Grab Some Sticks Audio Stories

I’m excited to share a brand-new story all about the Mid-Autumn Festival!🏮🐇🍂 When I first moved to Hong Kong eight years ago, the Mid-Autumn Festival was completely new to me. Over the years, I’ve learnt about its beauty and meaning, and now I’m so excited to share that wonder with you! If this festival is new to you, I hope this story helps you discover something special. And if it’s already a tradition you celebrate, may it feel like a comforting reminder of your own memories and traditions 🥰A very special thank you to all the children who shared their incredible artwork! 🎨💛 Your creativity brings the Mid-Autumn Festival to life! Thank you to Colby for the cover art! I taught Colby when he was only four years old 🥹Let’s journey into the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival together 😃🌕✨@grabsomesticks

Story number 30 is here and it’s a special one for National Family Day 🫶🏽It’s called: 'Where Am I From?’ Written by Jade Amez.@whereamifrombookIllustrated by Meg Rafferty. Jade Amez’s story is inspired by her adoption journey and the many ways people are connected. She believes it’s important to show children that love and belonging don’t have just one shape - you don’t have to look alike to share a home, a bond, or a story. Jade:'Growing up, I rarely saw children’s books that reflected the adoptee experience or mixed families. So, sharing my own story became not only a way to address this societal need but also a deeply personal healing journey. This book is a conversation starter - a way to talk about family, differences, identity, complex emotions and racial sensitivity. I hope my book helps expand the understanding of what ‘family' and ‘home' can truly mean and encourages every reader to feel a sense of belonging’Her debut book celebrates the beauty of mixed, blended and multi-cultural families, assuring young readers that there is no shame in their unique family structure. Her book gently encourages conversations about cultural diversity and self-discovery, while beautifully illustrating the reality that families are wonderfully diverse. Jade's story offers readers the opportunity to cultivate empathy, reflect on their personal narratives, deepen their understanding of adoption, and ultimately embrace their identity - not letting where you're born or where you live define you.Thank you Jade for writing this emotive story ❤️Where can you buy this book?www.whereamifrombook.com

✨ Story number 29 is here, and it’s a noisy one! 🇭🇰✨ It’s called: Sounds of Hong Kong with Tommy & Lily Written by Liudmila Rijk BaksheevaIllustrated by Kitty N. Wong.This book truly captures the essence of Hong Kong and all the unique daily sounds we hear! From bustling streets to tranquil moments, this book is a celebration of everything that makes, #homekong so special 🥰🇭🇰 My children loved pressing the buttons and smiling at the familiar sounds 😃It’s perfect for little ones who call this vibrant city home or anyone who wants to share its charm with their loved ones. Featuring adorable, hand-painted illustrations by the talented Hong Kong artist Kitty N. Wong this book is a feast for both the eyes and ears!Perfect for young explorers, little hands (it’s a board book) nostalgic souls, and fans of Hong Kong’s unique charm 😃Liudmila:“This book holds a special place in my heart, as it was inspired by my children, George and Isabella! Born in Hong Kong, they’ve grown up surrounded by the city's unique sounds. They always loved mimicking these sounds in their own adorable way, and they even call this book the ‘Ga Yao’ book because of its first sound—how cute is that?! 🥰” Where to purchase?Liudmila is offering this book for a special promotional price of 150 HKD for all our listeners! Send me a message to get the link🎉 You can also find it at: 📚 Bookazine,📚 The Lion Rock Press,📚 Seeds Children’s Bookstore,🛒 Etsy.Don’t miss out on this special book that brings Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and sounds to life! 🌟🇭🇰

A new story episode is on the podcast and this one is close to home 😃 🇭🇰 Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is a vibrant celebration observed by millions of people around the world. In this episode, we explore the traditions, stories, and joy surrounding this special festival. You may be lucky enough to witness a lion dance or share a delicious meal with loved ones to mark the occasion. This year, we welcome the Year of the Snake!  People born in the Year of the Snake can be very charming, making friends easily with their warm personality. They often listen well and can understand how others feel. The Year of the Snake can be a time for adventures, where you might learn new things and discover hidden talents, just like a snake exploring its surroundings!Perfect for schools or for teaching your children about the festival, this episode dives into the meaning behind Chinese New Year and how it’s celebrated.If you celebrate - what does Chinese New Year mean to you?“Let go of the old, welcome the new, start a new journey, and continue to work hard to complete it.”“CNY is a time to meet up with the family and enjoy welcoming the new year together through lots of celebrations that include fireworks.”“Chinese New Years means the best time of reunion with family and friends. Many people spend their good time to celebrate with each other, and hope everybody will have good fortune, healthy and prosperous year ahead!”A special thank you to Colby for the cover art! Sending love from our family to yours, wherever you are in the world. Happy New Year/Kung Hei Fat Choi!🧧🐍🎉Here are ways to say "Happy Chinese New Year" in different languages:Mandarin Chinese:  新年快乐 (Xīn Nián Kuài Lè)恭喜发财 (Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái)Wishing you prosperity and wealth"  Cantonese:  新年快樂 (San Nin Fai Lok)– "Happy New Year"  恭喜發財 (Gung Hei Fat Choi)"Wishing you prosperity and wealth"  Korean:  새해 복 많이 받으세요 (Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo)"Wishing you lots of luck in the New Year"  Vietnamese:  Chúc Mừng Năm Mới“Happy New Year"  Cung Chúc Tân Xuân“Gracious wishes for the new spring"  Japanese:  明けましておめでとうございます (Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu)"Happy New Year"  Thai:  - **สวัสดีปีใหม่จีน (Sawasdee Pee Mai Jeen)** – "Happy Chinese New Year"  Malay:  Selamat Tahun Baru Cina“Happy Chinese New Year"  Tagalog (Filipino):  Maligayang Bagong Taon“Happy New Year"  Indonesian:  Selamat Tahun Baru Imlek“Happy Lunar New Year"  This list highlights the diversity of greetings across cultures and languages while celebrating the joy of Chinese New Year! 🎉🧧

Story number is here and it’s a festive one 🥰 🎅 ☃️ 🎄 🤶 🛷  This delightful tale illuminates the beauty of spreading happiness and love during the holiday season 🥰 It’s called, Jordan’s Happiest Christmas.  Written by Sanduni Lankadari Mendis @Sanduni_lankadari_mendis @dreaming_panda_publications  Illustrated by Sandamini Dissanayake  @dinu_illustrator  Sanduni:  “As you all know, Christmas is the perfect time to reach out to others to spread joy and bring peace. This story will give an essence of true happiness to the little readers. They will understand that Christmas is not just about receiving gifts but also about being there for someone. They will understand that this feeling is not just a mere feeling but a deep fulfilling feeling which keeps your heart truly at peace. I wanted to communicate the true meaning of Christmas to the kids, not by big deep words, but by colourful illustrations and a beautiful simple story of little jordan's curious question to her dadda, "What makes you truly happy?" The inspiration behind this project came from realising how Christmas has gradually turned into a commercialised event, overshadowing its true meaning. In today’s busy and business-driven world, the essence of this beautiful season seems to be lost. I felt the need to bring back its true spirit by starting with little minds, as they are more open and moldable than adults.  My hope is that, through this, they will grow to embrace and cherish the true meaning of Christmas amidst the chaos of modern busy life.” Thank you Sanduni and we hope you all truly enjoy this magical story of the true meaning of Christmas ☺️🎄 Where to buy the book: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jordans-Happiest-Christmas-Sanduni-Mendis-ebook/dp/B0CS5F6NZ6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lMd04HXRZ3rINO8hGngovQ.Y7Bvzhn6dMTPFLn_R_24ieD22aIsAWEwymFOFcFvpkI&dib_tag=se&qid=1733405137&refinements=p_27%3ASandamini+Dissanayake&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Sandamini+Dissanayake Free on Kindleunlimited  😃 In Sri Lanka: ~ Sarasavi Bookshop (Pvt) Ltd  ~ M.D. Gunasena  ~ Vijitha Yapa Bookshop (Pvt) Ltd.  ~ Expographic Books  ~ Vaishi  ~ The Jam Fruit Tree Publications ~ True store Also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamingpandapublications?mibextid=ZbWKwLhttps://www.instagram.com/dreaming_panda_publications/profilecard/?igsh=czUxcWV6cHZ0dGZp Merry Christmas everyone!

A new story episode is on the podcast and this one shines brightly 🎇😍Diwali for me represents so many elements. From visiting family and friends and eating some sort of nasto (Indian snacks), going to the mandir (sometimes three!) preparing the tray of sweet treats for guests to have (Smarties galore), homes being filled with delicious delicacies such as my mum’s homemade chakri (spiral shaped snacks) and the night sky being filled with fireworks! 🎆 This episode can be used in schools or simply teaching your own children about the festival. Recommended age category - 5+ (discretion advised for young children) Sending love from our family to yours!Wherever you are in the world - we hope the light of Diwali shines in your heart all year round 🪔 🎆🎇🌅🎇🪔Happy Diwali everyone! 🪔🎇🎇✨Happy New year!✨🎇🎇✨Sal Mubarak✨🎇🎇✨Nutan Varshabhinandan ✨🎇If you celebrate - what does Diwali mean to you?Thank you to my niece Sisi for the cover art 😍

A new story episode is here and it’s very green ☘️ 😃 💚 This episode is all about the patron saint of Ireland - St Patrick.  I have learnt some new facts and I hope you do too! To all those celebrating: Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh! Happy St Patrick's Day! ☘️ Thank  you to all of my Irish friends for helping me with this episode! Thank you to Niamh and Tara for the cover art 😃🎨 ☘️ *Some listeners discretion to be advised* Like/subscribe/review ☺️ Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy  Facebook: @grabsomesticks  For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com  Thank you 🙂

Story number 26 is here! This next story is about a young girl named Joy. She experiences something negative in her life but through learning EFT (the Emotional Freedom Technique) she finds happiness again.  The story is called: The Magic Within You Written by: Alessandra Amico-Jones @alessandra_amicojones  Illustrated by Febriyana Fadillah  What is EFT?  EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and it is also known as tapping because of the tapping motion of the fingers on the different spots. EFT is based on the ancient Chinese practice of Acupuncture but instead of sticking needles in our body, we simply tap with our fingertips. It focuses on tapping the 12 meridian points of the body to relieve symptoms of a negative experience or emotion. Alessandra's journey: “My journey started involuntarily 23 years ago, when at the age of 16, I suddenly lost my mother in a car accident. That day, my life changed and all of a sudden, I had to become an adult. I had to learn to deal with my pain and on top of that I had to go to school, look after my dad and my younger brother, doing the cooking, washing, cleaning etc… With the support of friends and family, I carried on living a vaguely normal life and when I was 20 years old, I decided to move to the UK, but the pain of the grief was always with me, it never left… the tears were always ready to come out at the drop of a hat, as soon as someone mentioned their mother or my mother…Things changed 3 years ago when I started doing some very deep emotional work on myself (I was studying to become a coach) and I came across this technique called EFT Tapping. I got offered an EFT session and I took it. I had not expectations, no real background knowledge, nothing at all. That session changed my life…The Practitioner worked with me on the trauma of suddenly loosing my mother in a car accident. I cried so much… but after that session, I was able to see things more clearly… the pain of the grief was gone and I was left with all the love I had (and still have) for her. I was absolutely shocked by the profound changes in me and I decided to study this technique so that I could pass on that gift of healing to others too…that is exactly what I did. I studied EFT for 3 years and I got myself 2 qualifications (my second one was with the EFT International), which to this day make me a Fully Accredited and Certified EFT Practitioner. Since discovering EFT I have used it pretty much every day, on myself and on my family (my husband and my 2 sons) and we all enjoy the benefits of it. EFT has become our “Secret Power” that helps us rebalance our emotions and our stress levels when life throws us a curveball… and this is valid for us grown ups (mum and dad) and for the little ones (our 5 and 9 year old children) as well! I wrote, "The Magic within You” so that every family in the world can learn this amazing technique (EFT Tapping) and so that the younger generations can be give the tools to start taking ownership of their feelings and emotions, making them more relaxed children and more resilient and empowered adults” Alessandra, thank you so much for sharing your journey and for helping others learn the power of EFT. I hope this story and this method helps you and your family unlock the secret power within you! Let us know if you try this technique and how you feel afterwards. The publication of this podcast episode comes in line with Parent Mental Health Day (January 27th). Should you wish to find our more about how EFT Tapping can help you and your family, please visit Alessandra’s website: ⁠https://alessandra-amico-jones-eft.square.site/⁠ To learn how to practice this method: https://www.instagram.com/tv/C2HntR_Ah5i/?igsh=MXJ6Y282NmNiZTdobw== Available to buy on Amazon: ⁠ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BB5S5D6S Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy⁠ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063972793171

After a long time I can finally say that, story number 25 is here! Just in time for Christmas 🎄😃 This story is about a relentless Goose named Suzy who wants to top her Christmas tree with a star from the sky. No one can stop her from trying every possible way to get it! A tale of determination and a touch of seasonal magic ✨ Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star 🪿 🌟 Written and illustrated by the one and only Petr Horáček. Thank you Petr Horacek and Walker Books Limited for this wonderful Christmas story 💫 🧿 🎄🪿 What inspired you to write this story? "Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star is the third book in the series. The first one is called; Silly Suzy Goose. It’s just a Christmas story although I did write it in the summer walking on the Somerset’s moor. The place where my mother-in-law lives and where we usually spend Christmas” Ten things you didn’t know about Petr Horáček: 1. I love children's drawings. 2. I love looking at the sky. 3. I love walking in woods and picking mushrooms. 4. I love snow and I know how to ski. 5. I love cakes (any cakes!) and vanilla ice cream (or any other ice cream!). 6. I love playing tennis. 7. I love watching people walking their dogs. 8. I love music – from the very old to the very loud and rattley. 9. I love listening to the radio. 10. I can't spell. (It's rather embarrassing.) (Cited from https://www.walker.co.uk/contributors/Petr-Horácek-4457.aspx) www.petrhoracek.co.uk www.walker.co.uk @p.horacek_ @walkerbooksuk Subscribe to his YouTube channel: Petr Horacek To buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Suzy-Goose-Christmas-Star-Horcek/dp/1406326216 Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas 😃 Send me some of your Christmas pictures: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com🎄💚 @grabsomesticks Instagram: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063972793171

I’m back with story number 24! This story was written by Evelyn who is nine years old and lives in New York. She likes Roblox, to read books and play with slime. The reason why she wrote this story is because she likes dogs and wants to keep them safe 😊 🐶 🐩 🐕 The story is called: Millie - The Lost Dog Thank you Evelyn and I am sure everyone will love your story 😃 #youngwriter Like/subscribe/review ☺️ Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: @grabsomesticks For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com Thank you 🙂

Story number 23 is here! Collaborating once again with the talented and inspiring Nicole Kraiem who brings us her second story, “The Bubble King” @ngkraiem Written by Nicole Kraiem Illustrated by Georgiana Grigoras Edited by Joseph Kraiem Nicole Kraiem: ‘The character illustration is based on my youngest son, who's nickname is Bear. I had written this story when I was pregnant with him six years ago. My husband, who is in the military, had been humming a tune he heard earlier, which sparked the rhythm of the book, while my daughter was playing with bubbles. Since I was currently pregnant with a boy, I decided to make the character a boy also. The original name of the character was Jasper but after creating the character of “I Dream” off of my daughter's likeness, my son asked if I could make a character that looks like him too, sparking the changes with the name and likeness you see today in the book. What I've learned from spending time with children, especially my own is that representation truly matters. Every child wants to see someone like them featured in books.  In respect to what I am currently working on now, I am at the end process of solidifying the illustrations for my first book series, “The Adventures of Gillie The Incredible.” It follows a rambunctious little boy who always gets into mischief as he tries to learn and navigate what it means to be a little human in the world and yes, almost everything the character does has been based off of something one of my four have done at that age, including making a "master cheese sandwich," which the character does. There is a moral, or rather a learning point in every Gillie book, which I hope will teach children, in the same way that social play does. Along with the Gillie series, I am in the process of starting the storyboard for my children's story, “Selma's Song” which follows a young girl, as she tries to go through the grieving process, after losing her grandmother. Lastly, I am two-thirds through writing my first adult novel, which follows a couple as they navigate life and mental health issues as an interracial couple and military family” Sounds wonderful Nicole! We can’t wait for your future publications and we hope you enjoy this beautiful story with the boy with the curly auburn hair ☺️ #representationtrulymatters To buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Bubble-King-N-G-Kraiem/dp/1639015876/ref=sr_1_2?crid=11NOKMXUSOFSC&dchild=1&keywords=the+bubble+king+n.g+kraiem&qid=1630506743&sprefix=the+bubble+king%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-2&fbclid=IwAR2dO3Y41uta5yVC3Uo-SokHl0snRyqWWmKIiS24bJJwLSiOPGW3c2BFR3s Thank you once again Nicole! ❤️🖤🤎❤️🖤🤎 Like/subscribe/review ☺️ Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: @grabsomesticks For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com Thank you 🙂

Story number 22 is here! Continuing on with the last instalment from, “The Adventures of Henry the Field Mouse”. Henry meets a new furry friend on the riverbank who challenges him to a race! Written by Jo Coker. Illustrated by Barbara Richards. Edited and published by Sue Dockstader. I have really enjoyed reading from this series of stories and I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to them 🐭 ☺️   Jo and Sue are continuing to offer to the podcast listeners a 15% discount from their Etsy shop! Use the code: HENRY15 or simply go straight to the following link to receive 15% off: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HenryFieldMouse?coupon=HENRY15   To follow the continuing mother/daughter/granddaughter publishing adventures: www.adventuresofhenryfieldmouse.com @henryfieldmouse You can also head over to https://www.adventuresofhenryfieldmouse.com/storytime for more chapters read by the author, as previously broadcast on Cotswolds Radio, and look for the colouring pages to download for your little adventurers to create their own Henry field mouse! We hope you enjoy this next adventure 😊 🇭🇰 🇬🇧 🐁 Like/subscribe/review ☺️ Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: @grabsomesticks For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com Thank you 🙂

I’m back everyone with story number 21! Continuing on with the tales from, “The Adventures of Henry the Field Mouse” I will be reading the excerpt where Henry and his hedgehog friend Bertie stroll around at night and Henry sees something peculiar in the water… Written by Jo Coker. Illustrated by Barbara Richards. Edited and published by Sue Dockstader. Octogenarian author Jo enjoyed another new adventure recently when she was interviewed by her local radio station for their book club show on @Cotswoldsradio- proving again, you are never too old to try something new! And as if that wasn’t enough excitement, Jo’s granddaughter (who the books were originally written for) flew in from Germany to join her Grandma as she shared her stories with little adventurers at the Northleach Heritage Craft Fair last week.   Jo and Sue would like to offer our podcast listeners a 15% discount from their Etsy shop! Use the code: HENRY15 or simply go straight to the following link to receive 15% off: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HenryFieldMouse?coupon=HENRY15   To follow the continuing mother/daughter/granddaughter publishing adventures: www.adventuresofhenryfieldmouse.com @henryfieldmouse We hope you enjoy this next adventure 😊 🇭🇰 🇬🇧 🐁 🦔 Like/subscribe/review ☺️ Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: @grabsomesticks For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com Thank you 🙂

Story number 20 is here! (We have reached 20 stories!😱) Our next story tells the tale of an inquisitive field mouse called Henry who has a prickly encounter with Bertie the hedgehog, who is snoring in a compost heap! This story is part of a series written by a grandma wanting to keep in touch with her grandchildren before the days of email and video chat. (You can see the letters she wrote them when you swipe left ⬅️☺️) It’s called: “The Adventures of Henry the Field Mouse” written by Jo Coker. Illustrated by Barbara Richards. Edited and published by Sue Dockstader.   Jo Coker: “When my grandchildren moved to Hong Kong, I wanted them to stay interested in the English countryside, so I started writing stories for them about an imaginary mouse living under my garden shed! Little did I know my daughter would keep my flimsy airmail pages and publish them into a beautifully illustrated book 20 years later- so now little adventurers everywhere can read about the antics of Henry the Field Mouse! Henry meets lots of different animals on his escapades, so I hope that my simple tales of adventure in an English back garden will encourage little ones to pull on their wellies and go outside to explore the countryside. My original stories stretched to two books once the pictures were added, then after being persuaded a trilogy would be nice, I wrote another set of stories at age 85. Working with my daughter (who now lives in the US) to get the third book published was a wonderful way to keep busy and connected during this past awful year of lockdown and isolation.”      To buy the books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HenryFieldMouse or take trip to the beautiful Cotswolds town of Northleach and pick up a copy at the Post Office or the Black Cat Café.   To follow the continuing mother/daughter/granddaughter publishing adventures: www.adventuresofhenryfieldmouse.com @henryfieldmouse Thank you Sue for getting in touch and I love how we have that HK connection! 🇭🇰 🇬🇧 🐁 🦔 Like/subscribe/review ☺️ Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: @grabsomesticks For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com Thank you 🙂

In the U.K. it was an incredibly joyous feeling when the country came together for the Euros. For me, what was even better was experiencing it all from my hometown of Wembley. The home of football. Nothing beats the feeling of unity. Our England football team did us proud. There are some players that are inspirational both on and off the pitch and I have nothing but admiration for them. So it comes with great sadness that after a penalty shoot out in the final game, our three lions were subject to abuse. Abuse not about their football skills but about the colour of their skin. If we had won, the comments on social media would have been celebratory and joyous but it wasn’t. The true feelings of some hateful individuals came out and I won’t call them England fans because they’re not. True England fans felt incredibly let down by the aftermath of this hate and this shameful behaviour needs to stop. Here’s a poem written by Adaeze Obasuyi @rooted_branch that sums up the feelings of last week. Rashford, Sancho and Saka. We stand by you. You did us proud ❤️🙌🏾❤️ This poem is more suited to older children/adult audience.

Story number 18 is here! We are continuing our series of stories from you! The #youngwriter and this week, we have a young girl named Sasha (8 years old) who wrote a story called: “Dog Adopted” 🐶 Sasha: “My name is Sasha, I'm 8 years old and I live in Pinner with my mum, dad and Sister. I enjoy running, reading, and riding my bike! I like dogs and decided to write a story about one!” Thank you Sasha! I’m sure everyone will love your story ☺️ I love the cover art too! @eternalkitchenltd Like/subscribe/review ☺️ Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: @grabsomesticks For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com Thank you 🙂

Story number 17 is here ❤️ Sometimes in life, an event occurs that makes you pause and think. To stop. To stop with the swiftness of life and to simply appreciate the everyday joys. To not sweat over the small stuff and to really make you appreciate how short life really is. With this is mind, I felt like it was fate that led me to Chelsey Gomez’s story. Her story is called: “Stickers On Her Bald Head” @ohyouresotough @ohyouresotough_designs Chelsey Gomez: “I have lost my hair twice to chemotherapy and cancer. My daughter was very young while I was battling cancer. I introduced the concept of my soon to be bald head to my daughter with a promise. I promised she could put stickers all over my head after my hair fell out! I hope this story helps other parents talk to their children about cancer and hair loss in a fun way. No scary terms like radiation or chemotherapy - just a gentle and silly story that kids can relate to.” Thank you @ohyouresotough for your bravery and I hope this story helps not just children but adults also. Check out her awesome illustrations too 😍 The book is available to purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095Q848XS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Subscribe to her YouTube channel 🥰 https://youtube.com/c/ohyouresotough0 Check out her Etsy shop for cancer support gift items: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Ohyouresotough Chelsey had also written a guided journal for adult cancer patients: https://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Hole-Patients-Humorous-Survivors/dp/B08SGZ7S1P/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&qid=1624320469&refinements=p_27%3AChelsey+Gomez&s=books&sr=1-2&text=Chelsey+Gomez https://linktr.ee/Ohyouresotough Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: @grabsomesticks For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com Thank you x

Story number 16 is here! We are continuing our series of stories from you! The #youngwriter and this week, we have a young girl named Flossie (six years old) who wrote a story called: “The Magic Mermaid” Flossie: “My name’s Flossie, I’m 6-years-old and I live in Huddersfield. I love listening to your podcast and I was excited to hear you might like to read one of my stories.  I enjoy going on day-outs with my family, box-modelling and crafts and riding my bike. I love being busy and go to Gymnastics, Swimming and Drama Clubs, and I’m a Rainbow too.     I love reading so I decided to write this story so I could read it to my little sister Frankie. I am going to keep a copy of it in my memory box to look back at when I’m older. I like going to the seaside and I always look out for mermaids. Once I thought I saw a mermaid waving at me (although it might have been an octopus) so I decided to write this story about what might happen if someone actually met one. I think magic is really cool and I imagine that mermaids have some kind of magical powers so I used this idea in my story too.” Mermaids are certainly a popular theme! Thank you Flossie! I’m sure everyone will love your story 😃 🌊🧜‍♀️ @mumawaywithme Like/subscribe/review ☺️ Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: @grabsomesticks For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com Thank you 🙂

Story number 15 is here and it’s a bit different to the norm because we have our first guest #youngwriter and podcaster! ❤️💜❤️💜 📖✍️ ❤️💜❤️💜 Introducing the super talented - Eesha (11 years old) 😃 "Hi everyone, it’s Eesha. I am so glad to be on today’s episode of: “Grab Some Sticks”. I wrote the story because I love mythical creatures and I thought that I should write a story about it and how dreams really do come true. Also, please send some pictures of some of your favourite scenes that happen throughout the story” 😃 Thank you Eesha! The beautiful cover art was drawn by her cousin Aarya (six years old) @shrubberiescakehouse 🙂 If you want to have a go writing your own story - send me a message ☺️📖 ✍️ Like/subscribe/review ☺️ Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: @grabsomesticks For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com Thank you 🙂 x

Story number 14 is here! 😃 Our next tale, tells the story of the relationship between a father and his son. This is book is not just for fathers and sons, but for anyone parenting little ones when they get scared at night. It is a great reminder to tell your little ones you will be there to support them. It’s also my first male author on the podcast! It’s called: “I’ll Be Right There” written by Jonathan Marshall @illberighttherebook @jonjmarshall215 Illustrator: Julia Orthey @jswieson Jonathan Marshall: As a father of two boys, one of the greatest joys I have is reading to and with them at night. We have read tons of stories and one thing we did not see in them was...Us. I didn't see many books with fathers, let alone fathers of colour. I did see many stories with little girls of colour and I did not see many stories with black boys. My boys and I always made up stories together, and I figured, why not share some of these stories? Why not share experiences from a fathers standpoint? Why not show my children that they can be represented in the books they read. I knew I was not the only dad/ parent feeling this way...and here we are. Jonathan Marshall is a poet and writer. He has spent the last decade and a half working with youth from various backgrounds. He works full-time as an Academic Outreach Manager at Eastern University, where he studied Early Childhood Education. To buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Ill-Right-There-Jonathan-Marshall/dp/1699292450 Also at @barnesandnoble Facebook -I'll Be Right There Book I hope you all like it 😃 x Like/subscribe/review ☺️ Instagram page: https://instagram.com/grabsomesticks?igshid=gcvsbmv1h4dy Facebook: @grabsomesticks For messages, drawings and videos, Send to: grabsomesticks@hotmail.com Thank you 🙂