By Rick Allen
Sarah and her dad crafted a kite from a plastic bag, sticks, and string, a stark contrast to the elaborate kites at the park.
Their creation, though simple, held a special charm as it was made together. They sprinted across the grass, releasing the kite into the wind.
Initially unsteady, it eventually found its rhythm and soared high above, delighting Sarah. Her dad, watching it dance in the sky, remarked, "Simplicity has its own beauty, doesn't it?"
Their laughter mingled with the breeze, teaching Sarah that true joy lies in shared moments of simplicity, not in the splendor of possessions.
By DR Rawson
“Howdy. I’m Jack, Jack Rabbit.
I live in the Western United States. Here’s what I like best about being me.
From the moment I entered this world, I was thinking, and that made me curious. Every sight, sound, and action I take each day creates new things to understand. That’s called curious. Some might say, I’m curious, Jack.
Being curious lets me learn new things every day.
Being curious is both serious and fun. I watch people from a distance, often hiding behind a bush, a rock, or if I’m lucky, a big old tree.
Look for me hopping around."
By Rick Allen
Lila and Kate were sprawled on the classroom floor, surrounded by crayons.
Lila needed Kate’s brilliant green crayon. It was just the right color to complete her scaley dragon.
Understanding that respect is key, Lila didn’t just grab the crayon. She politely asked, “May I use the green crayon when you’re done?”
Impressed by her friend’s patience, Kate nodded, handing it over after adding the final leaf to her sunflower. “Thanks for asking nicely,” she said, her eyes twinkling.
This simple act of respect brightened their drawing session and deepened their friendship, making their creative time together even more enjoyable.
By Rick Allen
It was a soft evening on a porch surrounded by a lush garden. Young Ella absorbed every word as Mrs. Wilson, her neighbor, recounted her adventures traveling across the globe.
With eyes wide, Ella imagined the distant lands and vibrant cultures her neighbor described. There were stories of legendary people and riding horses into adventures.
Each story, rich with detail and life lessons, deepened Ella's appreciation for the vast world beyond her backyard.

This quiet evening of storytelling reminded Ella that her curiosity was not just a key but a powerful tool that could unlock endless knowledge and understanding.
By CJ Coop
In the snug burrow, a mouse squeaked, “It’s all gone! The last berry!”
A wise old mole nudged closer, his whiskers twitching. “I saw a rabbit sneak by earlier.”
As the mouse fretted, the rabbit appeared, ears drooping. “Sorry, I was hungry. Here’s half of what’s left.”
Their eyes met; the mouse’s softened. “Thank you, I… I understand.”
“You do?” Rabbit’s ears perked up. “Empathy. It’s sharing, right? Even when it’s hard.”
“Yes,” Mole smiled, patting both their backs,
“It’s understanding each other’s feelings.”Their shared meal tasted of more than just fruit; it was the beginning of a friendship.
By Rick Allen
Sophie was struggling with her emotions and often felt overwhelmed in class. One day, her teacher asked her mother to come in for a chat.
Sitting in the classroom, the teacher spoke quietly and gently to Sophie and her mother. She explained the importance of recognizing and understanding her feelings, thoughts, and body sensations.
“It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling,” she said softly. “Accepting your emotions is the first step to understanding them.”
Sophie listened carefully, her mom holding her hand for support. With time and guidance, she learned to navigate her emotions with mindfulness, discovering peace in acceptance.
By Rick Allen
Karla noticed litter scattered around their favorite bench during their park visit. Instead of ignoring it, she decided to take the initiative. “Let’s clean this up,” she suggested, grabbing a spare trash bag from her backpack.
They collected every piece of trash, restoring the park’s beauty.
Her dad smiled, proud of Karla’s decision to act. “You’ve made our park beautiful again,” he praised. Karla beamed, feeling the satisfaction of making a difference.
This simple act of taking initiative not only cleaned their space but also strengthened the bond between father and daughter, showing Karla the impact one person can make.