Sylvia
Martin comes up with a secret ingredient for entry in Mr. & Mrs Brown's pie contest. Will his unique concoction win the competition?
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Gargoyles

Gargoyles

Martin & Sylvia
Martin finds just the thing to help protect him from his new fear of noises in the night.
15 min
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Goose Eye Wilderness School

Goose Eye Wilderness School

Martin & Sylvia
When Momma and Daddy enroll him in a local wilderness school, Martin has the opportunity to experience adventures in the wild -- both unexpected and satisfying.
21 min
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The Cabin

The Cabin

Martin & Sylvia
When Momma teaches her how to have ‘fox feet’ and ‘deer ears’ Sylvia suddenly finds the woods full of possibilities and indeed, animals.
22 min
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The Sick and Tired Day

The Sick and Tired Day

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What’s a Sick and Tired Day? With Momma's help, morning play, snack time, lessons, lunch and even clean-up time become fun!
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Babbit the Rabbit

Babbit the Rabbit

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Sylvia's fun with her special stuffed rabbit helps Martin see a whole new world of magic in his very own familiar back yard.
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The In-Between

The In-Between

Martin & Sylvia
When the family takes a day-trip to the ocean, Martin and Sylvia discover that fairy magic can appear in the most unlikely places.
17 min
4+

The Enchanted Frog

The Enchanted Frog

Martin & Sylvia
When Martin & Sylvia try to find something to do on their own, they can’t agree on a good idea. When they they find Mrs. Brown having her quiet “idea time” by the frog pond, they find the best magic flows from the quietest spot!
18 min
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Loose Tooth

Loose Tooth

Martin & Sylvia
As homeschoolers, Momma and Daddy have a special way of telling when it's time for certain lessons. Sometimes something unexpected happens, which can turn the day's lesson on end.
19 min
4+

This Is Camping

This Is Camping

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It's time for their annual camping trip and Martin and Sylvia are excited to enjoy all of their camping traditions. This year, they learn that camping means different things to different people.
19 min
4+

Cousins

Cousins

Martin & Sylvia
The cousins are coming! They only visit every few years, so the changes are BIG. It's not long before they remember, though, that cousins are special.
20 min
4+

The Drawing Contest

The Drawing Contest

Martin & Sylvia
There's a children's’ drawing contest to celebrate Animal Week at the library. Martin wants to enter, but Pickles won't sit still for him to draw and there are no other animals around. What will Martin do?
21 min
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Pirates

Pirates

Martin & Sylvia
Pirates have invaded Lake Days! Could that be Martin in the black pirate’s hat? Could that be Sylvia at the helm of the pirate canoe? Could that be Daddy leading them to invade a friend’s sailboat and attempt to steal some "booty"?
17 min
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Animal Daycamp

Animal Daycamp

Martin & Sylvia
After waiting a while year to go to Animal Camp, Sylvia feels nervous when it's finally time to go.
18 min
4+

The Cook Out

The Cook Out

Martin & Sylvia
Visitors are returning to Martin and Sylvia's house — friends they haven’t seen in a year! When one of those friends isn't as kind as Martin remembers, Daddy gives him great advice about teasing and everything changes.
19 min
4+

Spy Team

Spy Team

Martin & Sylvia
Martin's friend Julian is coming over and Sylvia knows that he loves to play spies. She wants to spy with boys but if they're all on the same team, who will they spy on?
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4+

A Trip to the City

A Trip to the City

Martin & Sylvia
Martin wakes one morning to see Momma and Daddy packed and ready for an adventure: they’re all going to the Big City!
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Camping Out

Camping Out

Martin & Sylvia
Martin wants to live alone in the forest in a hut he and Sylvia made, but Daddy suggests they first try tent camping in the backyard.
18 min
4+

Thank-You's

Thank-You's

Martin & Sylvia
How can Martin be thankful when he is feeling so mad?
21 min
4+

The Playhouse

The Playhouse

Martin & Sylvia
Daddy finds a surprising way to include Sylvia's imaginative ideas in play time.
17 min
4+

Pick-Up League

Pick-Up League

Martin & Sylvia
Martin is too young to join the baseball team, so Daddy pulls together a creative and crazy game with friends and family.
18 min
4+

The Woodpecker Tree

The Woodpecker Tree

Martin & Sylvia
When it's time to take down the Woodpecker Tree, Karl the playful woodsman teaches Martin and Sylvia about trees, cutting firewood, and a secret way to stay safe from black flies!
20 min
4+

A Fine Town

A Fine Town

Martin & Sylvia
When vacation is over too soon, Momma and Daddy help the children see their own town with fresh eyes.
16 min
4+

Mother's Day

Mother's Day

Martin & Sylvia
Daddy, Martin, and Sylvia help Momma realize what can make Mother's Day perfect.
16 min
4+

Good Old Dog

Good Old Dog

Martin & Sylvia
Sad news from Nana and Poppi about their old cat makes Martin and Sylvia appreciate Billbill and celebrate having him in their lives.
17 min
4+

The Cruds

The Cruds

Martin & Sylvia
Will a case of "the cruds" keep Martin from joining Daddy on his birthday canoe ride?
20 min
4+

Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning

Martin & Sylvia
It's Spring Cleaning Day, and friends Sasha and Jonathan help make it fun.
17 min
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Signs of Spring

Signs of Spring

Martin & Sylvia
Momma creates a springtime game that transforms impatient waiting into springtime magic.
19 min
4+

Springtime Fun and Foolery

Springtime Fun and Foolery

Martin & Sylvia
It's the first week of spring and the house is abuzz with fun and foolery. Martin plans a suspicious treat, Daddy & Sylvia play a silly game, and Momma surprises everyone at dinnertime.
18 min
4+

Stuck in the Mud

Stuck in the Mud

Martin & Sylvia
The children wake up to melting snow and rain and they, along with some friends, spend the day getting stuck in the mud!
18 min
4+

Big Brother

Big Brother

Martin & Sylvia
Martin is having a bad day. Luckily, Momma and Daddy have a plan!
17 min
4+

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day

Martin & Sylvia
Martin & Sylvia are ready for spring, but all they see is SNOW. Momma comes home with a St. Patrick's Day surprise to cheer them up!
16 min
4+

Fairy Detectives

Fairy Detectives

Martin & Sylvia
Could there be fairy magic afoot in the house? Martin and Sylvia form a "fairy detective agency" to find out.
18 min
4+

Going on a Date

Going on a Date

Martin & Sylvia
After a day of Martin working with Daddy, and Sylvia working with Momma, they go on "dates" to their favorite places in town, ending the day in a fun surprise.
19 min
4+

A Trip to Grandma's

A Trip to Grandma's

Martin & Sylvia
Martin and Sylvia are going on a road trip to Grandma's! But they've never been in the car together for that long before. What will they do, stuck in the car for all that time?
20 min
4+

Putting on a Play

Putting on a Play

Martin & Sylvia
When the whole family is unexpectedly home at once on a very cold day, Martin & Sylvia put on a play, with Daddy as a sled dog!
18 min
4+

Telling the Truth

Telling the Truth

Martin & Sylvia
Sylvia accidentally breaks one of Martin's inventions and blames the damage on their cat Pickles. Sylvia feels miserable, until Momma whispers something in her ear...
19 min
4+

Moving

Moving

Martin & Sylvia
Martin's friend Peter is moving away, and Martin finds it difficult to say goodbye.
15 min
4+

The Dark

The Dark

Martin & Sylvia
Martin is feeling nervous about the dark, so Momma guides him through a hearing, smelling and feeling exercise that not only reassures him, but relaxes him enough to fall deeply asleep
16 min
4+

Father's Day

Father's Day

Martin & Sylvia
Martin joins Daddy for a day of work. From yard to field to downtown studio, Martin studies his father, and wonders — why does he do things just this way?
19 min
3+

The Finger-Knit Necklace

The Finger-Knit Necklace

Martin & Sylvia
Martin & Sylvia are hard at work making a gift for the children's librarian, but when they end up with two gifts, they have to decide — who will get the second one?
16 min
3+

Catching Crayfish

Catching Crayfish

Martin & Sylvia
Martin & Sylvia are sure the summer has arrived now that the crayfish have appeared in their brook. They spend the day figuring out how to catch some.
21 min
4+

Grandma's House

Grandma's House

Martin & Sylvia
As the family goes to Grandma’s to help her pack up her big old house and move, the kids worry she will have to give away some of the many treasures they find.
29 min
4+

A Proper Uniform: A Story for Military Holidays

A Proper Uniform: A Story for Military Holidays

Martin & Sylvia
Seeing the military uniforms during the Memorial Day parade inspires Martin & Sylvia to ponder what an official explorer's uniform would look like, and results in family fun and creativity.
17 min
4+

The Kitty

The Kitty

Martin & Sylvia
Martin & Sylvia get to know their new kitten, Pickles. They wonder why she seems to prefer Momma to them and follow her around to find out her secret.
18 min
4+

The Birthday Book

The Birthday Book

Martin & Sylvia
Martin ponders what to get Sylvia for her birthday and after thinking about her favorite things, he envisions the perfect gift.
15 min
3+

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