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

LIGHTING THE WAY WITH WORDS

Click here to listen to: An Interview with a Zombie

A talk show host interviews a popular guest 

about his latest viral video.

It's that time of year when you often hear…"I'm not feeling very well." Viruses are spreading like wild fire. I know our house has been hit hard this winter break. All of us have had a turn dealing with the stomach bug. Many sleepless nights and sick bellies have left us wandering around the house feeling like zombies. How do you keep your house healthy? Share with us in the comments below. 

As always, we look forward to watching the glow grow 

brighter with the many words we can share together.

LIGHTING THE WAY WITH WORDS

Bus Stop Bravery: (7:28)

Getting ready for the very first bus ride on 
the very first day of school can be a nerve-racking experience!

Free audio download: Bus Stop Bravery

Blog with activities: Bus Stop Bravery

When I taught elementary school, I remember how small the desks and chairs were. It never failed that I would end up in a situation where I needed to sit in one of the seats at one of the desks to speak to a student. The combination of the small desk and even smaller chair would form a wedge. I'd always be stuck, trying to figure out how to maneuver my way out of it. 

Look around you right now. Make a list of all the things that could form a wedge. Can you create your own wedge? Send us a picture of your creation at [email protected] or post it on our Facebook Page! 

As always, we look forward to watching the glow grow brighter with the many words 

we can share together. 

LIGHTING THE WAY WITH WORDS

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

Our son spent hours diving to retrieve these rings at the bottom of the pool. I would throw them in over and over again. He was so excited that he was able to finally do it. It was a combination of confidence, bravery and pride. 

In fact, in the featured story above, those three things were also needed by the farm girl. You can retrieve the audio file for free by clicking on the link in the post or by downloading it from iTunes. Enjoy!

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!

Lighting the Way With Words

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

I love to buy a keepsake when we go on a family trip. It 

helps me to remember the good times we had on that 

vacation.What keepsake do you have that is your 

favorite? Share with us in the comments. 

A Year In Review

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE! This morning, there were a lot of people talking about resolutions and setting goals for themselves in 2013. Mr. Chris and I were right there with them. However, we also took some time recently to reflect on our accomplishments in 2012. Here's what we found.

In 2012, we created 29 Lighting the Way With Words. We joined Julie Hedlund's 12 x 12 in 2012 writing community and completed the challenge of writing 12 picture book drafts over 12 months in 2012. We forged a partnership with the publishing app, Flying Books to bring our story, Dragonfly, Dragonfly Show Us the Way, to life as a fully illustrated ebook.

We also wrote and recorded these twelve stories in 2012:

Toe Jam (18:34)
A boy's personal collection grows into something far bigger than himself.
Free audio download:Toe Jam
Blog with activities:Toe Jam

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

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 

Everything In This Story Stinks! (16:57)
Come along on a tour of the exhibits featured in the Museum of Malodorous Art.
Free audio download: Everything In This Story Stinks!
Blog with activities: Everything In This Story Stinks!

Grabby Goose Gets Greedy (18:41)
Grabby Goose learns the value of true friendship when things awry on Lake Wallawallawampack. 
Free audio download: Grabby Goose Gets Greedy
Blog with activities: Grabby Goose Gets Greedy 

The Mankie (19:46)
Simon receives a mysterious present from his uncle. Can he use his powers of observation to unravel it's special purpose? This episode is sponsored by Nature's Clean Choice baby blanket protected by Fosshield at http://bit.ly/superblanket
Free audio download: The Mankie
Blog with activities: The Mankie 

Migration (6:23)
A boy and his mother discover the wonder of watching a letter fly through the sky.  
Free audio download: Migration
Blog with activities: Migration

The Yawn Contagion (22:29)
Princess Ennui is bored with everything until she meets an imp who offers her a magical intervention with unexpected results. Can Princess Ennui find a way to save the kingdom? 
Free audio download: The Yawn Contagion
Blog with activities: The Yawn Contagion

Auntie Kerry and the Paskamansett Pumpkin Regatta (17:29)
Auntie Kerry recruits her family to fulfill her dream of competing in aunique river race but when she gets sick they are forced to come together as a team without their fearless leader. This episode is sponsored by The Parsonage Soap Company. 
Free audio download: Auntie Kerry and the Paskamansett Pumpkin Regatta 
Blog with activities: Auntie Kerry and the Paskamansett Pumpkin Regatta

Ohwhatfunitis (13:33)
Carol is way behind with her Christmas preparations when she starts to experience some strange symptoms. Can her family step up to help her out?
Free audio download: Ohwhatfunitis 
Blog with activities: Ohwhatfunitis

We'd love for you to share your accomplishments in 2012 with us in the comments or on our Facebook page. 

As always, we look forward to watching the glow grow brighter with the many stories, words, Spreecasts, and ebooks we can share together!

LIGHTING THE WAY WITH WORDS

Ohwhatfunitis (13:33)

Carol is way behind with her Christmas preparations when 
she starts to experience some strange symptoms. 
Can her family step up to help her out?

Free audio download: Ohwhatfunitis

 

Blog with activities: Ohwhatfunitis

Today is December 21, 2012. Do you know what that means?

It's the official first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, also known as Winter Solstice. Everything North of the Equator, or the top half of the planet, will face away from the sun. Due to the Earth's tilt, today is marked as the shortest and darkest day of the year. 

I know our family is looking forward to the first flurry of the season. For now, we'll have to settle for making our own, like our friend Viv, in the picture above. Join us in creating some 3D snowflakes to kick off the start of winter! Just follow the link below to the step-by-step video tutorial. Feel free to post your creations on our Facebook Page or send your very own flurry to us at [email protected]! 

How to Make a 3D Snowflake 

As always, we look forward to watching the glow grow brighter with the many stories, words and snowflakes we can share together.

Lighting The Way With Words

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

With the holiday season in full swing, there are lots of edible goodies all around us! Our tradition in the Night Light Stories household is to make "Turtles" each year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are made of pecans covered with homemade caramel and melted chocolate. The recipe was passed down to me by my aunt and grandmother. Each year, while making them, we always end up with too much of something. This year, it was the melted chocolate. That wouldn't be right to waste it, so I cut up some apples and we got to dipping. It was a yummy treat!

Are there any special, edible delicacies you look forward to making or eating this time of year? Share them with us in the comments or send a picture to [email protected]. 

As always, we look forward to the many words we can share together! 

LIGHTING THE WAY WITH WORDS

Chilly's Christmas: (20:08)
An ornament is accidentally placed on the back of the Christmas tree 

and must learn to experience his favorite season using his 

other senses with a little help from his friends!
Free audio download: Chilly's Christmas
Blog with activities: Chilly's Christmas

Our other words that begin with "D"

Delicious

Devour

Digits

Dimples

Disguise

LIGHTING THE WAY WITH WORDS

Captain Destructo: (6:34)

A poem about having patience with a younger sibling.
Free audio download: Captain Destructo
Blog with activities: Captain Destructo

When a problem confounds me, I try to approach the situation in different ways. Whether it is a math problem or a toy train that won't 

'chugga chugga choo choo' anymore, I don't give up.  I stop 

and think about what I know about the problem or toy. 

I test different solutions to see if I can solve 

it or make it work.  What strategies do you use 

to help solve a problem that confounds you? 

Share with us in the comments below. 

Episode 47: Everything In This Story Stinks!

Click the link to listen to: Everything In This Story Stinks!

Hi All,

Just like there are all kinds of different people in this world, there are all sorts of varied smells. Some smells are sweet, like ripe strawberries. Other smells are disgusting, like a bag of old trash. My favorite smell is that of the fallen leaves blowing in the air on a crisp Autumn day. What are some smells that bring a smile to your face? 

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.

bombard: to attack with persistence.

concoction: mixture, melody, blend.

congeal: to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state.

exhibit: to place on show.

malodorous:having an unpleasant or offensive odor.

tussle: a rough physical contest or struggle.

JUST ADD IMAGINATION!

Try these activities to keep your imagination glowing

after hearing the story.

1. Create your own smelly concoction.

2. Take a picture of your nose and post it on our Facebook page! How many noses can we get pictures of? Let’s make it a summer challenge shall we?

3. Make a list of words that are synonyms for the word "stink".

4. Make a list of words that are antonyms for the word "stink".

5. Write a poem about something that stinks. Send it to us at [email protected]. Remember, there are all different ways to write poetry. Click here for a site that explains the different forms of poetry you could use.

COMPREHENSION CHALLENGE

After listening to the story, can you recall the

details to answer these questions?

1. Who is the tour guide in the story?

2. What were the "SD glasses" used for? 

3. When did you visit the pig farm? Was it before or after the schooner? 

4. Where did the wet dog and skunk have a tussle?

5. Why did the visitors have a break in between each exhibit?

We want to send out bright birthday wishes to:

Amy L of Pennsylvania

Alex of West Virginia

Aunt Sue of New York

Vicki of New York

Leila of California

Oliver of California

Sam of Massachusetts

John D of Texas

Amanda R of Texas

Auntie Kerry of Massachusetts

We hope your days SPARKLED!

LIVE PERFORMANCES WITH NIGHT LIGHT STORIES

Recently, we were asked by a local PTA to read one of our stories live at an after-school event they have called "Bedtime Stories". All of the students dressed in pajamas and went from classroom to classroom listening to a book that was read by a volunteer parent. They ended the night by joining Mr. Chris and I in the gym while we told our story "The Walk". Of course, we actually had them take a walk with us around the gym spotting the different things from our story that we had hung on the walls. It was a blast.