PODCAST UPDATE

The Night Light Stories Household has been busy. This Spring and Summer we packed up and moved to a new house. Before we knew it, the Summer was gone and the school bell was ringing. 

Due to all of this excitement, we're going to be on hiatus. We will be back as soon as possible with new content for your listening pleasure. 

Welcome back to school to all of our listeners! 

Terrapene Ornata Part 3

Click here to listen to: Terrapene Ornata, Part 3 (35:23)

During the summer before his fifth grade school year, Haver Hawkings sets out to find all 21 geocaches hidden by an expert named Babatoochee. Having found 20 of the 21 caches, Haver searches for the final one hoping it will be the secret that unlocks the entire mystery. 

Hi All,

We want to thank our sponsor this week, Bags By Betty. Betty's creations are beautifully unique works of art that have a practical purpose. Browse her online store at bit.ly/bagsbybetty to see samples of all her fabulous creations and like her Facebook page at facebook.com/bagsbybetty54 .

Check out the magic she worked on Mr. Chris' old Buffalo Bill's jersey. 

If you remember from the last episode, we had mentioned that Terrapene Ornata, Parts 1 and 2 are the next installments of the Pogona Vitticeps series. They’re stand alone stories and you don’t NEED to have listened to the Pogona Vitticeps stories before listening to these two, but it does add a little something extra magical to the experience if you listen to those first.

Pogona Vitticeps, Part 1 (16:00)

Strange images seemingly appear out of nowhere when Vivien 

spends time with a special animal. 

Free audio download: Pogona Vitticeps, Part 1

Blog with activities: Pogona Vitticeps, Part 1

Pogona Vitticeps, Part 2 (23:45)

Amidst tragedy, Vivien learns the secret behind her visions 

and discovers she has a difficult decision to make. 

Free audio download: Pogona Vitticeps, Part 2

Blog with activities: Pogona Vitticeps, Part 2

Terrapene Ornata, Part 1 (19:30)

Haver Hawkings loves geography and maps but hates getting dirty. 

When his teacher introduces him to a global hobby called Geocaching, 

Haver learns there's a world of hidden objects for him to discover.

Free audio download: Terrapene Ornata, Part 1

Blog with activities: Terrapene Ornata, Part 1

Terrapene Ornata, Part 2 (16:18)

Haver, a bit of a neat freak, heads out to find the first of the 21 caches hidden by expert geocacher, Babatoochee. Unfortunately for Haver, obtaining the cache isn't as 

easy as he had hoped.

Free audio download: Terrapene Ornata, Part 2

Blog with activities: Terrapene Ornata, Part 2 

VORACIOUS VOCABULARY

What did you say? A word of the day! 
In our story there are many juicy words 
that are fun to use and say.

acquisition: the act of gaining possession 

hoist: to raise or lift.

obstacle: something that obstructs or hinders progress.

silt earthly matter, fine sand.

squelch: to make a splashing sound.

JUST ADD IMAGINATION!

Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing

after hearing the story.

1. Locate scientific names for different animals. Make a matching game with a picture of the animal on one card and their scientific name on the other using the collage option at http://picmonkey.com. In your family see who can match them all correctly!

2. Name the world that Haver sees through the back of the metal turtle (Hint: You need to listen to Pogona Vitticeps, Part 2 to know the name). 

3. Step out of your comfort zone and get messy by making this Paper Mache Patchwork Turtle. 

COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE

After listening to the story, can you recall the

details to answer these questions?

1. Who asked the question that gave Haver the idea about how to organize the messages within the caches?

2. When did Haver begin his search for Babatoochee's caches? 

3. Where did Haver have to reach his hand to retrieve the last cache? 

4. Why didn't Haver quit after realizing what he was looking for?

5. What did Haver see when he looked into the open back of the metal turtle?

Bella K of Maine

Morgan of Virginia

Hayden of Virginia

Landon of Virginia

Liv of Ohio

Kai of New Hampshire

* * * * * * * * * *

Did you know...our fully illustrated version of Dragonfly, Dragonfly
Show Us The Way is now available in English and Spanish as an in-app purchase from the Flying Books app. It is available for download 

on your iPhone or iPad. 

Illustration by Reg Silva

Springing into Stories

Spring has not fully sprung, but it's well on its way. To help it along, I thought we'd post some of our stories that remind us of new adventures, taking in all the new life around us and enjoying the turn of the seasons. Won't you join us? 

The Walk: (11:46)

A description from a little boy of all the sights he sees on a walk with his family.

Free audio download: The Walk

Blog with activities: The Walk

The Hike: (13:26)

The sequel to "The Walk" describes the boy's adventures he has on a hike with his family.

Free audio download: The Hike

Blog with activities: The Hike

Pedal Power (14:21)

While learning to ride a bike, a boy learns perseverance breeds confidence.

Free audio download: Pedal Power

Blog with activities: Pedal Power 

Bird Seeds (21:10)

When Agnes, an old woman who lives alone in the woods, discovers a mysterious packet of seeds she finds more than just vegetables can grow in her garden. 

Free audio download: Bird Seeds

Blog with activities: Bird Seeds

The Farm Girl and the Feather (22:59)

A fairy tale that proves warriors and their weapons come in different shapes and sizes.

Free audio download: The Farm Girl and the Feather

Blog with activities: The Farm Girl and the Feather

Mojo's Outdoor Adventure (17:01)

Mojo the ferret takes an unexpected trip outside but will he be able to find a way back in?

Free audio download: Mojo's Outdoor Adventure

Blog with activities: Mojo's Outdoor Adventure

The Turns of the Seasons (13:58)

One by one, the seasons take turns impacting people's lives. 

Free audio download: The Turns of the Seasons

Blog with activities: The Turns of the Seasons

Terrapene Ornata, Part 2

Click here to listen to: Terrapene Ornata, Part 2 (16:18)

Haver, a bit of a neat freak, heads out to find the first of the 21 caches hidden by expert geocacher, Babatoochee. Unfortunately for Haver, obtaining the cache isn't as easy as he had hoped. 

Hi All,

We'd like to send out a special thanks to our friend, Sophie, from The Oh Beep! Geocaching podcast. The Oh Beep! Geocaching podcast is a family friendly show that covers news, events and discusses topics related to geocaching. You can find them at the links below:

The Oh Beep! Geocaching website

Oh Beep! on Twitter

Oh Beep! on Facebook

Oh Beep! on Pinterest

Oh Beep! on Instagram

Oh Beep! on iTunes

If you remember from the last episode, we had mentioned that Terrapene Ornata, Parts 1 and 2 are the next installments of the Pogona Vitticeps series. They’re stand alone stories and you don’t NEED to have listened to the Pogona Vitticeps stories before listening to these two, but it does add a little something extra magical to the experience if you listen to those first.

Pogona Vitticeps, Part 1 (16:00)

Strange images seemingly appear out of nowhere when Vivien 

spends time with a special animal. 

Free audio download: Pogona Vitticeps, Part 1

Blog with activities: Pogona Vitticeps, Part 1

Pogona Vitticeps, Part 2 (23:45)

Amidst tragedy, Vivien learns the secret behind her visions 

and discovers she has a difficult decision to make. 

Free audio download: Pogona Vitticeps, Part 2

Blog with activities: Pogona Vitticeps, Part 2

Terrapene Ornata, Part 1 (19:30)

Haver Hawkings loves geography and maps but hates getting dirty. 

When his teacher introduces him to a global hobby called Geocaching, 

Haver learns there's a world of hidden objects for him to discover.

Free audio download: Terrapene Ornata, Part 1

Blog with activities: Terrapene Ornata, Part 1

VORACIOUS VOCABULARY

What did you say? A word of the day! 
In our story there are many juicy words 
that are fun to use and say.

chlorophyll: the green coloring matter of leaves and plants.

device: a thing made for a practical purpose

gnarly: (of trees) full of or covered with knotty protuberances or knots.

JUST ADD IMAGINATION!

Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing

after hearing the story.

1. Haver came upon a riddle that Babatoochee left as a hint. Work to solve even more riddles on this interactive riddle website.

2. Interested in Geocaching? Listen to The Oh Beep! Geocaching podcast to learn some tips and tricks of getting started!

3. Plan out a map of "practice" caches that you could place around your yard or home.

4. Haver likes to be clean. Help your parents clean the bathroom or kitchen using disinfectant wipes just like Haver!

5. At the end Haver discovers a QR (Quick Response) code. If you have a device, scan the code below to see what happens! Do your own treasure hunt trying to locate other QR codes placed on products around your house.

COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE

After listening to the story, can you recall the

details to answer these questions?

1. Who hid 21 caches that no one has been able to find?

2. When (what season) did Haver look for Babatoochee's 21 caches? 

3. Where was the eleventh cache located? 

4. Why did Haver need to get the silver key out of the blob of sap?

5. What words popped out at Haver that made him click "yes" at the end of the story?

Will D of Texas

Aunt Julie of New York

Drew from Colorado

Stephen from Colorado

Ms. Sally of Virginia

Did you know...our fully illustrated version of Dragonfly, Dragonfly
Show Us The Way is now available in English and Spanish as an in-app purchase from the Flying Books app. It is available for download 

on your iPhone or iPad. 

Illustration by Reg Silva

Episode 58: Pogona Vitticeps, Part 2

Click here to listen to: Pogona Vitticeps, Part 2 (23:45)

Admist tradgedy, Vivien learns the secret behind her visions 

and discovers she has a difficult decision to make. 

Hi All,

We want to send out a special thanks to our friend, Claire for introducing the second part of the Pogona Vitticeps for us. She did such a great job in her narration! Her father is a professional audiobook narrator and podcast host. He explained to us that while helping him record, Claire was bitten by the audio narration bug and wondered if she could do some narration of her own. The best way to learn how to do something is by practicing and we were happy to give Claire an opportunity to hone her skills. Keep up the good work, Claire. 

SPARKLING ANNOUNCEMENT

It’s been a busy year. Summer vacation is upon us. Mr. Chris and I have decided to take a small break for the summer from producing new Night Light Stories. We’re going to use that time to continue to submit stories to different publishers.

While we're away, we encourage you to go back through our 58 stories and re-listen to some of your favorites. Please tell others all about Night Light Stories while you're visiting with family, splashing in waves or waiting in line to ride a huge roller coaster.

We look forward to watching the glow grow brighter with the many stories we can share together. Have a great vacation everyone! We'll see you in the Fall.

VORACIOUS VOCABULARY

What did you say? A word of the day! In our story

there are many juicy words that are fun to use and say.

admire: to regard with wonder, pleasure or approval
elegant: gracefully refined and dignified
engulf: to swallow up in
portal: a door, gate, or entrance

JUST ADD IMAGINATION!

Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing

after hearing the story.

1. A pet name is a nickname or an affectionate name that someone calls you. For example, Vivien names her bearded dragon Pagona, but calls him Pogo for short. What is YOUR nickname? Type your nickname into http://metaatem.net/words to create something like this:

 

2. Take a picture of your pet and send it to us at [email protected] or post it on our Facebook Page. 

3. Keep a journal (or blog!) this summer of all your fun adventures. Use it to document facts you have learned, trips you've taken and masterpieces you've drawn.

COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE

After listening to the story, can you recall the

details to answer these questions?

1. Who left Vivien the pendant?

2. What change happened to Pogo?

3. Where did Vivien's mother go with Noona when Vivien was three?

4. Why did Vivien have to go alone into the portal?
5. How did Vivien's latest vision help her?

We want to send out bright birthday wishes to:

Drew M from New York
Alex P of West Virginia
Catie P of Colorado
Alyse B of New York
Zoe of West Virginia
Molly D of Virginia
Luke of Texas 
Kim of the Musing Mommies Podcast

We hope your days SPARKLED!

The Night Before St. Patrick's Day

Hi All,

Are you ready for St. Patrick's Day? We are! Our leprechaun trap is set and ready to see if we can capture one of those lucky, green lads tonight. Did you make a leprechaun trap? We'd love to see it. Feel free to post a picture on our Facebook page. 

To pass the time while you're waiting, you can listen to five of our stories that have a leprechaun as a character. We wish you luck tonight! 

Sláinte

Red vs. Green: (22:21)

When a team of Christmas elves goes against a team of 

St. Patrick's Day leprechauns in the Holiday 

Hockey Winter Classic, who will win?

Free audio download: Red vs. Green

Blog with activities: Red vs. Green

The Leprechaun Trap (6:35)

Two leprechauns are caught in a leprechaun trap and try to find 

different ways to escape.

Free audio download: The Leprechaun Trap

Blog with activities: The Leprechaun Trap

The Spelling Bee (19:01)

A boy prepares for his shot at taking home the spelling bee 

championship. Will he succeed? 

Free audio download: The Spelling Bee

Blog with activities: The Spelling Bee

Clementine's Big Mess (16:05)

Clementine the cupid has lost his magical quiver. 

Can his friends help him find it?

Free audio download: Clementine's Big Mess

Blog with activities: Clementine's Big Mess

A Letter from a Leprechaun (5:30)

A reading of a letter written by Seamus the leprechaun

 detailing how he escaped a leprechaun trap. 

Free audio download: A Letter from a Leprechaun

Blog with activities: A Letter from a Leprechaun

Episode 46: PEDAL POWER

Click the link to listen to: Pedal Power

"It's just like riding a bike. You never forget." There are times when learning new things can be a little bit frustrating. Especially if you don't get it the first time. Everyone has to practice in order to get better at things. Whether it's tying your shoes, learning to tell time, writing your name, or doing Calculus, practice makes perfect! Just keep trying and you'll get it!

VORACIOUS VOCABULARY

What did you say? A word of the day! In our story

there are many juicy words that are fun to use and say.

comply: to act or be in accordance with requests; agree.

determination: the act of coming to a decision.

gravel: small stone and pebbles

hoist: to raise or lift

mantra: an often repeated word or phrase.

JUST ADD IMAGINATION!

Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing

after hearing the story.

1. Practice putting your bike helmet on and making sure it fits. Making sure your helmet is on properly will help you stay safe. Here are Easy Steps To Properly Fit a Bike Helmet. 

2. Believe in yourself! Make a list of positive words that describe you. Use Wordle to create a collage of all these words. Here's an example of one I made for Mr. Chris: 

3. How did you learn to ride a bike? Tell us your success story in the comments. 

4. Think about the steps it takes to ride a bike. Put them in sequence in Power Point. Follow these steps given on Mr. Chris' blog, A.T.TIPSCAST,to learn how to sequence using Power Point.

5. Wash your bike.

COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE

After listening to the story, can you recall the

details to answer these questions?

1. Who helped the boy learn to ride his bike in the story?

2. What happened the second time the boy started to lose control of his bike. Describe the scene in detail.

3. When the boy fell the first time, what were some other hobbies he mentioned that he could try instead of bike riding? 

4. Where was the boy learning to ride his bike?

5. Why did the boy want to stop at the store and buy a pack of chewing gum at the end of the story?

We want to send out bright birthday wishes to:

Alyse of New York

Riley of South Dakota

Tristan of West Virginia

Zoe of West Virginia

Luke of Texas

Molly D of Virginia

Kim of the Musing Mommies Podcast

We hope your days SPARKLED!

Episode 39: A Glummy, Gloomy Halloween

Click here to listen to: A Glummy, Gloomy Halloween

Hi All,

Have you ever felt sad? Down trodden? Down in the dumps?  Have you ever had a day where nothing seemed to go your way? Maybe you lost your favorite toy. Perhaps you were not able to do something that you really wanted to do? As you listen to the story consider the following: What do you do to cheer yourself up?

What are you giving out to all the tricker treaters who’ll be visiting your house this Halloween? Chocolate eyeballs? Gummy fingers? Sugary spiderwebs? All of those sound like creepy fun but if you’re looking for something educational to give away, consider printing off our cards and handing them out to the ghosts and goblins who visit your house. You’d be giving the gift of hours of free stories for them to enjoy!

VORACIOUS VOCABULARY

What did you say? A word of the day! In our story 

there are many juicy words that are fun to use and say.

concoction: the act or process of mixing a mixture or medley.
dilapidated: fallen into partial ruin from age, wear, or neglect.
flicker: shine with a wavering light

                                                JUST ADD IMAGINATION! 

Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing 
after hearing the story.

1. Try these fun, interactive Halloween themed games at funschool.com: http://funschool.kaboose.com/fun-blaster/halloween/

2. There are some very descriptive similes in our story and I posted a few below. See if you can use one of the cool interactive drawing sites I posted to draw them literally and figuratively. Share your masterpiece with us at [email protected].

*You look like a herd of black cats just crossed your path.
*Disappointment dripping like drool from a dirty dog.
*Have your bats in the belfry completely flown the coop?

Nick Jr. Free Draw program http://www.nickjr.com/kids-games/nick-jr-free-draw.html

Art Pad.art.com online interactive painting website: http://artpad.art.com/artpad/painter/

COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE

After listening to the story, can you recall the 
details to answer these questions?

1. Why did Glum think his brother Gloom was so sad?

2. What does Glum think will make Gloom feel better?

3. Who does Glum go visit first? Second? Third?

4. When does Glum want to have a birthday party for Gloom? 
5. Where does Glum sleep the day away?

We want to send out bright birthday wishes to:

Alex, who is turning 5
Julia, who is turning 1
Raz, who is turning 5

                                     

                                       We hope your days sparkled! 

Have you heard our other Halloween Stories? 

Our spoooooooooky story:
Click here to listen to: The Heebie Jeebies


Our not-so spoooooooky story:
Click here to listen to: The Patchwork Pumpkin Part 1
Click here to listen to: The Patchwork Pumpkin Part 2

From the Night Light Household to yours, we hope you 

have a spoooooooooooooooktacular Halloween.  

Be safe and have fun!

As always, we look forward to watching the glow grow 

brighter with the many stories we can scare up together.