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! The brother and sister can't wait to do all the fun things they did last summer: cook-outs, tag, ball games and ‘explorers’. But once the friends arrive, Martin finds that Jacob doesn't want to join in the fun they planned. Not only that, but Jacob speaks rudely and teases Martin! Daddy gives Martin some useful advice on how to treat those who tease, and Martin is surprised to see that it changes everything.

19 min
4+
Topics: SummerParenting

Characters in this Story

Martin

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Pirates

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The Cook Out

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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.
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A Trip to the City

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Thank-You's

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The Playhouse

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The Woodpecker Tree

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Good Old Dog

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The Cruds

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Spring Cleaning

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Signs of Spring

Signs of Spring

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Springtime Fun and Foolery

Springtime Fun and Foolery

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St. Patrick's Day

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20 min
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Putting on a Play

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Telling the Truth

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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 Plane Trip

A Plane Trip

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Moving

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The Dark

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Catching Crayfish

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Comfort Food

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Helping Hands

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On a visit to town, Sylvia unexpectedly needs (and gets!) a helping hand.
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A Trip to the Doctor

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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.
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Super Raker

Super Raker

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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

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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.
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Apple Pies

Apple Pies

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Gargoyles

Gargoyles

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

Goose Eye Wilderness School

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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.
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Fairy Snow Fort

Fairy Snow Fort

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Helping Out

Helping Out

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When Momma takes a sick day from work, the children recognize the value and delight of letting go of plans and helping out at home.
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4+

First Day

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14 min
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The Finger-Knit Necklace

The Finger-Knit Necklace

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A Proper Uniform: A Story for Military Holidays

A Proper Uniform: A Story for Military Holidays

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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.
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