This magical story for upper elementary kids is about friendship, sharing, and learning that special things shine brighter when shared. Perfect for listeners who enjoy fantasy stories, cozy bedtime storytelling, and gentle lessons about kindness and connection.
Welcome to 2026 in Auntie Jo Jo’s Library.
In this special episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on how the library has grown over the past six years, to thank you for listening, and to share what’s coming next. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or you’re just finding your way in, I’m so glad you’re here.
This year, you’ll still find the cozy stories, Thursday History-Sodes, and calming moments that have become part of so many daily routines. But in 2026, I’m also adding something new.
On the last Sunday of every month, I’ll be sharing a calm, reflective story just for adults , a gentle space to rest, reconnect, and take a few minutes for yourself. These stories are my way of giving something back to the grown-ups who give so much, especially those who play this podcast for their kids and rarely pause for themselves.
I also share a bit about my other podcast, Legacy Lore, where season one is available now to listen straight through, with season two arriving in March 2026 and smaller episodes coming later this month and in February.
Mostly, this episode is simply a thank you.
Travel back to ancient Rome in this kid-friendly history-sode about Pompeii, the city preserved by a volcanic eruption. Learn how everyday Romans lived, what happened when Mount Vesuvius erupted, and how archaeologists uncovered a moment frozen in time. Perfect for curious kids who love history stories, ancient civilizations, and fascinating discoveries from the past.
A curious kitten learns the meaning behind each Kwanzaa principle as her family prepares for the celebration - unity, creativity, and community become her adventure.
Learn about Kwanzaa through a heartwarming tale of a playful cat discovering family, culture, and tradition. A beautiful story celebrating heritage and joy. ❤️🖤💚
Get ready for giggles! 🎄
This silly family-friendly story is a modern twist on the classic “12 Days of Christmas” - written for kids, parents, caregivers, classrooms, and cozy holiday listening.
In this fun countdown, the holidays get just a little chaotic with glitter spills, forgotten mittens, cold coffee, and big belly laughs. Whether you’re listening during storytime, a car ride, bedtime, or decorating cookies, this funny holiday episode brings smiles to kids and grownups.
Perfect for December listening, holiday traditions, and families who love funny stories, rhyming stories, Christmas stories, and winter storytime.
Enjoy a modern, family-friendly parody of the classic ’Twas the Night Before Christmas! This fun and silly holiday story is perfect for kids — and all the grownups listening along. With mischievous reindeer, tech glitches, cozy chaos, and Santa in true modern style, this playful retelling brings laughter, imagination, and holiday cheer to your December listening.
Perfect for bedtime stories, storytime, classroom listening, car rides, Christmas Eve traditions, or anytime you want a magical holiday moment together. 🎄✨
Discover the magic of the winter solstice in this gentle story about nature, light, and hope. A perfect peaceful bedtime story for cozy winter nights. A young girl named Luna worries the long winter nights will never end. A guiding owl teaches her about the solstice, how the darkest night is the beginning of the returning light.
Ever wondered how gingerbread became a holiday favorite? Learn how spices traveled across the world, why gingerbread became a decorated treat, and when gingerbread houses first appeared. A fun, tasty history lesson for kids and families.Sources:
SmithsonianMag.com – History of Gingerbread
Food Historian Tori Avey – Gingerbread Roots
German National Bakery Archive Summary
Britannica Kids – Gingerbread
A silly and delicious mystery unfolds as a gingerbread house starts disappearing piece by piece! A fun Christmas-themed story full of winter laughter and imagination. 🎄🍪
Learn the meaning behind Hanukkah and why it lasts for eight nights in this short, kid-friendly history story. We’ll talk about the menorah, dreidels, traditions, and the miracle that inspired the Festival of Lights. Perfect for curious kids learning about winter holidays!
Sources:
Jewish Virtual Library – Hanukkah History
My Jewish Learning – Children’s Hanukkah Overview
Smithsonian Magazine – The Story of Hanukkah
Britannica Kids – Hanukkah
Celebrate Hanukkah with a joyful story about a dreidel who discovers tradition, bravery, and belonging. This gentle tale introduces kids to Hanukkah themes and values. đź•Ž
What makes the Winter Solstice the longest night of the year? This short episode explains why the Earth has seasons, how ancient civilizations celebrated the Solstice, and why people still honor the return of light today.Sources:
National Geographic Kids – Seasonal Changes and Solstice
Britannica Kids – Winter Solstice
The Old Farmer’s Almanac – Solstice Overview
Historic UK – Solstice Traditions Summary
A tiny snowflake named Fable doesn't want to fall because she’s afraid she won’t matter. Through her journey, from cloud to ground, she discovers that every snowflake plays a role: decorating branches, bringing water to the earth, and bringing joy to children.
Join Auntie Jo Jo for a magical winter story about a snowflake who isn't sure where she belongs. This heartwarming tale teaches kids about purpose, bravery, and the beauty of winter.
Perfect bedtime story for December and winter holidays.
This Thanksgiving, travel the world with Auntie Jo Jo to explore how different cultures give thanks. 🌍
From Britain’s Harvest Festival and Canada’s October Thanksgiving, to Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day and India’s bright Pongal, discover how gratitude and celebration look around the globe.
Sources:
Smithsonian Magazine, “Harvest Traditions Around the World.”
National Geographic Kids, Global Thanksgiving and Harvest Celebrations.
Japan Times, “Kinrō Kansha no Hi: Japan’s Day of Thanks.”
BBC Good Food, “History of the British Harvest Festival.”
Cultural India, Pongal: The Festival of Harvest.
In the town of Windmere, a kind baker named Juniper Bly never used a timer, she baked by the rhythm of her own heart. đź’›
When her beloved oven breaks, the whole town bands together to help her rebuild it and learns that the best recipes aren’t measured in cups or spoons, but in kindness, patience, and community.Inspiration:
Folklore themes of communal care and craftsmanship drawn from European fable traditions (The Folklore Society, UK).
Historical inspiration from 19th-century “moral tale” collections, Library of Congress American Folklife Center.
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Cultural Traditions in Baking and Sharing Bread.
“The Storytelling Power of Food,” National Museum of American History blog, 2022.
Not so long ago, half the population couldn’t vote but brave women changed that forever.
In this inspiring History-Sode, Auntie Jo Jo shares the story of the women’s suffrage movement, from the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
Meet voices like Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Ida B. Wells, who marched, spoke, and dreamed of a day when every voice could be heard.
Sources:
National Women’s History Museum, The 19th Amendment: Women’s Right to Vote
Library of Congress, Votes for Women: The Struggle for Women’s Suffrage
National Archives, 19th Amendment Ratification Documents
National Park Service, Women’s Rights National Historical Park – Seneca Falls Convention
Smithsonian Magazine, “How Suffragists Changed the World.”
In the misty town of Maplebridge, an old clockmaker gives a young boy a brass watch that doesn’t tick, well not yet at least.
Years later, one single sound will remind them both that some promises never run out of time.
✨ Plus, a quick update about Auntie Jo Jo’s new podcast Legacy Lore, now streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Sources / Inspiration:
National Watch and Clock Museum, The History of Timekeeping in America
British Horological Institute, Origins of the Modern Clockmaker
Smithsonian Institution Archives, American Innovations in Horology
Literary inspiration from early 20th-century morality fables and mentorship tales preserved in the Library of Congress Folklife Archive.
Before Thanksgiving meant turkey dinners and parade floats, it started with one determined woman and a very important letter.
In this History-Sode, Auntie Jo Jo tells the story of Sarah Josepha Hale — the author of Mary Had a Little Lamb — who spent 17 years writing to presidents to create a national day of gratitude.
Her persistence finally reached Abraham Lincoln, who made Thanksgiving a holiday during one of the hardest times in American history.
It’s a story about hope, kindness, and how one voice can make a difference.
Sources:
Library of Congress, Primary Documents in American History: Thanksgiving Proclamation (1863)
Smithsonian Magazine, “The Woman Who Made Thanksgiving a National Holiday”
National Archives, Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation
National Museum of American History, Sarah Josepha Hale Papers
In a quiet seaside village, an old widow named Mrs. Merrin lights a lantern in her window every night even during the fiercest storms.
When the townspeople question why she keeps the flame burning, they soon discover that her simple act of kindness can guide more hearts than any lighthouse ever could.
Long before fireworks were just for fun, one bold plan nearly changed England forever.
In this History-Sode, Auntie Jo Jo takes you back to 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his fellow plotters tried to blow up Parliament and how that failed attempt became Britain’s glowing November tradition: Bonfire Night.
Sources:
UK Parliament Education Centre, The Gunpowder Plot Explained
Historic UK, “Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot”
BBC History Extra, “The Real Story Behind Bonfire Night”
National Archives (UK), Primary Sources from the Gunpowder Plot of 1605