"It's always been true, stories create moments, moments make memories."

The Broken Button

By Rick Allen

In the dress-up corner, Liam loved the shiny red firefighter coat.

One day, he pulled too hard , and pop!

A button flew off and rolled under the table.

Liam froze. He wanted to hide.

But then he took a deep breath and went to Miss Tara.

“I broke the button,” he said softly.

She looked surprised, then smiled.

“Thank you for telling me the truth, Liam. That’s brave.”

They sewed the button together during snack time.

Later, Miss Tara said to the class, “Being honest helps us fix things , together.”

Liam smiled. He felt lighter, like a real hero.

The Cupcake Test

By Rick Allen

After lunch, Miss Tara placed a cupcake in front of each child.
“Don’t eat it yet,” she said. “If you wait until I come back, I’ll give you two.”

Ezra’s eyes went wide. Chocolate frosting. Sprinkles. His favorite.
He tapped his fingers. He sniffed. He almost took a bite.
But he crossed his arms and waited.

When Miss Tara returned, she smiled. “You did it.”
She gave him a second cupcake.
Ezra didn’t feel hungry anymore he ,felt proud.
Self-discipline doesn’t mean you can’t want something.

It means you choose when the right time is… even when it’s hard.

Thankful Picnic

By Rick Allen

Ruby Raccoon and Timmy Turtle went to the meadow for a picnic.

“There is so much food!” Ruby said, looking at the berries and nuts.

Timmy smiled. “I want to start with the strawberries!”

They ate, talked, laughed, and watched the clouds.

Ruby sighed happily. “I like days like this.”

Timmy nodded. “Me too. We have yummy snacks, soft grass, and good company.”

Ruby grinned. “Being thankful makes everything feel even better.”

Timmy agreed. They sat together quietly, feeling the sunshine.

What’s in That Hole?

By Rick Allen

During nature time, Ezra spotted a tiny hole in the garden.
He crouched low. “Miss Tara, something lives here!”
She smiled. “What do you think it is?”

Ezra thought. “A mouse? A beetle? A fairy? A big spider?”
Other kids came over, whispering guesses.
“Let’s leave it safe,” Miss Tara said. “But we can learn more.”
Back inside, they drew pictures and looked at books about animal homes.

Ezra pointed to a mole. “Maybe this one!”
Miss Tara nodded.
Curiosity isn’t just about knowing.
It’s about looking, listening, and letting the world tell its story — one question at a time.