Storytime Issue 129 Out Now
Find Your Inspiration!
Reading a story is like going on a fantastic journey, filled with adventure and excitement. But the tales we read can also inspire us and teach us things that we can apply in our everyday lives! So this month, our blog is a little different! We will share an inspiring message from each story! Was that the message you got when you first read it? Or is there more inspiration to be found? Do share with us what you have found… but for now, here is what your team have selected for each story in the latest issue of Storytime…
1. Don’t give up on your dreams! (‘The Fantastic Bike’, illustrated by Aga Maszota)
Eddy fell in love with his bicycle the first time he saw it and dreamed of becoming a professional racing cyclist. He had to work hard to get fit, worked hard to save up for a racing bike and lost a lot of races before he scored his first victory. Think about Eddy and his determination whenever you feel discouraged!
2. Always be kind! (‘The Nest in the Knots’, illustrated by Hayam El-Abbas)
When Rapunzel gets caught in a storm, she gets worried when her long hair gets tangled. But then, she notices some little animals that have been affected far worse – a squirrel, an owl and some sparrows have lost their homes! She puts aside her problems to help others who need her aid.
3. We’re all different – and that’s a good thing! (‘The Four Brothers’, illustrated by Denise Tambara)
This fairy tale is about four siblings who each chose a different path in life. One is a hunter, one a cobbler, one a trickster and one an astrologer. They don’t always agree or get along, but when a princess gets kidnapped, they work together and use their special qualities to save the day. Think about this story when you are having a difficult time with friends or family members. You may have your differences, but everyone is unique and special and should be appreciated.
4. Sometimes it’s good NOT to be the centre of attention! (‘The Rat and the Elephant’, illustrated by Violeta Serratosa)
This fun fable is about a rat who is envious of an elephant who is the star of his own parade. The rodent decides to march out and become the centre of attention – but it doesn’t work out as he planned! Remember this story when you get upset about the attention someone else gets…
5. You can achieve great things when you work together! (‘The Canopy Kingdom’, illustrated by Lais Tavares)
Zach and Zoe are twins with a big plan… they want to build the ultimate treehouse in their garden. But how can they make it happen? The brother and sister get help from their dad, draw a plan and get suggestions from friends and neighbours. They manage to build their dreamhouse by sharing ideas and working together…. And that’s something we all can do when faced with a big project!
6. Don’t take your loved ones for granted! (‘Hina Goes to the Moon’, illustrated by Shima Zarei)
Shima was a goddess who fell in love with the islands of Hawaii. She came down to Earth, married a Hawaiian chief and started a family. However, she never felt she truly belonged and they took her for granted, which made her feel sad. She decided to leave and journey into the sky. This story should remind us to be grateful to the people in our lives!
7. Things that seem to good to be true often are! (‘The Grateful Fish’, illustrated by Dilara Karakas)
A baker likes making bread and sharing the leftover loaves with the fish in the river. But then a merchant comes into town. He offers the baker a job where he can travel to distant lands and earn a gold coin a day. The man accepts the offer, but soon discovers too late that the merchant can’t be trusted! This story reminds us to be cautious about things that seem too good to be true…
8. Be brave… but cautious! (‘Brave Li Chi’, illustrated by Ahmed Madbolly)
Li Chi is the heroine of this thrilling adventure tale from China. She decides to vanquish the dragon who damages her village’s crops, even though she is young and nobody thinks she can do it. Li Chi proves to be brave but clever! She does venture out after the dragon, but only after getting help and advice from her granny and coming up with a cunning plan. That’s a good message for us all: when we take risks, it’s good to plan things first!
Stories are one of the greatest sources of inspiration – they teach us resilience, spark our imagination and open our minds to new worlds. Best of all, stories have a way of staying with us, long after we’ve turned the final page.
That’s why we believe in reading more stories, and sharing them too – with friends, with family, and with anyone who could use a little lift. We’re busy crafting the next inspiring issue, packed with new adventures and lessons to cherish. But for now, enjoy our spring tales – and let their wonder brighten your season!
