WHY PODCASTS?
Engaging Stories Without the Screen
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Screen-Free Time
Our podcast offers a fun, imaginative break from screens, keeping kids engaged in a healthy way.
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Emotional Growth
Through storytelling, children learn to recognize, understand, and express their emotions in healthy ways.
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Active Listening Skills
The podcast encourages children to engage deeply in the story, improving their listening and comprehension abilities.
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Mental Relaxation
A soothing way to help kids unwind and give their eyes a rest, especially before bedtime.
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Boosts Creativity
By imagining the settings, characters, and events, children exercise their creative thinking and visualization skills.
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Quiet Time
Ideal for giving parents a well-deserved break while keeping kids entertained and screen-free.
The World Of
Curiosity Cove
Our adventures revolve around the small town of Curiosity Cove, which looks like a childhood dream: Small homes, plenty of grass, playgrounds, neighborhood grocery stores, a local theater, a school, and an array of parks to play in. It’s the idyllic setting for Ella, her friends, and her family. This is a place where everyone knows your name and no one has to go at life alone.
Podcast Episodes
Addy the Baddy (Part 1)
Addie isn’t the “right” size or shape for volleyball…at least according to everyone else. But when the sports obsession bug bites her, it bites hard. What starts as curiosity turns into drive, grit, and an unshakable need to prove something to nobody but herself! This is a story about scratching the itch to compete, ignoring the boxes people try to put you in, and going all-in on something just because it lights you up. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season four of Adventures of Curiosity. Cod It's me Ella. The Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse.
Think cozy beanbags, fluffy. Pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side. It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive in. Addie the Battie Part one. Adelaide. That was a very popular name at Birds of Paradise High.
Almost everyone knew Adelaide. She was the one you went to when you needed help with schoolwork, the one who'd make you laugh with a sweet joke of the day. She was always surprising people with her arts and crafts, too. One thing she was not own for was sports, and she was perfectly fine with that.
She had never given it a single thought, even from a young age. Standing in front of a mirror, she just didn't see a reflection that resembled a sports star. It was an easy snap of the finger acceptance, and she quickly moved on to the things that came naturally school, humor and kindness. Those came so naturally, in fact, it was almost suspicious.
But that's just the way she was. Over the years, she realized she was really good at art. What started as something fun she did every now and then grew into a full blown hobby, one that involved frequent trips to Bobby's Hobbies, the local craft store that smelled like glue sticks and glitter explosions. One day, after school, she decided to stay late to finish up a project she hoped to enter into the upcoming art contest.
She got up to refill her water bottle in the hallway, and that's when she stumbled across the girl's volleyball team. She meant to walk right past, but something stopped her. Maybe it was the squeak of the sneakers. Maybe it was the thump of the volleyball hitting the gym floor, or maybe it was all the cheering and laughing echoing through the gym.
She leaned against the door, just watching, and before she knew it, the team was wrapping up practice, and when she glanced at the clock, her jaw dropped. She had been standing there nearly forty five minutes, and her mom was picking her up in two minutes. Adelaide sprinted back to the art room, tossed her supplies into her backpack, and dashed to the parking lot, where her bubbly mom was already waving animatedly from the car. That night, at dinner, Adelaide barely touched her mac and cheese.
She just pushed it around, shaping the noodles into little smiley faces. Her mom noticed first, then her dad. Addie, is everything all right? Yeah?
Great? Just make an art. Normally you do that with your peas, never your mac and cheese. Oh that just rhymed, by the way, I have nothing more to say, Adelaide snickered barely.
Aha, something is wrong, dead giveaway? You didn't laugh at my dad joke? What was something great? That happened today.
I want to join the volleyball team. Both of her parents froze. Adelaide had never talked about doing any sport. Ever.
Her world had always been academics, jokes, and arts and crafts, and the thoughts swirling through her mom and dad's head were not excitement but worry and protection. Addie, I love that idea, But wouldn't you want to pick. A more gentle sport. Yeah, there's a lot of running and jumping in volleyball.
And most of the volleyball girls are very tall. The words landed harder than either of them realized, because adel already carried around a little folder in her mind titled all the reasons I could never be an athlete. Inside were pages and pages labeled. Too short, not slender enough, not athletic enough, not coordinate enough.
But none of that mattered compared to the feeling she had watching the team. That spark of imagining herself soaring through the air and smashing a ball over the net. Hearing her parents' reservations was enough to snuff that spark out, at least for now. She grew very quiet for the rest of dinner.
Do you want to finish the rest of your dinner, Addie, No, thank you. I'm not very hungry. May I be excused? Of course?
Did you want some dessert? No? Thank you. The moment she walked out the dining room felt heavier.
A single thought floated between her parents, Did we handle that wrong? Adelaide's mom wanted to say something, anything, but she didn't know how to fix it without making it worse. Finally, her dad tried, you know, Ad, with our body type, I've always found I'm pretty good at moving a lot of heavy weight. He puffed out his chest dramatically.
You want to come to the garage and push some weights around with me. It's a great way to blow off steam. Thanks Dad, but I'll pass. I'm going to work on my art project.
Her dad gave a little nod, the kind you give when you know you swung and missed. That night, nothing felt right for Adelaide. She bounced from one hobby to the next, like a bee who couldn't find the right flower. Art felt overdone.
Reading she couldn't focus on a single word. Her instruments, usually her favorite way to relax, felt flat and boring. The Only thing she could think about was volleyball and I her body type had anything anything to do with whether she could play or not. She grew so fidgety she practically vibrated out of her bed.
Finally, she ran downstairs to the garage. Dad, do you have like some kind of ball I can play with? Her dad lit up, eager to be helpful again, he rummaged through box after box, football, two old baseball gloves, some lifting straps, and then, buried at the bottom, dusty and sad, was an old deflated volleyball. Oh my gosh, yes, that's exactly what I wanted.
Can you pump it up? Her dad grinned wide. This he could do. Adelaide took the volleyball out to the backyard and started hitting it all over the place.
And hitting might be too generous of a word. It was a mess, a spectacular, chaotic mess. She had noticed something the girls did during practice, how they pressed their arms together and bumped the ball with their forearms. It looked simple enough in theory.
She tried it. The ball shot left. She tried again, the ball shot right. She tried again.
She missed entirely. One time, she popped it so straight upward that it smacked her right in the face. It hurt a lot, but determination is a funny thing. A hit in the face during soccer might have made her quit forever, but here, here, it just felt like part of the learning curve.
So she kept going and going and going, and by the end of the night her arms were so sore and red from getting smacked in the exact same spot over and over that she could barely lift them. She knew she couldn't take even one more hit, but for the first time all day, she felt a little bit more like herself again. That night, ADDIE's mom didn't say a word about the hour long volleyball bumping session in the yard. She was too worried she'd say the wrong thing, so she did what she knew best.
She sat beside her daughter, helped her ice her arms, and put on her favorite show. I know what would make these arms feel better. Some chocolate ice cream. I'm going to pass on the ice cream, but I will have a healthier snack.
That brought a tiny flicker of concern to her mom's face. Addie, we should talk about body types. Our family has always been built a little bulkier. We're powerful.
Adelaide cut her off immediately. Mom, I know that I'm not trying to change that, but I am trying to be healthier with my choices. Just because I'm a thicker body type doesn't mean I should give up on eating healthy. Okay, I just don't think sugar this late at night is a good idea.
I'll have strawberries or blueberries. Her mom stood, grateful for something to do. You got it, she smiled, part pride, part something else, a strange twist in her stomach, a whisper of. Maybe I should take her advice too, But can I stop myself from eating all these yummy snacks?
They finished their show sharing a big bowl of berries. When the last one was gone, her mom blinked in surprise. Addie, Wow, what what happened? Those berries filled me up?
You were right. I don't need a bowl of ice cream right now, told you. The following days were interesting. Any free moment Adelaide had, she spent outside bumping her volleyball.
She watched at least two team practices a week, peering through the tiny square window of the gym door, like she was watching her favorite TV show. Her parents didn't know what to do. They loved her curiosity, but worried she was pouring her heart into a that didn't fit her body type, only to have her heart broken when she didn't make the team. One night, after Addie went to bed, she heard them talking.
She's in a vulnerable space right now. This is her first introduction to sports. Oh what's the harm in trying volleyball? She's only four to nine.
The shortest girl on the squad is five foot nine. Five foot nine, that's me exactly. She's not getting any taller, and I don't want her to try as hard as she can, only to fail and never want to try any sport again. Addie lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
Their words tangled around her like vines. Doubt, anger, frustration, and right underneath it all a burning hunger to play volleyball. Her brain listed every reason she couldn't. Most of those reasons came straight from her parents, but her heart, her gut.
They were loud and different way. They said, who cares what people say? You want to play volleyball, So play volleyball. It's that simple after a hundred But what if attacked her at once?
She did something brave. She quieted her brain and let her kid's self speak again. The version of her that didn't worry about outcomes, the version who simply said, I want. To do this, so I'm going to do it.
Wow. I'm so excited to see if Adelaide will stick with volleyball. I never even considered. That I could go against the odds.
From now on, when someone tells me I can't, I'm going to try even harder, unless it's my parents telling me to stop jumping on my bed. Of course. I hope you enjoyed. Our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Addy the Baddy (Part 2)
Addie isn’t the “right” size or shape for volleyball…at least according to everyone else. But when the sports obsession bug bites her, it bites hard. What starts as curiosity turns into drive, grit, and an unshakable need to prove something to nobody but herself! This is a story about scratching the itch to compete, ignoring the boxes people try to put you in, and going all-in on something just because it lights you up. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy. Pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dreams prey. Perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in Addie the Battie Part two.
The next morning, she woke up feeling lighter. It was Saturday, hours and hours to practice, plus her cousins were coming over. When they arrived, they played volleyball outside for almost an hour before the cousins ran inside for lunch. Uncle Jake stepped out to find her, hands in his pockets, grin already forming.
Addie, look you thanks for teaching the kids a few moves. You're gonna be a volleyball star. Uh, probably not. What do you mean probably not?
You'd beat me in a one on one. Nah, I'm only four foot nine now. I don't see myself getting any bigger than five two plus. I just don't have the body type for volleyball.
No, who told you that? It's true? Nope, there's no way. Someone with your talent just decides you weren't good enough for volleyball because of your height.
Someone told you that, and it's not true. Well, I guess I'm a good observer. So okay, quick test. What color pants was your cousin wearing earlier?
Blue? He wasn't wearing pants? What? Yes, he was.
I would have known if he was running around pantless. No, no, no, no, no, he was wearing shorts. Okay, okay. I did see that all the girls on the tee are super tall and fit, and I heard mom and dad talking about not wanting me to get let down because I'm not tall enough or fit enough.
Addie, let me tell you something, parents, aren't always right. As a matter of fact, we're wrong a lot, and sometimes when we parent, we're only doing our best with what we were taught. Ooh ye, I don't get what your point is. Sometimes adults carry old stories that aren't about you.
I'm guilty of it. When I was a kid, I was terrorized by a mean old dog. So I kept my kids away from every dog I saw time and time again. My kids showed me.
Most dogs are friendly if you approach them the right way. But if you lunge at a dog like your life depends on it, you'll freak it out. But if you put your hands out palm up, asking to be friends, chances are they'll sniff your hand and want to be your pal. Uncle Jake paused, looking off for a second, as if remembering something small and true.
Uncle Jake, huh oh oh yeah, sorry, where was I? Parents aren't always right? And then something about you having like dog trauma. Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.
So look, all parents carry old stories that aren't about you. Most of them are these underprocessed emotions from their childhood that they don't want you to relive. And while it's very sweet and very parent to try to protect you, from the pain that they went through. It can also hold you back from your real potential.
He leans in, I could be saying too much. Maybe you don't even want to play volleyball. No, no, no, no, I most certainly do. But what about my size and stuff?
Perfect, then do it. Size is just a hurdle. Everybody's got one in life. And you know what.
Courage is contagious. So let me infect you with some sports stats. He holds up finger dramatically. You ever heard of some moonbiles.
Adelaide shakes her head. Four foot eight, too short, too muscular for gymnastics. People told her she didn't fit the look, and now she's the g goat, the goat, greatest gymnast of all time. He holds up a second finger.
Carla Asparza, you know her. Adelaide shakes her head again. Five foot one, didn't fit the fight or frame. Became the first ever UFC Women's strawweight champion.
A third finger goes up and Spud Webb five foot seven. Everyone said he was too small for the NBA, then he went and won the slam dunk contest. Jake drops his hand, looking right at her. See the pattern.
People who shouldn't make it, make it all the time. They just don't listen when someone tells them they can't. Adelaide nods her head deep thought. Okay, okay, last one, last one, and this one's the grand finale.
Adelaide raises her head in anticipation. Uncle Jake raises his pinky finger like he's about to reveal a secret weapon. Debbie Green heard of her. Mm hmmm, Adelaide shakes her head.
Five foot four in volleyball. That's basically being told, hey, kid, go play literally anything else to short not the right build, couldn't possibly compete with the tall girls, you know the drill. He leans back, eyebrows raised. So what did she do?
Became the best setter in the world, Olympic silver medalist, unstoppable. She changed the whole game. People still talk about her. He taps his pinky to his thumb, completing the list.
See, Addie, the world is full of people who weren't supposed to and they did it anyway. The next few days were intense. Any free moment Adelaide had she was in the yard bump, miss chase the ball across the lawn, bump, smack herself in the face, try again. It looked ridiculous, honestly, but she didn't care.
Something inside her had been lit on fire and she wasn't letting it go out. And now that she started watching girls volleyball on TV, college games, pro games, highlight reels, anything she could find, she was even more obsessed. These girls were soaring, flying, diving across the court, celebrating like they just saved the world. Addie wanted that badly.
Her diet shifted too, but in a realistic Atty approved way. Healthy stuff during the week Barri's yogurt, veggies, lean meals. Then on the weekends, ice cream, always ice cream, a big scoop, a happy scoop, because balance was important and Addie wasn't trying to be a robot. Meanwhile, her parents kept giving each other the are you seeing what I'm seeing eyes every time she walked past with her volleyball tucked under her arm or her plate piled high with fruit.
They didn't want to say the wrong thing. They didn't want to discourage her. They also didn't know what on earth was happening. Then, one afternoon, while Addie was practicing, her bumps against the garage door, which made a very loud thunk.
Every single time she heard someone behind her, she turned around and nearly stumbled backward. It was one of the volleyball girls from her school team, one of the tall girls she watched through the gym window every week. One of the girls who seemed like a superhero. Hey, uh, that looked like it hurt.
It hurt a lot. Actually, well, you kept going, that's actually really. Cool, Addie blinked, cool her. Can I ask you something?
How did you start? Like? How did you learn? Volleyball?
Rec Center Tuesday and Thursday nights pickup games. Anyone can go, anyone. Yeah, it's kind of chaotic, but fun. Old people, young people, weird people.
You should go. That's where I learned everything. Addie didn't even wait ten minutes. She sprinted inside like her hair was on fire.
Mom, Dad, I need to go to the rec center Tuesday and Thursday. Please, it's important. They didn't even get a full sentence out before she already had the address typed into her phone. Finally, Tuesday arrived, Addie walked into the rec center Jim and froze.
There were people of all ages, tall and short women, middle aged dads and knee braces, college kids, a grandpa wearing retro sneakers, and two grandmas, both of whom looked like they were ready to win nationals, and Addie the only kid. For a minute, she thought about leaving, backing out quietly, pretending she had walked into the wrong building, wrong gym, wrong state. Then a woman waved her over. Hey kid, you playing.
I think so great. You're on our team. That was it, No questions, no judgment, no are you sure she was in the game started and Addie tried her best. Sometimes she hit the ball, sometimes she missed it completely.
Sometimes her arms made a sound like she'd been slapped by a wooden spoon. But no one yelled at her, no one rolled their eyes. They just played. In one rally, Addie completely shanked the ball sideways into the bleachers.
I'm so sorry, I can sit the next one out. Before she could even finish, one of the grandma's, a tough looking woman with gray curls and a pink wrist brace, marched right up to her. Honey, this game isn't about me or him or you. It's about team.
So it makes no sense to put one teammate down and lift another up. We all carry each other. Just then the other grandma from the opposite team yelled across the net. Are we playing or are we talking?
Shelley, Oh, go kick a porcupine, Gladys serve it up. Everyone laughed, Addie included, and for the first time, she felt something new in herself, something strong, something brave, something that felt like the start of a real athlete waking up inside of her. Maybe she really could do this, Maybe she wasn't crazy for wanting volleyball after all. After a few months of showing up at the rec center twice a week, rain or shine, homework or no homework, sore arms or very sore arms, everyone there knew ADDIE's name.
They also knew she was obsessed, not in a weird way, in a this kid's going somewhere, and maybe we should help push her there way. She got better too, not perfect, but better. Her serve no longer hit the ceilings, her bumps stopped flying sideways into the water fountain. She even dove once on purpose, and the entire gym cheered like she just saved the championship point.
One night, after a long rally, the bearded guy slapped her on the back gently because he was built like a refrigerator. Good. You gotta take this further. Furtherhow a coach hunt?
A real coach, someone who can teach you of footwork, timing, form, all that fancy stuff we don't remember anymore. Seriously, you have the drive, you just need direction. Addie felt her stomach twist with excitement and fear all at once. A coach, A real coach that meant money, time, commitment.
Her parents they supported her, kind of. They worried, definitely, but she couldn't shake the feeling she wanted this more than anything. That night, she walked through the front door, sweaty, dusty, and buzzing with adrenaline. Her mom looked up from the couch.
How was the rec center? Honey, I have something to ask. Her dad slowly lowered his sandwich, preparing for impact. Okay, shoot, Addie took a deep.
I want a private volleyball coach. Both parents froze. Her mom blinked twice, her dad blinked four times. A coach, Yes, a real one.
Everyone at the rec center said, it's the next step. And I've been watching videos and practicing and doing everything I can on my own, but I need help if I really want to try out next. Year, Addie felt her throat titan. Here it comes to talk about body type, about height, about disappointment, about being realistic, but instead her dad's side and leaned back.
Addie, listen, I want to tell you something. When I was your age, I tried out for football. I wanted it so bad, and I trained well kind of. Actually no, not really, I barely trained it all.
And I failed miserably at tryouts, like embarrassingly. I thought I'd just naturally be good because of my size, and I wasn't at all. And I gave up after that, And I've always wondered what if I hadn't. You never told me that story, Dad.
I didn't want to look like a quitter. You don't, Dad. ADDIE's eyes softened, her mom lowered her head too. I've been carrying my own stuff too.
Look, Addie, I've struggled with my weight most of my life. I still do. And when you said you wanted to play a sport with tall girls and fast girls who fit the part, I panicked. I didn't want you to feel the shame I felt.
Addie took a breath. Mom. Dad, I know you're trying to protect me, but I'm not trying to be someone else. I'm trying to be the best version of me, and I just really want to try.
If I fail, that's okay, I'll try something else, but I want the chance. Her parents looked at each other the same silent conversation they'd shared a thousand times, and something shifted, something melted. Finally, her mom spoke first, Okay, did she hear that right? Okay, Addie, we'll look into a coach.
Addie, I really admire your drive. Your confidence is infectious. You know what, if you're training, then we're training too. I'm not letting my kid outwork me.
And maybe it's time I face some of my stuff too. I've spent my whole life feeling like the soft one. Watching you show up, it makes me want to show up too. I'm joining you both.
We can all be healthier together. Addie burst into a huge smile. What came next was hilarious in all the best ways. Early mornings, late nights, A new coach who pushed her until her legs felt like linguini, her confidence growing one inch at a time, her parents joining in, her dad trying kale for the first time and announcing honestly not bad if you drowned it in olive oil Saturday salad tastings that somehow turned competitive, jogging around the block together, ending, of course, with her dad giving her mom a piggyback ride while pretending he was in a superhero movie.
Adelaide wasn't just training, She was transforming, and this time she wasn't doing it alone. It wasn't perfect, it was messy, but Addie had never felt more supported or more ready. The weeks leading up to tryouts felt like Adelaide was living inside a sports movie montage, except hers included a lot more ice packs and her dad complaining about mysterious calf cramps every forty eight hours every day. After school, she hit the yard first footwork drills, setting drills that weird coordination thing the coach called wall taps where she had to pop the ball up against the house over and over.
Her dad insisted the dents gave the siding character. She started watching girls volleyball on TV, college games, pro games, old highlight reels where the footage looked like it was filmed on a flip phone. She studied how they moved, how they reset, how they communicated without even speaking. Sometimes she'd rewind to play five times just to see how the libero slid across the floor, like she was auditioning for an action movie.
At school, she was quieter than usual, not shy, just laser focused. Her friends joked she was turning into a volleyball robot, but if they saw her face whenever she spiked a perfect hit over the backyard net, they'd know it wasn't robotic at all. It was pure, sweaty, stubborn joy. Her parents kept their promise and trained with her.
Well trained was a generous word, more like they moved around near her in athletic clothes. One morning, her mom came downstairs holding her hamstring like she'd been shot. Addie, did you know running uses both legs, Adelaide said. Yes, Mom, Well I didn't until now.
Her dad kept insisting koe wasn't that bad as long as you neutralize its grass flavored with enough lemon juice to blind a horse. But even with all their complaining, something was changing in the house. Healthier meals, more laughter, less of that invisible parental anxiety hanging in the air. Adelaide wasn't just chasing volleyball.
She was pulling her whole family along with her. And then it came the email. Tryouts were officially one week away. Man, Uncle Jake was right, Adelaide's parents, would you're just trying to protect Addie.
I'm so glad she listened to her uncle. But oh boy, my stomach is in notsnowing that tryouts are in a week. Fingers crossed for Adelaide. I hope you enjoyed.
Our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Addy the Baddy (Part 3)
Addie isn’t the “right” size or shape for volleyball…at least according to everyone else. But when the sports obsession bug bites her, it bites hard. What starts as curiosity turns into drive, grit, and an unshakable need to prove something to nobody but herself! This is a story about scratching the itch to compete, ignoring the boxes people try to put you in, and going all-in on something just because it lights you up. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious, and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side. It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time.
So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in, Addie the Battie the conclusion. She stared at the message so long her eyes dried out, her stomach dropped, her palms got sweaty. But then she thought of Uncle Jake's rant of Shelley the Grandma screaming insults at Gladys of Big Mike telling her she had the bug.
She whispered to herself. Okay, I'm doing this. The night before tryouts, she barely slept. Her brain was running a full highlight reel of every mistake she'd ever made in sports, plus a couple she'd definitely imagined.
Around midnight, she got up, tiptoed to the backyard and hit the ball gently in the dark, just to calmer nerves. Her mom opened the sliding door. Baby, it's late, I know, I just don't want to mess this up. Her mom hugged her from behind, chin resting on ADDIE's shoulder.
You won't because you already did the hardest part. What part is that? Starting? Tryout day arrived like a cold splash of water.
She put on her best socks, tied her shoes in the way, her coach, tot her double knot, tugged twice, pat once, and walked into the gym with her parents beside her. The rec center crew was already there, Shelley waving an iced coffee like it was a victory flag, Big Mic eating something protein heavy at eight am, and Gladys yelling at someone for touching her folding chair. Her coach gave her one firm nod. You ready.
Adelaide swallowed the universe. I think so. Inside the gym it was chaos, the kind made of whistles, bouncing balls, squeaking shoes, and nervous teenage breathing warm ups, drills, serves, receiving lines, scrimmages. She messed up a few, she crushed a few.
She had one perfect pass that felt like an arrow flying straight from her soul. She had one base plant that made all the coaches WinCE. At the end, a clipboard lady told all the. Girls wait outside, we'll call you back in one at a time.
So she walked out of the double doors into the afternoon air, heart pounding like it was trying to break out of her chest, and joined the group waiting. Her parents stood up, the wreck crew stood up. Uncle Jake showed up late, out of breath, holding a smoothie he absolutely spilled on himself. Everyone was there, and now it was time for the verdict.
They all waited together outside the gymnasium, with Adelaide, her parents, Uncle Jake, the entire rec center crew, Shelley already complaining about how uncomfortable the benches were. Even a couple of her cousins who tagged along because they felt like something cinematic might happen. Everyone kept looking at Adelaide, waiting for her to say something about the tryout. Big Mic asked you think it way, kid?
Her mom whispered, did you feel good in there? Uncle Jake leaned in way too dramatically and said, blink twice if they were impressed. But Adelaide couldn't answer any of them. She was staring straight ahead, replaying every serve, every pass, every stumble, every moment in that gym.
Her heart was somewhere between her throat and her kneecaps. Talking wasn't an option. And then the gym doors cracked open. A lady poked her head out.
Adelaide, Every eye whipped toward Addie. You froze a full deer in headlights moment. If someone had dropped a pin, she would have jumped high enough to hit the ceiling. Instantly, everyone started talking at once.
You got this, get We're all with you, go girl, We'll be right here. Breathe, don't forget to breathe. Shelley stop yelling in her ear. I'm being supportive.
Adelaide swallowed hard noded once and walked towards the door. The doors closed behind her, and then time did that weird stretchy thing it does when everyone is silent panicking together. They waited and waited and waited some more. A little boy walked by the group and looked at them.
Weird. Whatever you guys are selling, I'm not buying, said, don't try to get me involved. Then he walked backwards, keeping his eye on all of them. After some time, Gladys started knitting.
Big Mike fell asleep. Standing up, ADDIE's dad paced the trench into the tile. Her mom whispered, why is it taking so long? Shelley whispered back.
Probably reading her aura. Kids sports are weird nowadays. Finally the gym doors opened again. Adelaide stepped out.
She didn't smile, she didn't run, she didn't say a word. She just lowered her head. Everyone instantly deflated. Her dad exhaled a long, painful groan.
Her cousins slumped into each other. Uncle Jake put his hand on top of his head, like he was physically holding in a heartbreak. No one knew what to say, no one wanted to say the wrong thing. Shelley, of course, refused to stay quiet.
Oh absolutely not, she barked, stomping towards the door. Let me, Adam, I'm giving those coaches a piece of my mind. You don't break a kid like this on. My Watchlaide's head snapped up.
Wait, miss Shelley, you don't want to do that. Shelley, pause mid stomp, and why not? Adelaide broke into the most glorious grin she had ever worn. Because I got in.
For half a second, there was silence, the kind just before fireworks. Then the place erupted, screaming, applause, jumping, crying, Shelley threatening to hug strangers, Big Mike yelling while lifting Adelaide's dad off the ground. Gladys even threw her knitting needles in the air and shouted about. Adelaide stood in the center of the chaos, laughing, glowing, shaking with disbelief and joy.
She did it. She actually did it. This might seem like the happy ending of the story, but honestly, it's more like the happy middle life is full of happy highs and sad low And if you're smart and paying attention, you'll learn to grab onto the highs and soar with them. Even when you're in a low, because the truth is neither one lasts forever, not the good not the bad.
They're both temporary, they both pass, they're both chapters. And the rest of this story, well, it's not written yet, because Adelaide is still smack dab in the middle of her volleyball journey. Actually she might be at the beginning. After Addie floated through the happy high of making the squad, the real work slammed into her like a rogue serve.
Her first practice was nothing like the warm welcome she had imagined, not a single congrats, not a you're gonna crush it. Most of the girls sized her up like she was a mystery stain on their favorite shirt. Later that night at the rec center, Shelley, Yes that's Shelley had a few choice words for her. What do you think, sweetheart, that they'd welcome a stranger into their crew and say, here you go, Addie, take my position.
I'll sit on the bench. No, get in touch, honey. It's a fight to the top. Then it's a fight to stay at the top, and then it's a fight.
Okay, okay, Shelly, let's just dish out one vicious blow per week. All right. What she's trying to say, honey, is there will never be a dull moment, and thank god, otherwise none of us would ever grow. Adelaide laughed, hands on her hips.
I'm not phased. I know what I'm getting into. See the kid's smart. She still doesn't know everything.
She'll figure it out. Relax, don't tell me to relax. Addie walked away, laughing and rolling her eyes as the two grandmas bickered behind her, And honestly, they weren't wrong. Level one was making the squad, but Level two, who was proving she belonged there?
And Addie, well, Addie went above and beyond. She dove for impossible balls, scraped up her knees, got bruises in places she didn't even know existed. She showed up early, stayed late, trained until her legs felt like overcooked noodles. And then came the worst assignment of all, laundry duty.
The older girls tossed their sweaty jerseys at her, and their socks and their knee pads and their elbow pads. Yuck. She swore that was her villain origin story, but Addie stuck it out. She worked, She grind it.
She stayed steady, and then came one of those happy high days, the kind you surf on for the whole week. She made a sideways dive, somehow kept the ball alive, and the whole gym gashed. One of the girls shouted Addie the Batty, and that was it. For the first time, she felt accepted, really accepted.
Right now, as you're listening, ADDIE's training for a huge match against their rival school. Her hands are sweaty, her stomachs and knots, but the fire is still there, that same spark that first hit her in the backyard when she was smacking a volleyball into the sunset. And as for the ending of her story, well that's the thing. There is no ending yet.
But in her room, taped neatly to the wall is the whole lineup of legendary athletes who beat the odds. Simon Biles, Carla Sparza, Debbie Green Vargas, and so many more. She studied them, learning from them, drawing strength from them. And here's a little spoiler alert.
One day, Addie the Battie will be up on someone's wall too. But right now, right now, ADDIE's still writing the story. Every serve every spike, every stumble, every victory, all of it leading her toward the player she's becoming. And trust me, she is just getting started.
Wow. I have to remember to grab onto the highs and soar with them, even if I'm in a low. I love knowing They're all just temporary and life is never a dull moment, even if it is a low moment. I think I want to go play the next sport I see now because sports rule.
I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to ms Purcell and Selina. I heard you're big fans of Ella the Curious, and I'm big fans of yours.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Adventures of Curiosity Cove: Katie The Cuttle Fish
The Black Effect Presents... Adventures of Curiosity Cove! In this episode of Animal Apprentice, Katie the Cuttlefish shows us why life under the sea is full of color, camouflage, and clever tricks. We’ll learn how she changes her skin into dazzling patterns, why she has not one…not two…but threehearts, and how she squirts ink to escape trouble in a flash. And wait—did she just hypnotize her dinner with stripes? Come see for yourself! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season three of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's meet Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spread. Perfect for story time. Today, I get to introduce you to a new series called Animal Apprentice. Have you ever.
Wondered what it would be like to wake up as a brand new animal deep in the ocean, high in the jungle canopy, or out on the wide Sirrengetti, an Animal Apprentice, you step into the tiny paws, claws, wings, or fins of a baby animal seeing the world for the first time. Each episode a wise grown up animal because your guide teaching you how to survive and discover your special traits. So what are we waiting for. Let's dive in Katie the cuttlefish.
O MG, high, little cutlet. Look at how cue you are? Yes, I just called you a cutlet. Cutlet's the name of a baby cuttlefish, which you are.
Welcome to the ocean. You must have been just born. I just saw all your brothers and sisters swim by. There were so many of you.
I couldn't tell the number because I can't count that fast. I just know that when a mother cuttlefish gives birth, she gives birth to one hundred to three hundred babies. All. Look how tiny and cute you are.
I know you can't see you, but you're like the size of a tic tac or a pearl, or a bead, or a Clarendon pill or a Okay, that's enough. My name's Katie. I'm a two month old cuttlefish. That's why I'm so much bigger than you.
I'm practically a teenager. I mean, I'm not going to be old for an entire year. My great grandma lived to be one year and six months old. We were all like, whoa, great grandma are you shooting for two years old?
But she didn't make it the two she's ain essenced. That means she just deteriorated on the spot. That happens around one to two years for us cuttlefish. But you don't have to worry about that.
That's like forever away and seems really peaceful. WHOA, I gotta tell you a cool fact I just learned from my mom. So, like four hundred million years ago or so, you would have been boreden with a hard exterior shell. All of us cuttlefish used to have shells like a mollusk, until one brave cuttlefish said I can't take it anymore.
This shell is weighing me down and I need to be free, and he just ditched his shell to go hunt, and the rest is history. We're free of a big shell because of that fella or gal. I wish I could have met him or her to thank whoever it was. Okay, so I'm sure you're crazy hungry.
Good news. You could start hunting right now. Yeah, like right from birth. You can start hunting for your own food.
Let me see, let me see, Oh what's on the menu today? What are you hungry for? Ah? Brian shrimp ten o'clock just right over there.
See that little shrimp swimming around saying good lit, Come eat me, I'm tasty. You're hungry? Quick rundown first? See my cute little sk you have one too.
That's how we swim backward and forward. But if you have to make a dash for it, you could squirt water out of your gut in any direction and propel yourself in the opposite direction, similar to a car or a plane. But the best hunting technique is to be super calm and patient. Sneak up on your prey.
Prey is any animal hunted by another animal, and show them your dazzling lights and skirt. In your little p sized body, you have around one million chromatophores. That's just a fancy word for cells that produce color. What does that all mean?
That means that you can change the color and the shape or texture of your skin. Your skin can expand and contract. How cool is that? You're like a mini Marvel character.
I'm sure you noticed you have some cool new set of peepers. Look into my eyes. You see my eyes look like Charlie Brown's weird smirk or a super squiggly w or a smile that has a bump in the center. Yeah, our eyes are pretty amazing and beautiful unlike any other creature on Earth.
We have a binocular vision where we can see all around our body. No blind spots here, and yep, it's black and white, but we can see contrast and polarization really well. Have you ever looked through polarizing sunglasses. It's like seeing the world in a different way.
Everything pops out, including depth, color, and movement. Our eyes are out of this world, well, I mean in our body, but they're really cool, unlike any other eye on this planet. Oh and we have three hearts, so if you're gonna sing a song with the word heart in it, you have to change it to plural hearts like. Total licklips of the heart, or quit playing games with my hearts, or everybody's got a hungry hearts, or don't go.
Breaking my hearts? Help John? No. Anyway, you have five senses.
You might think you don't have smell underwater, but guess what you do yep sight. Obviously we already discussed smell taste, hearing, and do you think touch. I mean, we can do that with our tentacles, but our major last sense is balance. We can all use a little of that, you know what I'm saying.
We need this balance for everything huntings, swimming, so hearing is a big one. Recently, we've been having a hard time with this sense due to all the humans and their big machines. I mean, I don't blame them, They're just trying to live. But the sounds affect how we listen for prey.
We can hear super low frequency sounds, so we can tell when a bigger fish is trying to sneak up on us. Well, I think I told you enough, and I'm sure you're ready to go live your best life. So go find a comfy spot in the sand and cover yourself up to your eyes. That's what all the little babies do to hide for prey until they grow up.
It was so nice talking to you, and I wish you a super happy and healthy life. I hope you live to like two years and a day old. Chow a dazzling skirt that helps them swim in any direction that they want. I'm gonna try that maybe in my bathtub anyway, it's really cool.
I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Adventures of Curiosity Cove Teaser
The podcast Adventures of Curiosity Cove is a magical realm filled with endless adventures and original stories. Anchored by the beloved series “Ella the Curious”, this enchanting place also invites you to explore other captivating tales. Journey into the mysteries of space, discover the power of being the light, and much more. The Adventures of Curiosity Cove is where imagination thrives, and every story is a new adventure waiting to be told. Here, creativity and curiosity come to life, making it a haven for all who love to dream and explore and also turn off the screen for a bit. The Adventures of Curiosity Cove will launch on September 9th and will be available wherever you find podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello there, it's me your new friend, Ella the Curious. And boy, oh boy, do we have some amazing original stories headed your way. You'll hear fun stories about my town, Curiosity Cove, hang with some of my besties, and listen to tales about the galaxy, cute little ghosts, friendships, and so much more. We're launching September ninth, and I'm so excited to meet you and let our imaginations run wild together.
Even your parents can get in on the fun, but only if you want them to. Stories from my series, Ella the Curious and other original tales will be waiting for you. Anytime you need a break from your screen. Come hang out with me here at Adventures of Curiosity Cove Adventure Waits, feel, learn and imagine in Curiosity Cove.
Animal Apprentice: Billy the Boar
Growing up on the plains as a boar, you’ll need thick skin; luckily, Billy the Boar is born with it! After Billy’s dad takes a terrible tusk to the gut (from none other than his own mother), it’s clear that eyesight isn’t exactly a boar’s greatest gift. But don’t worry, boars have plenty of other survival skills up their snouts. Giggle along as Billy guides our listeners through life in the sounder (that’s the word for a group of baby boars) and shows you what it really takes to grow up wild, tough, and just a little muddy. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season three of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's meet Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time. We're back with our series Animal Apprentice. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up as a brand new animal deep in the ocean, high in the jungle canopy, or out on the wide Serengeti. An Animal Apprentice, you step into the tiny paws, claws, wings, or fins of a baby animal, seeing the world for the first time.
Each episode, a wise, grown up animal becomes your guide, teaching you how to survive and discover your special traits. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in Billy a bore. All right, listen up, little squeaker.
First lesson. Life is rough, and so is our skin, so get used to it. You may have cute little stripes right now, but those will be gone soon. What'd you say, Speak up, son?
What are your stripes for? Well, those are to protect you from all the things that want to eat you. The stripes break up the outline of your body, so predators can't tell if your body starts at one of the stripes and ends at the other. Anyway, once those stripes.
Are gone, you'll get thick skin like me, makes us harder to bite into, like a coconut. Go walk through a thorn bush if you want to whoa, whoa, whoa. Hey not now, not now with your delicate little stripes and skin. You gotta earn your thick skin.
Then you can roll through a thorn bush. Who else can do that? Nobody else can do that. That's who we can.
It's like getting the best backscratch ever. Now while you're small. You need to stick with your sounder. Your sounder is the name for a group of boars that's female dominated.
I stuck around to teach you the hard truth that your mother might not tell you. But I'm out of here first light. I'm just letting you know now, So get that under your thick skin, well delicate skin, for now. Us men don't stick around for long adventure calls.
I can't sit around and play house the rest of my life. There's alligators out there to evade, hunter's to trick, and tongues of roots, bugs and lizards to eat. Eight to fifteen months, you boy are gonna lead the sounder to Trust me, you'll get the itch, and the only thing that could scratch. It is out there.
Your sisters will. Stick around with your mother the rest of their lives, or or leave and make their own sounders. Don't ask me, Why ask them if you want to know? All right, next lesson, life's hard, now hard, Well, just to give you a preview, you'll be fighting your little brothers and sisters for the best milk producing teat on your mother.
Whoever gets the best teat will grow up faster, So you better start fighting now. Buddy, get away from my little piglet. Oh ooh god, Bertha, come on, you tuss me in the gun. Oh, my dear, Billy.
Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize that was you. Bad eyesight, I guess. Oh yep, no, biggie, I'm tough.
What are you doing here? I thought you left already. Ah, I'm just teaching this little squeaker the ropes. Oh, Billy, don't scare the little shout Hey this, this little piglet needs to know the truth.
An alligator tried to attack me the other day when I was having a sip at the river. Nearly took my ear off. We all heard about the incident, Billy, But life in the Sounder isn't all that bad, look at all. The little pharaoh's playing over there.
We call you little cuties, all types of names, Pharaoh, shout, piglet, squeaker. Yeah, they're playing all nice now until it's time for some milk. Then it's only the strong survive. Oh, honey, you'll all survive.
Don't listen to Billy. He's seen a rough life. Oh dear, I have to go. Oh, I just realize I haven't named you yet.
What should I name you, Sue. A boy named Sue, he'll have to be strong with a name like that. We're naming him Sue. Huh, all right, your name is Sue.
John Please stop chasing Lilah. Oh oh, I have to get these kids moving about. They're so rambunctious. Sue, please join the sounder when you're done talking to your father, Billy, I don't know when i'll see you again, so farewell.
All right, Sue, I'm naming you that say you'll grow up to be strong. People may pick on you for your name, so you have to be tough, and. Us bores are tough. Plus it's a really good Johnny Cash song.
Right, So what are we gonna eat? Milk for now? But when you grow up, Oh, you'll eat everything. We're omnivores.
That means we eat meat, plants, knots berries. I got hungry enough. I ate a tree stump once. Didn't feel great coming out the other end.
But like I said, we're tough. And when I say everything, I mean everything. You get hungry enough in the snow dig You see these tusks coming out of my mouth. When you start growing these when you're about six months, you'll see how useful.
They are seeds, roots, tree, bark, but when it's available, bird, eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs. Heck, I came across the bag of trash one day, best eating I ever had. God gave you an amazing nose. You use it and use that nose to sniff out anything it smells like food.
Eat it. We could sniff out roots underground with these snouts. That's true. That's a very true.
That's that's a fact, son, right there. What to look out for? Everything bigger than you? They all want to eat you.
We're some of the best meat. You got to protect that prize for one. Hunters want to eat you up. Yep.
Humans are one of our biggest predators, and they dress up like the leaves to camouflage themselves. Jerks, What I would give to tusk, one of those guys in the rump. We already have bad eyesight. You saw your mother nearly gouge my gut out.
Heck, I don't even know if you're still there. I could be talking to myself. Sue, Sue, be there, Ah. Just heard you laugh.
You're still there? Okay, listen, kid, I'm proud of you. I love you more than that bag of trash I hate. Don't worry about half of the things I'm telling you.
We're pretty tough animals. We've been around for millions of years, way before humans were around. Oh and we're nocturnal. You know what that means, right, nocturnal.
It means we hunt and are active during the night. You can easily remember that because die ernol is like day day ernol if you get it. Anyways, some other cool facts about us. Excellent swimmers.
Some say I'm the best of the best because bars are the best swimmers, and I'm the best boar swimmer. Don't you laugh, It's the truth, all right. Now, let me give you a couple of pointers, no pun intended, but your tusks use them during play. They come in handy.
Don't worry about piercing one of your brothers or sister's skin. We're what tough? Yes, that's right, yeah ha. Muddy bass are the best, so take them often.
They keep flies and parasites off. And another cool fact, we all sneeze and bores are no exception. But when you sneeze, it's gonna sound like a clown car's honk. Laugh at everyone.
For those that's our custom. When your mother wakes up, she's not dying, she's not intoxicated. But when us bores wake up, we are a mess. I'm talking, stumbling everywhere.
I'm not really sure why. Just accept it. Okay, Billy, that's quite enough. You know how social these little shots are?
You a little shout once, and I hear from your mother that you were the most playful, rambunctious, always getting lost and exploring squeakers she's ever seen. Sue, you come along now. You don't have to listen to your father anymore. Bye, Billy, I'll see you maybe never.
I don't know. All right, run along, Sue. You don't have much time before you become an adult and you leave the sounder. They grow too fast.
My dad also says you have to have thick skin in this life. So luckily Billy was born. With it, and hopefully mine will grow a little bit thicker. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Animal Apprentice: Lady Pippa Longbeak
In this episode of Animal Apprentice, Lady Pippa Longbeak shows us how to grow gracefully on the shoreline. We’ll learn why sandpiper chicks practically run right out of the egg, how their long, elegant beaks are packed with special sensors to find the juiciest crabs, and why standing tall (and a little snooty) is part of being a proper sandpiper. Are we learning survival…or attending bird finishing school? Come, see for yourself. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season three of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's meet Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spray. Perfect for story time. We're back with our series Animal Apprentice. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up as a brand new animal deep in the ocean, high in the jungle canopy, or out on the wide Serengeti.
An Animal Apprentice, you step into the tiny paws, claws, wings, or fins of a baby animal, seeing the world for the first time. Each episode, a wise, grown up animal becomes your guide, teaching you how to survive and discover your special traits. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in, Lady Pepper, long.
Beak over here, dear, Oh goodness, oh, just look at you. You look like me after I accidentally ate a sand crab that's been sitting out in the sun. Took me a week to recover. Oh dear, why do you all look like you've been spit up by a group?
Come on, fluff your feathers, inflate your lungs. Insulation is key. Anyhow, congratulations, you are now part of the high class of sandpipers. We are the greatest birds to ever grace this earth.
No other bird was blessed with such splendidly narrow beaks and runway ready legs, made for dashing to and fro the tide like waters in a five star Michelin restaurant, serving ourselves, of course, dine with dignity, so pasture, perfect elegance always, and beak high, darling. We don't hatch in cozy little nests waiting to be spoon fed like some birds. I won't name, no darling, we hatch running. Mummy and Daddy are here for you, whatever you need.
Mummy and Daddy took turns keeping you warm every twelve hours, like a royal changing of the guard. Perched upon your egg for three glorious weeks, and now here you are. Don't get too comfortable, though, in the sandpiper world, we're here for you about three weeks more, long enough to make sure you don't get eaten, sure enough to keep our social calendars intact. A single crack and we're off, tiny legs, dashing across the sand like we've got brunch reservations.
While others cry for mummy to drop fish guts into the beaks, we are already sprinting, dodging waves and finding our own meals. No waddling, no whining, pure elegance on the move. We are not like those ugh, ghastly gulls. Seagulls I'm referring, tough, filthy rats with wings, an entire generation of them raised in their own filth while Mommy and Daddy vomit, lunch into their mouths like it's a delicacy, dreadful manners, zero independence, no ambition, while they spend months squawking in nests that smell like a seafood dumpster.
We sandpipers are up and running the day. We hatch running darling on our own two legs, no regurgitated anchovies required. We forage, We sprint, We glean with grace, with precision, with beak, and unlike those loud, bloated wind bags, we don't walk aimlessly around the beach, saying like someone's stepping on a rubber boot. No no, no, no no no.
We call wi chirp. We trill sophistication, My dear, like this, You're welcome. Now, Let's talk about the tools of the trade. Shall we.
First up this magnificent beak, not just for show, dear. The tip of our beak is packed with sensory receptors, specialized nerve endings called herbs purposecules that can detect tiny movements and vibrations underground. That means we can literally feel our dinner hiding beneath the sand. It's like having the world's most precise metal detector, but for sand crabs.
And it's not just about touch. Our beak can also sense chemical cues like taste and smell, helping us zero in on fresh, juicy crabs. Buried just out of sight. No guess work here, It's a highly evolved hunting instrument.
Now on to our calls. Oh, the language of sandpipers, our Sharpsit warns our flock of danger, keeps everyone safe. We communicate with each other in ways those gals could only dream of. Honestly, goals sound like their auditioning for an indie rock band whose best concert will be heard only by their grandmother, who has no other choice because they're stuck in her basement.
Hmm, sorry, dear Robin. There you see, when you're feasting on these divine little sand crabs, you sometimes swallow a bit too much sand and shell. Entirely normal and naturally, our exquisite bodies simply dispose of it in the form of a perfectly compact, beautifully sculpted little sand pellet. Frankly, it's just another example of how even our waste is a work of art.
Now, my dear, your future is positively dazzling. I shall be leaving in a few days. I simply cannot with you checks, but your father will linger a little bit longer, three to four weeks at most. Then you're quite on your own, not forever, of course you'll join the flock and become a proud member of the grand migration, winging your way south towards warmer climes for the winter.
And who knows, perhaps next year I shall see you right back here with your own perfectly charming hatchlings in tow Gtfriendia. That's Tata for now. Well, wasn't she a fancy and able to nab the tastiest snacks? I never knew so much about the birds I see at the cove.
Well, next time you're at the beach with your family and see a sandpiper, tell them all the cool and elegant things that they do. I can't wait to step back into the pause claws or wings of another animal. That was so fun. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Animal Apprentice | Lilly the Lizard & the Secret of the Clutch
Did you know a group of lizard eggs has its own cool name? It’s called a clutch, and in this episode, Lilly the Lizard is taking us inside it! We’ll discover why baby lizards need to watch out for their very own parents, why staying warm, but not too warm, is the secret to survival, and the head bobs and hand jives lizards use to talk to each other. Are we still talking about lizards… or starting a dance crew? Come find out! Part of Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where curious kids and families get up close with the amazing animal kingdom. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season four of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's meet Ella the Curious and whether. You're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse.
Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side. It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream pread, perfect for story time. We're back with our series Animal Apprentice. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up as a brand new animal deep in the ocean, high in the jungle.
Canopy, or out on the wide Serengeti. An Animal Apprentice, you step into the tiny paws, claws, wings, or fins of a baby animal, seeing the world for the first time. Each episode, a wise, grown up animal becomes your guide, teaching you how to survive and discover your special traits. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive in Lily the Lizard. Oh, finally you made it. Hi. I'm Lily, your cousin, Senior Jungle rep Tree Branch eight.
I've been watching your egg for uh, what's it been twelve weeks? You've really took your time in there. Huh, Well, some of your siblings popped out in four. But hey, you look fully formed, so nice job.
You came from a clutch of eggs about fifteen to thirty five large. How cool is that word? Clutch? Sup?
Guys just got released from the clutch. What it do with a bug set? That's what we eat straight out the clutch. You see that.
Squishy thing behind you, that's your egg? Soft squishy, looks like a marshmallow that gave up. Big science word incoming. You're oviparis, which means you hatched outside your mom.
Big word simple meaning science. Likes to show off. You don't really need to remember it unless you're a science nerd like me. Ivey means egg and paris means to bring forth, which is fancy talk for you came out of an egg congress on the drama, she dropped her soft little marshmallow of an egg into a warm hole and pieced out classic reptile parenting for the science nerds.
Vivis means alive, paris is Latin for pop out babies or whatever. But let's be real, no one's asking you to take a quiz. You need survival tips, not a vocab. Lesson.
Other lizards so extra. Like horned lizards, they keep their eggs inside until they hatch. It's called viviparis. Sounds sweaty.
Wouldn't recommend it. Oh, heads up, you're lucky you hatched last. First few that cracked open didn't make it. Why your parents kind of eat them?
Oops? Sorry, might have had one myself. Hey, don't look at me like that. I was starving.
Jungle rules first, lesson, everything's food, including you. You see mom or dad around. Noop, you won't. We don't do the whole parenting thing.
You're officially on your own now, congratulations. Right now, everything wants to eat you. I'm talking birds, snakes, spiders, ants, rodents, other iguanas. Yep, including your patents.
Oh look at you. You've just swallowed a fruit fly adorns. You're doing great. Listen up.
Your body's already built with survival software. No one's going to teach you how to hunt or hide. It's just baked in. You'll be laying low for a few weeks, maybe a whole month, depends when you feel bald.
Enough to come out. But while you're hiding, stay warm. We need heat to digest food. We're cold blooded.
Baby. Also camouflage instant skill. That green on your skin looks just like the leaves. But don't get cocky.
If you sit in the sun too long, you'll turn brown and you'll look like a lizard shaped brownie. That's not gonna help. So now we get to the awesome part where I tell you all the totally awesome things you have to look forward to. Okay, let me just pull out my lilies.
Grown up brag list. Puff mood. You can puff your beard out real big. Looks like you swallowed a loofa and forgot to exhale.
Total drama move. We mostly use it when we're scared or trying to look tough. It's like yelling back off food side and with a balloon neck full of piercing needles. Mood beard.
Your beard can change colors, not a full on rainbow. This isn't a magic show. But still pretty cool. Black beard.
That means you're stressed or feeling spicy. It's like emotional eyeliner. Dark brown or charcoal. Not mad, not chilled, just Monday bright beard.
Either you're feeling flirty or the heat lamps on bless. Either way, don't talk to me until I've had my crickets. If your beard's been black for a whole day and you haven't moved, you might need a lizard. DC kid and the head bob and arm wave.
You'll start doing this blah blah blah blah bob thing with your head fast Bob. I'm like the boss, slow Bob. I could be your boyfriend or girlfriend. Also, you'll wave your arm in slow motion, super weird, super polite, total lizard handshake.
Hella greetings. I acknowledge your lizardness. Buffet life. You'll eat like a beast.
Bugs, sure, plants, yep, fruit when you're lucky. You're an omnivore, which is a fancy word for I eat whatever's on the plate, and then. Maybe the plate. Sun worshiper you'll spend most of your time sitting perfectly still in one spot like a rock.
But you're not being lazy, You're bast king. Like how we warm up, We basically run on solar power. Fancy science talk. We're ecothermic, but I call it low battery until warm tail.
Slap and wiggle run. Somebody sneaks up on you. You whip your tail like a belt in a wind tunnel. You bolt with this.
Little wiggle run. It's not graceful, but it is hilarious and effective many dino vibes. Wait till you get your full size spikes beard attitude. You'll look like a tiny, judgmental dinosaur with opinions.
Kids think we're dragons, which honestly is fair. We're basically medieval pets minus the firebreath. Lie low key. Lizard royalty and listen.
Humans love us like love us. People build us castles and feed us worms from tweezers. I'm not saying you'll be famous, but I am saying I have my own Instagram. Anyway.
Welcome to the world. It's beautiful, it's brutal, it's all yours now. Anyway, Welcome to the jungle. Try not to get eaten.
Oh and if a spider tries to ride on your back like it's a taxi, shake it off. That happened to me once. Weirdest Tuesday of my life. Oh all right, I'm gonna go sit on a hot rock and stare into nothing for I don't know six hours later.
Parents eating you when you're born. WHOA. I'm glad. I'm not a lizard, but I like lizards and I like lily and I hope that little one actually lives a very long time.
So next time you see a lizard bathing, don't think they're just basking in the sun. They're actually helping their skin. That's insane and amazing. And I want a lizard on Instagram.
What is Instagram? My mom won't give me Instagram anyway. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Baking Battles
Ella the Curious can’t wait for her besties to come over for a baking playdate! But when everyone has their own ideas about what to do, Ella struggles with wanting to control everything and feeling a bit jealous. Join Ella as she navigates new emotions and learns that the secret ingredient to a perfect baking day is teamwork. Adventure awaits in Curiosity Cove! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. Ready for another adventure with me, Ella the Curious.
Here we go, Ella the Curious baking battles Ella barely tossed down her heavy backpack before racing into the kitchen and turning into a little tornado of excitement. Her long braids bounced as she ran back and forth, pulling flour, sugar, eggs, and all kinds of other ingredients out of cabinets and the fridge, covering the counter with every cooking utensil she could get her hands on. I'm so excited, Mom, Scout and Layla and I have been looking forward to our baking play date all day. We even tried to sneak into the school cafeteria to practice our recipes, but the lunch lady told us it wasn't safe.
She was right, Ella, it's very important to be careful in the kitchen, especially one as big as the Curiosity Cove Elementary School cafeteria. But I'm glad that you're looking forward to seeing your friends. How do you feel when you hang out with them? Ella thought about her mom's question that she lined up different sized baking spoons and mixing bowls on the counter.
Well, Layla makes me think really hard because she always finds a new way to do things, and Scout makes me laugh because he can turn any problem into a game. They feel like family. They're my very best, bestest friends. Mama, do you have a best friend?
Ella's mom smiled as she carefully pushed the eggs away from the edge of the counter and helped Ella up onto the tall stool to grab the last bowl they would need from the very highest shelf in the kitchen. Of course, I have a best friend, Ella. Your dad is one of them because he always listens, He's kind, and he gives the best backrubs. And our neighbor, Miss Natalie, is my other best friend.
We've known each other for years. She gives great advice and she Ella missed the rest of Joy's explanation because she sprinted out of the kitchen as soon as she heard the doorbell. She knew what her mom was saying was important, but she felt like she was going to burst with excitement if she didn't see her two bessies. At very second, Ella flung open the front door and pulled her friends into a huge bear hug.
Scout Layla, it feels like I i've't seen you in forever. Scout wore his favorite baseball shirt and playfully peeled himself out of Ella's arms. We just saw each other at school, an hour ago, but I'm glad to see you too. Leyla brought something that's gonna make our bakeof super easy, and I can't wait to see how it works.
I found an ancient baking tool in my grandma's kitchen the last time I visited her. I think it's gonna be a total game changer. Ella didn't want to disappoint her friends, but she'd already spent the afternoon planning the perfect baking play date. She was starting to feel a little jealous because she wanted to have the best tools for a spectacular bake off.
Jealousy was an emotion she hadn't felt in a while. Ella suddenly felt like invisible hands were squeezing her into a weird shape she didn't want to be in, but she shimmeied her shoulders and shook them off. That sounds great, Leila, but I think I got everything covered. Ella.
Remember that one of the great things about friendship is that you all get to celebrate the best parts of your personalities special skills. This bacoff should be a fun partnership between the three of you. You're right, Mom, Let's have the best baking party ever. Ella's Scout and Layla fouled Ella's mom into the kitchen, and Ella began giving orders like a drill sergeant.
Scout, you cracked the eggs, Layla, you add the ingredients and I'll stir. That sounds great, Ella, But I actually wanted to organize everything as we add it. I came up with this really silly secret code that I've one to try. Layla nodded encouragingly at Scout as she reached into her big backpack and pulled out a creaky, old fashioned egg beater.
And I wanted to use this ancient contraption to stir the batter. My grandma said it made mixing a breeze for her when she was my age. Isn't it cool? Ella's shoulders slumped and she could barely hide her disappointment.
She felt like the shape she was being squeezed in too, didn't belong in the kitchen with her friends, and maybe not in the house at all. She let out a heavy sigh, and she glanced at her favorite roly poly, stuffy Ro, who was standing watch on the kitchen counter. I guess we can do that. But Roe and I plan the perfect cookie extravaganza, and I always do the mixing, isn't that right?
Mom? You mix when it's just you, me and your dad. But since your very best friends are here, it's important to celebrate the unique gifts they bring to the table too. You're an amazing artist, Ella.
You should ice the cookies because that's where you shine the brightest. Ella felt like she would explode if her baking party didn't go exactly the way she imagined it. She wanted her friends to have fun, but she was used to having all the best ideas when it came to making cookies and other tasty treats. But what about all of my plans?
Come on, Roe, it looks like this kitchen isn't big enough for all of us. Ella ran all the way up to her room and flopped out on her soft, comfy bed with Row in her arms. She looked into his big, buggy eyes for advice, but he just stared back at her with roly poly sympathy. I probably should have listened to Scout and Layla's ideas, because they're always great.
It's just that, well, I'm used to being the star baker with mom and dad. Ella thought about it more and more, then took three deep breaths the way her mom always reminded her to do when she was overwhelmed by such big emotions. She felt herself unfold and flop out of the uncomfortable jealousy shape she'd been squished into. She decided to confide and row about what she'd been feeling.
Well, I think I was jealous of Layla and Scout in the kitchen today. I didn't realize that could happen with my best friends. Jealousy can be such a scary emotion because you never know when it's going to show up. Now that I do, I'll be ready the next time it tries to creep up on me.
Me too, I'm so good at spotting creepy things since I'm a Holy Polly, so I won't let jealousy get me either. Ella pulled out her favorite notebook and a new set of colored pencils. First, she drew a giant birthday cake covered with strawberry icing and hundreds of rainbow sprinkles. She drew herself in front of it with a big smile, and then she drew another cake, but this time she added Scout and Layla, and her own smile got even bigger.
I guess it really is better to share what I like with my friends. Scout's ingredient code is probably really helpful, and Layla's super old egg beater did look really cool. Mom's right. Having my best friends here means we can have more fun and the most special cookies because we're all good at different things, and that's great.
Ella felt a little better, but before she could figure out what to do, she heard a soft knock on her bedroom door. Mom is that you No, Ella, it's me and Scout. Can we come in and talk to you? Of course?
Hey, Ella, we didn't mean to mess up the plans you had for your perfect bakeoff. Yeah, we know how excited you were about this, and we just wanted to share our creativity with you. Your mom is right, you really are an amazing artist. It's the first thing I noticed about you when we first met in kindergarten.
Yep, and I noticed your huge imagination. We're all good at something different, like me. Scout suddenly did a cartwheel and landed in front of Ella, making a silly face. She and Layla burst into.
Last year, I could always make you laugh, but I guess that's maybe not what we need in a serious bakeoff. Situation, and I could use the old egg beater for something else. So we came to tell you that if you want to bake your favorite recipe by yourself, we understand. Scout and I can build something cool with your legos while you create your masterpiece.
In the kitchen, Ella frantically looked from Scout to Laila and then down at Road, just in case he decided to add some helpful words of wisdom. Oh no, I don't want. You to leave. I'm sorry for what I said in the kitchen.
We're supposed to be best friends, but I was acting like a medium friend. I got a little carried away and I forgot that the different things were good at are what makes us such an amazing team. We are an amazing team, and I still think we can have the best baking party ever. I agree.
I lined up all of our ingredients with my super secret code, and we still have time to get one more batch in the oven. That sounds great to me. Ella pulled out her drawings and showed them to Scout and Layla. I like the one with all three of us.
Ella, you see how big my smile is. That's because you two are here. I'm sorry that I wasn't being as encouraging as I should have been. Let's go back to being best besties and amazing bakers.
I thought you would never ask. I think I just heard the timer ding, and I can't wait to taste what we created. Ella, Scout, and Layla followed the warm, sweet smell of freshly baked sugar cookies back downstairs. When they reached the kitchen, Ella's mom had just finished placing all their yummy creations on the cooling rack.
There, my little bakers are. I thought you disappeared and I was gonna have to eat all these by myself. Never, I couldn't let anyone handle something like that alone. They all laughed, and Ella's mom handed her a squishy tube of pink strawberry icing.
I'm glad, Scout and Layla decided to stay. Baking with friends is always more fun. Ready to ice these cookies, Ella, I am, But first I have an announcement to make an announcement. Huh, well, what is it?
Mom? We need to make another batch of cookies, but this time I want my two bestie bakers to do what they do best. I want secret codes from Scout and Laila. Use all the old kid and gadget you can find.
The more we use our special gifts, the better our cookies will be. I'm proud of you, Ella. I'll go grab some new bowls so we can get to work. Sounds good Yuh me boy?
Where those sugar cookies amazing? You know my baking plate. It sure turned into a very important lesson for me about teamwork, jealousy, and appreciating what our friends can bring to the table. Teamwork is one of the great things that makes Curiosity Cove such an amazing place to live.
Well, I hope you and your team of friends enjoyed our little adventure with me and the rest of my besties. We can't wait for you to hear the next one. If you loved what you listen to, please leave us a five star review, but only if you really mean it. We love hearing your feedback.
It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know you might even get a shout out from me here in the cove. All right, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends.
We never say goodbye. It's always see you later. Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Today's story was written by Lydia Caradine.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altchuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter. Stay connected and be part of our community by joining our newsletter at www dot Fort Hyphensumter dot com to get all the latest news first
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Billy The Brilliant - Part 1
Billy, a silly boy with a wild imagination, discovers there’s more than just a brain in his noggin. When he slips on Principal Poligrip’s magical goggles, he’s transported into a mega playroom—home to a curious little sneazle living in his head! Join Billy as he learns to wrangle this quizzical critter and unlock what it really means to be Billy the Brilliant. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy. Pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in Billy the Brilliant Part. One picture the absolutely positively coolest kids room you could ever imagine.
Nope, cooler than that, way cooler. This room had everything a kid could dream up. There was a spiral staircase to a bunk bed, levers, buttons, a climbing wall that dinged when you reach the every musical instrument imaginable, a light up control board with switches labeled things like math, escape, giggle mode, and emergency nap. There was a DJ kit, a detective lab in one corner and a treasure hunter's headquarters in the other.
A disco ball spun from the ceiling, while jump mats and sticky walls that you could run at full speed, jump and smack. You'd stick to it like a human pancake. There were ropes to climb, ziplines to ride, karaoke battles, lava lamps for ambiance, and even a periscope that peeked out through Billy's eyeballs. And right in the middle of it all was a Sneezle, a tiny, strange looking, wildly cool little creature with fuzzy eyebrows, a lab coat, and a tool belt full of snacks and mood buttons.
Let me back up a bit. You see, this story is about Billy, the kid with more jokes than a joke book, more energy than a bouncy ball factory, and a heart as bright as a birthday candle. He was the class clown, the friend everybody adored, the kid who could make even the grumpiest lunch lady chuckle the only issue he was hilarious that the worst possible times, Missus Wattsguard, his teacher, could hardly get through a quarter of her lesson without Billy cracking a perfectly timed, slightly too clever joke that sent the whole class into giggle chaos. Then it took her five full minutes seven if Marcus joined in to restore order, and even then she sometimes forgot what she was teaching in the first place.
Billy didn't mean to derail the day. He just had a lot going on upstairs, literally because inside his head, his Sneezle was running the show, throwing brain parties, filing memories in the wrong folders, Why do I remember every word of Baby Shark but not fractions? And launching dance breaks every time Billy ate blueberries. The Sneezele was part disco DJ, part detective, part emotional traffic controller, and the two of them were a team, a messy, joyful, snack powered team, and his Sneezele was loud.
Billy Sneezele lived in that outrageous kids room I described earlier, deep in the folds of Billy's imagination somewhere between the left and the right brain, directly above his appetite and slightly below his common sense. That room was where the Sneezel planned every brilliant thought, clever quip, and ill timed outburst Billy ever had. The Sneezele loved dancing to thoughts like they were songs. It pressed buttons just to see what would happen.
It built contraptions out of half memories and wild ideas. It hosted talent shows for neurons. It even ran laps on the running track made of rainbow licorice that around the bunk bed. But the Sneezle's energy, it Sparkle, as Billy liked to call it, was completely fueled by well, you'll find out in this story.
Some days billy Sneezele was brilliant. Another days it wore underwear on its head and accidentally sent Billy's tongue into overdrive. More on that later, because all of that was about to change, and it all happened when one day Missus Wattsguard had had enough. I've had enough, and she sent Billy to the principal's office.
Go to the principal's office. Billy had to get one more joke in before he left the post office. But Missus Wattsguard, I mailed all my Christmas cards last week. The classroom erupted in laughter until Missus Wattsguard told them all to quiet down.
You all quiet down now, Billy, go now, and you tell him just what you did. Uh nailed my Christmas cards early. The classroom belled it out and laughter again. This was getting good.
Billy Breadcrumb. You go to the office this instant, mister funny man, and you tell Principal Polygrip that you're a jokester. So Billy slowly and quietly packed up his belongings into his backpack. Then he picked up his head, looking up in a dramatic effort to think if he had forgotten anything.
Then he lifted a finger, saying to himself, ah, and he walked over to the project Ben grabbed his artwork, slowly walked back to his desk and placed it gently into his book bag. Then he lifted his head up once more, staring into space dramatically, looking like he was thinking if he's forgotten anything else? Ah? Uh wait no, no.
Billy barn Breadcrumb, go this instant. If you've forgotten anything, I will make sure your parents get it. Now go. Billy picked up his bag and walked to the front of the room, where he knew he had an audience.
Goodbye, my fellow classmates, auur va that's by in French al feeders ain farewell and German tuto bane that means everything's gonna be fine and it tian. That's quite enough. Billy, Nana, Nana, Nana, Nana, Hey, hey, hey, good bye, And with that Billy shuts the door. A silence settled over the classroom.
They waited, then abruptly, the door shoots open, Billy pops his head in steam. Billy pops his head back out and shuts the door, followed by the door swinging open once more and Billy's head popping in famous band for in the late sixties check him out out. And this time Billy popped his head out, shut the door, and was off to the principal's office. Now Principal Polygrip was actually a pretty cool guy, mostly because he knew exactly what he signed up For sure, he had to keep order and make sure no one was swinging from the hallway lights, but he took his job seriously.
His mission to make sure every kid walked out of that school believing that they were one of a kind magic and to help them love every bit of what made them weird, wonderful and wildly themselves. Plus, this is my story I'm gonna write about the world I'd prefer to live in. Billy made it to Principal Polygrip's office and gave the door a secret rap that only him and Principal Polygrip knew when Billy was in trouble. Come in.
Billy opened the door and peeked inside. Principal Polygrip was at his desk with an awfully wretched scowl on his face. Get in here and sit down. Billy walked in slowly, but before he could get a few steps in, Principal Polygrip blurted out, do you live in a barn?
Shut the door. Nobody needs to hear me yelling. How many times must I tell you to get your act together? You've disrupted this class too many times.
Now we're gonna talk repercussions. Everyone near the office could hear the principal yelling at poor Billy Breadcrumb. Billy turned around, shut the door, and when he turned back to Principal Polygrip. He didn't look mad at all.
Instead, he had a little smirk on his face. Theatrics, you know, I have to look like I'm yelling at you a little bit. All right, let's hear it, Bob, what'd you do this time? Principal Polygrip motioned to the bean bag chair across from his desk and said, please, please have a seat.
Billy. Billy flopped into the bean bag, arms cross, trying to look unfazed. Oh well, it wasn't really a big wait. Let me guess you interrupted class again to say something witty.
You nailed it, all right, let's hear it. Well, the teacher said we were gonna do Singapore math, and I asked if American math was too complicated for her to teach. That's a good one, Billy up top. Billy gave Principal p and air high five.
But seriously, why are we learning Singapore math. We're here to talk about you, Billy. Tell me what happens leading up to your tomfoolery. Tom hoolery, Come on, Billy, you know what I'm talking about.
Why do you feel they need to joke about? Well, sometimes I just get so bored in school. It's the same thing every day. And who's to say we can't joke around a bit while we're learning.
You know, Billy paused to see what Principal P would say, Oh, go on, tell me more. Well, mister grabber Taber always makes science so fun. But when I'm in missus Wattsguard's class, I feel like I'm not that smart. I don't like that feeling.
So so you tell a few jokes so nobody can see what's going on deeper. Yeah, I have a pall in my head running the show too. What's a Paul? Well, his name is Paul.
I named him, but it's a little sneezel hmm. Never heard of a sneezele Oh look him up. They're super cute. But yes, he lives in my brain and pulls levers.
How do you know that? Well, aside from feeling when certain levers are being pulled, we talk good night before I go to sleep. Sometimes you talk to him, Well, be rude, not to can you talk to him now? Well, not while I'm talking to you, That would be rude.
Plus, he's working, working where in my brain, controlling levers? Remember? Oh yeah, so do you think I have one. Oh, we all have one.
They're identical to us. We can sort of control them during really big decisions, but some are involuntary. Why hasn't mine talked to me ever? Well, have you ever listened?
Well, I didn't know I had to listen. Well, that's pretty typical for your age. Huh oh. Nothing.
Later that night, while Billy was lying in bed, he stared so hard at his ceiling he nearly burned a hole through the paint. Okay, not really, that's just the figure of speech. But Billy was concentrating like his life depended on it. He was trying to hear the sneezele in his brain.
He strained, he focused, He clenched his toes, and tried to tune his inner radio dial to Sneeze FM. And then, out of nowhere, nothing, just silence. Billy shook his head. Ah, Principal Paul Polygrip got me.
He was messing with me. Good one, Principal p He rolled his eyes, closed them tight, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. You know that moment right before you fall asleep, when you're not totally awake but not totally dreaming, when your thoughts start to blend into marshmallowy nonsense. That's when Billy heard it.
Boy, I cannot wait to hear what's next. Make sure you come back for part two. I hope you enjoyed our podcast as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Brooks, Aristotle, and Langston. I heard your big fans of Elle the Curious, and I'm a big fan of you guys. Thanks for listening.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Billy The Brilliant - Part 2
Billy, a silly boy with a wild imagination, discovers there’s more than just a brain in his noggin. When he slips on Principal Poligrip’s magical goggles, he’s transported into a mega playroom—home to a curious little sneazle living in his head! Join Billy as he learns to wrangle this quizzical critter and unlock what it really means to be Billy the Brilliant. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season three of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's meet Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom. Just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in Philly the Brilliant Part two.
Oh yeah, oh oh yeah, that's a great idea, Philly the Brilliant. That's it again. I'll just row you grab these then put that in here and bre go. Oh, Billy's gonna love this one.
Billy's eyes popped open. He didn't know how it was happening. But he could feel something in his brain, a little sneezle running around, working furiously on whatever it is Sneezel's work on. He was intrigued, perplexed, amazed, and deeply deeply curious.
I wonder if he can hear me? Who's there? Did do you hear me? Of course I hear you, geez turn down the value?
It's late. Well who are you? I'm you? You're me?
You can't be me? I'm me? Well yeah, but where us? Okay?
This is nuts? Where where I love nuts? Oh? There's so many interesting and Crunchye?
No, no, I mean this is crazy. I'm talking to myself. Well not really, you're talking to us. You said, Billy the Brilliant?
Does it again? Who's Billy the Brilliant? Uh? Are you serious?
Yes? Who is it? Well that would be us, Thank you very much. We're brilliant, absolutely positively.
Did you know we're operating at genius level? Like synapsis is firing so fast your brain would need. A seat bell. I did not know that.
Well, now you do. Okay, So where did you come from? But how are you even here? Well?
I have some theories. I'm not one hundred percent sure. Though, Billy thought to himself, Yeah, I have some theories too. Yep, same ones I have remembered.
We share thoughts, buddy. Wait, you can read my thoughts well? Duh, I am your thoughts and so much more so. Huh okay, what do we do now?
Sleep? I forget it all out for today. Now I want to go dream. You dream?
We dream, don't we? I guess so? I just don't know what you do? Same thing you do, Billy?
Where us remember? Oh? Yeah, Billy heard a huge stretchy Oh hey do you. I'm tired?
Oh okay, me too. He was still thinking about the sneezel, about how long it had been there, where did it come from, and why he was only discovering it now. Then he heard a soft sigh from deep inside his mind, and just like that, it was like someone tucked his brain in with a cozy blanket and whispered. Everything's all right.
Before Billy even knew it, he was fast asleep. The next day, Bill Billy woke up to the sound of his alarm. He rubbed his eyes, groggy, half dreaming, until oh, yeah, he's got a build in brain, buddy. Now suddenly more awake, Billy shuffled to the bathroom, brushing his teeth and combing his hair like a kid with a secret walkie talkie in his skull.
So what do we do together? We have fun? How I don't know. We just go about our day and assess things.
When a great idea hits, you know, don't worry. Okay, okay, cool? Yeah, Hey, Billy, Yes, Billy, I'm really glad you're here with me. Oh.
When I woke up, I was just grateful you finally started talking to me. Billy jogged downstairs for breakfast with a bounce in his step and excitement in his chest. This wasn't just a regular school day. He had a sneezle in the kitchen.
His parents said good morning as Billy made a beeline for the pantry crunchy Os, the breakfast of champions. He scarfed down a full bowl like he hadn't eaten in days, then went in for a second helping. He was halfway through when he realized the bus was coming and had to shovel the rest like a serial flavored snowplow. On the bus, Billy chatted with a sneezel NonStop about everything about nothing about why the ceiling in the bus looked like popcorn, About how clouds worked, about if dogs dream and color.
Sneezel laughed, Billy laughed. It was a great ride. At school, Billy slid into his desk just as class started. Missus Masses began talking about math, Billy's favorite subject, and then inside his brain, the Sneezel collapsed, just killed over and started snoring.
The effect was instant. It was like someone hit snooze on billy brain. His eyelids got heavy, his body slumped. That same peaceful, dreamy fog from last night came creeping back in just as Billy's chin dipped forward.
Billy, can you tell us what four times five is? And how you get that number? Billy blinked, sat up straighter. What he searched for his brain for math?
Nothing? He tried adding four and five, that's nine. That's wrong. He knew that wasn't it, but he couldn't remember why.
Billy, uh uh um, remember we just did this yesterday, Billy. Yes, uh yeah, I just yeah, I know this. Okay, take your time think how do we multiply? Billy's thoughts were jammed in traffic.
Now the whole class was staring. He shouted inside his own head, wake up, wake up, everyone's looking at me. The Sneezele was fully faced down on the control panel, snoring softly into a pillow made from a crumpled cereal box. A half eaten marshmallow was stuck to his cheek.
The main screen blinked, awaiting a command. None came yo, come on, stays all four times five? Wake up. The Sneezele groaned and rolled over.
M is it recess? No math? Come on, man, I need this. The Sneezel poted a joystick, missed, and lazily mumbled it's a can.
No weight, dude. Four times five. The Sneezele burped back in the classroom, Billy squinted hard, like he was doing brain karate. Can anyone else?
Answer? Three? Hands shot up like rockets. Yes, Shelley, Belly, it's twenty because it's four or fives like five plus five plus five plus five that's five.
Ten, fifteen twenty. Correct, Billy? Does that sound familiar? Billy nodded bashfully.
He knew that answer, of course he did, but his brain had just short circuited the second Shelley said it. Everything snapped back into a place, and that only made it worse because Shelley Belly she always had the right answer, She was always there to correct someone, and she loved being right even worse she did that thing. She turned around, locked eyes with Billy and smiled. Good try, Billy, I forget sometimes.
Two later, at lunchtime, Billy was ready to collapse. He loaded up on the most filling food he could find, pasta with meatballs, the chocolate chip cookie the size of his face, and a bag of chips with enough crunch to register on the Richter scale. After lunch, Billy shuffled into music class like a tired cowboy after a long cattle drive. The room was warm, the lights were soft, and the moment Missus Allegro started her pitch exercises, everyone doway me.
Billy's brain mumbled something differently entirely, me need sleep. It made him giggle. Trevor, sitting next to him, nudged his elbow. What's so funny?
Me need sleep? Fosha. They both burst out laughing, just as Missus Allegro turned from the piano. Billy, is there something you'd like to share with class?
Perhaps a solo? Billy froze go on dear Billy cleared his throat. Oh me, oh no, no, I meant your version. Since Trevor's already heard it, why not share it with the rest of us?
That did it. The combination of cookie, sugar, meatball, heaviness and surprise spotlight turned Billy into a puppet of his own punchiness. It felt like someone hijacked his brain, pressed the red perform button and let the consequences sort themselves out. He stood, puffed his chest and belt it out means the Basha.
The class erupted in laughter. Whether they were laughing with him or at him was anyone's guest, but either way, missus Alegro was not amused. Billy, judging by the response, you may have a future in songwriting. However, that's not what I asked for when I requested a warm up.
Perhaps Principal Polygrip would appreciate you all artistic interpretation right now, Yes, right now, so we. Can continue learning the beauty of music without delay. Billy stood there, confused. Her voice sounded so cheerful, like she was inviting him to a birthday party instead of sending him to the principal.
He glanced towards the door and muttered to himself, is this a reward for detention with glitter either way? As Sneezele was still completely knocked out in his brain, dreaming probably of napping inside of Ravioli, Billy trudged down the hall to Principal Polygrip's office and plopped into the big spushy chair outside the door. He sat for a full minute before realizing, oh, oh, we have a secret knock. He stood up and tapped it out and waited open.
Billy opened the door. Billy barn Breadcrumb. Just who I suspected? This is the second time this week, Billy, get in here now we're calling your parents.
No, Principal Polygrit, not my parents. Please, don't you Principal polygrt me. He burst out laughing. Mid Rant then covered it up with a fake cough.
Get in here and shut the door, Billy Boy Baron. Billy closed the door and both of them started laughing. Oh my god, I've never said that, don't you, Principal polygrant me. That's comedy gold and Billy boy Baron, Now that's a name.
You should actually change your nickname to. Boy Billy Boy Baron. Billy just stared Principal poly Grip was clearly having a blast, but Billy wasn't all right. What's up, Billy?
You look like your sandwich was made of homework. Well, last night I tried to talk to my sneezele. He was being shy. Give him another shot tonight.
Some sneezels get a little bashful on the first try. No, I actually heard him. You did tell me everything? What do you say he was super active right before bed Yep, yep, yep.
That's classic sneezele, last burst of energy before snooze time. I guess totally normal. Then what what happened today? Tell me everything?
This is so exciting, that's the thing. Last night felt awesome, But today it's like Principal poly Grip leaned forward, perched on the edge of his Yes, go on, like he's being lazy. I can't focus, I feel tired, I can't think straight, and I know how to do math. Whoa, you're a math machine?
Hmmm? Did you stay up late last night talking to him? No, he made me go to sleep. Humh Have you had any water today?
Yeah? Drank a whole bottle this morning. Good. Good, Because sneezles are super sensitive.
Way more than us. You've got to give them sleep, water, food, fun, learning, friendship. It's like owning a pet that lives in your head. All right, walk me through your morning.
Okay, I woke up feeling great. Couldn't wait to tell you about last night. I went downstairs, had my favorite cereal. Then I had a second bowl, rushed to the butt.
Wait which cereal? Crunchy os chocolate or honey almond chocolate. Oh, I was hoping you'd say that chocolate crunchios are my favorite. Unfortunately, unfortunately, what they're your sneezels nemesis.
What's a nemesis. It's a fancy word for a bad guy. Wait, chocolate crunchios are bad guys to sneezles Bingo, and not just the chocolate he wants all sugary cereals, pancakes, syrup waffles, toaster pastries. They send your sneezele on a roller coaster.
First it's weird, then bam crash, total brain fog, and judging by your zombie face, I'd say we're mid crash. He leaned in like he was revealing a treasure map. But I've got good news for you, bub good news. I just found out my favorite cereals evil.
Listen up, Billy boys. Sneezle science says, if you eat protein and veggies first, your sneezel wakes up and says. Feel. Then it turns those foods into turbocharged brain power.
And if you follow it up with a little tree like crunchy os, no problem. Your Sneezle's like cool, cool, tiny pine, let's go. It's all about order kid, protein, first party later. Hmmm, doesn't sound too bad, but I do it every morning.
I feel fantastic. Really, really, what you eat is like what you put in your car. You would pour maple syrup in a gas tank and expect to win a race. Right.
Principal Pea nodded slowly, then leaned back in his chair. Don't believe me, do you, Billy tilted his head. I mean maybe a little. Principal Pea reached beneath his desk and pulled out a case the size of a lunch box.
He clicked it open with a foot and lifted something out slowly. As it rose, a soft heavenly played from nowhere and everywhere. The objects sparkled with blue and green lights, and little puffs of mist escaped from the sides. Billy's eyes went wide.
WHOA what are those these, Principal P said with a wink. Our brain dogs. They let you see inside your own mind, and if you look closely, you might spot some unfamiliar Billy snatched them before Principal P even finished. Let me add him.
He pulled them on. I can't wait to talk to my sneezele and I can't wait to hear the finale come back for part three. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Brooks, Aristotle, and Langston. I heard your big fans of Ella the Curious, and I'm a big fan of you guys. Thanks for listening.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Billy the Brilliant - Part 3
Billy, a silly boy with a wild imagination, discovers there’s more than just a brain in his noggin. When he slips on Principal Poligrip’s magical goggles, he’s transported into a mega playroom—home to a curious little sneazle living in his head! Join Billy as he learns to wrangle this quizzical critter and unlock what it really means to be Billy the Brilliant. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season three of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's meet Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy bean bags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom. Just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in Billy the Brilliant Part three.
Billy felt like he'd been launched through a wormhole made of glitter and cinnamon. Suddenly he was no longer in the office. He stood on what looked like an alien planet made entirely of jellybean colored gears, disco lights and glowing wires that arched across the sky like roller coasters, but the place was trashed. In front of him was a massive glass panel, probably the main viewing screen of his brain's mission control, and slumped up against it was the Sneezele, a sleep standing up.
His cheek was smushed up against the glass, where cheeto dust and melted chocolate streaked like abstract dart. His fur was matted, his sneakers were untied and mismatched, and he was drolling slightly. Billy didn't laugh. He stepped closer, concerned.
On the wall hung a proud framed portrait labeled Billy the Brilliant, but someone had drawn on it with crayons. The Sneezel now sported a curly mustache, spiral eye, and a tongue lolling out like a dizzy lizard. Buttons smoked, screams fizzled, A tangle of wires dangled dangerously from a ceiling vent. A confetti canyon had misfired into a bucket of slime.
Billy knocked on the glass. The Sneezele stirred. Did somebody order a banana trampoline with cheese? He hiccuped, then muttered.
Tell the pigeons to stop seeing. Billy gently took off the goggles. He blinked. Principal Pe was watching him with that knowing look.
Yep, Billy said, he's not okay. I'm gonna have to take your advice, but I'm not happy about it. Neither was I. My doctor said I was this close to diabetes, had to change my whole game.
But now I eat for me and my sneezele and life feels better every single day. What's diabetes something you don't have to worry about? Because I'm giving you the secret early. Now get out of my office.
Billy there, Oh geez, sorry doing the act again? Drama? You know? Yeah?
Right? Well I should hang my head while I walk, I guess yes, but also keep your head high. You're a bright kid, Billy. You've got the world at your fingertips.
Consider yourself lucky to learn this now, not when you're a failing math or sitting in a doctor's office wondering what went wrong. Yeah, I get the point, thanks, Principal P. Should I tell my friends if you want them to be as sharp as you. Some might think you're crazy, but remember crazy's good as long as it's good crazy.
The next morning, Billy stood in front of his breakfast like it was a science experiment. Eggs, sliced avocado, a little spinach on toast, and a small dish of Chucko crunchy os for after He hesitated, then he ate the eggs first. At school, things were different. He felt calmer, focused.
He raised his hand after the question. He remembered his homework. Missus Wattsguard even gave him a gold star without the usual sigh. By lunch time, he could practically feel his sneezle doing backflips.
In a quiet moment. During recess, Principal p passed by, winked, and handed him something wrapped in a cloth napkin. Inside was the headset. Billy slid it on duck behind a tree and bush.
Mission control was spotless, buttons sparkled, machines hummed, and the Sneezele, he was wearing a lab coat and sunglasses, DJing while solving math problems on a chalkboard. Captain the Sneezel. Saluted today's fuel exquisit. Let me take you on a tour.
The Sneezele led him through the inner world of his mind, a jungle gym of genius, control panels labeled for memory, imagination, empathy, a playroom with trampolines everywhere, a sticky wall, an animal sanctuary filled with the wildest, weirdest facts about every creature on land and sea. A deep reflection room with a bean bag the size of a car where you could leap on to thought bubbles and ride them to who knows where. Billy and the Sneezele laughed, played, bounced, and explored for what felt like over an hour. Then they both flopped onto a cloud and stared up at the sky, a brilliant blue canvas dotted with giant, puffy clouds.
They started pointing out shapes, culling out animals they saw in the sky. Then, almost without thinking, Billy turned to the Sneezel and asked, never wonder what it's all for. Hmm you mean life? Billy nodded.
I think it's for play, to enjoy ourselves and take in all the beauty life has to offer. The Sneezel thought about that, then Billy jilted straight up. Oh my gosh, I've been here forever. I gotta get back to school.
Time works different here out there, it just looks like you were daydreaming. I'm sure a few of your friends tried to get your attention, but you're probably right. It's time. Let's do this again soon.
It gives us both peace power and a recharge. Billy popped off the goggles and ran back to class. That week, Billy was on fire. He answered questions, led group projects, help Marcus with his spelling.
But the next Monday, after a long weekend, Billy woke up early for school and couldn't help himself. He grabbed a chocolate croissant for breakfast. By math class, the fog rolled in his head drooped missus Wassgaard. He asked, can I go see Principal P.
A few minutes later, he knocked, using their secret code, And as soon as he stepped into the office, I messed up, Principal P. I scarfed on a chocolate cross saw before breakfast, and now I can't get my sneezel to work. Truck and croissant? Did you bring me one?
I'm serious, Principal P. I'm supposed to lead a school project today and my brain's totally fried. Principal P smiled, You're not broken, Billy just foggy. You want to check on your sneezel.
Billy nodded and slipped on the goggles. Inside the sneezel was staring blankly into the void. His eyes were spirals. He was slumped over, totally twilight zoned.
Billy sprang into action. He handed him to water, helped him up, got him to stretch. Then he demonstrated a few deep breaths to get the oxygen flowing. The sneezel blinked.
Oh, that helped, thanks, Captain. Billy smiled, we'll eat better at lunch. By science class, they were back on track, and Billy led the group project to the finish line like a pro. Billy isn't perfect.
He still slips up, but from that day forward he understood protein, veggies, healthy fats, fruit, first party, later, real food, fuels, real focus, and his sneezle. Billy fed him like the brilliant partner he was, because when you fuel your brain right, anything as possible brilliant. I am just like the brilliant Billy. You wh.
What us story, sneezles and mega playrooms, all the beautiful worlds living inside our heads. I think I finally found a name for mine. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Brooks, Aristotle, and Langston. I heard your big fans of Ella the Curious, and I'm a big fan of you guys.
Thanks for listening.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Brandon’s Bunkbed (Part 1)
Brandon wants a bunk bed more than anything, and he’s willing to work for it. Through patience, effort, and determination, he proves he’s ready and earns what he’s been asking for. But when the moment finally comes, the story gently reveals that some plans have more than one part, and sometimes the second answer doesn’t arrive the way we expect. A heartfelt story about effort, expectation, and learning to recognize when life gives us what we need, even if it’s not exactly what we imagined. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season four of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's me Ella the. Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll.
Dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side. It's peaceful, almost like. My mom just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time.
So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in Brandon's bunk Bed Part one. Brandon wanted a bunk bed. Nope, scratch that Brandon needed a bunk bed.
It was the single greatest, most important, most earth shattering mission of his eight year old life. Jack had one, Hunter had one, even Mike, who still picked his nose and wiped it on his jeans. Had one, but Brandon, Nope, just a plane boring, one level bed, the kind of bed that didn't have any secret hideout underneath, or a dizzying ladder climb, or a top bunk that felt like sleeping on the moon. Every chance he got, Brandon pleaded his case.
Now, can I have a bunk bed. I'll brush my teeth without you asking, I'll do my chores before video games. I'll even stop hiding green beans under the napkins. Brandon, this isn't like ordering pizza.
We can't just snap and have a bunk bed up here. Well, just stamas on it. You get packages all the time. Just order a bunk bed.
Mom sighed, Dad snorted into his coffee. But Brandon wasn't giving up. He was convinced if he had a bunk bed, his whole life would change. The funny thing about brand was this.
He wasn't loud like Jack. He wasn't sharp and focused like Hunter. He wasn't even gross like Mike, Thank goodness. Brandon was quiet, the kind of kid you might miss if you weren't paying attention.
Not because he wasn't there, but because he was watching. He liked to take it all in school kids, parents, even the way the dog across the street chased his tail. Brandon was still figuring out who he was, but he knew one thing for sure. He was a boy who needed a bunk bed.
Weeks later, Mom and Dad were in the kitchen when they heard it. Mom looked up, Dad shrugged. Probably just Brandon tinkering, he said. But the pounding didn't stop.
So Dad went to check, and there was Brandon in the garage, hammer in hand, scrap wood everywhere, sweat on his forehead. Brandon, what on earth are you doing building my bunk bed? Dad blinked, then knelt beside him. Huh, okay, well, I admired the effort, but this thing wouldn't hold a hamster, let alone a human.
Beds take time, money planning, not to mention lumber these days is through the roof, No pun intended. Brandon's shoulder slumped, so no bunk bed. Dad rubbed his chin. I'll tell you what, if you're serious, here's the deal.
For every dollar you save, Mom and I will put in two, we'll save together. Brandon's face lit up. He crossed his arms proudly. Wait that will take like a gazillion years.
I just I'll just build it myself, like Hunter always says, if you build it, they will come. Dad chuckled, thinking Brandon was being dramatic. But Brandon wasn't joking, not one bit. He believed it.
All right, listen, Bud, this might be a great time to teach you about saving for things that you want. You'll be doing it the rest of your life, so might as well start early. Keep doing your chores every day this year, Mom, and I will double what you earn, and before you know it, you'll have enough for a bunk bit. Brandon's eyes lit up.
He raced to his room, grabbed a notebook and started scribbling numbers like a mad scientist. Brandon grabbed a pencil and muttered to himself, bouncing on the balls of his feet, I can do story problems. This okay, this is a story problem. Yeah, yeaheah, it's easy.
So all right, so let's think. Oh I'm too excited to think. He was so excited he started shaking and hyperventilating. He took a deep breath, puffing out his cheeks like a balloon, trying to calm his nerves.
Then he dove into the numbers. Get together, Brandon, come on, deep deep breaths, deep breaths, deep breas. Okay, if the bed costs two thousand dollars, and I'm saving a dollar a day, five days a week, that's five dollars a week. There's four weeks in a month.
That's twenty bucks a month. Okay, time's out by twelve months. He tapped his pencil against his forehead. His eyes widened.
Oh, I have one hundred and forty in a year. Mom and dadd will put in double. That's okay, to eighty plus my one forty. That's four hundred dollars in a year.
He froze, then gasped, like the numbers had betrayed him. That's gonna take me like five years to get a bunk bed. Oh in five years, I may be a different man. I may be living on my own, in my own apartment.
Dad from the kitchen. Dad called back, trying not to laugh. You'll still be here, and so are your bunk bed dreams. Okay, four twenty in a year, it's definitely not enough, not even close.
I'm not waiting five whole years to get a bunk bed. I'll have lower back problems by then, probably need a different bed. I need to find side hustles, big ones, massive ones, he scribbled furiously in his notebook. Uh, lemonade stand too slow?
One cup is fifty cents, maybe a dollar. If I try j extra for free refills, that actually could work. And if mom and Dad matched that. Now what else?
Dog walking mom says our neighbor's poodle bites not worth it. Selling old toys. Hmm, well my monster truck might fetch twenty bucks. My half used science kid.
Yeah, too complicated. Garbage recycling bingo. If I collect bottles and cans from the whole neighborhood, I could wait wait, That would take all day, and I have a hard enough time lifting the lid to our garbage can. Oh the stench.
Brandon's mom popped her head in. I think a lemonade stand is a great idea. I could help. We can make it really.
Cute with stringers, fresh lemons, a gove. I can make a fresh lemon curd. Dad popped his head in as well. Also paint fences, now, I used to do that when I was your age.
I mowed lawns, painted fences, pulled weeds and I'll tell you I bought all the comic books a boy could ever ask for the next few weeks were a total whirlwind. Brandon was on a mission, one dollar at a time. He asked every neighbor within scooter riding distance if they needed help with anything, and boy did they ever. Some jobs were weird, like the time Missus Callahan hired him to walk her cat.
Turns out cats are not big fans of leashes. Brandon ended up being dragged through a hedge while the cat trotted proudly back home. Some jobs were fun, like feeding mister Ortega's parrot. Brandon nearly fell on the floor laughing when he taught it to say ha poop and make fart noises every time someone bent over to grab something low.
Some jobs were just gross, like scrubbing out his neighbor's slimy green bird bath. He smelled like pond water for three days. And some jobs just plain brutal, like digging a trench for a neighbor. Four whole weekends of shoveling, sweating, and one blister the size of Ohio, all for ten bucks in a stale juice box.
He even tried the classic lemonade stand. His mom helped him set it up, but turns out Brandon was his own best customer. By the time they packed up, he'd guzzled half the picture himself. But the job that's stuck, the one that actually made sense, was Dad's idea mowing lawns and pulling weeds.
Brandon didn't love it, but it wasn't terrible either. Don't get me wrong. I mean it's hot, my knees and back are tired, but at least I know exactly how much money I'm gonna make. No setting up or tearing down, no cat trying to claw my eyes out, just me a lawnmower and some weeds in it out.
Good for you, Bud. How much did you make today? Brandon shrugged. I don't know.
You don't know. I thought this bunk bed mission meant a lot to you. It definitely does, But right now I haven't eaten yet and I'm starving. After dinner, Brandon counted up all of his money.
It was nowhere near close to what he thought it was. He was so bummed that he didn't want to play Uno before bed. He didn't want to dance party before bed. He didn't even want to wrestle his dad before bed.
Brandon's mom felt all of his pain. Secretly, his dad did too, but he knew that resilience is key to let Brandon feel his feelings and still get up the next day and continue to push on. That didn't stop his mom from making his favorite homemade TwixT bars that cheered Brandon up and opened him up to hearing some good news. So, so, what two more weeks until what?
In one more week it will be August? What special day is in August? My birthday? Oh?
I didn't know it was this soon? And what does your relatives get you for your birthday? Gift cards to the arcade and ice cream? And that costs?
What time they have to pay for those gift cards, don't they I've never actually bought a gift card, so I don't know, but I guess if you have to buy one, Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, I guess. Yeah. So you can tell Aunt Patty and uncle Ben and your grandparents that you don't want toys or gift cards this year. If I mean, if they are to be so generous to get you a gift, could it'd be in the form of money because you're saving up for a bunk bed.
Isn't that kind of awkward If I asked them that, it seems like I'm assuming I'm getting a gift. Very true. How about I'll find a clever way of letting them know when I send out invites. Thanks, Mom, I'm still bombed.
I don't have anywhere near what I thought I would. Yep, I understand, b But you're doing it the right way. And maybe we can put our heads together to come up with other ways of making money. And don't forget whatever you have at the end, Mom, and I will double it.
Brandon was such a trooper in the weeks leading up to his birthday. He didn't quit his jobs. He didn't whine about the heat or the weeds or the endless clippings. He just kept working and saving, saving, and working.
His friends started to notice. Jack asked, why do you run home so fast after school every day you trained for the Olympics or some hunter added, Yeah, you're acting like you got stocks to manage or something. Brandon just shrugged. Nobody knew why he was working so hard, and he wasn't about to tell them, not yet.
All they knew was Brandon was on a mission. A bunk bed mission. The night before his birthday, Dad caught him polishing the lawnmower handles like it was a prized race car. Tomorrow's the big day.
Brandon looked up, puzzled. Don't tell me you forgot your birthday. Oh no, yeah, yeah, I remembered, Brandon. Buddy, I know you want this bunk bed really bad, but I'm getting a little concerned.
You're working as hard as an adult and forgetting to be a kid. I feel like tomorrow will make a huge difference. You mean, tomorrow, I'll be a year older and wiser. Dad chuckled and ruffled his hair.
Birthdays are magical, kiddo, You just never know what will happen. The next afternoon, Brandon and his friends were running wild at the arcade, pizza grease on their fingers, root beer foam on their lips, and piles of game tickets sticking out of their pockets like ribbons. Brandon laughed until his side's hurt. For the first time in weeks.
He wasn't thinking about chores, or money or even bunk beds. He was just a kid, exactly what Dad had wanted. When they got home, Mom said, a neat little stack of birthday cards on the kitchen table. Time to see what you got.
Brandon opened the first card, reading it out loud. You're nine and I couldn't think of a word to rhyme, so I got you a card that shines Happy birthday, Aunt Cleo, Sweet dreams, honey, Thanks Aunt Cleo. No ice cream gift card. That's unusual, and sweet dreams even more unusual.
No worries, we just pad our fare share of ice cream. So let's go to the next one. Brandon opened the next one, and the next one, and the next. He started tearing through them like a kid on a sugar rush.
After opening all the cards and not seeing a single dime, Brandon slumped like a wet noodle. His shoulders drooped, his mouth twisted sideways. His whole body looked like someone had unplugged him from the wall. His parents tried, Oh, they tried, there's always Christmas, Hey, buddy, keep working hard, you'll have it in no time.
But Brandon stayed slumped. He didn't pout, he didn't whine, he didn't stomp his feet. He just stayed quietly sad. Then he looked at both of them and said, very softly, thanks for such a great time at the arcade, and thank you for planning it.
Gathering my friends. Having you as parents is even better than a bunk bed. His mom almost burst into tears right there. His dad cleared his throat five times and looked at the ceiling.
Should we just tell him? Tell me what I tell you, that you are the greatest son in the world. Brandon tilted his head. Well, thanks, but you guys are acting super weird.
On the bright side, I'm sure to have sweet dreams for all the birthday sweet dream wishes. His dad forced to laugh. Well, speaking of sweet dreams, it's getting late. Someone has school tomorrow.
Why don't you go up in the shower and start getting ready for bed. That's when things got really strange. Brandon got up went to walk down the hall to the shower when he was pushed to the side. Suddenly his parents were both blocking his bedroom door like bodyguards.
His mom discreetly slid into his room started picking up out his pajamas for him, which she hadn't done since he was like four, then re emerged with his pjs. Then his dad clapped his hands and said, all right, time to shower. Chop jump. Uh, why are you guys standing in front of my door like secret agents.
We just cleaned your room and it's so nice and fresh, and. You smell like an arcade and we don't want you ruining it. I smell like arcade. It's not even a thing.
Dad tried to explain that it's like a pizza cheesy sweat with soda in the carpet kind of smell. You know what, Just get in the shower. I'm getting nauseous right now. He rolled his eyes, but he was laughing inside.
His parents were acting totally bonkers. When he finished his shower, his parents bolted up from the living room and ran to the bathroom door. How was your shower fine? Do you feel fresh and clean?
I guess Why are you guys being so weird? Oh Bob? You know, Mom and I just feel bad that you were disappointed on your birthday and we want to support you. Bud Oh okay.
They escorted him down the hall like he was the president of showers. Dad reached for the door to his bedroom, but at the very last second, Mom bent down, held his face in her hands and said, smile. Brandon burst out laughing, what he is wrong with you too? And then he turned his head, and there it was the bunk bed, not in his store, not in a catalog, not in his dreams, in his room.
His mouth dropped open, his brain short circuited. What no way, hau? How did you? How is it?
Wa? Wait? What? He ran inside and dove into the bottom bunk.
It's like a cave. Oh, this is the coolest thing ever. Then he scrambled up the ladder and flopped onto the top bump. Now it's a treehouse.
You guys are so far down there. I've never been this toll in my life. I could touch the ceiling. Not the ceiling, buddy, no fingerprints.
Let him live. They laughed and laughed until Brandon peeked his head over the side, eyes glowing. How is this even here? So they explained how they asked relatives to give money instead of toys, how they pulled everything together, how Mom and Dad covered the rest.
Brandon's heart felt so full it could have burst. Brandon could barely stop grinning. So what are you gonna do with all that money you earned? Well, first, we'll save some in a custodial investment account.
A what it's like when you forget to unpack your lunch box? And your sandwich grows mold. Except this time the money grows more, only in a good way. Perfect explanation, honey, Brandon laughed, but his eyelids were heavy.
All right, not for tonight. You've got school tomorrow. As they tucked him in, Brandon whispered to himself, I finally have a bunk bed. Now I should have a brother in no time.
If you build it, it will come. Wow. Brandon did a lot of work to save up enough money for a bunk bed. I couldn't stop laughing about the parrot job.
I was shocked to hear it was all for a little brother. I wonder what will happen next. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Brandon’s Bunkbed (Part 2)
Brandon wants a bunk bed more than anything, and he’s willing to work for it. Through patience, effort, and determination, he proves he’s ready and earns what he’s been asking for. But when the moment finally comes, the story gently reveals that some plans have more than one part, and sometimes the second answer doesn’t arrive the way we expect. A heartfelt story about effort, expectation, and learning to recognize when life gives us what we need, even if it’s not exactly what we imagined. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season four of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's meet Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dreams Fred perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in Brandon's bunk bed the conclusion. Over the next few weeks, Brandon stayed patient.
He still did his chores, still laugh with his parents, still loved his bunk bed. But as the week stretched into a month with no brother in sight, he lay in bed one night and sighed, I don't get it. God, I got the bunk bed. That's what it seemed like I needed.
All the boys at school have brothers, have bunk beds. Did I get the wrong kind? Just then Dad poked his head in, Hey, buddy, who are you talking to? Oh?
Just saying a prayer before bed. There was something in his voice that told Dad he was hurting. So he came in, sat down and listened everything. Okay, not really talk to me, Bud.
What's happening? Wow? No, it's silly. If something is causing you to feel deep feelings, it's never silly.
You have to honor your feelings. I guess I just thought if I got a bunk bed, then maybe i'd get a brother too. See, it's silly. No, you don't sound silly at all.
Son. I didn't know you felt this way. Well, I didn't want to tell you or Mom. I was afraid you'd feel pressured like I was asking too much.
Dad put a hand on Brandon's shoulder. Brandon, your mom and I have been through a lot of tough times in our lives. The truth is, nothing you could bring to us would ever be too big or too heavy. It's actually harder for us when you keep it bottled up, when you tell us we can work it out together.
I'm sorry, Dad, I just thought I could handle this one on my own. And look what you've accomplished on your own. You saved up, you worked hard, and you got a bunk bed to show for it. But sometimes, buddy, there are things in life we want so badly and we still don't get them.
That doesn't mean we stop hoping. That means we leave a little room in our hearts, because sometimes what comes isn't what we wanted, but it's exactly what we needed. Brandon frowned. Hmm, I'm not sure I get that.
Dad leaned back, his eyes softened with memory. Okay, let me tell you a story. When I was your age, I wanted a dog more than anything. My big brother was always picking on me, and I thought a dog would protect me and be my best friend.
I even practiced like I already had one. I would wake up early and pretend I was walking it. I would feed my stuffed animals like they were my dog. But no matter how much I begged, my parents couldn't afford one.
Why not, Well, dogs cost money, food, vet, bill, shots, all of it. But one day walking home from school, a scruffy dog jumped out of the bush and ran right up to me. He licked my face, wagged his tail like we'd been best friends forever. Then I heard somebody call it Biscuit, biscuit, and off he ran.
I was crushed. But the next day I bought a bone with my allowance just in case, and sure enough, Biscuit popped out of that same bush, and we played fetch until his owner, who was an older woman, came out. She saw how much Biscuit liked me and asked if I would come by every day to walk him and play. She even paid me fifty cents a day.
That dog became my best buddy. God didn't put a dog in my house, but he put one in my path, and it was exactly what I needed at that time. Brandon lay there, wide eyed. So the moral is be patient.
Sometimes when we want something so badly, we think it has to happen right away, But if we keep an open heart, we may find what we need in ways we've never even expected. Brandon nodded slowly, Yeah, no, try, Dad, I love you son, I love you too, Dad. Just when Brandon's dad went to leave, Dad yeah, thanks for this talk. I was holding that in for a while.
It felt really good to finally tell someone, Hey, not just anyone, Dad smirked, my hero. Brandon's dad choked back a tear and began cleaning his throat over and over, suppressing tears. You okay, Dad, Yeah, yep, yeah, just swallow it down the wrong pipe. Love you, kid, I love you Dad.
The next week's weren't perfect. Brandon still had lonely days and some tough moments, but now he shared them with mom and dad. They talked about life, about how some days are great and some aren't, and how tomorrow always brings another chance. Then one afternoon, Dad called him to the kitchen table.
Five sheets of paper were spread out, each with a different sport written on it. Okay, kiddo, we're going to pick one of these. Whatever you choose, you're in it for five months. You'll practice, you'll play, you'll give it your best.
At the end of the season. If you don't like it, we'll try another one. Why five months, good question. There are twelve months in a year, and I want you to have two off in the summer, just to be a kid that leaves ten half for one sport half for another, or if you really love one, you could stick with it all year.
It's your choice. Brandon's eyes lit up as he leaned over the papers. For the first time in weeks, his heart felt lighter. Brandon's eyes scanned the five papers football, soccer, basketball, baseball, wrestling.
He tapped the last one with his finger, but then pulled his hand back. Well, I want to try wrestling, but I don't think i'm strong enough, Dad smiled. Wrestling's a great sport. Teaches resilience, patience, and definitely how to handle defeat.
But here's the thing, Brandon, nobody starts wrestling as a strong participant. Actually, that goes for every sport. Every kid starts at the same place, ground level. Then you build your way up.
Why don't you just try it. You've got your whole life ahead of you. Brandon thought for a moment, then grinned, Okay, let's try it. Dad reached across the table and took his son's hand like it was a real deal.
Wrestling it is the first day of wrestling practice was not what Brandon expected. He thought, maybe they'd teach him how to take somebody down, or at least let him body slam someone on a padded mat, and instead the coach had them jogging in circles for ten whole minutes. Brandon was already gasped for air. Brandon started thinking, this isn't wrestling, This is running in a hot, stinky gem.
Next came stretches, then bear crawls, then crab walks. By the time they finally paired up to practice moves, Brandon's arms were noodles, his hair was plastered to his forehead, and he was seriously rethinking this whole bunk bed equals brother equals wrestling life plant. But then something happened. The kid he got paired with, Josh, looked over and whispered, Hey, don't worry, I have no clue what I'm doing either.
Brandon laughed, and just like that, wrestling wasn't so scary anymore. The weeks went by and Brandon kept showing up. He learned how to fall without hurting himself. He learned a move called the Wizard, He learned the fireman's carry, how to escape when someone's pinned him down, and even how to flip someone over, though sometimes he flipped himself instead, which the team hilarious at first Brandon lost every practice match, every single one.
But instead of quitting, he started listening closer to his coach. He started pushing himself during drills, and slowly things began to change. One day, after weeks of hard work, Brandon pinned Greg, one of the very serious wrestlers, for the very first time. He looked up at his dad and the bleachers, and his dad was grinning ear to ear.
When Brandon pinned Greg the kid, everyone whispered about the one with the serious face and the scary earguards. The entire gym went silent for half a second, then it erupted. His teammates cheered, his coach clapped him on the back, and Brandon's dad nearly fell off the bleachers. Yeah, that's my boy.
After practice, the whole team piled into a pizza place. The smell of melted cheese and garlic hit Brandon's nose the second they opened the door, and his stomach growed so loud Josh laughed. Everyone crowded around one big table, wolfing down slices and reliving Brandon's match like it was the championship of the world. Greg even gave him a respectful nod across the table for an eight year old that was basically a nighting ceremony.
By the end of the night, kids were begging Brandon to sit by them, to swap numbers to come to their birthday parties, but Josh stuck right by his side, just like he had from day one. When Josh asked if he could sleep over that weekend, Brandon's parents didn't hesitate to say yes. That night, when they walked into Brandon's room, Josh froze, WHOA, He said, eyes wide, you have bunk beds. I've always wanted bunk beds.
I called DIBs on the top bunk. Brandon laughed, fine, by me. Bottom bunk is the cave. Top bunk is the treehouse.
Josh climbed the ladder with his overnight bag and plopped onto the mattress like he'd been living there forever. Within minutes, the two had their video game controllers in hand. Brandon sat cross legged on the bottom bunk, Josh sprawled out on the top, leaning over the side so they could see each other's faces. They laughed, shouted at the screen, and made up ridiculous victory dances whenever they won.
Around At one point, Brandon peeked up at Josh dangling his controller from above, and felt something click in his heart. This was it. He built it, and they came. He didn't need a brother from his own family to fill that top bunk.
A friend could do it just as well. In that moment, Brandon realized the world was full of brothers and sisters. We get to choose friends who start out as strangers but grow into exactly what we need. And that night, as the glow of the video game flickered on the walls and their laughter bounce off the ceiling, Brandon thought to himself, this is even better than I imagined.
Later that night, the house was quiet, the glow of the video game had faded, and both boys were lying in their bunks, staring at the ceiling or the bottom of the top bunk in Brandon's case. Yeah you're still up. Yeah, this is usually when I get woken up by my little brother. He screams in the middle of the night, like he's stuck in a bear trap.
Brandon covered his mouth to keep from laughing too loud. What does he scream? Josh leaned over the bunk railing and whispered in the most dramatic voice. Mom, there's a creepy monkey in my room.
Both boys burst into muffled laughter, shaking their mattresses. Yeah, it's usually a soccer a shirt that was hanging in his room. When the giggles finally calmed down, Brandon whispered, oh about my parrot job. Parrot job.
I had to feed a neighbor's parrot, and I taught it to make fart noises. When anyone bent over, Josh snorted so hard he fell off the top bunk. This is genius. They went back and forth like that, trading silly stories about brothers, pets, and neighbors until their eyes got heavy and their voice trailed off into yawn's.
Brandon smiled in the dark. He didn't have a brother in his bunk bed, but lying there smiling about all the fun a sleepover with a friend was, he realized he had something just as good, maybe even better the end. WHOA did you ever ask for something and didn't get it but then ended up getting something better? I mean, if we keep an open heart, maybe we'll get exactly what we needed.
I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did. Today Boy was I I'm feeing cozy and all tuned in. If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five star review, but only if you really mean it. We love hearing your feedback.
It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know you might even get a shout out from me here in the Cove. I'd like to give a shout out to doctor Raquel Martin. Thank you so much for listening to Adventures of Curiosity Cove and telling so many people about us.
Thanks for listening. Drop your kids' names and your podcast reviews and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout out on an upcoming episode. Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity Awaits all right, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home.
Until next time. Friends, we never say goodbye. It's always see you later. Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella.
Written by Nicholas James Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter at. Curiosity col Curiosity came Get's some magical place.
Come Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Caul
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Calming Corner Episode 1: Feeling Misunderstood
Welcome to Calming Corner with Ella the Curious! In this special episode, Ella creates a safe and cozy space just for you. Have you ever felt like no one understands you, not even your parents? It’s a tough feeling, but you’re not alone! Join Ella as she guides you through a two-minute calming moment with gentle words, deep breaths, and a few encouraging words to help you feel heard, understood, and at peace. This is your time to let go of those big feelings and find a little calm in your day. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this! Watch now and share this with a friend who might need a calming moment too! Join us at @lovefortsumpter on Instagram and www.fort-sumpter.com #CalmingCorner #AdventuresOfCuriosityCove #KidsMindfulness #FeelingUnderstood #EllaTheCurious #PeacefulMoments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello there, Welcome to the calming Corner, led by me Ella the Curious. This space is just for us to come when life feels a bit tricky. Maybe something today didn't go quite right, or you're feeling a little off. That's okay.
You can sit here, close your eyes if you want, stretch out, or just listen. We'll take a deep breath and find a little piece together. Whatever you're feeling, I'm here with you. Let's jump in feeling misunderstood by parents.
It can be super hard when we feel like our parents don't understand us, So let's find a calm space in our minds together. Imagine you're holding a soft, cozy blanket around you. Breathe in, letting go of any frustration, and breathe out feeling a little lighter. Know that it's okay to feel this way.
Sometimes, with time, we'll find ways to help them understand us better. For now, I'm here and you're not alone. Thank you for joining me for this calming moment. It's okay to step away, get rid of the ickies, and go back to being your awesome self.
Remember this corner is always here whenever you need it, and so am I see you soon."
Calming Corner Episode 2: Dealing with Bullying
Bullying can be a really tough and hurtful experience, but you’re not alone. In this episode of Calming Corner, Ella the Curious helps kids take a calming moment to handle those big feelings that come with being treated unfairly or feeling left out. With gentle words, deep breaths, and a few grounding exercises, Ella creates a safe space to let go of the hurt, find your inner strength, and remember your worth. This is your moment to feel supported and regain your confidence. You are brave. You are strong. You are enough. Watch now and share this episode with someone who might need a little calm and courage today. #CalmingCorner #BullyingSupport #MindfulnessForKids #EllaTheCurious#YouAreEnough #AdventuresOfCuriosityCove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello there, Welcome to the calming Corner, led by me Ella the Curious. This space is just for us to come when life feels a bit tricky. Maybe something today didn't go quite right, or you're feeling a little off. That's okay.
You can sit here, close your eyes if you want, stretch out, or just listen. We'll take a deep breath and find a little piece together. Whatever you're feeling, I'm here with you. Let's jump in bullying.
It's so brave of you to be here, because I know dealing with mean words or actions can feel so heavy. Let's take a breath together and imagine a strong shield around you, one that blocks out all the mean stuff. Reath then and let out any of those hurt feelings. Remember you have people who love and believe in you, me included.
This feeling will pass, and you're stronger than any unkindness. Thank you for joining me for this calming moment. It's okay to step away, get rid of the ickies, and go back to being your awesome self. Remember this corner is always here whenever you need it, and so am I see you soon.
Calming Corner Episode 3: When You’re Feeling Alone
Have you ever felt like you’re all by yourself, even when you’re surrounded by others? Feeling alone can be tough, but you’re not alone in that feeling. In this episode of Calming Corner, Ella the Curious is here to guide you through a moment of calm and comfort. Together, we’ll take a few deep breaths, focus on what makes you special, and remind you that you’re never truly alone. Sometimes, a little time to breathe and reflect is all you need to feel connected again. You matter. You are loved. You belong. Take a calming moment with Ella and share this episode with a friend who might need a little reminder of their worth. #CalmingCorner #FeelingAlone #MindfulnessForKids #EllaTheCurious #YouMatter#AdventuresOfCuriosityCove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello there, Welcome to the Calming Corner, led by me Ella the Curious. This space is just for us to come when life feels a bit tricky. Maybe something today didn't go quite right. Or you're feeling a little off.
That's okay. You can sit here, close your eyes if you want, stretch out, or just listen. We'll take a deep breath and find a little piece together. Whatever you're feeling, I'm here with you.
Let's jump in. Feeling lonely Sometimes we all feel lonely and it's not easy. But I want you to know that loneliness is only temporary. It doesn't last forever, and there are things we can do to help, like going outside and moving around, or just sitting quietly with our feelings, and sometimes talking to someone we trust can make all the difference.
So let's take a deep breath together, in and out. You're not alone ever. I'm here with you, and I need you to know that you are a very special person. Did you know that some of the stuff we're made of is actually stardus.
That's right, the stars in the sky and you share something magical. Imagine you're one of those stars shining brightly among millions of others lighting up the sky. We're all connected even when we feel alone. I hope remembering how special you are remind you that you're needed and you belong here with all of us.
Let's take one more deep breath together in ah and out. Thank you for joining me for this calming moment. Remember I'm always here for you, and so are all the stars. You're never alone, not really.
Thanks again. Always know it's okay to step away, get rid of the ickies, and go back to being your awesome self. Remember this corner is always here whenever you need it, and so am. I see you soon"
Calming Corner Episode 4: Going to Bed Alone
Sometimes going to bed alone can feel a little scary or lonely, but you’re stronger than you think! In this cozy episode of Calming Corner, Ella the Curious helps you find comfort and calm before bedtime. With soothing words, gentle breathing exercises, and a sprinkle of imagination, Ella creates a safe and peaceful space to help you feel relaxed and secure as you drift off to sleep. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let calmness wrap around you. Sweet dreams await! Join Ella for a bedtime moment and share this episode with anyone who might need a little extra comfort tonight. #CalmingCorner #BedtimeRoutine #EllaTheCurious #MindfulnessForKids#SweetDreams #AdventuresOfCuriosityCove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello there, Welcome to the Calming Corner, led by me Ella the Curious. This space is just for us to come when life feels a bit tricky. Maybe something today didn't go quite right, or you're feeling a little off. That's okay.
You can sit here, close your eyes if you want, stretch out, or just listen. We'll take a deep breath and find a little piece together. Whatever you're feeling, I'm here with you. Let's jump in going to bed alone.
I know sometimes it feels really nice to have our parents right there as we fall asleep. But tonight let's try something a little different and step into our dreams on our own. I'm here with you, so you're not really alone. Let's take a deep breath in and out.
Think of all the amazing things your body and mind do while you're sleeping. Sleep is like a magic potion. It helps us grow, gives us energy, and gets us ready for even more fun tomorrow. Picture yourself lying in a cozy cloud, surrounded by stars.
You can drift off to a place where you're safe, calm, and ready to explore amazing dreams. Imagine each breath taking you deeper into that soft, sleepy feeling who thank you for joining me for this calming moment. It's okay to step away, shake the ickies off, and go back to being your awesome self. I'll be right here in your imagination if you need me, and when you wake up tomorrow will be ready for you to make it amazing.
Sweet dreams,"
Calming Corner Episode 5: Finding Gratitude
Sometimes, life feels overwhelming, but taking a moment to focus on gratitude can bring joy and calm to your day. In this uplifting episode of Calming Corner, Ella the Curious helps you reflect on the little things that make life special. Through gentle breathing exercises and simple reflections, Ella guides you to find gratitude in your heart and appreciate the beauty around you. Even on the toughest days, there’s always something to be thankful for. Let’s take a moment to pause, breathe, and feel grateful together. Watch now and share this with someone who might need a little reminder to focus on the good things in life. #CalmingCorner #GratitudePractice #EllaTheCurious #MindfulnessForKids#ThankfulHeart #AdventuresOfCuriosityCove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello there, Welcome to the Calming Corner, led by me Ella the Curious. This space is just for us to come when life feels a bit tricky. Maybe something today didn't go quite right, or you're feeling a little off. That's okay.
You can sit here, close your eyes if you want, stretch out, or just listen. We'll take a deep breath and find a little piece together. Whatever you're feeling, I'm here with you. Let's jump in gratitude.
Let's try something that always makes me feel lighter. Today, We're going to think of something we're grateful for. Take a deep breath with me, Ah, and think of one thing that makes you smile. A favorite person, a pet, a book, or even a sunny day.
Now, hold on to that warm feeling and let it fill you up. Gratitude reminds us of all the good we have. It helps us feel even braver and better. You did great.
Thank you for joining me for this calming moment. It's okay to step away, get rid of the ickies, and go back to being your awesome self. I'll be right here whenever you need me. See you soon."
Calming Corner Episode 6: When You Don’t Do Great on a Test
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we don’t do as well as we hoped on a test—and that’s okay. In this episode of Calming Corner, Ella the Curious helps you navigate those big feelings of disappointment and frustration. Through soothing words and calming exercises, Ella reminds you that one test doesn’t define your worth or abilities. Every mistake is a chance to learn, grow, and try again.You’re stronger than you think! Take a deep breath and remember: progress is more important than perfection. Watch now and share this with someone who might need a little encouragement after a tough test. #CalmingCorner #BounceBack #EllaTheCurious #MindfulnessForKids #KeepTrying#AdventuresOfCuriosityCove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello there, Welcome to the calming Corner, led by me Ella the Curious. This space is just for us to come when life feels a bit tricky. Maybe something today didn't go quite right, or you're feeling a little off. That's okay.
You can sit here, close your eyes if you want, stretch out, or just listen. We'll take a deep breath and find a little piece together. Whatever you're feeling, I'm here with you. Let's jump in.
Not doing well on a test Sometimes tests don't go as well as we hoped, and that can feel really tough. Let's take a moment to breathe together. Imagine your worries floating away like little clouds in the sky. Breathe in and let go.
Just remember one test doesn't change how smart or awesome you are. You're learning and growing, and I'm proud of you for trying your best. We'll keep going one step at a time. Thank you for joining me for this calming moment.
It's okay to step away, get the ickies away, and go back to being your awesome self. Remember this corner is always here whenever you need it, and so am I see you later."
Calming Corner - Intro
Welcome to Calming Corner with Ella the Curious! Watch now and share this with a friend who might need a calming moment too! Join us at @lovefortsumpter on Instagram and www.fort-sumpter.com #CalmingCorner #AdventuresOfCuriosityCove #KidsMindfulness #FeelingUnderstood #EllaTheCurious #PeacefulMoments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello, everybody, tik a Sumter here. I just want to say a huge thank you to every listener, to every parent, guardian, auntie, uncle, whoever who spread the word about our first season of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. Thank you for following us at love Fort Sumter. Thank you for sending in your sweet children listening to our podcast.
We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did creating it for you. So we are steadily working on drum roll please, season two of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. But in the meantime, we have something special for you. It's called Calm Corner.
It's a very special segment within Adventures of Curiosity Cove where Ella the Curious invites young listeners to take a gentle pause from their day. We know the holidays are coming up, we know a lot of things are coming up for everybody, and it's about to get real busy. So whether they're coming home from school after a challenging day, preparing for nap time, or winding down before bed, Calm Corner offers a safe, comforting space to help kids reset and recharge. In each Calm Corner session, Ella guides children through soothing exercises like deep breathing, gentle stretches, and positive visualization, and with her warm, understanding tone, she reassures listeners that it's okay to take a break and process their feelings.
Ella creates a space where kids can feel safe and supported, helping them manage really big emotions after a tough day, or simply find peace in the moment and away from us parents. Through Calm Corner, children learn that moments of calm can help them feel better no matter what their day has brought. Parents too, can enjoy these moments with their kids, creating a shared routine of mindfulness that can grow with them as they grow. And so with Ella the Curious as their guide, young listeners gained valuable tools for resilience and emotional well being.
I hope you guys enjoy these calm quick moments for the kiddies, but also a calm quick moment for yourselves, even if it's away from the kiddos. So thank you so much for joining us for adventures of Curiosity Cove and Calm Corner by Ella the Curious. See you soon.
Chelsea's Checklist Part 1
“Chelsea’s Checklist” serves as a wonderful reminder for both children and parents about the power of organization. In a world where daily tasks can quickly become overwhelming, the story illustrates how a simple checklist can help restore control and bring order to our lives. By embracing the art of making lists, Chelsea learns to navigate her day with confidence and clarity, ultimately showing us that taking charge of our responsibilities can lead to a more balanced and manageable life. Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures, or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the toe. It's just peace and quiet, perfect story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive into today's tale. Chelsea's Checklist, Part one. Are you ready to listen? I sure am, all right, Let's do it.
Chelsea was a dreamer about everything, no, seriously everything. She dreamt of starting a lemonade stand, a dog walking business, the dog grooming business, a strictly white with black spots, gerbil breeding business, making a dog poop picker up her a parent track, an invisibility shield for children twelve and under, a robot that only does kids' chores. The list goes on. Chelsea loved fixing problems in theory.
She just never actually followed through with making the product, starting the business, fixing the problem. You get the point. Chelsea was great at finding a great idea or a problem that needed fixed. Then she would come up with a solution or an invention.
Next she would get everyone on board to tell her how great of an idea it was. Last step was to execute her plan or invention. However, that was the step she didn't like, so she just skipped over it. She moved on to the next problem or invention that needed to be made, then skipped over it as well.
Chelsea never really followed through with anything. As a matter of fact, she loved to tell everyone else how they could organize their lives, make their bed in the morning, say a morning prayer, clean up their room, take baby steps to fulfilling their goals. But she wasn't too great at it. I said that right.
Chelsea was great at telling people what they should do, but she wasn't too great at taking her own advice. One day, while out on a walk with her dad and her Yorkipoo named Joni, she noticed a tiny lady walking in unus usually big dog. She wasn't sure who was walking who, since the dog was walking wherever it pleased while the little lady did her best to keep her balance. Chelsea immediately thought of an electric scooter she rode the day before.
If a scooter could take you wherever you want, why couldn't it control a dog? She began to mumble out loud, It could. Work like a fishing reel like. It will let a little slack out, but as soon as it does, it will create tension and drive the leash backwards like a scooter and reverse.
I'm sure it wouldn't take much. What's that? Oh? Do you see that lady over there.
The one with the giant dog that's walking her? Yes? Yes, that one. What if there was a leash assist for people not as strong as the dog they pick?
Sounds like a pretty great idea, Chelse. How's it work? Well, it's similar to fishing. If you're trying to pull back on your dog, like having a fish on the line, the electronic assist will kick in and start electronically reeling your dog in so you don't have to fight so hard.
I think that LEE should come to standard in all purchases of big dogs that are stronger than their owners. The walk continued with Chelsea and her dad going back and forth with the idea of an electronic assisted leash for big dogs that can't be wrangled. By the time they got home, they were still hashing out the details, the technicalities, the intricacies. When Chelsea's mom overheard the conversation.
Are you two coming up with another invention. Mom, this one is awesome. Dad thinks it should have a harness that attaches to you, but I think it's unnecessary. What do you think.
They told her all about their idea and how it works, and why they came up with it in the first place, and how they were going to execute the idea. Chelsea's mom started thinking, hmm. This is good. I definitely saw a man the other day with a vicious dog that almost lungs out a little puppy.
See, Mom, this has to be made. We would sell out in the first month. There's no doubt that there's a market for it. Have you thought about mandatory dog training courses?
Yep, Dad, that too. If the people buy a puppy, there's no telling how big it's gonna get when it grows up, or how it will be trained. Oh that's true. I think we need to start drawing up some plans.
But if we don't get ready and hit the road, we're gonna miss Aunt Mary. She's turning one hundred and two this week, and we have to catch her to give her the present we got her before she goes to her chair aerobic class. So off they went to visit Aunt Mary, who was turning one hundred and two. When they got there, they found a group of elderly playing a game of Uno.
It seemed like it was getting pretty heated, but then they all started laughing. They all looked over at Chelsea when she walked in. Oh hello, eh, Chelsea, how are you my dear? Come come, we'll deal you in.
I wish Ruthie, but today's a quick visit to Aunt Mary for her birthday next week. I hope you didn't forget. I have it on my calendar. Do you come back soon.
They made their way to aunt Mary's room when they found her staring out the window. As they popped in, she noticed them and she immediately lit up and giggled. Oh hello. They all gave her hugs and asked her how she's been, what she's been up to, and how she's been sleeping.
She told Chelsea all about her dreams, and Chelsea asked plenty of questions. I have beautiful dreams of heaven almost every night. Really, Oh yes, I can't wait to go. Wow.
What's it like? Oh I can't. Even describe it. It's so beautiful.
And what about you, Chelsea? How have you been? Oh? Great?
Thank you for asking today, just before we got here, I got this great idea for an invention. Oh wonderful, let me hear it. Chelsea told her all about the dog leash that reels your dog back in if you can't handle the dog. Aunt Mary asked some difficult questions that Chelsea had to really consider because she he hasn't really given the leash any more thought.
But then Aunt Mary asked another question that threw Chelsea for a loop. So what's the first box on your checklist? Dear, my checklist? Yes, for designing this leash?
What's first on your checklist? Chelsea's mom and dad gave each other a look. Well, this is something I've suggested plenty of times for her morning routine, making her bed, cleaning her room, brushing her hair, brushing her teeth. Oh no, no, no, no, Chelsea, you have to have checklists for everything.
Let me hear some checklist you have. Um, I don't have any, Aunt Mary, you don't have any? Oh, dear, comes down next to me. Chelsea pulled up a seat at her Aunt Mary's desk.
Now, open that top drawer. Chelsea opened the top drawer to find four lined writing pads with boxes to be checked. Off. The first five boxes were already checked off.
Make bed, comb, hair brush, teeth, wash up, breakfast eight am. Wow, you have a checklist for everything? Oh, yes, you have to, otherwise my mind takes over and I'll be doing something over there and then realize I have to do something over on the other side of the room, and I'll miss breakfast completely. And how many times have you almost miss moy THI or piano because you weren't prepared?
Chelse? Chelsea hangs her head. More times than I can count. Oh, and don't.
Be embarrassed about that, Chelsea, I could remember anything at your age. I spent half of my life disorganized because I didn't have structure. I was back. In nineteen thirty four when a group of friends and I planned a big trip to Hawaii.
You've been to Hawaii, Well, you just listened to this story, dear. In order to get to Hawaii from the East coast of the United States, we had to board a train for California. It took five days to reach California by train. Then from California we sailed to Hawaii.
It took another five days to sail to Hawaii. Oh, I was so excited to get to Hawaii. I had posters in my room. I had a pin pal.
I was writing two from Hawaii and she was going to show us around when we got there. I was going to learn to serve snorkele hula dance. Here was going to be the trip of a lifetime, going to be Well, I missed the boat. You missed the boat to Hawaii.
Yes. I got to California and had so many places I wanted to see before we boarded for Hawaii, and I. Didn't make a checklist or a schedule. I thought I had enough time to see San Francisco before boarding the white ship.
What's a white ship? Well, there were a fleet of ships that went from California to Hawaii. I think there were five of them total. They were all white, so they were referred to as white ships.
When I was in San Francisco, I was running around, seeing the Golden gate Bridge, then Chinatown. Then I was riding the cable cars that run all the way up the steep roads. When I realized I was going to be late for the setting sail. I don't remember how I finally got there, but when.
I did, there was no boat. Oh golly. I was floored. I could have jumped in the water and started swimming towards the boat.
So what did you do? Well? At that point I had two options, pout, get angry, cry, or look at the bright side. What could possibly be the bright side?
I could make a vow to myself right then and there to change for the better. Oh I would have powerted, got angry and cried, But I also would have yelled. I may have done a teeny tiny bit of that, But that wouldn't have brought the boat back, now, would it? Yeah?
I guess not. So you never made it to Hawaii. Oh? No, I made it to Hawaii.
A cute boy saw me staring at the spot where the boat used. To be, and he asked me what had happened. I told him, and he found a way to get me on the next boat leaving eight hours later. So what did you do for eight hours?
I got a personal tour of San Francisco by the cute boy. Of course, when the boat finally arrived, we exchanged addresses to write to one another, and then we said our goodbyes. But when I got on that boat, I did not allow myself to relax and enjoy the boat. I spent hours upon hours writing a checklist of things I need to do and see while in Hawaii.
I wasn't going to waste this trip. I almost lost it once and it costed me a day in Hawaii, so I was going to make the most of the rest of the days I had there. From that day forward, I have always had checklists. They're like tiny road maps to keep you on track, so your entire day is mapped out before you.
Like having a parent telling you what to do all day every day. Oh No, that would be a schedule. I don't do schedules very well. They tell you what to do and how to do them.
I love my freedom too much. I love being spontaneous. A checklist just tells you the things you need to do each day. Once you complete your checklist, you're free to do whatever else you want.
That's the fun thing about checklist. You can have a work checklist, a play checklist, a sure checklist. You can have a checklist for a b well anything. Can I have a snack checklist?
Sure? But you have to keep your checklist prioritized. What does that mean? That means you need to complete the important checklist first before you can move on to your play or a fun checklist.
You know what checklists to Chelsea? What's that? Aunt Mary? They give you a fun little challenge for the day, and when you're done.
Completing the checklist, you feel like you took control of the day instead of the day controlling you. Wow. I often feel like my day and sometimes my parents' schedules control me. Well, this checklist can be your own little way of taking charge of your day.
I like that. Oh yeah, And your parents will never fight you on doing something else. If you're in the middle of completing a top priority checklist, I'm sure your mother and father will help you write a checklist that they'd like to see you finish each day. I would say that checklist is priority.
What what if I don't get done with everything on the checklist? There's always tomorrow, Aunt Mary looks up at the clock. Oh dear, oh gosh, I'm going to be late for lunch. We'll walk you down.
Oh boy, I can't wait to listen the part too, Chelsea's checklist. Do you think she's gonna do it? You know the list, Aunt Mary is making me want to do one too. Can't wait to hear the rest.
I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did. Oh
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Chelsea’s Checklist Part 2
“Chelsea’s Checklist” serves as a wonderful reminder for both children and parents about the power of organization. In a world where daily tasks can quickly become overwhelming, the story illustrates how a simple checklist can help restore control and bring order to our lives. By embracing the art of making lists, Chelsea learns to navigate her day with confidence and clarity, ultimately showing us that taking charge of our responsibilities can lead to a more balanced and manageable life. Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own lla, The Curious Adventures, or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bag piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the toad. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's continue today's tale, Chelsea's Checklist, Part two. Are you ready to listen? I sure am all right, let's do it. Chelsea, her mom and dad, and Aunt Mary all walked down to the cafeteria of the retirement home to find many groups of sweet elderly people filing into line to get their lunch.
Aunt Mary hugged and kissed them all and jumped into line, where she was greeted by other sweet women and men. On the drive home, Chelsea was in deep thought. What a story Aunt Mary had that was interesting? Yeah, how about the five day train ride?
I thought five hours was unbearable? Hmm, I'm really thinking about the checklist. Oh yeah, if I could have a checklist for morning and chores, I think I could get things done a lot faster and then be able to start chipping away at my fun checklist. I think that makes a lot of sense.
Yes, And if you get your. Chelsea's dad nudges her, mom enticing her to allow Chelsea to figure it out on her own. Chelsea notices and smiles. So what's on the fun checklist?
Play video games? Go outside and play on my play structure, paint in color, swing on my aerial swing, play more games. And if I just get my checklist done first thing in the morning, I will have all the time to do whatever else I want to do. Right.
That's all you have to do, right. But there are going to be some days when I ask you to help me wash the car or help me mow grass. I mean, I don't I'm doing that. I actually like helping you wash the cars.
Well, I actually like you helping me wash the cars. And I may need you to help me cook, set the table or wash dishes. Mom, that's not work. You know.
I love helping you cook, and washing the dishes is a breeze. The next few days, Chelsea had a renewed love for checklists. She made morning checklists, after noon checklists, checklists for each after school activity, lunch checklist, nighttime checklist. She even made grocery checklists for her mom and home renovation and maintenance checklist for her dad.
Jeez, the toilet seat's broken again. Yep, I got a few toys in here that needs batteries too. Well, looks like I'm gonna have to hire a helping hand. Do you know of anyone in the area looking for some part time work?
Must be a wizard with a Phillips head screwdriver and be able to identify the gambit of different sized batteries from double A to Why is this thing so tiny? Well, I've been a job recruiter here for quite some time, and I only know one girl in these parts that still does that kind of work. She's pricey, but she's the best. Well, she ain't the best.
I don't want her. After six days of checklists, Chelsea didn't want to look at another checklist. She tried to hide it from her parents because for some reason, she felt ashamed. She'd been the little checklist queen of the house for five to six days, and now she's abandoning her duties.
She tried to sneak around the house and avoid her mom and dad as much as she could, until she heard her dad all right, Chelse, what's on the checklist today? Dad? Can you just leave me? Chelsea cut her response short when she saw her dad's expression shift from excitement to hurt, like he was trying to process what just happened, wondering if he'd somehow missed the mark he'd always been her positive ally offering support without judgment.
But the tone of the remark stung, even if she hadn't meant it to. She could feel the air between them shift, and suddenly the warmth of her father's excitement evaporated, leaving a cold gap she hadn't meant to create. Oh sorry, Dad, it's just no, it's it's okay. Sorry if it seemed I was overstepping, I'll give you some space.
Chelsea wanted to rebut but her dad had already moved on and headed to the garage. Chelsea thought she may just need some food, but when she got to the kitchen, her mom was there making coffee and singing. Hey, honey, what's on the checklist today? Mom?
Please? But Chelsea didn't have the words to express how she felt. She wasn't even sure how she felt. She just knew she didn't want to talk about checklists today.
Her mom tried to make a joke. Ooo, okay, well I'll just back away slowly. I'm not in the mood to joke. Mom.
Oh okay, okay, Well I'll be here if you want to talk. Chelsea's dad pop back into the kitchen to see that there was fresh coffee. Oh god, bless you, honey, you made coffee. Thank you, sure thing.
I'm just gonna grab a cup then be in the garage. Dad. Yes, dear, I'm sorry. I kind of snapped at you.
That's okay, thanks for apologizing. Is everything all right? I don't know. I just woke up feeling like I don't want to do a checklist today, which made me want to avoid you guys, because I feel bad that I don't want to do one.
Why would you feel bad for not wanting to do a checklist today? I don't know, because I've been doing checklists for the past a lot of days. Well maybe that's the perfect reason that you don't want to do one today. How much have you accomplished in these past a lot of days?
So much. And how do you feel today? Well, really proud of myself, but really tired today. Do you feel burnt out?
Yes? Well maybe you just need a break today? Yeah? I do.
And how does that make you feel talking about it? Ugh? Relieved? I mean I really enjoyed making checklists.
Well do you think maybe you just went a little too hard on the checklist and maybe you'll enjoy having one or two? I mean, yeah, but how am I going to fit it all on one checklist? Well? Like it?
Mary said, maybe you can prioritize your checklist and have your daily checklist, weekly checklist, and your monthly checklist. I can even do a yearly checklist. You could, and your father and I are always here to help if you need. Chelsea got up and walked to the paper drawer, pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen, and wrote checklist today.
Relax. Then she wrote below it, checklist for tomorrow. Make daily, weekly, monthly checklist. Okay, last conversation about checklist today, Dad, one item on your checklist, Make Chelsea some chocolate chip pancakes the end.
Whoo Ah, those checklists sound like a lot of work. Boy, Do I understand what Chelsea's going through. Sometimes I feel like my day also controls me. Huh, I'm gonna make a checklist too.
I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did. Oh
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Declan’s Day at Sea Part 1
“Declan’s Day at Sea” imparts a powerful lesson about the importance of courage and the spirit of adventure. The story illustrates that while facing the unknown can be intimidating, it is through these experiences that we discover our true strength and resilience. Declan learns that by embracing challenges, he can overcome fear and embark on new adventures. Ultimately, the moral emphasizes that life’s greatest journeys often unfold outside our comfort zones, and with bravery, we can navigate any tempest that comes our way. Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive into today's story called Declan's Day at Sea, Part one, A powerful lesson about the importance of courage and the spirit of adventure. Are you ready to listen? Hi? Sure em?
All right, let's do it. Our story starts with a fearless boy named Declan. Declan was always fascinated with the ocean. Standing on land was too easy.
What if he could stand in the middle of the ocean, Now that would be impressive. He just couldn't get over the fact that people have been building boats and exploring the sea since the beginning of time. He wanted to know what was out there in the great blue ocean. What beckons so many sailors have passed, What do they see, what do they eat?
What are they here? And what is out there that keeps calling them back. One weekend morning, while his parents were still asleep, he was staring at the ceiling pondering all of these questions. That's it, I can't take it anymore.
All of the unanswered questions were too overwhelming, so he ran to the garage, grabbed his bike, and started riding down to the pier where his dad's sailboat was docked. What are you thinking you need at least two peanut buttered and jelly sandwiches, four apples, two candy bars and a bag full of mixed nuts. Oh and water. Of course, Declan rushed back home to quickly pack up.
Where do you think you're going? Uh? Oh, just down to the pier to fish. Be home in a few Love you from the kitchen.
We hear, hey, where'd all the apples go? Phew? That was close. As Declan nears the big hill leading down the wharf, he shouts, here week, the weather seems gloomy down by the ocean.
There's a fog around the wharf. Not a soul was in sight. Ah, peaceful. Then he hears a loud, guttural gurgle, something in between a bark and a monster.
This would have scared most kids, but not Declan. He's not afraid of anything. Hey, Mo, Mo was the large sea lion that hangs around his dock. Mo usually follows them out the sea when they go sailing.
Declan always makes it a point to toss a fish or two to Moe on days they're fishing. I'm getting out of here, Mo, I want to see what you see. I can't stand the fact that the world is seventy percent water and we spend ninety nine point nine nine nine percent of the time on land. That's nuts.
Even you split your time from water to land. Why can't we? Moe barks back. Declan continues talking to Mo while he's preparing the sailboat.
Mo grunts every once in a while. We can't really tell if he's sleeping or agreeing. Anyway, Declan keeps on talking and preparing. When he's finally done, he pushes off to sea.
No looking back, now, Mo, you coming. Mo flubbers on his belly to the edge of the dock and hops in the water. Of of course, you are off on another great adventure. Mo.
Nothing can stop us now. Declan raises the sail and the wind dies down. He only moves about two feet and stops. Mo bobs up and down in the water, looking at him.
Don't look at me, I don't harness the wind. Moe flaps his flippers at Declan. Uh, I don't have flippers either. Oh, oh, the oars.
There must be some oars around here, somewhere. Declan looks around the boat and can't find any oars. Declan sits down on the bench and shows Mo his empty hands. Nothing Mo, no wind, no oars, no venture.
Declan reaches for his backpack and pulls out a sandwich. He's glum and bummed while he eats his sandwich. Sorry, Mo. Moe jumps up on the boat with his two front pinnipeds.
Pinnipeds is a cool word for fin or flipper footed. He uses his pinnipeds to push the boat down on one side, then down on another, rocking the boat back and forth, back and forth. Whoa mo, what in the great wide sea are you doing? You're gonna make me sick.
Just when Declan couldn't take it anymore, two oars rolled out from underneath a storage compartment. Mo, you're a genius. Moe clapped his two pinnipeds together, then disappeared underwater. He re emerged with a huge fish in his mouth and was chewing noisily on the fish.
Oh gross, MO, Well, I guess that's a good idea. We can't venture off on an empty stomach. Declan continues eating his sandwich, like my dad always says, Tommy's full, heart's open, mind's clear. Okay, we're ready, let's hit the open ocean.
But just as he said that, Moe dove un the water disappeared. Declan waited for Mo to pop back up, but nothing. Declan went to one edge of the boat and looked down in the water. Nothing.
He went to the other side of the boat and looked down. No sign of Mo. Then he saw a dark figure swimming through the water slowly. It was gliding directly towards the boat.
It disappeared underneath the boat. Declan ran to the other side of the boat and saw it reappear on the other side. Declan shuddered, Mo, Mo, where'd you go? Mo popped up on the opposite side of where the dark figure was.
Mo. You gotta get out of here. There's a shark. It'll eat you.
Declan heard a splashing sound behind him. He quickly looked and just saw the dark figure disappear in the water. He saw ripples going straight towards his boat and towards MO. The ripples ran under the boat.
It was so powerful that it made the whole entire boat sway. Run MO run or O or swim swim Mo swim. Mo dove underwater and started swimming away. The dark figure pursued MO.
The chase was on. Declan saw Mo switching directions quickly, one way, then another, then another. Oh, no, get out of here. You bully.
Declan grabbed an oar and started smacking the water. Leave him alone. Out of nowhere, Declan heard a splash and a crash, and it felt like his entire boat was going to tip over. Declan screamed and turned towards the sound.
Moe had jumped up on the boat and was smiling at Declan, but half of his body was still in the water. MO, get out of here, swim away. He'll bite your butt off. But Mo didn't move.
He seemed unfazed by the fact that there's a predator about to have Mo for lunch. The water was ominously calm. Declan looked around but didn't see anything. He was about to say phew, that was a close call when he saw it again, the dark figure making ripples heading straight for Mo.
Mo, go now, now go. It was too late. The ripples were right behind him, and right before they got to Mo, the ripples stopped. It was completely calm again.
Then a huge spout of water broke through the calm surface and out emerged the dark figure. Wow. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did. I can't wait to listen to part two.
Whoo
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Declan’s Day at Sea Part 2
“Declan’s Day at Sea” imparts a powerful lesson about the importance of courage and the spirit of adventure. The story illustrates that while facing the unknown can be intimidating, it is through these experiences that we discover our true strength and resilience. Declan learns that by embracing challenges, he can overcome fear and embark on new adventures. Ultimately, the moral emphasizes that life’s greatest journeys often unfold outside our comfort zones, and with bravery, we can navigate any tempest that comes our way. Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to accept the cone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive back into today's tale. Declan's Day at Sea Part two are you ready to listen? Hi? Sure, am all right, let's do it.
It wasn't just one dark figure, it was three figures that made it look so big. Declan thought this was the end of his new friend when he realized it was a female sea lion. With two pups. The female landed next to Mo, and the pups landed on their outside shoulders.
It was an entire family of sea lions laying on the boarding step. The boarding step is like a small wooden deck that hangs off of the boat and into the water for easy in and out. Mo, you're a dad. Oh my goodness, are those the two cutest pups I've ever seen in my life?
Moe and his wife's Sage nuzzle each other's necks. This is the way sea lions hugged. One of the baby sea lions jumped off the boat and into the water, swam to his sibling, and jumped up in bit it's tail. This gave way to the pups playing behind the boat for a short piero until they scurried off towards the other parts of the marina.
Moe and Sage jumped off towards the popps, and just as soon as all of the. Excitement happened, it stopped. It was quiet. Declan waited some time for Motor return back to him to continue on their journey, but the only excitement was a little fish that kept jumping out of the water, but eventually it scurried off as well.
Declan was all alone. I wish I had someone to share this journey with. Just as he said that, the wind picked up and his boat started moving. Whoa, whoa, yikes.
I don't know if I can do this on my own. For some reason, I felt courageous with mo, but now that I'm all on my own, I'm not feeling as brave. The wind picked up even more. The wind was not giving Declan any choice but to use it in his favor.
Declan started worrying that this may not have been a good idea. Okay, calm down, deck, deep breath in, deep breath out. Okay, now focus, you know everything about sailing? No, no, no, I don't.
I don't know anything. Calm Maybe one more deep breath in, deep breath out. Okay, back to the basics. Declan kicked into gear.
He pulled the sails, steadied the rudder, and used the wind to his advantage in a matter of minutes. He felt as if the boat was an extension of himself. Whohoo, wind, thank you for the journey. Let's go.
A huge boat was coming straight for Declan. He stayed put and watched this massive vessel float right past him. There were ten people on the boat waving down at Declan. Hey, little guy, you're doing great.
Thanks you do WHOA? That was so cool. Declan was sailing on his own. It was as if the moment he stepped away from the spot where he had been rooted, everything around him began to move and sync with him.
A mother duck and ate ducklings swam by his boat. Kayakers, boats and people on stand up paddle boards were floating by him, waving. The birds and the fish were moving with him. The wind was dancing, the sun appeared.
He was totally and utterly in the moment. Declan's boat was cruising for the open ocean, and he didn't have a care in the world. He was part of this great ecology that's beautiful, awe inspiring and vibrant. He saw the open ocean in the distance, and he got a pinch of nervousness, a dash of doubt, and a heap of excitement.
Anything could happen out here. Declan made it past the last rock piled that separates the open ocean from the marina. Ah, I'm really doing this, I'm really sailing out to sea. Declan double checked all of his sailing equipment.
He then put his head down for a moment to check his bag and his belongings. He was making sure no sneaky seagulls landed on his boat and took his food. Everything seemed to be in place. When he brought his head back up to check his coordinates, he was so much further out to sea than he'd ever thought he'd be.
The wind was so strong this day, and he only had his head down for a quick second. How did he get this far? He also noticed that the sea was much. Different out here.
The waves were wild. The boat was rocking in a manner that made Declan feel like he was no longer in control. It was a strange feeling, not being in control. He thought to himself.
This is what we strive for, right being in control. We live our lives trying to hold on to control. But what if we let go. I'm letting go decland threw his hands up in the air, signifying that he was letting go of control and giving it to the ocean.
He rocked and swayed, The breeze blew, the clouds danced. He felt like he was part of everything, the water, the sky, the wind, the animals. It was extraordinary to be such a small piece in a huge place. Something about this feeling was so comforting.
He sat quietly, admiring the stillness and the chaos, all the noises, in all the commotion. He couldn't believe that he was a part of something so beautiful. He sat for some time until the moment passed. He thought about what could happen if he didn't make it back to the dock, if he got stuck out at sea.
He began to worry again. Did he bite off more than he could chew? He looked around and he was the only one out to see. All of the other boats were miles away.
There were no more kayakers or birds or fish. It was just him and the wild ocean. Declan wasn't sure what to do. He was ready to return, but he wasn't quite sure how to use the wind to his advantage.
He's never felt afraid of anything. He didn't like the fact that fear had control over him, making him want to run and hide. So he tried to turn the sailboat around to head back in, but the wind was pushing him further out to see. He tried again and again, but the wind was strongly pushing him away from the marina.
He did what he thought he could do, and he pulled the sails down so he wouldn't go any further out to see. He sat down in his boat. Oh, what's the number one rule in sailing? Don't panic?
Okay, think, Declan think. He dug through his bag and pulled out a single chip and held it in the air, trying to entice a friend onto his boat so he wouldn't be lonely. Here's Segall, here's Segall, I have a chip. No seagull took him up on his offer.
In fact, one Loan, seagull flew over his head and right on his hand that was holding the chip. Declan stared at his hand for a second in disbelief. Did that seagull just pooh on my hand? Ah?
Declan began laughing so hard. This was hilarious to Declan. Out of all of the places in the gray wide ocean. The bird could have pooed.
It hit Declan right in the hand holding the chip direct hit well. Like Dad always said, if a bird poops on you, that's good luck. I knew luck was with me all day, but I kept doubting it. I'll get back home somehow.
Declan looked around at the landscape. It's incredible. He stood up on the boat. I'm standing on water.
I'm in the open ocean. The breeze is different, the waves are different, the smells are different. Even the birds pooping on me is different. I'm so proud of me.
Declan sits back down and admires his surroundings. He takes in the peacefulness of solitude. He goes to grab a sandwich out of his bag, but realizes he needs to wash his hands off first. He scoots to the side of the boat and hangs over the boat to wash his hands when he's frightened by a huge figure looming below his boat.
Boop, it's his dad, Dad, What are you doing here? You think I was gonna let you go out here by yourself. I had that bird poop on you too, for coming out here alone. No you didn't, Dad.
Yep, his name's Carl, and he can hit a bull's eye from one hundred and fifty feet in the air, So this better not happen again because Carl has a posse. I'm sorry, Dad, I just couldn't take it anymore. I had to get out here. Dec Lann.
I was watching you the entire time. You were incredible. I'm so proud of you. Deck.
You did everything right. You soared through the ocean, you sailed the great seas, you braved the waves, you nailed the sail, You brave the Okay, Dad, Okay, I get it, Deck. Seriously, I couldn't be more proud of you. That was very heroic.
But if you ever take off without letting your mother and I know where you're going again, you'll be grounded for life. What if something would have happened and you needed us, we had no idea where you were, Deck, Dad, I'm old enough now, you are absolutely old enough to know that, no matter what age you are, we will always want to know where you are. Just in case, Sorry, Dad, I'll let you know from now on. Promise, Promise.
Now, hand me one of those sandwiches. I'm starving, but wash your hands first. Declan's dad hops up into the sailboat, bringing his stand up paddleboard into the boat as well. Declan hands his dad a sandwich and an apple.
His dad sits down and enjoys the open ocean with Declan. After a while of enjoying their lunch in the ocean, Declan's dad says, all right, Dick, get us home. Huh huh what? Uh?
I'm not really sure how to get us back home? So what was your plan when you were out here alone? I hadn't gotten that far. So you had the plan to up on the sailboat take it out to the open ocean, but you didn't have a plan on how to get back in.
What I thought it was the same as getting out here. And what did you find out? That the wind pushes you out, but it won't push you back in. So, in other words, the wind pushes in one direction.
Yes, so how can you use the wind to your advantage? Hmmm, I'm not sure. So this is where we'll learn. So you'll have to put your sales back up.
And what we're going to do is we're going to cut in. Declan's dad went on explaining to his son how to sail into the wind by cutting back and forth. His dad sat and coached Declan, not raising a hand. He wanted his son to get the boat back all by himself.
Trust me when I say it took all day, a great deal of frustration, and a bag for fowl of food was empty by the time they made it back to the marina. But it was a great lesson from a great father. Declan learned all he could about sailing that day. He had no idea how difficult sailing could be, nor did he know that there were such advanced strategies.
Even though it was a difficult journey back, Declan was elated when he made it back to the dock all by himself. He was so proud of himself for making it out to sea, but he was over the moon that he made it back himself. His confidence was higher than ever. That night, when he laid down in bed, he was so proud of himself that he didn't think he could ever get to sleep.
But then he realized he still felt the gentle rocking of the boat, and before he knew it, he was fast asleep. The end. Wow, oh, what a story. Facing the unknown can be pretty intimidating, but through these experiences, it seems like we can discover our true strength and resilience.
Don't you think? Ah? Part two is everything and more?
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Doug’s Dreams - Part 1
How many of you love to dream? And how many of you drag out bedtime because you’re afraid of a scary one? Well, Doug gets it! He even tried sleeping with one eye open. But when he started looking a little frazzled from no sleep, Doug got some great advice that turned his whole view of dreams upside down. Now he can’t WAIT for bedtime—because when Doug learns to take control of his dreams, the sky’s the limit! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season three of Adventures of Curiosity. Cod It's meet Ella the. Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse.
Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side. It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dreams pray. Perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive in Doug's Dreams, Part one. Doug's Dreams. How many of you are dreamers? How many of you are afraid of your dreams?
And how many of you can't wait to jump into bed just to start dreaming again. Well, this story is about Doug Deeter. Doug loved to dream. He couldn't wait to pull up the covers, close his eye, and dive into the wild, wacky, and wonderful worlds waiting for him in his sleep.
But it wasn't always like this. Just a few years ago, Doug hated bedtime. He'd stall, protest, push his limits. He was always the last one to bed and often the first one awake.
His parents couldn't figure it out. Why was Doug always dragging his feet at night but then falling asleep during the day, Even at age ten, They caught him more than once under the covers with a flashlight in a book because screen time after five pm was absolutely forbidden. Something seemed off. Honey, Are you sure there's nothing wrong.
You just seem like you're having trouble sleeping lately. Nope, everything's great. Sometimes I'm just so excited for the next day that I have a hard time falling asleep. Well, you know, if you got better sleep, you'd actually enjoy all the excitement even more.
You'd be the best version of you, ready for anything the day throws at you. Hmm, thanks, dad, that makes sense. Doug's mom and dad didn't know what else to do except love him. Through whatever this no sleep phase was.
He seemed happy and full of energy, but his body was telling a different story. Dark circles had settled under his eyes. He started forgetting homework assignments, losing his train of thought mid sentence, and even blanking on simple words. It was clear the lack of sleep was starting to effect more than just his energy.
It was taking a toll on his brain. One afternoon at football practice, Doug was tossing the ball around with his best friend Nick when the topic came up, so think we could beat the Tigers this weekend? Doug looked at Nick with a concerned look. That's this weekend?
Are you kidding me, dude? When Nick saw he wasn't kidding, he said, Doug, what's going on with you lately? You look tired all the time and you're always forgetting things. Are you all right?
Doug was tired of pretending everything was okay when it wasn't. It was exhausting always having to come up with a fib when people asked if he was all right, And besides, Nick was his best friend, he could tell him anything. I just haven't been sleeping much lately, well, for like a few months. How are you not sleeping after all these brutal practices in the sun.
Well, it's gonna sound really dumb, but I had this awful dream a few months ago and it felt so real I've been scared to go back to sleep ever since. Why is that dumb? Every kid our age has had tons of terrible dreams by now. I had one last night.
Actually, whoa. Nick shudders at the memory of his own dream. But you know what I do. I lie in bed and do this breathing thing my dad taught me.
He's a scuba diver. And after that, think of something super awesome I'd want to do, like swimming with dolphins in the open ocean. Ooh, one time, I imagine flying through the clouds with Zeus and then we started playing guitar in a rock band and that became my dream. You should totally try it out.
Whoa, that's amazing. What's the breathing thing? Oh, it's simple. You breathe in for account of four, then exhale super slowly for a count of eight.
Just keep repeating that. The counting helps keep my mind from spinning. I just focus on how the air feels coming in and out, and then you end up jamming with Zeus. Well not every night.
That Zeu's thing was just one dream. Most nights, I just picked the coolest thing I saw that day. Like one time I saw someone doing a trick on a jet ski, so that night I imagined I was on a jet ski. In my dream, I became a pro jet skier, doing flips and winning medals and stuff.
Man, so jealous. Sounds like all your dreams are awesome. Not all of them. One time I was skateboarding and doing tricks when this huge, scary guy with really rotten teeth started chasing me.
I couldn't kick fast enough, and just when he was about to grab me, bam, I woke up. Yeah, that happens to me all the time. Oh, and don't eat sugar before bed? Why not?
I always have a snack before bed. Don't do it, Doug. I'm telling you, every time I eat sugar before bed, I have crazy dreams, like really weird ones. He eat a pear or some berries or a banana or something.
Trust me. Oh okay, Anyway, I think you're so focused on not having scary dreams that it turns into a self fulfilling prophecy. What's a self fulfilling prophecy. Oh, so my dad explained it to me.
It's pretty simple. Whatever you think will happen is more likely to actually happen. Like if I'm going out for a pass in football and I keep saying, ah, I'm gonna drop it, I'm gonna drop it, then I probably will drop it. I've psyched myself out.
But if I don't think about it, or even better, I say I'm gonna catch this and actually believe it, then I'm way more likely to catch it. So I can't just say I'll have good dreams. I have to actually believe it. Yep, that's the trick.
You gotta mean it. You already believe you'll have bad dreams, right, so your brain just runs with it. But saying out loud what you want helps you start believing it. Huh Okay.
So if I believe I'm gonna have a good dream, I probably will. But if I just say it and don't believe it, then I'm still stuck bingo, self fulfilling prophecy, Man, how do you know all this? Honestly, my parents I used to think they didn't know anything, but then my uncle told me they used to be our age which totally blew my mind. So I started asking them stuff.
Now we talk about everything. Turns out parents are actually pretty smart. Huh, never thought of it like that. Yep, Look, you've got the power.
A lot of pro athletes imagine themselves winning the game before they even step onto the field. But hey, sometimes you don't win or you get a weird result. That's okay, it just happens. Doesn't mean you stop trying.
Just keep thinking the best water breaks over. Back to drills. All right, game faced eater, let's go. Nick and Doug run out to the field.
Later that night, at dinner, Doug is scarfing down his chicken and cauliflower when his dad asks, so, how's football going? You ready for the Tigers? Oh? Man, I totally forgot about the Tigers game this weekend until Nick told me you forgot about the Tigers game?
Yeah silly, I know. Well, actually, I uh just haven't been sleeping well lately. Oh no, tell us more. Well, I think it was like in March, I had this really awful dream and it really scared me, and since then I just get really scared before going to bed.
Why didn't you tell us, honey? I just thought you guys would think I was being a scaredy cat. I'm a scaredy cat. Sometimes.
Your mom had to kill a spider for me. The other night it was hanging on our ceiling, right above my side of the bed. Doug laughs. You gotta tell us, Bud.
If you don't, we can't help you through it. Well, I wanted to try to be tough so you guys would be proud of me. Being tough isn't what makes us proud of you. Being the great human with a great heart is why we're always proud of you, Doug.
So how can we help? Well, Nick gave me some really good advice. Oh yeah, he taught me a breathing technique. And then imagine myself doing something totally cool and it will turn into a dream.
Well, your mom's the expert in breathing, but I can tell you from experience. Then when I go to bed thinking about how to fix my old nineteen seventy one barracuda, I usually end up fixing it in my so great advice to think about cool things before bed. Breathing exercises are amazing. They help calm your nerves, curb anxiety.
They can even help a digestion. Really, how can breathing help you digest food? Oh, it's miraculous. Next time you have an upset tummy, try sitting or laying in a comfy position and breathing deep, slow inhales, then slowly exhaling.
Breath work is all about imagining the oxygen that you breathe in is healing your body. It can help with so many difficulties. Wow, that's really cool. So do you feel more confident about getting some sleep tonight.
I'm a little nervous, but excited to try this new technique. I think I'm gonna try it too. I've been practicing breathwork before bed ever since I had you. That night, Doug's mom and dad tucked him into bed, and his dad opened up Doug's favorite book series, the one about young wizards who could fly into the night, cast spells and conquer monsters.
Doug's eyes lit up. He hung on every word like he was hearing it for the very first time, And when his dad finished the chapter, kissed him good night and quietly closed the door, Doug sat straight up in bed. Doug, the answer was there all along. His dad had been reading his book series every night, and every night Doug wished he could be in the story.
He wanted so badly to be a wizard with powers, but somehow, when his dad turned off the light and left the room, the magic would fade. That's when his monstrous imagination took over. Kids, you can use this trick to every one of you has a magical imagination and a monstrous imagination. And if the monstrous imagination starts creeping in at the wrong time, just say, monstrous imagination, get behind me.
It's magical imagination's turn. And that's exactly what Doug did that night. He lay in bed and started breathing deeply, just like Nick taught him. Inhale, exhale again and again, and to his chest felt light and floaty.
He smiled, and then he began to imagine what would I do if I were a wizard. He pictured himself holding a wand just as the dream began to take shape, boom, that same scary monster from before came crashing into his thoughts. Doug couldn't stop picturing its awful teeth, its bulging eyes, how real it all felt. But instead of trying to block it out, Doug did something new.
He added to the story this time he was the powerful wizard. He gripped his wand tight and pointed it at the monster. The monster flew off the ground, it slammed back down. Doug waved his wand side to side, and the monster started shaking in mid air, moaning and begging him to stopoo e stop.
And with one final whip of the wand, the monster shot up into the sky and disappeared into the stars. Doug let out a deep sigh. Oh that was way easier than I expected, he thought, smiling. Then he spotted it leaning against the wall.
The broom. Not just any broom, the broom from the book. Doug knew it could fly. He jumped on and shot into the night sky, soaring through the clouds and streaks of stars.
He took huge dips like a rollercoaster, then zoom straight up, laughing. Kids, Doug doesn't even know it yet, but he's already asleep and dreaming. That's how fast it happens. One moment you're thinking your thoughts, and the next boom, you're in a dream.
Up, Up, Up. He flew wind in his hair, stars in his fingertips, when suddenly a few familiar faces joined him in the sky friends from school, characters from the book, and one in particular, duck It, the adventurous boy from his dad's bedtime stories. They were soaring above a giant, fluffy cloud when Duckett turned towards Doug and shouted over here. Doug turned towards the sound and spotted duck Itt zipping downward, pointing below the clouds.
As Doug followed, the mist began to glow, first gold, then pink, then green, until the fog itself seemed to pulse with color. Music drifted up through the haze, tinkling tunes, deep drum rolls, whistles, and the distant roar of something animal. As they broke through the cloud layer, Dug gasped. Below them sprawled a carnival, huge, colorful and buzzing with life.
A massive ferris wheel lit up the sky like a moon made of moving color. Roller coasters looped and twisted through the air, with riders screaming joyfully. There were tents and every color red, gold, midnight blue, and they looked like they had been stitched together from pieces of starlight and old circus posters. They landed in a grassy field just outside the entrance, where A large sign arched over the gate.
It was made of glowing letters that shifted color slowly. The stardust carnival and the lights sparkled like some and It's hidden fireworks inside the balls. Standing at the front was a tall man with a striped hat maybe two feet high, and a sharp blue coat with silver buttons. His pants were just as bold, and his shoes, well, they were shiny enough to reflect the ferris wheel behind him.
His voice had a showman's boom to it, like he could be heard across the entire park. Well, come, well, come, welcome. You've arrived at the most incredible carnival your dreams could ever imagine. Games of skill, rides of Wanda, prize is beyond your belief.
Come one, come all. He looked right at Doug and winked, and especially you, Doug. We've been waiting for you. I want to go to bed right now, Doug definitely maybe want to actually sleep when my mom says it's time, and not try to drive the conversations out.
But out they go tonight. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did. Today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Brooks, Aristotle, and Langston. I heard your big fans of Elle the Curious, and I'm a big fan of you guys.
Thanks for listening.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Doug’s Dreams - Part 2
How many of you love to dream? And how many of you drag out bedtime because you’re afraid of a scary one? Well, Doug gets it! He even tried sleeping with one eye open. But when he started looking a little frazzled from no sleep, Doug got some great advice that turned his whole view of dreams upside down. Now he can’t WAIT for bedtime—because when Doug learns to take control of his dreams, the sky’s the limit! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season three of Adventures of Curiosity. Cod It's meet Ella. The Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll.
Dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side. It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream pray. Perfect for story time.
So what are we waiting for? Doug's Dreams? Part two? All of them started walking in and Doug followed.
As he passed the carnival man. The man held out a giant, round lollipop that spiraled like a galaxy. Doug grabbed it without thinking. The moment it touched his tongue, it exploded with flavor, fresh raspberries, strawberries, kiw fig and something else he couldn't even name.
Whatever it was, it made his brain light up like a pinball machine. He was so immersed in the taste, licking and spinning it in his mouth that when he looked up, his friends were all gone. Doug turned in a slow circle and found himself in front of a small booth tucked between two tents. A familiar voice spoke.
Hiya, kid, you want to try your luck, pull that wand there out of your pocket and turn one of these animals into animal crackers. You get five tries. Doug blinked. It was the same guy from the entrance, but different.
Gone was the striped hat and loud outfit. Now he wore slim black pants, a sleeveless white dressed shirt, and a crooked black bow tie. His shiny shoes reflected the lights of the booth. Same mustache, same smile, same twinkle in his eyes.
Behind him, a wall of plush animals swayed in the breeze. A lion, a shark, a monkey, a turtle, a bear, a dog, and a bird. They were soft, friendly, dreamlike stuffies. Doug grinned and pulled out his wand he pointed at the whale.
That would make a huge animal cracker. Right poof, the whale vanished in a puff of red and blue dust. Steer rack, wand you got a focus, kid. Doug shook his head and locked eyes on the turtle.
He studied his breath, focused, and flicked his wand green and blue dust. Three tries left, Kiddo, Doug nodded. He remembered what Nick had told him, if you believe it will happen, then it will. So he locked onto the shark.
He pictured it shrinking, crumbling, sweetening into cracker form. He believed it, or he almost did, just as he flicked his wand a flicker of fear slipped into his mind, a memory of a real shark from a nature show, mouth wide open, teeth like jagged glass. Boom, A massive blast of black and blue dust erupted, and suddenly there was a real great white shark writhing on the ground in front of him, jaws snapping, thrashing violently. Doug froze, his breath caught, his legs were rooted in place.
The shark was getting closer. Take a step back, kid, jeez, Doug snapped out of his trance and looked at him. Step back. It's not like he's got legs.
Doug turned back. The man was right. The shark was on land, powerful, terrifying, but completely stuck. It could thrash and bite, but it wasn't getting anywhere fast.
Doug took a step back. Now, use that wand in your hand and turn it back. Doug raised his wind, took a steady breath, and flicked. The shark was gone.
In its place sat a soft, gray stuffed animal with button eyes. Doug exhaled, Who. Good, first time working through a dream? I suppose huh?
I thought it was obvious you're in a dream, young man. Yeah, I knew that. Yeah, you could have had me fooled. Here.
Let me give you a few tips. Always look for the loopholes. What do you mean All dreams have loopholes? You know, when you're having a great dream and then bam, suddenly it turns into a nightmare.
Well, most kids wake up too soon. They don't realize there's always a way out. You made that shark a pea kid, Whether you want to admit it or not, I did think of a real shark at the last second. Exactly so you created it.
That means you can undo it. You just have to outsmart your own fear. A shark on land, Come on, please. Doug looked down at the wand in his hand.
Next time things get scary, look for the loopholes. Don't just freeze, think your way through it. And then. The carnival man vanished in a swirl of smoke, and Doug was floating in a cloud of warm color.
It was like. Drifting through a swimming pool made of dreams, weightless, peaceful, perfect. For a moment, Doug felt something he hadn't felt in a long time, total rest. He wanted to stay there forever.
But then a gentle pressure on his shoulder, a soft shaking. Doug groan, not wanting to leave. Mmmm. The shaking didn't stop.
His eyes blinked open, and there was his dad standing over him in the soft morning light. Good morning, sleepyhead, Doug rubbed his eyes. He had slept deeply, fully and best of all, without fear. It's time for school, bud.
Doug let out a huge yawn as his mom walked in. Ooh, someone slept good. Doug opened his eyes wide with excitement. Oh my gosh, I have to tell you guys all about my dream.
He launched into the story as soon as he sat up, talking through brushing his teeth, getting dressed, eating eggs and spinach, even the entire walk to the bus stop. His mom and dad just smiled listening closely. They were happy, relieved really that Doug had finally gotten a good night's sleep. When Doug got to school, he rushed to find his buddy Nick.
Nick, you won't believe the. Dream I had. It was amazing and kind of scary, but I learned something. We can control the dream.
Control it. Yeah, the carnival guy told me look for the loopholes. Loopholes yep. So when a good dream starts to turn into a nightmare, instead of freaking out.
You get smart. You look for the loopholes. Mine was a shark, this huge gray white, about to eat me. I got so scared I couldn't move.
I was just staring at his teeth and thinking about how bad it would hurt. I didn't even realize he was on land, like, just flopping around trying to get to me. Sharks can't walk, Nick, Doug bursts out, laughing, Uh, are you okay? Yes, it's just so funny, I was frozen in fear over a fish with no legs trying to chase me on dry land.
That'd be like me, who can't swim, jumping into the ocean and trying to bite a shark. Nick cracked a smile too. That's actually kind of brilliant. I'm totally gonna try that next time for the loophole exactly.
Don't get scared, get clever. That night, after school, Doug ran around the yard with his dog for over an hour. He sprinted, did push ups, jumping jacks, even tried to race the dog back and forth across the grass. When his parents looked out the window, they were stunned.
Usually Doug was dragging his feet after school, but now he looked like a mini football star in training. A good night's sleep had worked, wonders. When he came inside, sweaty and smiling, his dad looked up from the kitchen. Hey, Bud, you were great out there.
You training for football maybe, but mostly I'm trying to tire myself out so I can fall asleep early tonight. Oh, good for you, Dougie. After dinner, Doug went to the fridge and pulled out a mason jar full of blueberries. He plopped it on the table and started eating them by the handful.
WHOA thought for sure you'd go for a little cup of ice cream. Wow, I'm trying something new. I heard eating sugar before bed can give you bad dreams. Doug's dad looked down at the half eaten slice of chocolate cake in front of him.
He paused, frowned slightly. Well, that explains why I keep crashing my couda in my dreams. He slid the cake aside, then reached over and grabbed a handful of dugs blueberries. Hmm, these are delicious and filling.
Later that night, Doug lay in bed, eyes closed, imagining himself stretched out in a little wooden boat in the middle of a calm, endless ocean. It was so peaceful he could hear the breeze whispering and the soft lap of water brushing against the boat. Above him, The sky glowed a deep orange red, and birds glided silently overhead. His boat brushed against something solid sand.
Maybe he waited to see if it had stopped, but no, it was still rocking gently. That same peaceful weight lea feeling he had felt, and the colorful dust returned. It wrapped around him like a warm blanket. He drifted and drifted.
He didn't know. How long he'd been dreaming, hours, days, it didn't matter. When Doug opened his eyes, it was night, a still magical night. He was still in the boat, but the sky had changed.
Above him were three enormous planets, glowing softly, closer than the moon had ever looked from Earth. This wasn't Earth, This was Doug's planet. He sat up slowly slid his legs over the edge of the boat. His bare feet touched the warm, glowing water.
It felt amazing, like dipping into warm silk. He swirled one foot in shimmering trails of bioluminescent light danced around his toes. Strange gentle creatures glided through the shallows. Dougs stepped out onto the sand.
It was still warm from yesterday's sun, soft and springy beneath his feet. He walked a bit down the beach, wondering absently how hard it would be to run and sand this deep. But why would he need to run? He blinked, Why was he even thinking about running?
And that's when his mind snapped to a memory. A monster not from a TV show, not from a book, from his own dreams, the one that had kept him awake for months. And that's when he heard it. A low, snarling growl.
Not a bear, not a tiger, not even close. It was that growl, that same sickening sound from before, the sound that used to make him hide under his covers. Doug tried to run, but the sand was too soft. His feet sunk deep with every step.
He was stuck almost knee deep. The growls came closer, and then it stepped out from behind the palm trees, a towering creature with pointy horns, razor sharp teeth, dripping with slime, patches of matted fur over thick, scaly black skin, and claws as long as garden rakes. Its red eyes glared. Doug couldn't move, couldn't breathe.
His legs fell like jelly. He stared at the teeth, the eyes, the claws. He was frozen. Then he remembered I made him up.
Doug snapped his gaze away from the monster's face and looked at the rest of it. If he was stuck in the sand and he weighed about one hundred pounds, then how was this thousand pounds, Liz bare thing, not stuck. He looked again, and there it was. The monster was wte deep in the sand.
Doug's fear began to unravel, and then he spotted something else. The monster was wearing underwear, not just any underwear, polka dotted boxers with big red letters on the back that read I Love Mom. Doug burst into laughter. Those boxers are amazing.
You love mom. I'll bet she's really beautiful if she had you. The monster looked horrified. Hey, that's not nice.
I'll tell you. It's not nice terrorizing little kids that are ten times smaller than you were. You started it me. Come on, monster, take some responsibility.
You made me up. I wanted to be a cool turbike rider, but you turned. Me into this mean, ugly looking creature with the ah botser briefs. I'm sorry, man, what did I eat the night before?
I dreamed you up? The monster shrugged his giant scally shoulders. Can you help me out of here? Well, I'm stuck too.
Oh wait, Doug suddenly remembered. This is a dream. He could control it. Doug closed his eyes, imagined himself with superpowers, and then steph.
He lifted right out of the sand. His feet grew three times bigger to spread out his weight so he could walk easily across the soft beach. He marched over to the monster, promise not to eat me if I help you out. Eat you yack.
I don't eat coconuts. Oh I love coconuts. Well, then help me out. I'll grab us a few.
Doug reached down with his new dream powered strength and pulled the monster free from the sand with a mighty heave. The monster trudged off into the forest of palm trees. A moment later, he returned, holding a bunch of coconuts under his arm. With a quick swipe of his claws, he sliced the tops clean off, then retracted his claws and handed one to Doug.
Doug took a sip. It was the most refreshing thing he had ever tasted, and then, because dreams are weird, the monster shrunk and morphed right before Doug's eyes. He turned into the carnival man. WHOA, how'd that happen?
You make me into whoever you need right now? Seems like you need a friend, so that's what I am. Doug stared out over the glowing water, coconut in hand, he thought about the word friend, and instantly Nick came to mind. When he turned back to the carnival man, it was Nick sitting there in his place, sipping a coconut of his own.
Nick, whoa, look at this place. I know right, it's awesome. Let's go catch some waves. Nick set his coconut down and ran towards the ocean.
He didn't have anything to surf on, but as soon as he leapt into the water, a surfboard appeared beneath his feet. Doug sprinted after him, and out of thin air, a forard popped into his hands. Even though Doug had never surfed before, something deep inside told him exactly what to do. He paddled out toward a massive wave, the kind that would normally terrify him, but this time he felt calm ready.
The wave rose tall and powerful before him, and the moment he caught it, he was flying down its face, riding the surge like he'd been doing it his whole life. Nick was right beside him, grinned, carving through the wave with ease. Doug could feel the wind on his face, the salty spray in the air, the pure energy of the ocean, and then a distant voice echoed in his ear. Dougie, Dougie, time to wake up, bud.
He blinked, No, he was surfing. He was flying. But in an instant the wave dissolved, the sea disappeared, and he found himself standing on the beach. His mom stood there smiling.
Come on, time to wake up, Douggie. You're going to be late for school. Doug groaned as his real eyes opened. There was his mom leaning over his bed in the morning light.
Oh, Mom, I was having the best dream ever. I'm so glad, honey, but I don't think your principal will accept I was having awesome dreams as an. Excuse to miss school. I set your clothes out.
Doug didn't want to leave his bed, not because he was tired, but because, for the first time in his life, bed was a magical place. He stretched out across the sheets, feeling the warmth of his blanket and the softness of his pillow like he was seeing them all for the first time. What once felt like a scary place to end each day now felt like something else, entirely, a portal, cozy, safe, full of possibility. Now sleep didn't mean darkness, or fear.
It meant worlds, to explore, waves, to ride, friends to meet. He had power, now, he had imagination. He had loopholes, and for once, Doug let himself enjoy just laying there in bed. That's when his dad popped his head in.
Good morning, Bob, i'd you sleep amazing well, get ready for school, and come on down to the kitchen. We've got some dreams to swap the end. Hi, kids, it's Nick, the author of this story. I wonder how many of you have had a hard time sleeping Sometimes, maybe you've had a bad dream, or you're feeling anxious about something tough going on in your life.
If that's you, I want you to know you're not alone. I wrote this story because I was just like Doug when I was his age. I had a dream once that shook me to my core, and for weeks I couldn't sleep. But then I realized something important.
I could shift my thoughts. I didn't have to stay stuck in the scary stuff. I could use my imagination to dream about good things, adventurous things, magical things, things that made me feel strong and safe. And guess what, you can too.
We all have big imaginations and Just like we can imagine scary things at night, we can also imagine amazing things, tremendous, miraculous, joyful things. So take control of your imagination. Dream what you want to dream, and know that if I could do it and Doug could do it, you can too. Keep dreaming big, and remember nighttime is your time to relax, to rest, to explore wild and wonderful worlds in your mind.
Have fun with it and sleep well. Boy oh boy, am I going to try to control my thoughts and dreams tonight? Who sounds fun? I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Brooks, Aristotle, and Langston.
I heard your.
Big fans of Ella the Curious, and I'm a big fan of you guys.
Thanks for listening.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Ella the Curious | The Case of the Right Fit
What happens when nothing feels like it fits? In this episode, Ella and her friends head to gym class and try out different sports- only to discover that not everything feels right for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. As Ella experiments with movement, she learns that strength doesn’t always look the same. With encouragement from her gym teacher, Mrs. Bossup, Ella discovers inspiring women who changed sports by being brave enough to move in their own way. Because finding what fits for you is just as important as trying. Part of Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where curious kids and families explore the world with wonder and a whole lot of questions. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious, and. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spray. Perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in the case of the right fit.
Scene one Jim class Confusion. We see our trio, Ella, Layla and Scout. In Jim class confusion, missus boss up. The kid's gym teacher speaks all right, explorers, today is sports Sampler Day.
We're trying everything basketball. Yes, I was born for chaos. Oh uh, yeah, that was on purpose. By the way, let's go, kiddos.
Kick that ball. In Europe they call it football, but here it's soccer. Let's go, Ella. I like mysteries, I like questions, but sports I don't know.
Sports felt like yelling without answers. Why does everyone look so sure of themselves? And I feel not scene to trying everything the investigation. Next up, tennis.
We hear the kids missing balls, hitting balls, grunting, running, and falling. Tennis is powerful, fast, focused, and kind of fun. Missus Bossip yells out strong swing Ella, it felt impressive but not necessarily mine. After missus Bossip's compliment, Ella imagines a crowd cheering for her while swinging case.
Note, just because something is amazing doesn't. Mean it's amazing for me, and just because the applause is there doesn't mean I should do it either. It needs to feel right. Pick up those feet, Scout, keep going, huh why are we running from nothing?
Endurance's character building and exhausting. I wasn't bad at sports, it just felt really noisy. Inside Scene three, the pool, we hear kids splashing in the pool. As the trio enters the swimming area.
All right, last, stop swimming. Not only is it fun, it helps with endurance, strength and maybe even scholarships to college. Everything slows. Ella looks at the pool, almost as if it's longing for her to jump in.
She does love the water. She lives in curiosity cove. After all. Ella jumps in, hesitant at first, but then she starts really going forward in the pool, swimming laps like she's done this before.
This feels incredibly different. When I jumped in the water didn't rush me. It didn't yell, it listened, and I just flowed with it. Ella gliding underwater, muffled and calm.
I wasn't trying to win or compete for anything. I wasn't trying to impress anyone. I was just moving with it. She surfaces.
Wow, oh hi, Leila, you look more relaxed. Ella, you don't look so frazzled. Yeah, you look peaceful, which is weird for Jim. I think I found my something a sport I actually really like saying.
For Missus Bossup's conversation with. Ella, Ella walks out of the locker room fully changed. When she bumps into Missus Bossup, you know, Ella, you are really amazing at swimming, and not everyone finds what they're really good at right away. It looks different for everyone.
It also happens at different moments in life. Thanks for saying that, Missus. Bossup. I thought maybe I was doing sports wrong, or maybe being curious and trying all sports is exactly how it should be, Ella, That's how you figure out what you love or what you may want to come back to.
Well, being curious is my forte and trying it all makes perfect sense. You don't try, you'll never know. I might have missed out on something I really loved if I didn't, you know, Ella, some women changed sports by never giving up and taking the time to figure out if it was something they really loved, Some by being relentless, some by staying calm. When the world told them no.
Do you know the one thing they all had in common, Ella, leans in what they all loved the sport they played and worked really. Hard at it because of that love. Like Venus Williams, she picked up racket at around four years old. When she stepped onto.
The tennis court and her teens, she changed the game with strength, focus and confidence. Ella thinks, hmm. She started because she was curious and kept going. No wonder, it didn't matter who played against her.
She knew she was a winner before she even stepped on the court. She knew she belonged exactly. Let's take a swimming for instance, Gertrude Elderly. She was the first woman to swim across the English Channel.
She didn't just cross it, she swam further than anyone thought possible. She beat the men's record by nearly two hours. Calm, steady, unstoppable. Ella looks back at the pool.
Isn't the English Channel freezing in a bit rough? Yes? It is, But she trusted the water and herself. She did it at a time when people didn't think a woman was strong enough and couldn't last in the rough, cold water.
She trusted herself and swam one stroke at a time. That's right, Ella. Oh, and long before it was common, women like Tony Stone played baseball when people said women shouldn't be playing baseball at all. She played with the boys.
Yes she did. She played because she loved the game. Scout. She played for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of the most famous teams in baseball.
She even replaced Tank Aaron at second base. Did people doubt her. Oh yes they did. She was usually the only woman on the field.
That must have been brutal, especially in nineteen fifty three. People weren't necessarily ready for Tony. Well Tony sounded ready for Tony. She wasn't flashy.
She just loved baseball. She had a quiet fire. Ella thinks with her detective hat on, it wasn't necessarily about the sport. It was about how each woman showed up in her sport and loved it fiercely.
Because of that, they were confident, skilled and ready no matter who or what they were up against. Ella talks to missus bossup again. So it's okay if I'm not quite sure what my thing is yet, Missus Bossip smiles. It's absolutely okay.
When and if you do find a sport you love, you may be the next Grtue, Tony or Venus or the next Ella the Curious. I love that I can see the signs now, Ella the Curious. Olympic gold swimmer. Okay, okay, slow down, guys.
Olympic gold medalist does sound good, though, Scout, it sure does. I'm here for swim lessons every day after school. The door will always be open for you, Ella, Thank you, missus bossup. Thank you, kiddos.
Have a great rest of your day. Don't forget work hard and play even harder outside. Now that's some really great advice, Missus bossup. Scene five, Ella and her Detective Journal.
We see Ella at the end of the day in her room, sitting at her desk, writing in her. Blue detective notebook. Today I learned that not every path is the same. Some paths splash, some glide, and some feel like breathing.
Women in sports didn't all move the same way. They figured out what they loved and then went for it, And I think I found my love in the water. I'll continue to practice and become my best like the women I heard about today, And if I decide to take it further competitively, I know I can be passionate and fun at the same time. But for now, fun is the perfect place to start.
Case closed. Boy, oh boy. I love hearing about women in sports. Not only is it inspiring, but everyone starts differently and that makes each person special.
So whatever sport you choose, it's perfect for you and me. Happy Women's History Month. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did. Today
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Johannah and Jenna.
I heard your big fans of Ella the Curious, and I'm big fans of yours.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Introducing Adventures of Curiosity Cove
Adventures of Curiosity Cove is a children's podcast created by Tika Sumpter, featuring original stories set in the idyllic town of Curiosity Cove. It's a listening adventure designed to foster imagination and provide a screen-free alternative for kids, with stories based on Ella the Curious and other tales. Here, creativity and curiosity come to life, making it a haven for all who love to dream and explore! The Adventures of Curiosity Cove launches on November 10th with the Black Effect Podcast Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hi, I'm Ella the Curious and welcome back to the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where every adventure helps us feel, learn, and imagine something new. This season, starting November tenth, Ellen and her friends are diving into new mysteries and some of their most magical adventures yet. Wait, I wasn't invited to the birthday party of the year? Done Done, done A case to solve.
I'm running a forensic cupcake analysis. In the birthday party betrayal, Ella learns that friendship isn't always as simple as it seems, and sometimes the best invitations come from the heart. Whoa Principal Polygrip's goggles just lit up. And Billy the Brilliant A wild imagination takes one boy deep inside as Mine, where curiosity rules and creativity wins.
From the ocean floor with Katie the Cuttlefish to the bluing backyard in Phoebe's garden, Ella and our friends are learning how the world around them and inside them grows. Come explore with me, because every adventure is waiting to happen at Curiosity. Come listen to the Adventures of Curiosity Cove starting on November tenth, from The Black Effect podcast network, on the iHeartRadio apps, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Two Adventures of."
Liam's Farm Part 1
“Liam’s Farm” Liam is a young boy with a big responsibility, one that he’s eager to take on when his parents leave him in charge of the farm. But as he faces the challenges of running the farm alone, he begins to wonder: Will his parents ever return? A new acquaintance becomes a friend, but Liam’s emotions might just get the best of him. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the weight of his feelings hold him back?Tune in to find out. Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures, or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse picture this. We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too.
It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect first story time. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive into today's tail called Liam's Farm Part one.
Are you ready to listen? I sure am, all right. Let's do it. Out in the country where the greenest of grass grows, there was a farm.
This farm was every boy and girls dream. A little white farmhouse sat on a huge plot of land, accompanied by a big red barn. It had cows, horses, pigs, goats, chickens, cats, dogs, and one ornery ostrich named Bertie. You could spend a month on this farm and still not see everything or experience all you'd want, and you'd still be hungry for more.
But to Liam, it was just another farm. Because he grew up here, It's all all he's ever known. Liam's mom and dad gave him responsibilities at a young age. Now, at the age of ten, it was second nature, and he's always dreamt of one day owning the farm himself.
His grandma and Grandpa used to own the farm, but they passed away a year prior to our story. They both lived a beautiful life on the farm and died hand in hand as they wished Liam and his parents a happy and prosperous life. Every day was the same for Liam. He would wake up when the chickens cockadoodle dude.
That was at four point thirty in the am am is morning. He knew the rules, get up, fix his hair, wash his face, put on sunscreen per his mom's request, and head out to the barn to feed and care for all of the animals. How do you care for them, you ask, Feed and water every single one of them, shovel their poop, and visually check them over for any signs of ailment. But Liam's secret to keeping the animals in the best tip top shape is showing them love.
Liam carried on conversations with each and every one of them. He had names for them. He had individualized games and jokes he would play with them. He played hide and seek with the little piglets.
He used a balloon to play Don't let it Drop with the horses. He chased the chickens, and he would try to wring the hula hoop on the Ostrich's neck. One day, I'll ride you Bertie. He always told the Ostrich this.
Bertie never let anyone ride her. Who knows why, but she sure loved to get in pictures. Almost every picture taken outside has Bertie's long neck and tiny head in it. Did you know that ostriches are the fastest bird and animal on two legs?
No wonder Liam wants to ride Bertie. All of this love that Liam showed the animals awarded him with having the prettiest livestock in the state. At the end of the month was the annual Harvest Home, where judges give awards to the best livestock. It wasn't out of the ordinary for Liam to have at least a handful of farmers asking them what is it that makes their animals so beautiful?
They usually run down the list. Is it water? Is it food? Is it the batten?
And every time Liam would tell them, now, it's a special ingredient called love. And they would laugh as if it were a joke, but Liam's face would remain sober because it was the truth. Liam was looking forward to this year's annual Harvest Home. This is where he gets to show off all of his animals, produce and crafts that his mom was always busy making.
This year, for the first time, Liam helped his mom make animal carvings from wood, jars of homemade strawberry jam, and Liam came up with a great idea to make coasters out of pine. He was particularly excited to see if people would buy the plain coasters or the ones painted like woodland creatures. Liam's day started out just like any other day. He heard his dad's truck leave early in the morning.
This wasn't unusual. His dad usually took off to pick up feed, run to town, run errands, or drive the property to check on the land and the cattle. The one thing that was different is that he didn't hear his mother clamoring around the house. Liam got out of bed and walked to his mom and dad's room.
The bed was neatly made and vacant. He headed downstairs to the living room, nobody to be seen. He walked into the kitchen and nobody was there. Mom.
He stopped to listen. Mom nothing. He walked over to the fridge, grabbed two hard boiled eggs, some cottage cheese, and a handful of snappeas and took his lute to the breakfast table. As he set off all the items down, he noticed a note.
The note read, Dear Liam, your father and I head in the town to pick out some livestock. Then we're gonna run some errands for the annual harvest home. We know you can handle the animals and farm if you have time left over. Put the finishing touches on the crafts, and we'll be home by midday.
XOXO, love mom and Dad. Liam sat for a moment thinking of what the day will look like without any parents. Then woohoo, I'm free. He grabbed his father's newspaper and scarfed down his food while looking at the pictures.
Wow, there's some interesting things in here. I always thought it was boring. Hmm. Liam left his plate and crumbs on the breakfast table and went back upstairs, brushed his teeth, threw on some jeans, and ran outside.
He was so excited to be free, to be alone, to run everything the best way he knew how not anyone else. He ran fast to the pigs and chickens. Guess what, guys, we're free. We're free.
He slapped the little piglet on the butt and ran to the horses. Guys, it's just us today. Mom and Dad left the farm to me because they trust me. But with great power and freedom come great responsibility.
Liam's excitement lasted for quite some time. He took all that energy and carried it right into the morning chores. When he got to the chickens, they were all scattered throughout the pen and were being particularly urnery, so feeding them was a task, but Liam was unfazed. He wanted to show his papa that he could do anything himself, so he scattered the feed all around the pen.
If you don't want to eat in the coop, then I'll just scatter it around the pen. You'll get to it eventually. Next Liam went to herd the female cows to milk. None of them would come into the barn.
He wasn't sure what to do. They would always just walk in willingly for dad, but today they weren't being helpful. Liam went into the barn to think. He looked around and couldn't find anything.
He started to walk out of the barn when he saw a rope hanging by the door. Aha, I'll use this to tie around their necks and pull them in one by one, and that's exactly what he did, and it worked well. The first cow came in willingly with the rope tied around her neck, but as soon as she got into the barn, she laid down. Now, how am I supposed to milk you when you're laying down?
Come on up? But the cow wouldn't budge. He tried to get down by her belly and push her. She acted like nothing was happening.
Finally, Liam gave up and laid down on top of her. She seemed to like this. She took her big snout and started sniffing his face, and then gave him a big lick on his face with her gigan gigantic tongue. He started to scratch behind her ear and she leaned in.
He did this for a few seconds, then asked her, can you get up now? Girl? I need to milk you so I can move on to my other chores. Come on.
He sat up and she also started getting up. He stood and she stood. Ah, you just needed a little love. The cow seemed more relaxed, care free and open.
Liam then proceeded to milk the cow with ease. When he was done, he moved on to the other cows. They weren't any better. He knocked over one of the full buckets of milk, almost got trampled by another, and the last just wouldn't allow him to milk her.
Every time he got the bucket into place, the cow settled, and right when Liam went to grab the cow's teat the cow walked a few steps away. He sat up again, bucket in place ready, aim and the cow walked away. Despite the difficult day, Liam tried to keep a positive attitude. He couldn't shake the fact that he could really use his Papa right now, He thought to himself, Now I know what Papa meant when he would always say it must be Monday.
Oh where are you Mom? And Dad? Stay positive, Liam, Our farms made of love and positivity. That's what keeps the animals healthy and beautiful.
Liam walked the remaining cow back out to the pasture and told them all he would be back before sundown to corral them back into the barn for the night. He moved on to the horse's stable to care for them. He went to his best friend, Justice the horse first. He was a middle aged, even tempered horse.
Liam got along with him so well because he felt like Justice taught him a great deal about life and how to act by just being his graceful horse self. Justice treated Liam like a nephew or a gram He kept Liam in line. He never put up with Liam's nonsense throughout the years, but he was always forgiving of Liam's mishaps. All right, Justice, I don't know where mom and pop are, so it's just you and me.
I need your help today, Buddy. Justice immediately pointed to all the horsepoop in the stall and braid right, I'll go grab the wheelbarrow and shovel. Liam proceeded to shovel all the horse pooh into the wheelbarrow while talking to Justice the entire time. I just don't know where my parents have gone.
I mean, don't get me wrong, Justice, I'm pretty honored that they would trust me with the farm. It's a big responsibility, and I think I'm ready to take it on. But if I'm being fully honest with you, I'm a bit worried about them. They never been gone for more than an hour or two, and here it's already.
Liam checks his watch. It's lunchtime. Shoot. I was wondering why I was getting burnt out.
I'll tell you what Justice. I'll give you your food, but don't tell any of the other horses. Then I'll be back after lunch. When Liam was done feeding Justice, the horse pushed his giant horsehead into Liam.
Liam laughed and wrapped his hands around Justice. Then he heard a loud bang and a bunch of braying and winning in the other horses and their stalls were making a fuss. They must have smelled the feed and wanted their share. After all, it was almost lunch and they still haven't eaten yet.
Liam hurried to grab more feed for the other horses and watered all of their buckets. He only had one horse left, and it seemed as if he saved the worst for last buck Guy. Buckeye was a rough horse. She just didn't like anyone, not people, not horses.
However, she did love one of the pigs, but that's it. Liam tried to put water in Buckeye's bucket, but she tipped it over. He tried again, and immediately she bashed it with her snout, spilling the water again. You don't want water, fine, don't drink any water.
I'm going to eat lunch, and you could be hungry and thirsty for all I care. This only made buck Eye more angry. She started kicking and stomping and braying so loud that it scared Liam. Liam didn't know what to do.
His stomach started rumbling. He was getting hungry too, and to make matters worse, he heard the pigs start to whine and snort. Oh, no, I forgot about the pigs. Liam felt so overwhelmed.
All of the animals should have been fed, cleaned up after it, and the horses should have been brushed. He only fed half the animals, he didn't clean up their poop, and he definitely did not brush the horses. Yet, Liam was so in over his head that he let his emotions and anger get the best of him. Liam was like a balloon.
Every unfinished task was another breath, inflating it more until it finally popped. He looked down at his feet and saw Buckeye's water bucket. He bawled up all of his frustration and put it into the hardest kick. Releasing all of his frustration into the bucket.
That bucket made the loudest bang it soared through the air. The temporary relief he felt in kicking the bucket was quickly replaced by regret as he watched its soar in slow motion towards Justice, his favorite horse. Even though the bucket seemed to hang in slow motion, there was nothing Liam could do to stop it. Poor Justice had his head down, drinking from his water bucket, his focus entirely on the task at hand, but slowly his attention shifted to the bucket soaring towards him.
His eyes widened. The bucket hit him square on the forehead. Before Liam could show. Justice winnied in surprise, the fucking a few times before the pain sank in.
Then he began bobbing his head up and down, trying to rub the sting away against his stall. Liam ran over to his best friend, trying to console him. Oh, I'm sorry, buddy, I didn't mean for it to hear you, but Justice backed away, giving him an angry look of confusion and frustration. Liam tried to hand him a snack, but Justice turned and looked the other way.
Liam tried for quite some time to earn back Justice's trust, but Justice was hurt. He couldn't understand why Liam had intended to hurt him, even though you and I know this was a grave mistake on Liam's part. A horse can't comprehend our sometimes messy emotions. Liam slumped down the door of the stall and began to weep.
So sorry, Justice, You're my best friend. I'd never want to hurt it you. My emotions just got the best to me, and you didn't deserve that. Please forgive me.
I'm just so worried about my mom and my dad. Can't run this farm on my own. I wanted to do a good job for them, to make them proud. But I'm only you boy.
None of that justifies you getting hit on the head with a bucket. I wish I could take it back. Liam got up and walked back to the house with his head hung low. He made a sandwich and sat down at the kitchen table.
He chose the chair facing the driveway, watching, hoping that his parents would come back while he was eating. He got halfway through the sandwich and still no sign of a vehicle. Then something changed in Liam. The better part of Liam emerged.
He thought, instead of wallowing and self pity, he needed to shift focus. There's no way of getting hold of my parents and nothing I could do to help them accept for running this farm the way Dad would have. They'll be back when they can. But until then, I need to take care of this place.
It's time I step up and take responsibility. He scarfed down the other half of his sandwich, down the big glass of water, and he started towards the door when he saw a pot of coffee left over from the morning. Hmm, well Dad always had some after lunch. Maybe it'll work for me too.
He poured some in a cup, took a sip, and his face immediately scrunched up. He ran to the sink and spat the entire sip out. Uck. Oh, how did they drink this stuff?
It tastes like tractor oil and dirt. Oh, maybe that was too big of a step. Liam was still making funny faces from the taste until he grabbed a sip of milk to extinguish the taste. Ah, that's better.
Okay, pigs here I come. Wow. I can't wait to continue to see what happens on Liam's farm. Boy, oh boy, being left alone?
Who knows what's next? I hope you. Enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did. Oh
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Liam's Farm Part 2
“Liam’s Farm” Liam is a young boy with a big responsibility, one that he’s eager to take on when his parents leave him in charge of the farm. But as he faces the challenges of running the farm alone, he begins to wonder: Will his parents ever return? A new acquaintance becomes a friend, but Liam’s emotions might just get the best of him. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the weight of his feelings hold him back?Tune in to find out. Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back from more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode, we dive into one of my own all of the Curious Adventures, or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to except the toad. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive back into today's tail Liam's Farm Part two. Are you ready to listen? I sure am, all right, let's do it. Liam ran out the door, grabbing the slop bucket with leftover veggies, fruits and grains, and ran to the pigs.
They were all snorting loudly, excited to see him. Liam dumped the bucket into the trough and they had the food down before he could even look for the hose to give them water. He gave the pigs a big trough of water, cleaned all the remaining slop out of the feed trough with the hose, then tended to the piglets. He gave them a special feed to nourish their growth, and they went right to it, eating like a bunch of well pigs.
He watched them chow down contentedly. He ran over to dump a little extra feed in the adult pigs trough, and they were so happy to have a second helping. He went back to check on the little piglets. They were still chowing down, but one little piglet kept looking up at him, and this made Liam smile.
What you want, little one? The pig just kept looking up at him. Its tail wagged a little in it gave a little tiny snort. You want to come up here?
The pig's tail started wagging more. He reached down to pick up the piglet. Come on, I got you. The piglet nestled in his chest.
This gave Liam an idea. He walked with the piglet back to the horse stables. Buckuy was still being ornery until she saw the little piglet. She became very still and calm.
She extended her nose out to Liam. Here, you wanna take a look. Here you go. He held out the little piglet, and Buckeye sniffed at the little piglet.
The little piglet poked its little foot at the horse's nose, and she wiggled her nose back and gave a blowing. A blowing is when a horse blows out air through its lips, giving a snorting sound, showing her contentment. Liam has never seen Buckeye this relaxed. He opened Buckeye's stall door, which he was always told never to do.
He placed the little piglet on the ground. Buckeye walked out, laid on the floor, and the little piglet came and snuggled up to Buckeye. It was astonishing. Liam quickly got the wheelbarrow and shoveled and cleaned out Buckeye's stall, put fresh hay in her stall, filled her feed and water bucket, and felt a sense of past Wow.
Wh isn't that something Dad would never believe this one. He let Buckeye and the piglet timed a bond while he cleaned, fed, and watered all of the other horses. When he was done, the piglet got up and walked over to Liam as to say, I'm ready to go back home. At the same time, Buckeye stood up, walked over to Liam, and put her head into Liam.
Liam pet buckeye under the jaw, but it was short lived as she walked back to her stall and looked out her stall opening progress. He picked up the little piglet and walked it back to its brothers and sisters. He set the piglet down and they all jumped on the piglet, welcoming it back, and they all ran off to play a one more task. Oh boy, Liam knew what that one more task was.
Bertie the Ostrich. She was a bit of an odd bird, probably because she was the only one of her kind on the farm. Liam couldn't quite understand her personality. All the other animals were much like people he's met throughout his life, but the Ostrich wasn't quite like anyone.
She was all over the place, out going but scared, happy but picky, docile but aggressive. He just couldn't figure her out either way. He had to feed and water. He grabbed a bucket of her feet and walked over to her pen.
He found her by her food bucket, staring intimidatingly at him. He approached slowly, and she didn't move a muscle. She just stared at him with her strange bird eyes. He got closer and closer until he was close enough to pour the feed into her bucket.
As he started to tip the bucket, it felt as if he got hit on top of the head with a stick. Ah. He looked up and saw Bertie peck him on the head. Ouch.
Another one came right after it. Bertie, ow, stop it. Liam took a few steps back and gave Bertie an angry look, staring the bird down. Wrong move.
She was the best at the staring game. She gazed at him with those big beady bird eyes and gave a loud beckoning him to feed her. Why so you can just peck me on the head again. Then he had a bright idea.
Instead of dumping the feet into Bertie's empty bucket hanging from the fence, he could hold out his own bucket and let the ostrich eat directly from it. Bertie was simply confused at what he was offering. She pecked at the outside of the bucket a few times until she figured it out. Then she went crazy, pecking at the feed and getting it all over the place.
Liam rolled his eyes as he watched Bertie eat half the feed and get the other half all over the ground. But all he cared about is that he wasn't getting whacked on top of the head anymore. As Bertie was eating, Liam noticed her nest in the distance, and he's never seen a big mound in it before. Bertie, is that is that an egg?
Aw? You have a baby? No wonder you're acting strange, well, you always act strange, stranger than usual. After Liam fed Bertie there seemed to be a special connection between them.
Now they stared at each other for a period of time. There was a long gaze in both of their eyes. Liam knew this was the moment. Liam slowly reached out his hand to pet Birdie.
It's happening, It's really happening. She was finally warming up to him, and soon he would be able to pet her and then rider the fastest land animal with two legs. His hand was slowly moving towards Bertie's head. Bertie slowly moved her head closer to Liam's hand.
His hand was just inches from touching her, and then peck. Bertie pecked him on the hand really hard, as to say, cape dreamin buster ow. Bertie could have let me at least pat you on the head cheese. Liam made his rounds, getting all of the animals back into the barn.
A baby goat was running around like a lunatic, jumping off of everything he could find, stumps, a tractor wheel, a haybaiale, the side of a barn, and his brothers and sisters. He even ran over to Liam and kick flipped off of his leg. He's on fire. Liam got a few goat treats and coaxed them all into their pen.
The cows were next, and they all came in willingly as they knew it. Time for bed. Liam was about to shut the barn door when he remembered how badly he hurt Justice earlier that day. He paused, guilt weighing on him, and turned back to the horse.
Normally, Justice would be standing there waiting for Liam, with his ears pricked up, ready for the usual scratch behind the ear or a soft pat before heading out for the night. But this time, when Liam approached, Justice turned his head away, blowing a sharp gust of air through his nostrils. It was clear Justice was still upset, still hurt, and wasn't ready to forgive just yet. You're still mad at me, Justice, Come on, seriously, Liam felt frustration bubbling up inside him again.
His temper began to flare. Then he glanced over at the bucket and imagined how painful it must have been to be hit in the face by it, especially when you weren't expecting it, the shock of it, the loud crash. He could see how it would have been alarming. In that moment, Liam realized something.
He was getting angry at Justice for holding on to something that he Liam had done to Justice. The horse had every right to be upset, and instead of blaming him, Liam should be apologizing, not vilifying him. Justice. I'm so sorry for hurting you earlier today.
You didn't deserve that. You've been the greatest friend to me, and I haven't been so great to you today. I promise I'm gonna make this up to you no matter how long it takes, because your friendship is worth it. Good Night, Justice, I love you.
Liam walked to the barn door and hollered to the rest of the animals before closing the door. See y'all tomorrow morning, Mom and Dad should be back by then. I love y'all. Liam walks back into the house, takes off his dirty clothes in the mudroom, and goes straight to the kitchen.
He grabs a tall glass of water and chugs it, then looks out the window towards the driveway. Liam sat down at the dinner table. Tears began to fill his eyes. He began to pray, God, I'm scared.
Sometimes saying the right word at the right time is the key to unlocking all of those emotions that we've built up throughout the day, And sometimes saying that word out loud will open the floodgates, setting all of those emotions free. Even at Liam's age, you can feel like you have to carry the world on your shoulders, and it takes just a single moment, perhaps the right word or vent, to finally break through the dam we've built inside of ourselves. Liam wept and wept, releasing everything he'd been holding inside, the fear that his parents might be in danger, the guilt over her hurting, justice, the horse, and the overwhelming weight of running the farm all day long, all by himself at just ten years old. God, please let my parents be safe.
After allowing his feelings to flow, a verse he had learned long ago gently came to his mind, filling the empty space left behind. It was a verse his parents had always reminded him of when he felt afraid. Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you. Liam whispered the words quietly to himself, feeling a little calmer with each syllable. It was like a warm hug for his heart, reminding him that he wasn't alone, no matter how heavy the world felt. I'm not alone, and I don't have to carry the weight of the farm on my own.
If they aren't back tonight, I'll wake up tomorrow with God by my side and take care of the farm once more. Liam grabbed some leftovers from the fridge and scarfed them down. After that, he took a shower and went to his room to read his favorite book, Old Yeller. Before Liam knew it, he was fast asleep and waking up to the roosters cockadoodle doing outside of his window.
The sun was shining bright and the air smelt so sweet. Something about this day seemed to be great. He gave a big stretch and yawn before realizing his parents maybe home. He looked out the window and didn't see their car in the driveway.
Liam felt the sad feelings start to creep up, but he quickly wiped them away with the verse that was given to him the night before. Do not fear, for I am with you. I will strengthen you and help you. Liam leaped out of bed full of excitement.
He made his bed then knelt down beside it. God, thank you so much for this day. Thank you for waking me up with the strengthen excitement, and thank you for a other day to take care of the farm on my own. I am honored to take care of these beautiful animals.
And wherever my mom and dad are, I hope you are keeping them safe. Please let them know I love them in Jesus's name. Amen. With that, Liam started his day.
Nothing could stop him. He had his breakfast no coffee, went out to the barn and went straight to Justice. Liam had a glow about him that was undeniable. Justice even noticed it.
The horse wasn't his stand offish today. I know, boy, you're still mad at me, but I'm gonna win your love over again. You just watch and off Liam went to feed and water all of the animals. He first tended to the goats.
Liam was walking with a full bucket of water when he heard, okay, Rory, you're choosing today? Is that all you got? Meet Rory the ram doing his usual thing. Liam jumped out of the way the second time and the ram hit the wooden gate.
You miss me. Liam jumped out of the pen to fill up the bucket once more, and once again Rory came charging Liam zig left, then zagged right. It was no use. Rory was a pro.
Oh darn it, Rory, I got a job to do. Do you not want water? Maybe you and Bullza should be friends. Rory kept ramming Liam in the legs and butt while he was trying to feed and water them all.
Liam was on his third and final attempt to water the goats after taking a few too many hits to the legs, then finally jumped out of the way, causing Rory to slam his head into the gate once more. This didn't FaZe Rory at all, but it allowed Liam to successfully pour out his water bucket into the goat's water bucket. As Liam turned around feeling accomplished, Rory was pulling back, rearing up to ram Liam again. Dad always told Liam, Ah, this isn't anything personal, this is just their way of playing improving themselves.
Liam wanted some lighter play, so he got into the baby goat's pen. There was one little baby goat who must have been Rory's baby because he loves to ram just as much as Rory. However, his little ram hits tickle. He was in the middle of playing with the baby goats when he heard the distinct sound of tires on gravel.
Boy, oh boy, I cannot wait to see what happens with Liam and his farm animals and his parents who. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did. Oh
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Liam's Farm Part 3
“Liam’s Farm” Liam is a young boy with a big responsibility, one that he’s eager to take on when his parents leave him in charge of the farm. But as he faces the challenges of running the farm alone, he begins to wonder: Will his parents ever return? A new acquaintance becomes a friend, but Liam’s emotions might just get the best of him. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the weight of his feelings hold him back?Tune in to find out. Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own all of the Curious adventures, or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the cove. It's just peace and quiet, perfect first time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive back in to today's tale, Liam's Farm Part three? Are you ready to listen? I sure am all right, let's do it. Liam ran outside in hopes of finding his dad's truck in the driveway.
But it was a truck he's never seen before. A man was driving, and it looked like he had a young girl about Liam's age in the passenger seat. The man stepped out of his truck. He had a warm smile and a calm spirit.
Hi, I'm ted. We just bought the farm right next door, and I wanted to come and introduce myself. You must be the owner of this lovely farm. Yes, well, no, I mean now, I'm just kidding.
Your son. Is your mom and dad around? Yes? Yes, they're both in the house.
Liam didn't want to tell a complete stranger that he was home alone and didn't know when his parents were coming back. Bertie save Liam from having to explain any more when she started making honking sounds. My goodness, is that a bird? Yes, sir, that's our ostrich.
You have an ostridge shell. Get out of the truck. You gotta see this. Shelley, Ted's daughter started climbing out of the truck.
Oh, I'm sorry. Is it okay if she checks it out? She had an ostrich at our last farm. She's a bit of an ostrich.
Whisper. Oh, oh, yeah, of course. Shelley pops out of the truck and walks over to Liam with an outstretched hand. H I'm Shelley McAllister.
Pleasure to meet your acquaintance. A bit shy, Liam shakes her hand, Liam. You mind introducing me to your speedster. My what oh oh?
You're talking about the ostrich? Yeah, silly. They are just so cool. I grew up with one.
You should see them when they're babies. You and believe how small they are. When they're born, they look like a baby duck with longer legs, and then in six months they're three feet tall. Another six months they're eight to nine feet tall.
My girl's name was Dina. Get it like a Dina the dino Because they look like dinosaurs. Let's go. I can't wait to meet her.
Liam smirks at her excitement. He doesn't want to admit it, but he likes her. They both walk over to Bertie. Wow, she's purty, Hi Sweetie.
Oh, I see you're gonna be a new mama. Oh please please please let me babysit. Surprisingly, Bertie runs over to Shelley and lays her long neck on Shelley's shoulders. Oh, I really like you too, Maybe we can ride together soon.
Bertie whips her body around in a circle, as if answering Shelley. Liam's jaws on the ground in disbelief. What's wrong if my mom and dad were only here to see this? I mean, I mean outside to see this.
Bertie's not very social. I'll get out. She's plenty social, it's just how she socializes. You may intimidate her because she had a bad experience with males.
But we're going to be besties, aren't we, Bertie. Bertie honks and runs around the planet's super speed. So where are your parents? Liam isn't ready to tell a new acquaintance the truth that he's all alone.
A smart precaution. It's all right, We just met. You can tell me later. Shelley senses that Liam might be the only one responsible for the farm animals right now, but she respects him enough not to pry into where his parents are.
She walks back over to her dad. Hey, Daddy, you gone ahead. I'm gonna help leam out with the farm a bit. If that's okay with you, come get me when it's time for lunch.
Of course, Shelley, that sure is sweet of you. It's perfectly fine with me. You two have fun and call if you need anything, Shelle. You know the number at home.
Ted hopped into his truck and drove off, leaving Shelley and Liam behind to take care of the farm. Liam couldn't believe the help that had just appeared. It's exactly what he'd been praying for. But then his thoughts shifted to his parents, and he thought to himself, I prayed for them to be all right too.
A wave of worry washed over him, and he felt it creeping back in, threatening to take over. He did his best to push it aside, to hide it, but it was hard. So what's next? Did you feed the pigs?
Yet? Liam shook his head. No, it was obvious to Shelley that Liam's mood had changed. Rather than jumping to conclusions about his change in tone, Shelley decided to give Liam time to sort things out on his own.
She continued to be her cheerful self, knowing that after all, she was there to help. Well, let's go visit them pigs, huh. Liam led Shelley to the pigs, and Shelley gasped when she saw the babies. Well, aren't you just the cutest batch of piglets I've ever seen?
Then Shelley turned to the mama pig, who was laying down nursing them all. Mama, you have some good jeans. How are you holding up, sweetheart? I'll bet you're hungry and thirsty after looking after all twelve of these piglets.
Come on up and let's get you some food and water. Liam, do you mind grabbing the fee for mama pig first, please? Liam nodded in agreement and went off to grab the feed. Liam thought to himself, I thought I was good at showing these animals love, and here's a neighbor girl doing a much better job than me.
I don't know how to run a farm. Liam brought the feed over but with it came a fresh wave of frustration. Stacking on top of the pile he was already carrying, he tossed the food into the feed bucket, blurting out a single word. Here.
Shelley noticed this shift, and with calm determination, set a firm boundary that left no room for question. Liam. Now I can tell something is bothering you, and I'm sorry you're carrying the weight of that frustration. But mistreating this mama pig and making me feel uncomfortable won't make you feel better.
It will only make things harder for everyone, including you. What always helps me feel better is sharing with someone who truly cares about me. Now. I know we just met, but I'm here to listen to whatever is going on.
These animals here are good listeners too, and they never cut you off unless they're hungry. This makes Liam laugh a little. No, gotcha, go on spill the beans. Well.
I used to think I was pretty good at taking care of the farm, but then you came along, showed the animal so much more love, and they respond to you so much better. Well, shucks, Lim, I appreciate the compliment. Do you have a favorite uncle or maybe one of your dad's friends who you're always excited to see when they visit. Oh.
Yeah, I love when my dad's friend Mark comes over. He's so much fun. Now does your dad sulk a bit when you spend time playing with his friend instead of him? Of course not.
He always has a smile on his face. I figured, Liam, you gotta understand I'm not with these animals every single day in my life, so it's easy for me to greet them with fresh attitude. Heck, I bet if you came over to my farm, all my animals would greet you first. Sometimes seeing some fresh faces help you appreciate the ones you have.
Every once in a while, I get tired or seeing the same old pigs, same old goat, same old stubborn horses. But then I'll get to spend time with someone else's animals and I'll start missing my own. Heck, it's like that with a lot of things, toys especially. Oh and don't get me started on my brother.
You have a brother. Oh you're so lucky, I am you can have them. They both laugh. Liam, I really like talking to you.
Thank you for sharing some tough emotions with me. That was really brave. But something tells me there's a deeper, more powerful emotion lurking underneath that is more than just the animals. Well, yeah, I guess.
I'm here for you. Liam. Let's hear it. Well, yesterday I woke up and both my parents were gone to run errands and they haven't been back since.
Liam's eyes start tearing up. He's doing everything he can to hold back a flood of tears. He doesn't want to cry in front of Shelley. Oh my dear lord, Liam, I'm so sorry to hear that.
Have you heard anything from them? They tried to call you? Liam shook his head. Oh, bless your sweetheart, Liam.
Shelley went over to Liam and gave him a hug. Liam fully embraced this hug and let out a well of tears. You let it out. That's a lot for one boy to handle.
I'm sure there's a good explanation for this. You watch. You're gonna hear from them soon. Liam tried to stop the flow of emotions and felt much better after letting a bit out.
Did they say where they were going? They were running some arrngs and checking out some livestock. Oh my dear Liam, I heard on the news yesterday there was a terrible dust storm over by a town when my dad gets his livestock. I bet they got caught up and there was no way to drive through that.
It took the power out. Phones were down. There were a few people running around with animals, but you could barely see them. Did they say if anyone was hurt?
It specified that nobody was injured before folks had to shelter in place. Lim, your parents are fine, I promise you. Wait a minute. Have you been taking care of this farm for two whole days on your own?
Liam bashfully nodded. Lim. If I knew your full name, do you realize how hard that must have been. I'm really impressed.
I could have never done that. At first, I was thinking, what is going on with this boy? Now I get it, No wonder you had such big feelings. If you hadn't told me, I wouldn't have understood, and I'd have just gone away, thinking to myself, I'm trying to help this boy, and he got a little attitude.
But no, here you are holding up all this weight. Liam. You've got to tell people what's going on inside. We can't help unless we know.
I just didn't want to burden anyone it's my responsibility. That doesn't mean others can't carry some of the emotional weight for you, you know, lim It's like when we're out on the farm carrying heavy buckets of water. If I try to carry them all by myself, my arms get tired, my back starts to ache, and I get frustrated. But if I let you or someone else help, suddenly the weight feels lighter.
It doesn't mean I'm weak, It just means I'm smart enough to know I don't have to do. It all alone. Feelings are a lot like that. When you carry them by yourself, they get heavier and heavier.
But when you share them, whether with me or the animals or anyone you trust, it lightens the load. It's like spreading the weight out, and the best party is it helps us both feel better and it deepens our friendship. Liam's eyes start to tear up again. He's always wanted a friend like Shelley, and he had no idea that sharing his feelings on a deeper level could have resulted in a friendship.
Just then, Shelley heard some tires on gravel. Well it can't be lunch already, I think here he can help out a little now. They both walk out to the driveway to see a truck driving up the driveway. It takes a moment for Liam's brain to catch up with what he's seeing.
He was expecting Shelley's dad, but instead it's his own mom and dad. Their truck, covered in dust pulls up. See dust storm, Mom, Dad. Liam's mom got out of the truck and ran towards Liam, scooping him up in a huge embrace.
Liam's dad got out of the truck and walked over to Shelley. He extended his arm, offering a handshake. Hi, I'm Phil Grant. You must be the new neighbor girl.
Were you helping my son while we were away. Yes, sir, but I didn't help much. I only just met Liam a few hours ago. Liam did all the work on his own.
Liam's dad looked at him with a huge grin. Is that right, Yes, Pop, I was just trying to do what you always taught me son. I might be the proudest father in all the world right now. We left yesterday with every intention to be back by lunch, when all of a sudden, we found ourselves in the middle of a dust storm.
Thank god, we were at the livestock depot. Otherwise that man would have lost half his livestock. You two are the ones I saw in the news. I knew I recognized you from somewhere.
You were helping wrangle all of the livestock. I saw you carrying a sheep into a barn. Well, would you look at that, Martha. We made the news.
Well, that farmer we helped ended up putting us up for the night and fed us. We couldn't get out of town until about an hour ago. How's the farm, Limb better than ever? And how are you, sweetheart?
I'm fine, Mom, Shelley nudged Limb and whispered to him out of the corner of her mouth. Open up, Limb. Well, honestly, I was really scared. I was afraid that something might have happened to you and Dad.
I prayed and prayed that you were both okay. I'm lucky to have the farm and the animals to keep my mind occupied. Otherwise I don't know how I would have handled it. And then I met Shelley, and she's been one of the best friends.
I'm just so happy you're home and safe. Oh, honey, me too. Your mother and I were worried sick about you. Liam.
We wanted to reach out, but there's no way. Phones were down, power was out, there was no way to find our way home in that dust. Your mother she couldn't sleep all night worrying about you, but I just kept reassuring her our boys got it. I knew you could do it.
Son. Shelley's dad pulled up the driveway shortly after her father met Liam's parents. Liam's mom invited Shelley, her brother, and her parents over for dinner. Later, Shelley and her dad headed back home to clean up before dinner.
While Liam's mom was making dinner, Liam snuck off into the state to see Justice. Justice. You won't believe it. Mom and dad are back and I made a new friend.
Justice faced Liam Justice. I'm so sorry from mistreating you. Truth is, I was really scared when I didn't know where my parents were. I don't think I've ever been that scared in my life, but it came out in the form of frustration and anger.
I didn't know how to talk about it, but I guess it's just saying how you feel. I felt scared and I felt lonely, felt like I was gonna be alone. For the rest of my life. This has taught me a lot about how I handle my feelings.
I'm sorry you had to suffer through me learning a valuable lesson. I think I just but Liam couldn't get another word out because Justice was nestling his big snout into Liam's chest. Liam wrapped his arms around Justice. Later that night, after dinner, Shelley asked Liam to go play outside with her.
She had an idea. She approached Bertie the Ostrich. Their connection was still strong, so she opened the fence to get into the cage with her. What are you doing?
Trust me? Shelley laid on the grass next to Bertie. Bertie was unsure and brought her head down to Shelley's level to investigate. Soon, Bertie laid all the way down on the ground.
Shelley was petting Bertie's head calmly. She was soothing Bertie's once nervous energy. In a matter of minutes, Shelley was able to stand up, approach Bertie's back, and climb on. As soon as she did, Bertie stood up fast and started pacing around with Shelley on her back.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, girl, It's okay. Shelley rubbed Bertie's neck while stabilizing her until Bertie calmed down. Then she clicked her heel on the side of Bertie and said, yid yeah. Bertie took off running around the pen while Shelley was still hooting and hollering.
They made their way back to where Liam was. Liam was so shocked he just got hit both of them. Whoaoo, yeah, give me up? Well, are you just gonna stand there and stare?
Are you gonna race me? Liam ran to the barn and hopped on Justice. Justice and Liam emerged from the barn, pranced over to Shelley and Birdie. Well, let's see if four legs are better than two.
They faced off at the starting line. Ready set go. And that's the end of me telling the story. Feel free to dream up any dream later tonight where you're riding Bertie the ostrich or Justice the horse.
The end. Wow, what a finale. I'm so happy Liam's parents were Okay. You know, sometimes we fear that she're in our deepest and most vulnerable feelings will lead to judgment, But in reality, when we open up to those who truly love us and care for us, it just brings them closer, so we don't have to carry the weight.
By being o open, we don't have to face life alone. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did. Oh
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Light
A group of friends sets out on a thrilling adventure to save their village, discovering who they truly are by supporting one another. This heartwarming story is about finding the light within yourself and working together for a greater purpose. Adventure awaits in Curiosity Cove! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella of the Curious adventures or listen to an original story right here in my cozy tree hose. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we have stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive into the tale called Light, a story about a brave girl who gathers friends to save their village. Here is light. This is a story about the light that lives inside all of us. This light is not to be taken lightly.
This light is alive. It has moods. It has hunger, It gets happy, sad, giddy, angry, and it gets brave. And yes, it can be dimmed.
Darkness is an opposing force that wants nothing more than the comfort of its own darkness. Now, picture a black ball. Add two stick arms with three stick fingers. Picture that little black ball with stick arms and stick fingers with a mohawk.
That is any neon color. It could be green, blue, red, amber, or any other color. That's what these little black orbs look like. They have equal and opposing feelings.
Don't be scared about this. This is not something that should worry you. If I put it quite simply, the light wants to shine brighter. In turn, it makes the world a happy place.
And on the contrary, darkness was born. It strives in the darkness. It's quite happy there. So it wants complete darkness and extinguishing the light helps it with its mission.
How does this happen, Well, it's not just full dark. First, the darkness has to lure a light orb into its darkness, usually through curiosity. The dark orbs never use force. They're cunning.
They try to outwhit you. They try to trick you with manipulation and lies. If a light orb is coerced and lured into the darkness and remains dim and amongst the dark orbs for too long, slowly, its light inside fades and dies forever. Then it becomes a dark orb, never to see its own light again.
The only color left from the light orb will be in its mohawk. For instance, a blue light orb that has lost its light will have a blue mohawk. I'm sad to say there's never been a darkness orb that has found its light. Light orbs can become dark orbs, but dark orbs can never become light orbs, or at least that's what history has shown.
I hope you understand, because we're moving on. Our story starts with a brave little girl named Scarlet. Scarlet is a light orb and she burns bright with you guessed it a scarlet light. From a young age, she was afraid of everything.
She was afraid of falling, she was afraid of a cut, she was afraid of being afraid, and most. Of all, she was afraid of the dark. I did say she was brave, but she didn't start out that way. She became brave.
One thing I forgot to mention is that light orbs live in tribes. An Indi visual orb can glow from dim to ultra bright. However, in a tribe they glow as one bright orb. Keep in mind, glowing dim is not a bad thing, nor does it indicate a lesser orb.
They're just calmer and they're happier this way. If a dim orb starts to shine bright, that may mean they're overstimulated and need to find a warm, calmplace to breathe and refocus. The opposite is true for an ultra bright orb. They're constantly excited and energetic, but when they.
Dim, it may mean they're sad. Or worried or scared. The tribe shares everything with each other. Their motto is pain shared is cut in half, and happiness shared is doubled.
What does that mean? It means whenever someone is feeling down, they'll find a bright orb and share their pain or their sadness with that orb. Since that orbit it so bright and powerful, they'll absorb that pain and sadness, and it's immediately extinguished. When someone is excited or happy, they'll share it with either another bright orb or a less bright orbit, and they'll both glow with excitement.
The tribe is ruled by an elder, and this particular tribe is ruled by Scarlet's great grandmother, Emorensia. Queen Emorensia is a valiant woman, level headed, fair, just, and stoic. She knows the right way to handle things as they arise, and she always says the right thing at the right time. However, her reign is coming to an end.
She's preparing to pass on into the next light realm. In other words, she's dying of old age. Do not be sad. She has led a wonderful life and served her people well.
The tribe, however, is heartbroken. Most people are scrambling because they don't know who the next ruler will be and how they'll ever replace her. This has dimmed the tribe's collective light. Their tribe is becoming more dim, which puts all of the orbs at risk of the outside dark orbs manipulating some tribe members to go astray.
Three light members have gone missing already, and the gossip is starting to spread throughout the city. Scarlet's mother, Pantera, is to take over. I just can't understand how our light is dimming. There should be an even transfer of light from your grandmother to me.
Our tribe should not be feeling this. Scarlet doesn't know what to say. She's never seen her mother or her grandmother in a state of not knowing. They always had the answer, So she did what any strong kid would do.
She thought that she had to take this into her own hands. She ran to her room, started packing things into a bag, returned back to her mother, and told her mother how she loved her. Where do you think you're going, I'm going to save our tribe. Oh no, you are, no Scarlet Rose Electra.
But before Pantera could finish Scarlet's full name, Scarlet clashed and was gone. Because light orbs can travel with the speed of light, they can flicker and end up somewhere else. Scarlet ended up at her friend Bowen's house. Bowen is a bright burgundy color, which is super rare, and he's one of the coolest guys.
She knows. He's always in a great mood, but when he's sad, you can barely see him, but not today. Bowen is rocking out on his guitar when Scarlet shows up. Sub scar Hey, Bo, listen, we need to go see the oracle.
Oh what you say now? Uh ha. For a minute I thought you said oracle. But no, no, no, no, no, you must have said floricle.
What's a florical? Well I was gonna ask you maybe like a cool wave saying floral garden. No, Bowen, I'm serious. We need to go see the oracle, and we need to go now.
You know, nobody we know has actually seen the oracle. I know, and the oracle is said to be in a dark cave outside of our village. Yes, that's what I hear. I just and he or she is not very warm and or welcoming.
Owen, will you stop? I know, geez, know it all. I'm not augh. Well this time I know something, and you don't have a choice.
We're going to see the oracle to save our village. To save our village. Do you know something I don't know? Wait?
Just you and I. Yes, Bo, nobody can know we're gone. Uh. I think we should probably bring the quad squad.
Maybe safety in numbers. Okay, good call, We'll get them on the way, get your stuff and let's go. Ready, great, let's go. Scarlett and Bowen stood at the edge of their village along with two other friends.
They picked up Joan and Gil. Gil is a bit of a gentle giant. Nobody's ever seen him get mad. Nor do they want to.
Joan is the quiet one, but when she does speak it's thought provoking. So boos up, scar What are we doing here? You didn't tell them, oh, deplorable Relax. Bo Okay, here's the deal.
My grandmother is about to pass over to the other side. As you know, my mom is to take over, but for some reason, the transfer is not going as planned. Oh, our village is dying. What bough, It's not dying.
Our light is just dimming, and as you know, that makes us more susceptible to the darkness. No, my dad told me about the three members who went missing. Three people went missing. Bowen's light made a blast that lit up the outer edges of the village.
Impressive. Bo oh, whoa, I didn't know I could do that. Well now you know. So what do we need to do, Scar, We're.
Going to see the oracle. They all pause and stare at Joan her turquoise purple light is radiating. Do I have something on my face? You're radiating.
Joan looks at herself in real life, she's beaming, and the moment she realizes, her light dims and she becomes shy. The group continues to stare, waiting for an explanation. My grandmother used to tell us bedtime stories about the Oracle. She helped our family find their true light.
We lost it somewhere along our lineage, and the Oracle took us through a journey to see our lineage's lifeline. We were able to repair the broken line. Joan puts her hand over her heart. It's inside here.
I can see it, I can feel it. I've dreamt my entire life of one day meeting the Oracle. But it's too dangerous to go alone. Joan looks at her friends and they're all radiating as well.
WHOA what you're all radiating? Now? Joy shared is doubled. Let's take this light into the dark and find the Oracle.
So they all trekked into the darkness. They walked for hours, feeling energized and excited by the journey into the dark. Neither one of them have ever been in the darkness. Overcoming their fear was so exhilarating and uplifting.
A while passed, and they each started to have their doubts, which dimmed their collective lights. Their lights seemed to flicker until they all had a dim light shared amongst all of them. Scarlett noticed this and said to the group, we've. Been traveling for a while.
I think now is a great time to rest and recharge. They all agreed. With all of the peaceful noises, they were soon all fast asleep. While they were all sleeping, Bowen heard as he opened his eyes, but nothing was there.
He started to get really scared, especially when he looked around to see his friends were fast asleep. Then he heard it's. Okay, there's nothing to be scared of. I'm sure you're having a really hard time on this journey.
Bowen wasn't sure what the dew he spoke back to the darkness. Yeah, it's tough. I know. This wasn't your idea, wasn't.
No, it wasn't. It's okay to be mad at your friends for pulling you into this. Bowen didn't say anything. He didn't feel mad or resentful towards Scarlet.
In fact, he was happy to have such a brave friend. But now he started second guessing his decision. You know, you could come hang with us. We'll let you get as angry as you want.
But I'm not really angry. Well, you should be. Your friends expect way too much out of you when you're so little. As a matter a fact, so do your parents.
Do you know who wouldn't expect anything out of you us? Just then, the Darkworbs stepped closer and Bowen could see its glowing green eyes, its neon green ohawk that runs from the top of its head and down its back. But I've heard so many scary stories about you guys help people go missing? Bowing, bowing.
We don't take people. They come to us because life is so hard and you're not called to do all of this work. It's much easier here with us. How do you know my name?
Just then, Scarlet starts to stir and wake up. Think about it, bowing, I'll be back. The Dark Ord disappears. Oh who are you talking to?
Huh uh? No one, I mean, I don't know, must have been sleep. Talking, silly, Wake up you two, Time to go meet our oracle. Gil is smiling in his sleep and glowing so oh bright as Bowen nudges him, Mommy stuffed tickling me.
Then Gil wakes up. And realizes he just said that out loud, and his light dims a bit. Out of embarrassment, Bowen puts his arm around Gil. Hey, there's nothing to be embarrassed about.
I miss my mom too, Yeah, my dad. Bowen's light brightens a bit, and SODA's gills. Joan's light seems a bit dim, but that happens when most light orbs are just waking up. What the group doesn't know is that Joan had an awful dream that the oracle rejected her and she walked home alone.
In her dream, she was approached by a dark orb. The dark orb made her believe that nobody cared about her, except the dark Orb. What Joan doesn't know is that the dark orbs can also sneak into your dreams. They lure you in by playing on your fears, insecurities, and doubts.
Joan doesn't share her dream with the group. As they trek on, she starts to resent the group for not even asking her why she seems dim. She started to believe that the dark Orb was right. Nobody does care about her.
When the group stopped for another break, Joan ventured off alone to look at some glowing plants. Here, she was visited by a dark orb. I was right, that was me and your dream. I was trying to warn you that they don't care about you.
Why so sad, Joan? I just I don't know. Maybe you're right. Nobody cares about me, am I nobody?
Joan is confused. You said nobody cares about you, and I care about you. So are you calling me a nobody? I don't know.
Why would you care about me. You don't even know me. I do know you, Joan. You're just like me, overlooked.
But you know how special you are, and so do I. But they just don't see it. Yeah, I mean I always felt special, like I'm destined for greater things. That's because you are, Joan.
Come live with us and we'll show you. The dark orb was cut off by the sound of scarlet Joan. Joan, where are you? The entire group runs up to Joan as she sits by the glowing plants.
Oh my goodness, Joan, you scared the light out of us. We were word sick. Why were you gone so long? I wasn't gone that long, Joan.
We've been looking for you for over an hour. Joan feels like she was only gone for a short time. She doesn't realize that the darkness can steal time from you. Sorry, guys, it's okay, Joan.
We were just concerned. We can't do this without you. Sure you could. They all looked at her, shocked that she would even say that.
Why would you say that, Joe, You mean everything to us. Oh, I was just kidding. As they continued to trek, they came to the mouth of the cave. This is it.
Who wants to go first? You guys, go ahead, I'll wait outside. Joan, what's going on? You were so excited to meet the oracle?
What happened? Nothing? I just don't want to go in. Okay, Nope, not gonna let you get away with that.
I know there's something more there. How do you know? Gil points to her midsection. You're completely dim, but there's a little red glowing orb deep down in the middle of you.
Dead giveaway. You're holding on to something. Fine. I had a dream that the oracle rejected me.
Oh no, Joan, I'm so sorry. We believe you. That must have been a really tough dream and you guys don't care. Oh, we most certainly do care.
That was part of the dream. Oh I'm so sorry you had to sit with that all day. I wish I would have noticed. I was so wrapped up in my own self doubt today that I forgot to check in with you guys.
Why were you self doubting? Because I led you guys on this journey. I was afraid we would never find the cave or the oracle and we would be swallowed up by the darkness and it would all be my fault. Well, Scar, you got us here, so you were worrying in vain.
I guess we both were. Joanes starts showing colors of sadness. What's wrong? I was so worried all day, and I was holding on to the worry and protecting it.
And it took a lot of energy. Now telling you guys, I feel so relieved, like I could cry and then sleep for a day. Oh, group hug. They all squeezed together in a big hug, and as they did, all of their lights began to shine brighter and brighter, until they were all beaming.
Who's ready to meet the oracle? Me? They all gathered hands and walked into the cave. As they walked in, there greeted by a dark orb who flies at them whispering, you're not enough, And then another flies at them from another direction.
They don't care about you, Then another you're. Not brave enough, and another you're not one. You're not the one. I am enough.
From his brave declaration, the others joined in. I could do anything I put my mind to. I am love, I am special, and orbs care about me. The barrage of dark orbs stops, and a beautiful light that is blue, pink, green, and purple as glowing from within the cave.
They walk towards it and it begins to radiate and pulse. Then they hear the most soothing and captivating voice they have ever heard, say. You fall are very brave. These dark orbs work for me.
They are to show you what you're up against in life, and you overcame them. That will not be the last time they approach you, But now you know how to respond. Tell me, why have you come to seek me? Our village is dimming and we need your help.
Seasons come and go, and so do our feelings. Change is scary. Change can be a stone thrown into a calm surface, causing a ripple. Once those ripples run their course and change has taken place, balance will be restored.
The stone does not ask why it is being thrown into the water, nor does it wonder if it's good enough for the water. It just accepts its new environment. Your mother is that stone scarlet. I don't think I'm good enough.
The dark Orbs would love for you to believe that. Bowen. The feelings the dark Orbs present you evoke a flurry of difficult feelings. Those feelings have deep attachment to other negative feelings.
All of these feelings steal your time and energy. Focus on all things good, for they bear fruit and fulfillment. These negative feelings lead to a dead end, but the positive ones last forever. And if you ever feel as if you're not good enough, just ask your heart.
It always knows the answer. Oracle. I don't know how to explain this, but my dear Joan, you are truly special. You all are.
But I speak to you right now, Joan, you will go on to do great things. I know you feel the disruption in your lineage. Your grandmother sacrificed herself for the greater good. She wanted to create a brighter future by lighting the eternal flame that would wipe away all darkness, but it came at a cost.
She was consumed by the darkness. However, her daughter lived on to be a bright orb who gave birth to an even brighter orb. That's you. Your grandmother may have been consumed by the darkness, but your lineage was so strong that the darkness ended up working for her.
Wait didn't you say the dark orbs work for you? I did. You're my grandmother and a proud grandmother. I am my grandma is the oorker.
Joan is so excited as you can see. Joan, your light roots are strong, you are special, and you are cared about more than you will ever know. Gil. Yes, ma'am, you are a true giver.
You are there for everyone. There will come a time in your life where you may not believe this has any impact on the world, and it has all the impact on yourself. But I am here to tell you do not lose this gift of selflessness. You are doing the true work of the greater good.
You may now to see the impacts you have on those around you, but I promise you the ripple you produce is much different from the previous one I spoke about. Your ripple is felt through generations. This is how powerful your small acts of kindness are. Now you all must be exhausted.
Sleep now, for when you awake, you will do glorious things. The oracle snapped her fingers, and they all fell fast asleep on one another. When they awoke, they were all in their homes. Scarlet shared the news with her mother, which made her weep with relief and a new sense of pride in her new role.
Gil went on to teach others the true meaning of selflessness. Joan, in her own right, told people about the words of the oracle. She never told anyone the oracle was her grandmother. And Bowen continued to rock out with his guitar because he realized his music made people happy.
The town didn't brighten up instantly, but it took this small group before to inspire another group, and that group inspired another group until the entire village was bright again. Sometimes it's the small acts that produce large results. Wow. I love that story so much, I think I'll take another listen.
I loved how each friend was uniquely helpful in the mission. To save the village and to help each other. They all found their courage in their own way. If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five star review, but only if you really mean it.
We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know hello. Oh you might even get a shout out from me here in the cove.
All right, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time. Friends, we never say goodbye. It's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Today's story was written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios.
Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter. Stay connected and be part of our community by joining our newsletter at www dot fort Hyphensumter dot com to get all the latest news first
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Mia’s Secret Garden Part 1
Mia’s Secret Garden teaches us that every action, no matter how big or small, has the power to create ripples that affect everyone around us. Through Mia’s journey of nurturing her garden, we learn that our choices shape not only our own identity but also the lives of others. Most importantly, the story reveals that these ripples guide us in discovering who we are and who we aspire to become. It’s a beautiful reminder of the inter connectedness of our lives and the profound impact we can have on the world. Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to Season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own ll of the Curious Adventures, or listen to an original story. Right here in my cozy treehouse.
Picture this. We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean by piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for storytime.
So what are we waiting for? Let's dive into today's tale called MIA's Secret Garden Part one. It teaches us that every action, no matter how big or small, has the power to create ripples that affect everyone around us. Are you ready to listen?
I sure am, all right, Let's do it. Mia was a gregarious young girl, bursting with ideas in imagination. From the very beginning. She had a treasure trobe of thoughts swirling in her head, yet she often struggled to express them.
One day in school, the teacher asked the class who would like to paraphrase the chapter we had just read about evolution. Nobody raised their hand. Mia was very confident she knew how evolution worked so before she even thought about it, nobody Mia raised her hand. Ah, Mia, enlighten us.
Yeah, well, it's just like if you're like a deer or a gazelle and a scary line is running after you, and all the other deer are running too, and like there are a small deer in the back that are slower or older, but like there are some who are your same age and they cannot run you either. And then you get to live, and then you have kids who are fast like you, and then have to outrun other kids, and the lines keep getting faster because they have to outrun the other lines too to eat. So the ones that are fastest keep living and having kids who are faster. And Mia realized that everyone was staring at her, and she immediately got really hot and really sweaty.
She felt her cheeks getting really red and thought to herself. This isn't going well. Yeah, so that's like evolution. Everyone was quiet for a second, then they all started laughing.
Mia couldn't figure out why they were all laughing. Yeah, why did you raise your hand? She knew that she knew what evolution was, but she thought she did a poor job at explaining it, so she chalked it up to not being good at articulating her thoughts. After that day, she learned to keep her vibrant thoughts locked away, hidden from the world.
Mia would often hear her parents trying to figure out everyday problems. She would have great ideas on how to solve them, but she was so used to keeping them locked behind the door of her mouth that it was just first nature to have a great idea on how to help but never speak up about it. MIA's grandma lived right next door, so every day she would stop by after school for a chocolate caramel candy called a reason. It was her reason for stopping by every day.
Mia had no problem opening up to her grandma. Her grandma was a wise, graceful woman who was always full of love. Her grandma never tried to fix her problems, nor did she tell her what she thinks she should do. She just listened and said.
You'll figure it out, honey. Have you tried clearing your thoughts in the garden? Mia looked out her grandma's back window to the garden that was surrounded by overgrown sunflower plants. Oh, Grandma, you always talk about walks in that garden.
I think that's for old people. Plus I get lost in there. You sure would, honey, you sure would. Oh well, one day when you're old like me, you'll understand someone will have to take care of my little munchkins when I'm gone.
What did you say, Grandma, Oh nothing, dear, just thinking out loud again. Well, I better get home for supper. I love you so so. Much, Grandma.
I love you too, my beautiful girl, Mia. Don't you forget how impactful you are. Thanks, Grandma, see you tomorrow. Mia had no idea, but that was the last time she ever got to speak to her grandma.
Her grandma went to sleep that night and never woke up. Her grandma had lived a beautiful life and she was ready to be reunited with her husband, MIA's grandpa in heaven. But Mia wasn't ready for this unfortunate news. When Mia found out the next day, she didn't speak to anyone for the next few days.
She just couldn't find the words to express what she was feeling, so she did what she always did and held them in. Yet there was one special someone she could open up to other than her grandma. Alone in her room, Mia would talk to mister Figgs. Mister Figgs had been her constant companion since childhood, a gift from her mom during one of MIA's many hospital stays for asthma.
Her mom always made those sterile rooms feel so cozy, and it was there that Mia first tried a fig Newton. An instant favorite, the bear quickly became a symbol of comfort, especially on nights when Mia had to stay at the hospital. With mister Figgs by her side, she felt safe enough to share her thoughts and fears. I just don't know how to express what I'm feeling.
I'm so happy that Grandma gets to be reunited with Grandpa. But I didn't get to say goodbye. I didn't get to tell her how influential she's been in my life, how she taught me so much just by being herself. She taught me kindness, She taught me how to regulate my emotions.
She was always there for me. It never needed anything from me. She was the most perfect grandma girl could ever ask for. Mia wept while she held mister fig tight in her arms that night, but not for long, because before she knew it, she was fast asleep.
That night, she had a dream that her Grandma's garden gnome woke her up in her bed. Miss Mia, Miss Mia, come quick the garden meet you. Mia wasn't sure what to do, but the gnome hopped off of her bed ran out of her room. Mia was groggy and her dream and her eyes were a bit foggy, but she got out of bed, put her pink fuzzy bunny slippers on, and walked out of her room.
She spotted the gnome at the end of the hall, just before the stairs that led to the front door. Come miss Mia quickly. The gnome disappeared again down the stairs. Mia ran to the end of the hall and peered down the stairs, just in time to see the gnome slip through the crack of the front door that was left ajar.
Mia started to take a step downstairs when she heard her mother's voice. Mia Mia froze, glancing around to find mother peering out from her bedroom at the opposite end of the hall. She stared at her mom, caught in a moment of indecision. Should she respond or dash after the nome.
Mia Mia was frozen like a video game. That's glitching. Mia, mea, Mia, It's time to wake up. Mia slipped further and further out of her dream until she opened her eyes and saw her mom sitting on the edge of her bed, smiling at her, rubbing her arm.
That looked like some sleep you were in. Oh Mom, I was just getting to the good part. A Nome was telling me that I needed to help him, and he ran out of my room. I was following him to the front door, but you stopped me when you woke me up.
Oh darn, I'm sorry, Mimi. Hopefully he'll come back to you tonight and you can follow him to nome Land. But right now you have to get up and get ready for school. In the days that followed, Mia found herself lost in a tw web of emotions.
Her heart ached with sadness for the loss of her grandma, yet it swelled with gratitude for the rich life her grandma had lived and the precious moments they shared. She also could not stop thinking about the Gnome. One day after school, as she was doing her homework, she dazed off. She was thinking about the Gnome and his urgency for me to help him.
It just felt so real. Who can she tell about this? Just then she remembered her grandma's words, have. You tried clearing your thoughts in the garden.
That's it, I need to go to the garden. Mio walked downstairs and told her mom and dad. I'm going to go for a walk to clear my head. She started walking out the door when her dad said, Honey, you know you can always talk to your mom and I.
It's very hard for us not to be able to help, but you can always tell us. Hey, I just need an ear and we'll get the point. Thanks Dad, Thanks Mom, love you, I love you, Mimi. Be back for dinner please.
She walked down the street to her grandma's house. Seeing her grandma's house, Mia was struck with the sad realization that she couldn't just walk in and see her. She walked around to the back where her grandmother's large garden lay. Tall sunflower plants surrounded it, swaying gently in the breeze.
As she took in her surroundings, she spotted the gnome from her dreams standing statuesque right outside her grandma's garden. Mia glanced around the yard to see if there were any other nomes, but found none. When she looked back at the garden, the gnome had vanished. That's odd, I could have swore there was a noome right there, Mia, you're seeing things.
Mia looked around to see if maybe she saw it somewhere else, but didn't spot a single gnome around the yard. She walked towards the giant sunflower plants. They're tall, all leafy stems reaching high into the sky. The sunflowers seemed to form a little fortress, their bright faces all turned towards the sun.
How did Grandma fit through here? And how is walking through these giant plants? Getting slapped in the face by leaves gonna quiet my racing thoughts? This seems crazy, but here it goes.
Boy oh boy, I can't wait to continue to hear about Meeta's journey in her grandma's garden.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Mia's Secret Garden Part 2
Mia’s Secret Garden teaches us that every action, no matter how big or small, has the power to create ripples that affect everyone around us. Through Mia’s journey of nurturing her garden, we learn that our choices shape not only our own identity but also the lives of others. Most importantly, the story reveals that these ripples guide us in discovering who we are and who we aspire to become. It’s a beautiful reminder of the inter connectedness of our lives and the profound impact we can have on the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures, or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive back into today's tale, MEA's Secret Garden, Part two? Are you ready to listen? I sure am, all right, let's do it. With a curious smile, she took a step into the sunflower maze.
The leaves brushed her cheek like friendly hands, and she giggled as one of the flowers gently swayed, as if waving hello. As she moved deeper into the garden, the world outside began to fade away. The tall plant swished around her, creating a soft, rustling sound that felt like a lullaby. At the same time, she heard a voice.
It wasn't exactly a human voice, but something close. She's coming. Are you sure this time? Yes?
Yes? Yes, places, everyone quiet down, wowshhsh. The voices faded away, leaving Mia to wonder if she'd imagine them. This garden was growing stranger by the moment, yet with each step she took her racing thoughts began to quiet, just as Grandma had promised they would.
Maybe there's something to this garden walk after all. As she pushed aside the last sunflower plant, she gasped at the sight that struck her. It was an enormous, enchanted garden. A gentle trickle of water fell into a sparkling pond, as if someone had just turned off the main flow, creating a peaceful hush in this magical place.
Next to the waterfall was a massive tree standing proudly, its trunk wide and sturdy, with branches sprawling like welcoming arms floating in the pond where giant lily pads big enough for mea to sit on. The sky above shimmered in shades of pink and blue, almost too beautiful to be real. Mia was stunned at the sights. Taking it all in, she noticed there's no sign of wildlife.
She walked over to the pond and peered inside. Large fish swam peacefully through the water. As she watched the fish, she heard a giggle. As she looked back up to see where it came from, a giant lily pad floated toward her.
It made its way right up to the edge of the bank, almost beckoning her to hop on. She hesitated, but then a tiny bunny hopped next to her and right onto the lily pad. The furry bunny sat on the pad and stared at her for a beat, then waved her onto the lily pad. Mia rubbed her eyes.
This must be a dream. I'm sorry, but did you just wave me onto this lily pad? The bunny nodded his head and giggled. This was too strange, even for Mia.
She looked around to see if there were any other signs of life. She looked towards the tree and noticed five gnomes peeking out from behind the tree. This was enough for Mia. Mia turned around to walk back through the sunflower plants, but at the exit were two giant dragonflies.
They appeared to be wearing horsetack. Horsetack is all the dressings of horse wears for humans to ride them, saddle stirrups, bridle reins, harnesses, etc. One dragonfly floated in front of the exit, while the other slowly moved towards Mia. It landed right in front of her, as if summoning her to hop on.
Mia looked back to the bunny on the pad and back to the dragonfly. I'm sorry, mister dragonfly, with that cute bunny over there, asked first. Mia walked fast towards the lily pad and reluctantly hopped on. The lily pad immediately started moving through the water.
Once she stepped on, Mia almost lost her balance and did a little dance to regain her composure. Oh whoa. She looked down at the bunny and it was staring up at her with a big bucktooth smile. Then the bunny nuzzled its head into MIA's leg.
The lily pad made its way to the opposite end of the pond where the big tree was. As the lily pad arrived, there were four gnomes nearly the size of Mia standing at the bank of the pond. These gnomes were much much larger than the garden nomes that were only the size of her foot. The nomes were all standing at attention with their arms behind their back, awaiting Mia to arrive at the pond.
Welcome to the secret garden home where. The fairs room and hum a sweet tone. We are pleased that y'all is it. We hope it will truly be exquisite for travel all the way.
Will you think me in a tremendous rock. The gnomes started looking around nerve as if they forgot the rest of the poem. When the leader looked behind him, the fifth Nome was hiding behind the tree. Goofness, gracious, Bash, will you please get out from behind the tree.
There is nothing to be afraid of. You see. Bash bashfully appears and stumbles up to the rest of the nomes and bumps into a few of them. Aah.
Oh, your hah is very wavy. We hope you brought some gravy. No, no, Bash, that's boulder Dash. Oh, I made a mess.
I should definitely do less. Bash. Please say your line and stop wasting time. Mia.
You are so very pretty. We hope you are also witty. The leader of the Nome shook his head with his head down low. Ah, we must move on.
We have bigger matters beyond miss Mia. We are so pleased to have you, but we have a major issue with our pond. It looks to the shiny, sparkling pond, but still does not speak. When Mia feels uncertain, words escape her, completely, keeping her contained in the safety of her mind, surrounded by her own thoughts.
What's wrong with the pond. It looks incredible. What is this world? These gnomes are enormous.
That's funny, But seriously, why are these gnomes my size? We put a spell on you to make you much smaller so you wouldn't squish us if you were much taller. Oh, bash, that was quite blunt. It is true we made you a runt.
This is a bit dazzling charm to make sure your taller self does not do harm. Many years ago, your great grandfather Giuseppe got a little too steppy. He squished our oasis, but didn't erase us. We had to rebuild.
Then we formed a guild. We came up with this shrinking charms so that full sized humans cannot accidentally do harm. Mia shook her head, but still did not reveal her thoughts. Okay, this is a very strange dream.
I guess I'll play along. Hmm, what's wrong with her pond? The pond may appear to be clear, but if you look at the bank, the water level sank. Our fish friends will all meet their ends if we don't dack fast to restore our waterfall.
At last, our waterfall used to be a stream, but now it was just a dream. It's only a tiny trickle, and sometimes I enjoy a tickle. All of the gnomes looked at Bash and shook their heads. Oh he never learned the proper technique of rhyming.
We keep telling him it's all about timing. Anyways, no one can figure it out. What is the problem with our water spout? We all know that you are the one to get this done.
MIA's mind started running a mile a minute. They're all looking at me. Do they expect me to fix their problem? I don't know the first thing about being a nome, but their problem isn't being a nome?
Is it? It's a water problem? When did this problem begin? They just reach out to me now, so it must be a new problem.
My grandmother told me to go to the garden, but it was the gnome who let me here. Could this have to do with my grandmother passing away? That's it. My grandmother was probably watering the garden.
In turn, the excess water was keeping their pond full. But now that she's not here anymore. All of the sudden, hundreds of nomes pop their heads out of the tree. All of the gnomes gasped, Oh, she's good.
Uh, how did you hear my thoughts? Oh we the leader of the Nomes steps in. I'll take it from here, bash Mia. We ah so very sorry for your loss.
When did this tragedy happen? Why did they stop rhyming? It's strictly a formality, the rhyming. It is our custom of properly welcoming a guest.
Are you reading my mind? Well, I'm not really reading your mind. You're projecting your thoughts pretty loudly. We're able to hear them unless you don't want us to.
Now tell me, is your grandmother truly gone, as in passed on to the other side? Or is she away on travel. I wish she was just traveling. She passed away two weeks ago.
This is truly a tragedy. We are very sorry for your loss as well as all of ours. See, your grandmother visited frequently. She taught us a great deal.
If it weren't for your grandmother, we would not be this strong democracy that we are today. Then, Mia, I think you're right. Your grandmother loved our fortress walls. Our fortress walls are the sunflowers.
What do you think we should do? Mia thought for a second. When she thinks she doesn't speak, leaving the leader to just stare at her while she talks in her own thought bubble. Well, if my grandma was handwatering this entire time, I guess I could start handwatering the sunflowers.
But there are days when I can't make it over here, so an irrigation system would be a better source. However, if a squirrel bit through the irrigation system. They would have no way of knowing why the water ran dry. So if we can make it a natural water source, then they would never have to worry about anything.
Aha. The creek the creek? What is a creek? It's when someone opens an old door.
It makes it sound like creek. Well, yes and no. I mean it's a small, narrow stream of water that's smaller than a river and can vary in size and flow. They're found in rural or natural areas.
We can easily build an irrigation ditch and stop reading my mind. I am very sorry, miss Mia. I cannot control hearing your thoughts, but I wonder why you would not want someone to hear your thoughts. They're magnificent.
If I had a brain like that, I would the leader thought of all of the wonderful things he could do with me as wonderful brain. Then well, I would first share some of those with Bash. Please don't tell him I said that, but oh, that poor boy. Anyways, Mia, you have a wonderful gift of a brain.
I wonder what would happen if more people your thoughts? After all? Oh, you're risking is being wrong? Big deal?
Bash is wrong ninety nine percent of the time, but we all love him for it. This sunk deep in MEA's spirit. As she sat looking out over the pond with the leader, her thoughts raced inside of her head. He's right.
I know my mind has some great thoughts, but everyone else doesn't know that. Every time I share my thoughts, it comes out all wrong, and then people think I don't have good thoughts. I know that's a lie, But how do I get other people to realize that? That's a lot of pressure you're putting on yourself.
Mia. It's difficult to find the right words when your mind lacks the breath of clarity and thoughts swirl too rapidly like leaves in a storm. My dear friend, I suggest this, Take a deep breath before you speak, and you may just discover this sequence of words that will bring your thoughts to light. They sit for a second.
It's staring at the pond. A fairy buzzer by. Mia looks at the leader, completely shocked. Was that a fairy?
It was a real fairy, as real as it gets. Mia, Yes, I just realize I don't know your name. Well, my name is Gamont. Mia.
I'd like you to do something. Your grandmother taught me this when I was just a baby gnome doubting myself. It's one of the very things I contribute to becoming a great leader. Every time you create a positive ripple in the lives of those around you, I want you to visit this pond, skip a stone across its surface, and reflect on the impact you've had on others.
Just then, Mia realizes she's been there for a long time and she may be late for dinner. Oh my dear, I must be on my way. I'm going to be late for dinner. I will work on plans to fix your water problem.
I think I know just the perfect plan. I knew you would Mia. Now, don't forget. Gramont holds out a skipping stone for Mia.
But I haven't made any ripples. I haven't fixed your problem yet. Oh but you have, Mia, don't you see your beautiful thoughts brought you to the conclusion that your grandmother's passing is linked to our water problem. That's a major ripple.
Now go make some ripples in your world and make sure you come back to skip a stone. She tells Gramont thank you, and waves goodbye to all of the gnomes and starts to walk outside of the fortress walls. Then thinks to herself, Wait. A minute, how do I become taller again?
Don't worry, Mia, the charm goes away when you walk through the walls. Ttfn what's ttfn? Ha ta tough for now. Mia makes her way outside of the sunflowers and is greeted by the warmth of the setting sun.
She has no idea what time of day it is, but she knows she's late. She runs home and finds her mom just setting the table. Boy, Oh Boy, Part two is as good as part one, and even better because of those gnomes. I can't wait to hear the end.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Mia's Secret Garden Part 3
Mia’s Secret Garden teaches us that every action, no matter how big or small, has the power to create ripples that affect everyone around us. Through Mia’s journey of nurturing her garden, we learn that our choices shape not only our own identity but also the lives of others. Most importantly, the story reveals that these ripples guide us in discovering who we are and who we aspire to become. It’s a beautiful reminder of the inter connectedness of our lives and the profound impact we can have on the world. Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to Season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own lla, The Curious Adventures, or listen to an original story. Right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this. We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bag piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too.
It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the toe. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for. Let's dive into today's tale, the final part of MIA's Secret Garden.
Are you ready to listen? I sure, I am all right, let's do it. Mom. I'm so sorry.
I'm late. I was just late. You're right on time. Mia looks at the clock and she hasn't been gone for any more than ten minutes.
Hmmm, that's strange. What's strange? Oh? Nothing, I didn't realize I said that out loud.
The next day, Mia woke up bright and early, ready for school. She had a new sense of confidence about her. When she got to school, she saw a group of girlfriends standing by their locker. She walked up and overheard them talking about a predicament that one of the girls, Zoe is in.
Zoe has a school project due tomorrow, but after school she has volleyball practice. Then she has to do her laundry, and she really wants to go to the Scout in the Seekers concert that night with her friend phoebe. Well, how about this after volleyball practice, I'll come over to your house. We'll throw the clothes in the wash, and during the cleaning cycle I'll help you organize your ideas and create a quick outline, and then the clothes will be done in the wash.
We'll throw them in the dryer and do the entire project in an hour. When your clothes are done, we'll quickly fold them and you'll be ready for your concert. The girls stare at me as surprised and astonished. Is is there something on my face?
No, that's just so generous, and you're usually quiet. Thank you so much, Mia, that's a genius idea. I'll see you had. Volleyball after practice.
Me and Zoe had a blast coming up with Zoe's science project, doing laundry and laughing about school. They're new appetites and their silly parents. Zoe's project was complete and it gave me a great idea for the secret garden water problem. It was time for Zoe to see Scout in the Seekers.
Mia. I feel really bad that you're here to help me get to the concert and we don't even have an extra ticket for you. Do you want to take my ticket? It's the least I can do for your help.
Are you kidding me? That was the plan all along. I wasn't helping you to get to the concert. I was helping you so that you could get there.
Silly, I was hoping you would say that, But I really do owe you. Your friendship is more than you can imagine. Now, go have a blast, I hear. Scout in the Seekers is out of this world.
Mia made her way home just in time to see your mom starting dinner. Mom, do you mind if I run over to Grandma's really quick? I'll be back in fifteen minutes. Sure is everything okay?
Yep? I just want to water her sunflowers. That's thoughtful, Mia. See you soon.
When Mia made it past the fortress walls, the gnomes were all working away, feeding the fish, sweeping the leaves, brushing the dragonflies. Fash noticed Mia first and walked up to her. Welcome back, Mia, Would you like to try and on am on a pea? What's the atomatopeia?
And on them on a pea is a sound that imitates the sound of an insect or an animal. For example, if I were to say a dog says wolf wolf, the word wolf is an atom on a peia. You're done. How about when I fix your water problem, the water will go who wash back to the pond?
Oh wow, Wow, that's that's a good one, on Mia. Wow. As Bash sat there thinking about her on amonopeia, Mia ran to Grimmont. Mister Grammont, I did it.
You were so right. I was in school and my friend Zoe was having a problem, and we don't even know each other like a ton, but I talked to her here and there at school. But I've never hung out at her house. But I figured out this really little scheduling problem she was having, and it gave us time to hang out and it was.
Such a blast. Mia realized she was going on and on, and Garmont was just standing there with a big smirk on his face. I'm rambling, aren't I. If that's what you call it, I wish you would do it more.
Your spirit brightens up the place. Now what I heard is that you made more ripples. I made more ripples. Gramont walked her to the pond and picked up a very tiny skipping stone.
Mia gave him a look as to say, how do you skip a small stone? A lot smaller than the last, isn't it? When you throw this very tiny stone? I want you to watch the ripples it makes across the very still pond.
How do I even skip a stone so small? How did you fix your friend's very tiny scheduling conflict? Mia smiled at this, then set her focus on the very tiny stone in her hand. She knew with such a delicate stone, she would have to adjust her throat to account for a delicate amount of inertia.
She pulled back slightly and gave her wrist a tiny flick. The stone went skipping across the pond one two, three, four skips. After that, it seemed to glide across the pond before disappearing with a tiny splash. But what remained were ripples that emanated from the spot where the stone had skipped, spreading out to the edges of the pond.
As the ripples reached the outer edges, they shimmered in all different sparkly colors. WHOA, that's incredible. Well, it's a wonder that such a tiny stone can make such a big impact. Mia, Do not forget that this stone is a symbol of the impacts you make on the ones around you.
Such a tiny gesture can leave a tremendous impression. And the greatest part, not a single stone is the same size as another, nor is one ripple quite like the next. With this newfound excitement to make ripples, Mia spent the next week helping out her family, her schoolmates, even animals and insects who seemed to be in need. She also got to work on the Nomes irrigation system.
Every day after school, she would take a tiny garden shovel to her grandma's house to dig the very tiny trench. Nobody would be able to notice this trench, which solidified her recent understanding that very small acts can have big impacts. The following week, Mia was so excited to help others that she promised to do even more. She said she would help more friends with their homework too.
Last week had gone so well she didn't think taking on a few extra responsibilities would be a big deal. But soon Mia was helping so many people and making so many promises that she started to feel overwhelmed. She realized she'd taken on so much that every morning she woke up tired, and by the end of the day she was completely exhausted. She went to the Nomes Garden to visit Garmont.
As soon as Germont saw her, he rushed over to her. My dear Mia, you looking exhausted. Come come sit by the pond and have a hibiscus tea with me. Mia reluctantly joined Germont by the pond, which seemed to shimmer with a new brilliance.
Now tell me what has been happening. Well, last time I saw you, I was so fulfilled by help thing out others that I decided to help out even more people. But it started making me feel overwhelmed, leaving me tired. In the end, Garmont stood up and walked over to the stone pile.
He started digging through the stones. Hmm, no, no, no, no ah, here we go. He walked back to Mia and handed her a huge skipping stone. Mia looked at him with a concerned look.
I can't skip this, hum of me. Give it a dry Mia walked over to the pond and tried to heave the skipping stone across the water, but it just made a huge smack, splashing water all over her and scaring the fish that were by the edge of the pond. Garmont giggled. Mia looked at Garmont with a frustrated look.
I'm all wet now. Garmont whisped his hands in the air, as if conjuring up a spell. As he wisped a spell in the air, a warm breeze emer from the trees and made its way to Mia. The warm air blew in MIA's face as if a giant blow dryer was drying her.
In an instant, she was dry again. WHOA, that was cool. Now, come sit. How much time have you set aside for yourself in these past few weeks?
Um? None? I guess only taking care of others and not taking care of yourself is like skipping that giant heavy stone across the pond. You can't just create ripples for everyone else and not create any soothing ripples of your own.
It's a balance, Miya. Helping people will fill you up, but if you fill up too much, you'll be like that heavy stone and sink to the bottom of the pond. Well, I do feel like that heavy stone at the bottom of the pond. When you leave this time, I want you to take this knowledge with you.
Meditate on the things that make you smile. Is it crocheting? Is it art? Is it a video game?
Take some time to recharge your batteries by doing the things you love to do. You're no use to anyone if you are completely depleted. Mia left the garden and walked home, thinking about herself and what she needs to do. There are so many responsibilities school, volleyball, homework, chores.
She felt overwhelmed, so when she got home, she ate dinner with her family. Then after dinner, she asked her parents. Do you guys want to play Uno? Sure?
So they spent the rest of the night playing Uno and Monopoly and laughing, talking and enjoying each other's company. They were all so happy. This is one of the best nights MIA's had in such a long time since her grandma passed. Playing cards was one of MIA's grandma's face things to do.
She always said, it makes the hot happy. After they finished and it was time to get ready for bed, Mia turned to her parents and told them both. That made my heart happy. Thanks guys.
Then she went off to bed to snuggle with mister Figgs. The next day, after school, she went to work on the irrigation system again and finished it. She had no idea what would happen, but slowly she saw a trickle running down the trench. It seemed as if her idea worked.
She ran to the sunflowers and walked through them. When she entered the secret Garden, she saw all of the gnomes staring in awe at the large waterfall that had been restored. The gnomes were all locked arm in arms, smiling and singing. Mia walked up to Carmont, You are truly a wonderful person.
Mia. We could have never done this without you. This simple act of kindness has impacted Autree for generations to come. How can we ever repay you?
Well? Actually, the first time I came here, it seemed as if I had a choice to ride a lily pad with a bunny on it strudeu. The bunny's name is strudeo. Oh it's Strudel, or ride a dragonfly.
I'd love the ride with Strudel, but I can't stop wondering what would have happened if I chose the dragonfly. Grmont whistled loudly, and a dragonfly with all of the tack and riding gear appeared. Garmont held out his hand to usher her to the dragonfly and helped her climb upon it. As soon as she sat down, she felt the dragonfly's breath pushing on her legs.
She felt the steady beat of two pairs of wings. The gentle breeze that the wings produced felt warm and sweet. She had a strange sensation that she could feel the dragonfly's intention. She looked down and saw reins.
She grabbed onto them, and as soon as she had a grip, she felt the ground fall fast from under her. She was elevating higher and higher into the air. She rose through the sunflower plants until she reached the top. She was exiting the secret garden.
She first worried that she would turn back to her original size, but she remained the same size as the dragonfly. She thought in her head, you. Would be so cool to fly over my house. And as if the dragonfly knew exactly what she felt, it veered towards her house.
They flew closer and closer until she could see her parents outside working in the flower garden. Her dad was on the lawnmower. She got a crazy idea to fly right in front of his face. The dragonfly dipped and buzzed right past her dad.
She looked back to see a startled reaction from her dad as she laughed and gave a loud woooo. The rest of the story lies within MIA's heart. The end, Oh my goodness, I just might need to listen to me a Secret Garden one more time. The finale did not disappoint.
It's such a beautiful reminder of how connected we are in all of our lives and the profound impact we can have on the world, even in the smallest sense. Nothing's too small. Actually, I loved Mia, and I loved her Grandma's garden.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Mother’s Day | A Mumma Humma
Gooooood morning, my beautiful little chick…In this heartwarming episode of Adventures of Curiosity Cove, kids and families discover the surprising world of hummingbirds through the eyes of Mumma Humma, a tiny, sweet, and fiercely protective mama bird.Children will learn fun facts about hummingbirds, animal behavior, nests, and how even the smallest creatures can be incredibly brave when protecting the ones they love.This calming, screen-free kids podcast episode explores:• empathy and emotional learning• confidence and courage• motherhood and protection• nature and science for kids• why softness and strength can exist togetherPerfect for kids ages 4–10, bedtime listening, car rides, classrooms, and curious families who love thoughtful storytelling.Because Mumma Humma may be tiny…But she does NOT play about her babies.Adventures of Curiosity Cove is a storytelling podcast for kids and families that helps children explore emotions, curiosity, friendship, and growing up through imaginative adventures and meaningful conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello and welcome back to season five of Adventures of Curiosity. Cove It's meet Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags.
Fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side. It's peaceful, almost like. My mom just used her relaxing dreams fread perfect for storytime. We're back with our series Animal Apprentice.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up as a brand new animal deep in the ocean, high in the jungle canopy, or out on the wide Serengeti an Animal Apprentice, you step into the tiny paws, claws, wings, or fins of a baby animal. Seeing the world for the first time. Each episode, a wise, grown up animal becomes your guide, teaching you how to see and discover your special traits. So what are we waiting for.
Let's dive in. Mama, humma, good morning, my beautiful little chick. I know, I know you must be so cold. You don't have any feathers yet.
It's okay, it's me, mamahumma. You can't see me, but I'm right here. I'm your mama. You were just born.
You and your brother over there, see him fast asleep. You're both born naked and blind. That's normal. You'll get your eyesight in about nine or ten days, So for now, just rest.
Listen to the wind, listen to the leaves, Listen to the world humming around you. Your feathers will come and spike yet first like little porcupine pins around the same time, and then by about three weeks you'll owe I'll be grown up and ready to leave the nest. But let's not rush that. Mammahamma will be very sad when that day comes.
Still, you've got so much to look forward to, my sweet one. We are the only birds who can hover in place like magic. We can fly sideways backwards. We can stop in midair and think about our choices, and yes, we can even fly upside down.
You're special, you always have been. Oh but you must be starving. Tiny tummies burn energy so fast. Your little heart is already racing faster than any other birds, and it's only going to get faster.
That means we eat a lot. Now, open up, my beautiful baby. Mama's gonna throw up some food right into your mouth. I know, I know, sounds delicious.
Huh. Just let me shake up my tummy a little. Hey, how are you? Yeah?
You get out of here, Get out. Of here now? Oh oh oh my goodness. Up.
I'm sorry. I'm just your neighbor. I don't care who you are. This is my nus.
These are my babies, and you are too close. Get out no es? Oh okay, wow, yeah where was I? Oh?
Yes, I was just about to throw up in your mouth. Here we go. Eat up, my beautiful little chick. That's nectar and teeny tiny bugs protein for growing wings.
We burn a lot of energy, you and I. We have to eat every ten minutes just to keep going. We burn fuel like a race car. And your heart right now beating faster than you can imagine.
It's racing like it's late for something. That's why we eat all day. That's why Mama leaves and comes back, leaves and comes back. I'll visit you one hundred times a day.
I'll never forget where you are ever. And when it gets cold, when the sun goes down and your tiny body can't keep up, we do something very special. We power down. It's called to poor.
Sounds fancy, but really it means we slow everything down, heart breathing, warmth, just enough to survive the night, like a tiny reset button. But don't worry. Mama's got you. Now.
Listen to me, little one. When you grow up, you're gonna be small. People will underestimate you. Big birds will laugh, Bigger birds will try things.
That's when you remember this. We may be delicate, but we are fast. Our wings beat so quickly they blur. Oh my goodness, do you see this hot shot outside the nest, little one?
Oh that's right, you're blind. Sorry forgot for a second. There's this jockey of a hummingbird out there, all shiny, all confident, diving past the nest like he owns the sky. He's hitting almost sixty miles an hour, fastest movement in the animal kingdom for our size.
No big deal, And he's doing it for me. That's what the males do to impress us. They dive straight down, faster and faster. Then at the very last second they open their feathers and pull up so hard it creates nine geees of force.
That's more than human military planes can handle. And when he pulls up, his feathers make a little chirping song in the air. I'm sure you can hear it, like he's signing his name a big fancy letter J. The louder and faster the dive, the more impressive it is to us females.
It makes us swoon a little. I think he fancies me. Oh are you doing this for me? Sir?
That's very enthusiastic, very bold. No, thank you, though Mama's not interested. You heard me, I'm not interested. Buzz off.
Oh you don't want. To go, I'll make you go now you're gonna get it. Sorry, honey, Mama didn't want to leave you. But protecting and the nust always comes first.
You, your brother, this little home, you know, little one, there's a lot going on in that tiny head of yours already. We hummingbirds got the biggest brains for our size of any wild bird. All that thinking packed into something so small. That's how we remember every flower, every safe place, every danger, smart little hearts, and one day, not today, you'll lay eggs of your own, usually only two each year, tiny ones, smaller than jelly beans, more like little coffee beans.
You could lose one in a teacup and never find it again. But that's okay. Small doesn't mean fragile. When you grow up, you'll travel far, very far, thousands of miles, and we do it alone.
Not because we're lonely, oh no, because it's smarter. No arguing over directions, no waiting for anyone to catch up. No are we there yet? We know where we're going, and we go along the way.
You'll find water, and oh do we love water. A little mist, a splash from a fountain, a bird bath somebody forgot to empty. We'll shower right in mid air if we can clean feathers, fly better, sparkle brighter, and feel jest right. Humans think they're being fancy with their gardens, but really they're just building us a little hummingbird spas.
But all that comes later. For now, now sh rest grow. Mama's right here, and if anyone comes near again, they're gonna learn. Boy, oh boy, If I ever see a hummingbird nest, I'll never touch it, and I don't think you should either.
They are protective, just like my mom, I guess. Anyway, I hope you. Enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Rosaliah. I heard you're a big fan of the Cove, and I'm a big fan of yours.
Drop your kids'.
Names and your podcast reviews and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout out on an upcoming episode.
Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
New Year, New E
When Ella overhears her parents making ambitious New Year plans, she sets out to create her own list of goals, placing too much pressure on herself to achieve them all. With her mom’s guidance, Ella learns that life isn’t about rushing to complete a checklist—it’s about enjoying the journey along the way. Pre-order Tika Sumpter’s children book “I Got It From My Mama” below: https://fort-sumpter.com/pages/projects Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to season two of the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive into today's tale called New Year, New e. Are you ready to listen? I sure, Am, all right, let's do it. On the morning of New Year's Day, Ella the Curious woke up feeling more than excitable and refreshed.
Maybe re excitable, not that that's even a word. New Year knew, Ella, Ella said as she wore her comfy, rollly colored PJS to bed after what she knew as the party of the century the night before. I can't believe I got to have sparkling cider last night with my bestie Scout and Layla, have a dance party and watch the adults do something called dream boards while us kids painted and drew our own dreams and goals for the New Year. It was one heck of a night as we all watched the ball drop, well, at least the parents did.
Roe was just as excited to hear all the details because Roe passed out at nine pm. Oh I know, Roe, you were sleepy, but so was I. Nine pm was way past my bedtime. I passed out too.
Did I miss anything else? Nope? I mean except the chocolate covered Sundays that we made before passing out. Oh man, no worries, Roe, I saved you some in the freezer for later.
You're the best, Ella, and so are you row row? Okay, let's get our day started and catch up with Scout and Laila. New Day, New Year. Ella and Roe went to the bathroom, washed up, brushed their teeth, got dressed, and headed downstairs for breakfast.
Good morning, miss Ella, Good morning, sweet Mama, Good morning e, Good morning dead dah. What a wonderful morning it is. Huh New day, New Year. I'm ready to jump start right now.
Joy and her husband giggled at Ella's excitement to Ella's ambitious new year. They've seen this before from their own past behavior. Ella, no need to sprint towards your goals. The new year just started.
It's better to be a tortoise rather than a hare. Mom. You adults were so inspiring last night. Time is of the essence, and there is no time like now.
We can't wait to make things happen for us, and we have to make them happen ourselves. Whoa slow down? Ee, You're only eight years old. What plans do you have that can't seem to wait?
Well? First, I have to finish designing my treehouse, Finish sewing my pillow case for my bean bag, draw some fresh pictures for my art portfolio, make the swim team once we're back in school, of course, So practice swim every day at Cove Swim School, Finish the rest of my book Prancy Chancy, and paint my shoes before the break is over. What are you talking about, dead Da, I've got to get started before the new year rules around. There is no rest for the weary.
I've gotta go grab Scout and Layla so we can start right away. Almost out of breath, Ella swiftly left out of the front door and headed to pick up her besties. Two doors down, Ella picked up Laila, and two more doors down from Layla, they picked up Scout. Okay, guys, how awesome was last night?
Oh? I'm still thinking about that delicious chocolate covered Sunday. Ella. I always want to celebrate New Year's Eve at your house.
Your mom always has the best treats. It's true. And watching all the adults cut up magazines and plan for their new year was so cool. Who new parents still like to do arts and crafts?
Right? It's got me to thinking we should start right away on our plans for the year. Uh plans, yes, plans, Scout. Remember we drew and painted ours as well.
Oh, I just painted a picture of us. It made me happy, But I didn't draw any new year plans, Layla, did you well? Sort of? I painted a picture of a new gadget I want to work on.
It helps me pick up my clothes off the floor while also finding coins, but nothing else. I'll get to it when I get to it. Do you guys want to head to Cove Castle to jump in the bouncy house? Guys, that's all you both painted.
I have so much on my list to complete. Didn't you hear our parents? They sounded like their plates for the future is so full that it's going to take them years to complete all of their hopes and dreams. We've got to start now.
We don't want to be like them putting the things we never completed back on the list for the next year. That sounds exhausting. Uh, Ella, you sound exhausting. Who cares if we don't get a list done?
Well, it's a new year and a new US. Ella, I liked the US from last year and the year before that. Why do we need to be new? Because it's a fresh start.
At least that's what the adults say. Now, come on, let's go to the treehouse. But only if you promise that we get to go to Cove Castle today and have some fun. Promise, Scout, Layla, Ella and Scout climbed the treehouse.
It was a bit of a mess from the night before, and because Ella has been doing a bit of rearranging. Okay, should the beanbag go here or there? Anywhere's fine, Scout. Anywhere is not fine.
We move them anyway, so anywhere is perfect. Right by the window so the sunlight hits us just right, is perfect. Do you mind helping me finish sewing the pillowcases for the bean bags? Scout, go to the drawer and grab the needle and thread.
Ella, Cove Castle sounds way more fun, Scout. Being with your friends anywhere should be fun. Right if you say Soey, Scout grab the needle and thread out of the drawer. Ellen and Laila started the threading and sewing while Scout tried his best to thread the needle.
An hour later, the Bestie's finished with the small pillowcase. Wow, it's so beautiful a pillowcase with row on the front, isn't it lovely? Yes, Roe is lovely, Ella, But couldn't you have finished this on your own? I thought we all agreed last night to help each other with our dreams and goals New Year knew us, Yes, Ella, but we're only on day one and Scout and I just want to have fun.
Goals and dreams. Ella, playing's my only goal and dream right now, agreed. Ella was a bit disappointed by her besties lack of go get herness at the start of the New Year, but she kind of understood. Okay, that's kind of understandable.
How about I'll finish up here and meet you guys at Cove Castle in a few sounds epic, Ella, Are you sure as sure as I can be? Scout and Laila headed out of the treehouse while Ella got her crayons and brushes out. Ella was like a mad scientist as she painted and drue collages of new drawings for the walls of her treehouse, and by the time she finished, it felt like she had over twenty new prints all over the place. Ella looked around, exhausted.
Geez, this goal thing is tiring. How is anyone supposed to do this all in such a short span of time. The adults made it sound like there's no time like the present. Jeez, Louise, I need a nap.
Ella headed down her treehouse steps and back in the house, but before she got there, she tripped on a rock and fell on the ground. This whole New Year Knew Me is kind of a new disaster. As Ella headed into the kitchen, she smelled her mama's homemade chocolate chip cookies. Ella, you want a warm cookie?
Oh no, thanks, Mama, I need a nap, a nap? Where's my daughter? And what did you do with her? Ella giggled, and so did Joy.
Mama, it's me Ella. I'm right here. I'm just exhausted from the new year. Already, New Year Knew Me?
Remember, Oh boy, Ella, were you listening to grown folks talk again? Always? Mama, I have so much to get done before the next year, and I'm already exhausted. How do adults do this every day?
Ella? When adults say New Year Knew Me, it's a simple way of saying it's a fresh start for us. Adults have a lot of adult things to take care of, and it's a way of starting a new masterpiece or finishing the one we didn't finish before. But Mama, you only have three hundred and sixty four days to do it.
You gotta get a move on. Everyone seems so motivated and in a rush to get going, Ella, we were just excited, not rushed. The point of goals are to complete them, not to rush through them. The journey is actually the fun part.
The result is the product of completing the journey. I don't want to rush that. So you're saying, have fun while you're on the yellow brick road. Exactly, So my timeline doesn't need to be as fast as a furry hair, not at all.
The fun is in the moment you get to share with your friends on the journey, as well as taking your time with each goal, enjoying it. So I do have time to go with Scout and Leila to Cove Castle. Yes, of course, everything else can wait. The most important piece for you is to go play and have fun.
Your list can wait. I love your ambition, but girl, leave the list to me and go. Ella ran out of the house and headed down the road to Cove Castle, where Scout and Laila were bouncing on the beautiful, big bouncy castles, laughing and not having a care in the world. Ella ran to them, Ella, you made it.
I did. My mama told me to leave the list to her, and my only job is to play and have fun. Now that's the New Year, New Me list that I love. Sorry that I thought I needed to somehow get a bunch of things done in order to feel like the new year felt like something new.
It's okay, Ella, The new year is just the continuation of a new day for me, saying me, new Day. I like that. It seems like adults put so much pressure on themselves because they do the best sieson looked at each other. Let's try our best to live in each moment, have fun, and complete the things we want at a tortoise pace so we can really enjoy it.
Now, that's a promise I can keep. The besties laugh. All right, enough with this list. Scout tagged Ella.
Tag You're in Ella. Layla AND's Scout ran as fast as they could away from Ella, but they all fell into the bouncy house together. Gotcha both. You sure do, Ella, You sure do Forever.
The four friends laughed and enjoyed the moment together, minus the lists, and only the fun New day, Old friends forever. The end. Boy, oh boy, do I love my besties Scout and Leila. I love the new Year.
It's a fresh start, but it's the same me. That moment reminded me of what's most important, which is being in the moment and not worrying about what's next, but what's right now. I'm so glad my friends and parents reminded me. I hope you loved our story today, and I hope your new year is as incredible and snail pace like as possible.
I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did. Oh
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
OH NO! | A Bee Sting
Oh no…You got stung by a bee. Cue the screaming.The jumping.The “I didn’t deserve that!!!”But… did the bee think it didn’t deserve something too?In this episode, we slow things down (after the initial freak-out) and get curious about what just happened. Why do bees sting? What should you do right after it happens? And here’s a big one…How do you not get stung again?You’ll learn simple ways to stay safe, surprising facts about bees (including who can actually sting), and even a wild twist … something that hurts you… might actually help humans in ways scientists are just beginning to understand. So next time a bee flies near you…Do you panic and swat?Or stay calm… and let it pass?Because sometimes an “Oh no!” is really just a moment we didn’t understand yet.Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where curious kids and families explore the world with wonder and a whole lot of questions.Learn More: FortSumpter.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello and welcome back to season five of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's me Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream fres perfect for story time. Oh No is a new series about what occurs when something unfortunate might happen to you, but with a bright spot of an explanation of what actually happened. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in feasting.
Oh No, you got stung by a bee? I'm sure you've already screamed your head off, cried, jumped up and down rubbing the area, and I'm sure you felt some sort of feeling of I didn't deserve that. Well, let's first address the sting you're feeling right now, and then we'll explore how not to get stung again. It's actually easier than you think.
So what's the first thing you should do after a beasting? Most importantly, calm down, gather your breathing. You cannot think straight when you're stressed out. Assess the sting.
If you're feeling nauseous, dizzy, or you feel difficulty breathing or swallowing, alert the nearest adult and your parents or a caretaker. If you've calmed your heart rate and your emotions and your mind and you are only left with the stinging sensation and a feeling of sadness like. How could that cue little b do this. To me, then you can continue to the next step.
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should first see if the stinger is still intact. Do you see a stinger in your arm still? Hopkins Medicine dot Org states, do not pull it out. You may release more venom into your skin.
You can gently scrape the site with an object like a credit card or a fingernail. Second, go apply warm water and soap to the affected area. Third, a cold compress will help alleviate the pain. Now, if you're like me, you may remember your mom making a bubbly concoction with baking soda and applying it to the bite.
Some believe this still works. Oakbrookallergists dot com believe that mixing baking soda with warm water until it's a paste, applying it to the bee sting, covering the area after the paste is applied, and leaving it for fifteen minutes will help remedy the sting. So let's simplify. You just got stung.
Scrape it with your fingernail or credit card, wash it with soap and water and put a nice or make the baking soda paste and apply Remember keep calm. Okay, Now that it doesn't sting anymore, we can talk about why this happened. I know for a fact it was a female bee because male bees do not sting. Only female bees can sting.
So anyone who's ever gotten stung by a bee, we all have one thing in common. It was a female bee. Either way, I'm sure you didn't deserve it unless you were trying to kill the bee by smacking, swatting, or squashing at it. But even then I doubt you were trying to harm the bee.
You were trying to protect yourself. Well, bees only sting when they feel threatened, So the next time you see a bee, do not. Swat at it. It will think you're trying to kill it, and it may retaliate.
And you may be wondering why did a bee follow me one day and not leave me alone? Well, if they seem to have taken a liking to you, check to see what color of clothes you're wearing, or did you put on perfume. Bees are attracted to perfume because it smells sweet, like the flowers they're seeking. They're also attracted to bright colors.
Can you guess why? Yep? Flowers are brightly colored. Does this mean never wear bright colors again?
No, of course not. You can simply allow the bee to land on you, sniff you out, and when they realize that you don't have any pollen on your clothes, they'll fly away seeking the next flower or person with flowers on their clothes. You may have heard that a bee dies right after it stings you. This is true for the honeybee.
My daughter's first bee sting was accompanied by many tears followed by laughter because I told her the bee's butt fell off into her skin and the bee died. Well, this is actually true for the honeybee. Their entire abdomen falls off after they sting you and they die. So who had it worse?
You are the bee? Okay, where's the good news? Well, there is good news. Sometimes things that hurt aren't so bad for you, Like holding ice on a booboo can hurt it first, but when you push through, you reap the benefits.
It turns out that the venom from a bee is packed full of amazing things. According to a peer reviewed. Journal article, b venom is in the very early stages of treating many different ailments, from cancer to paralysis to arthritis. It may even be used to treat COVID.
Bava et al. States that b venom has anti inflammatory, anti tumor, anti bacterial, anti viral, and anti parasitic properties. Wow, we are in the early stages of understanding how we can use b venom to heal many ailments. Maybe one of you will be the next to cure cancer.
Or als. Now, this does not mean to go get stung by a bee. We're simply stating that bee venom has so many positive qualities that we're just now starting to study. Once again, if you get any negative symptoms from a bee bite, including coughing, dizziness, shortness of breath, hives, et cetera, seek professional help immediately.
I hope you learned some great things about bees. If you've liked this short story and want more, please let us know. We'd love the opportunity to bring you more be stories. We at Curiosity Cove are so curious about animals, insects, people, earth.
The list goes on and on. Our curiosity is endless until next time. Chow bella boy, oh boy, I've thought a bea stinging me hurt more than it hurt the bee. But it seems like the other way around.
Or maybe both of us just are really hurt. Huh. I'll never look at bees the same. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Jenna. I heard you're a big fan of the Cove and I'm a big fan of yours.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
OH NO! | You Squished a Bug
Did you just squish a bug? Maybe you felt bad… maybe you didn’t… or maybe you’re not even sure how you felt.In this episode, we take that one tiny moment and turn it into a big, curious adventure. We explore surprising facts about bees, spiders, ants, and other tiny creatures, and discover how something so small can have a huge impact on our world. From pollinating our food to keeping nature in balance, these little critters might be more important than we think.And here’s the twist… they might even feel more than we realize.So next time you see a bug… will you squish it? Or will you stop and get curious? Part of Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where curious kids and families explore the world with wonder and a whole lot of questions.Learn More: FortSumpter.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side. It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time.
Oh No is a new series about what occurs when something unfortunate might happen to you, but with a bright spot of an explanation of what actually happened. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in bug squash. Oh No, You squashed the helpless bug and now you feel horrible or maybe you don't have you ever seen a bug on the ground and your heart is just telling you not to step on it, but something more powerful inside is telling you squash it.
I'm sure you have all stepped on an innocent bug at some point in your life. How'd you feel? Bad? Powerful?
Not sure? Well, we've all been here at some point in our lives, and we're not here to judge. However, knowing all the facts helps you decide if you're going to do it again or not. But not all size fits all.
Take, for instance, a bee. One of my first memories as a very young child is riding in my dad's old truck with my mom, my dad, and my brother. We just pulled into our driveway when we all noticed a bug crawling up the back window. My instinct as a little three year old was to smash, and before anybody could warn me, I slammed the palm of my hand against the window, thinking it's a spider.
Well, it turned out to be a bee, and that bee stung me right before I killed it, and rightfully so. I remember crying and my mom making a cool, fuzzy concoction to ease my pain. But why was my first instinct as a young child to squash it well. Bradley Miller at lovefary dot com thinks that kids rarely feel big, and here they get a chance to show that they are now.
I personally remember feeling a sense of protection over my dad's truck and wanting to kill the intruder. I'm sure you're thinking of other reasons why you squashed a bug, and we would love to hear them to understand why we do what we do. I'll remind you again at the end, So why was it a sad day to lose one less bee that day? Bees are an extremely important insect.
Without bees, are fruit production would take a significant hit. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that bees and butterflies help pollinate approximately seventy five percent of the world's flowering plants. According to Livekindly dot com, bees pollinate roughly thirty five percent of the world's food crop, including fruits and vegetables. Without bees, the world would not be as colorful and our grocery stores would not have as many fresh fruits and vegetables.
Bees also put air in our lungs. Their pollination helps many trees and plants grow that provide oxygen. There are many other pollinators that are insects. If you look on pollinator dot org.
They include butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, and wasps, but they also include birds, bats, and small mammals. What about spiders. It's surely okay to kill an ugly looking spider, right, Well, actually, it's all about how you look at it. What if I were to tell you that the spider in your house is actually like having a personal bug security.
Spider's main diet is other insects. That includes pesky flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and even other spiders. So if you see one spider in your house, he may just be there to keep your house rid of other insects. Still not sold, I'm not either.
Sometimes I find that grabbing a glass jar and a sheet of paper is the best way to rid my home of a spider instead of squashing it. First, place the jar over top of the spider, being cautious not to squish it. Then slide the sheet of paper in between the jar opening and the surface that you caught the spider in the glass jar will allow you to see into the jar to make sure you have captured the spider. Now you can tilt the jar right side up with the paper on top of the opening and take it outside.
What if you see an insect outside on the sidewalk. Let's say you see an ant in your path and you really want to step on it. First, I hope you're asking yourself, why do I want to kill this little defenseless critter. Second, I want you to think of what ants actually do well.
Quite simply, ants can clean up our sidewalks. If you drop some food on the sidewalk, chances are an ant colony will quickly move in, break it down and carry it to their colony. In the process their decomposing organic matter, where it will fertilize the soil and help our plants grow. I'll bet you add no idea that something that small can make an impact that big.
Do all of these insects have feelings? Can they feel pain? Zaria Gorvitt, who writes for the BBC at BBC dot Com, states that there's mounting evidence that insects can experience a remarkable range of feelings. They can be literally buzzing with delight at pleasant surprises, or sink into depression when bad things happen that are out of their control.
They can be optimistic, cynical, or frightened, and respond to pain just like any mammal wood. She also states that bees can count up to four cockroaches have rich social lives and form tribes that stick together and communicate. Ants can even pioneer new tools like using sponges to carry honey back to their nest. Wow.
So next time you go to squish a bug for purposes that only you may know, think to yourself, what does this insect actually do in the bigger picture? You may just be surprised at how it impacts your daily life. At Curiosity Cove, we're always curious, so we want to hear all the reasons why you've squished a bug in the past, and if hearing this has made an impact on how you'll treat the next insect you see. Until next time, choo.
Boy, oh boy. I'll definitely think twice before squashing any bug. I usually tell my mom, hey, don't kill it. They have to get back to their families.
But now I know they do way more than I ever thought. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Izzy. I heard you're a big fan of the Cove and I'm a big fan of yours.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Parker’s Puzzles
Parker has always seen life like a puzzle—scattered thoughts and feelings waiting to be sorted into neat little piles. But when an unexpected emotion feels too big to fit, Parker realizes not everything can be solved with logic alone. With a little creativity, courage, and (of course) puzzles, she learns new ways to handle her biggest feelings. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season three of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's meet Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy.
Pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side. It's peaceful, almost like. My mom just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for?
Let's dive in Parker's puzzle. Parker was a true introvert. Now what's an introvert you ask, Well, in my opinion, it's someone whose brain batteries get charged up by being alone, maybe reading a book, drawing, daydreaming, or just laying on the floor staring at the ceiling. No judgment.
Now let's talk extroverts. They're the ones who get their energy from being around people, talking, laughing, telling stories, maybe dancing in the kitchen for no reason at all. Again, no judgment. But here's the twist.
Just because you're an introvert doesn't mean you don't like people, and being an extrovert doesn't mean you don't enjoy a little peace and quiet. It's kind of like an ice cream sunday. Some of us are chocolate, some are vanilla, and some are a wild swirl of both with nuts sprinkled all on top. We're all built differently, and that's what makes the world such a fun, weird, beautiful place.
What else made Parker unique? I'm so glad you asked. Well. Her bread and butter, her peanut butter and jelly, her egg sandwich with mayonnaise, her chocolate milkshake with French fries was puzzles.
She loved a good puzzle. What kind of puzzles you ask, The chalkboard kind with a gazillion little pieces that somehow all fit together to make one big picture. There was just something magical about sitting alone with her thoughts. It was like sitting down with all the different parts of herself.
When she worked on a puzzle, it was like she was gently sorting through her own mind, clicking each thought into place piece by piece. And when a puzzle got tricky, no biggie. She believed there was always a perfect piece for every perfect spot. And that's how Parker saw the whole world a puzzle waiting to be put together, a little messy sometimes, but always full of possibility.
One rainy afternoon, Parker was working on a one thousand piece puzzle of a jungle scene. Bright parrots, twisty vines, sleepy tigers, and one sneaky monkey wearing sunglasses. She had most of the border finished and the parrots all lined up, but there was one piece that just didn't fit anywhere. It had a smudge of green, a splash of blue, and what looked like a banana peel.
Hmmm, Parker said, tapping her chin, you're. A weirdo piece. I like that about you. She flipped it, turned it, even held it up to the light like a gem.
Then she did something most people wouldn't think to do. She looked at the back of the puzzle box, not the front picture, but the back. There in tiny print was a clue. The monkey hides behind the tiger's tail.
Parker grinned. Of course, she found the tiger's tail, slid the weird little piece right into the shadowy jungle, and perfect fit, she smiled to herself. Sometimes the answers hiding in plain sight, or you know, behind a tiger's butt. But puzzles weren't just cardboard and corners and jungle monkeys to Parker.
Before this, she always thought puzzles were something only grandma's and grandpa's did, something that smelled like peppermint and old books. But here's how Parker fell in love with puzzles. When Parker was seven, she found out she was going to be a big sister, and oh boy, that was a whole new kind of puzzle. She felt joy, excitement, nervousness, curiosity, fear, and anger.
Wait anger. Why would she feel angry about getting a baby's sibling? She didn't know, and not knowing made her even angrier. Yep, she was angry about being angry.
Have you ever felt like that? Like you're mad, and then you're mad that you're mad? Like how dare that tricky little feeling sneak into your body? Especially during what's supposed to be a happy time.
Well, Parker eventually learned something important. Sometimes anger just wants to be heard, and trying to squish it down only makes it louder. She started thinking of her feelings like puzzle pieces too, joy, fear, love, anger. They all had their place, Some fit easily, some took a little while, but in the end they were all part of the picture.
I should be excited about getting a baby, brother or sister, Parker huffed, But that means I have to share all my toys in my room, and worse, mom and Dad. I already don't get enough time with Mom. She crossed her arms and flopped onto the bed. Maybe if it's a brother, I'll hang out with Dad Moore and I'll get Mom to myself and then.
We can switch. Maybe, she groaned. Ugh, babies are a lot of work. Why is this happening now?
Life was going so well well, aside from Dad yelling sometimes and Mom always telling me what to wear. Still, why now? Parker was really struggling with the news. But here's the thing.
It's often in our hardest moments that we uncover the most beautiful parts of ourselves. If we're open to it, and in the middle of all that confusion, frustration, and messy feeling stuff, Parker discovered puzzles. It was a rainy Saturday, and Parker's mom was about the burst. She had been carrying the baby for nine whole months.
That's how long a baby usually grows inside a mother before it's ready to be born. Sometimes it's a little longer, sometimes shorter. And that also meant one big thing. Time was almost up.
Time was almost up for Parker, having mom and dad all to herself, she was already mad. It was raining, she couldn't go outside, she was mad about the baby, and now her parents were saying, do something to stimulate your mind before cartoons. Stimulate your mind. What does that even mean?
Parker stomped off downstairs in a fury. She didn't want to draw, or read, or build, or talk or even think. She stared at her bookshelf fuming, and then she saw it. A puzzle box with the most beautiful picture she had ever seen, a golden field with deer, rabbits and birds.
A gentle stream curved through the side of the picture, and next to it stood a big red Norria. Anoria is a huge water wheel with buckets on it. As the river turns the wheel, it lifts water up and pours it into a channel at the top, moving water uphill without using electricity. Cool right, Parker imagined herself sitting in that field, the sound of the stream, the quiet of the animals, the breeze, and the grass.
Before she even realized what she was doing, she was carrying the puzzle to the kitchen table. She stayed there for hours, sorting pieces, fitting edges, looking closely, trying again. The world around her started to fade piece by piece. She felt calmer and calmer, like each little click of cardboard was a breath of peace, and before she knew it, her fear, her anger, that heavy, awful feeling about the baby gone.
She was more than halfway through the puzzle when her stomach gave a loud growl. She blinked. She felt like she had just returned from a long, peaceful vacation in that golden field. She looked around the kitchen.
Mom was folding laundry, Dad was in the garage. Everything was the same, except she felt different. She thought about why the angry feelings had left her, but deep down she knew they weren't worth chasing anymore. They had been sorted like the puzzle pieces, and now they were exactly where they belong.
That night, at dinner, her parents asked what inspired her to start the puzzle. Well, I haven't told you, guys, but I've been really scared about having a sibling. I don't want to lose you, Mom or you Dad. I know you're going to be giving the baby a lot of attention.
Well, honey, wait, I'm not done. I was also upset that it was raining, and it made me mad about everything. That's when I found your puzzle, Mom, and I just wanted to be there in the picture. Before I even knew what was happening, I started putting it together.
The funny thing is I don't feel angry anymore, and I don't feel scared to have a brother or sister either. Maybe you were able to put your thoughts together like the pieces of the puzzle, Parker. I thought so too. But the weird part is I wasn't thinking about the baby at all.
I was only thinking about the puzzle. Well maybe subconsciously, Like Mom said, you were sorting it out without even realizing it. Sometimes when I work on the car downstairs, I get so into it that I forget all my worries and when I come back inside, I'm in the bestest mood, bestest. Yeah, that's exactly how I felt.
Do you think we can get some more puzzles? Mom? Sure, sweetie. And that's when it all began Parker's puzzling obsession.
It was like a magical power Parker never knew she had. Anytime she felt anxious, puzzle, anytime she felt sad, puzzle, anytime she felt angry. Puzz well, actually, first she needed to beat up her wrestling dummy, mister Incredible, then puzzle. Once Parker realized puzzles helped calm and organize her thoughts, she started discovering other ways to deal with her big, twisty feelings too, like when she got the zumies.
You do know what the zumies are, right? You probably thought only dogs got them, but nope, zoomies can happen to anyone, even grown ups. It's when you're just hanging out and then boom, you get a wild burst of energy out of nowhere, and you simply cannot sit still one more second. You've got to move.
When Parker got the zoomies, she would dash outside and pretend to be an airplane or a cheetah or an airplane cheetah hybrid doing a loop the loops around the yard. She also discovered a new love, indoor cycling. It all started one day when she saw her mom on the indoor bike, headphones in, pedaling like a superhero and yelling things like. Let's go, who's the boss?
A wand the boss? Yeah, let's go. Parker blinked, that looks fun, and right as her mom stepped off the bike, there was Parker already standing next to it. Hey, Ann, what's up?
Can I try? Oh? Sure? Let me adjust the seat and set you up with a class country pop or classic rock.
Classic rock? Please, okay here, just clip in right here. Parker velcroed her shoes and clicked them into the pedals. She popped on the headphones, and off she went fifteen minutes of exhilarating fun.
Her mom wasn't kidding when she was yelling and panting. It was really tough, but pushing through, Parker found this was yet another amazing way to clear her anxious thoughts. She was discovering all these fun ways to blow off steam. One made her exhausted, another made her calm, and yet another made her excited and rambunctious.
She loved exploring all the these new ways to stimulate her mind and her body. And now she felt ready, ready to have a brother or a sister. And I'm very happy to tell you that when that baby was born, Parker was so overwhelmed with excitement that all the jitters about being a big sister seemed to disappear. She couldn't believe she was watching life unfold right before her eyes.
Parker ended up being the most amazing sister to her little brother. She helped with diapers, formulas, baths, playtime, feeding everything. But just like her parents, she quickly became exhausted. After all, she was only eight years old, so she took a break from baby duties for a while.
It felt great to have her own space. She played with her own toys instead of baby toys. She played outside, she listened to music in her room, and she got back to reading her chapter books. This break made her feel like she could finally breathe again.
One day, Parker called her mom to play kids, a made up game where Parker pretends to be the parent and Mom played the kid. But Mom replied. Parker I'm playing baby all day, every day. I have nothing left in me.
Do you wanna help me get your brother's lunch ready? He's about to wake up from his nap. No, thank you? What happened to my little helper mom?
I'm only eight. I can't help raise a baby for the rest of my life. Oh, I'm sorry you feel that way. Where do you think all of this frustration is coming from.
I'm not frustrated. I'm just telling you the truth. Then Parker stormed off to her room. Mom was a little hurt and wasn't sure whether she should go talk to Parker when the baby started crying and she had to rush to take care of them.
Inside Parker's room, she paced back and forth, clearly furious. As she paces, she talked to her stuffed bunny, Cheddar. It's just not fair, Cheddar. I've helped mom for like a gazillion days with the baby, and I asked her to play kids with me for like twenty minutes and she couldn't.
It's like the only. Time she hangs out with me is when I'm helping with the baby, and I'm so tired of helping. I just want someone on one time with Mom. Dad, Dad, Dad.
Just then, Parker's dad came bustling into the room. Youah, babe, what are you doing? Are you okay? Yeah?
What are you doing? I'm in the middle of a work call. Can you hang up and play a video game with me? No, honey, I can't.
What's going on. Mom won't play kids with me because she's always with the baby and you're always busy with It's just not fair, Parker. I love you so much, and I'm gonna tell you something tough to hear before I get back on my call. Sometimes you're gonna be left alone with your feelings.
It might feel like life isn't fair or like no one has time for you, and that really hurts. I know. But I promise you this, If you find even one small thing that brings you peace or makes you feel a little lighter, that heavy feeling will pass faster than you think. I'm sorry you have to sit with this right now, but this is part of growing up, as hard as it is, and while you might feel alone in this moment, you're not alone in the big picture.
I will absolutely be there tonight when I'm done with work, ready to listen to anything and everything you need. To say, that's a promise. Dad walked up to Parker, picked her up, gave her a big squeeze, and kissed her on the cheek. I love you more than you'll ever know, and I'm so proud of you for being so mature.
I know this is a tough time, but it won't last forever. With that, he left the room. It wasn't what Parker wanted to hear, but it was what she needed. Still, it didn't stop her from taking that ball of frustration and beating up on mister Incredible.
She punched him on the floor over and over and over and so she noticed mister Incredible just kept staring at her and smiling. This made Parker laugh. She picked him up and threw him at the wall, making a big sound for him. That made her laugh even more.
Then she looked at cheddar Dad's. Right, his words mixed with mister Incredible's amazing ability to take a beating from my fists of fury. I feel a lot more calm now. And speaking of calm, my buzzle.
I've been wanting to put this thing together forever. Parker opened her closet and found her new puzzle. It was a picture of kittens floating in some mysterious galaxy, wearing space helmets and sunglasses. She dumped the pieces onto her table and got to work.
Over an hour passed, she switched back and forth between her puzzle and her book. She completely forgot about her frustration with Mom, but she remembered Dad's words, sometimes you're going to be left alone with your feelings. Parker thought about how huge her anger and frustration had felt just an hour ago. Jetter, I was such a mess a little while ago.
I was so angry, and I thought I'd feel that way forever. Well maybe not forever, but I really thought i'd never get over it. Wait, where's mister incredible? Parker found mister incredible crumpled against the wall, folded so his face was tucked into his shoes.
She gently picked him up and looked him right in the face. Incredible, Thank you for being so incredible. There's nobody who can take a punch in the face and keep smiling like you do. Thanks for absorbing all my frustration.
Mister Incredible just kept smiling that wonderfully stubborn smile at her like nothing could ever stop him. So like I was saying, cheddar after I hit mister incredible and got some frustration out. I started puzzling, and I feel so much better. I did this all.
Myself, Cheddar again. Dad was right. I can get through my feelings on my own. Just then, Parker's mom popped her head into the room.
I Love, I'm so sorry I couldn't play kids with you today. This little baby is really wearing me out. He just peed on me. I was changing his diaper and then the waterworks started.
Oh no, Mom, let me help you all good. I already took care of it. Your brother's out in the living room bouncing away. I was just wondering if you wanted to come join us.
I miss hanging out with you. Oh really, Mama. Really, I miss you a lot. You're my first baby and nothing will ever change that.
Parker jumped at the chance to hang out with her mom. They spent the rest of the evening laughing and playing with the baby. Parker read at least ten baby books to her little brother while Mom was able to close her eyes for a few minutes. When Mom finally woke up, she got down on the floor with Parker and her brother.
Parker, I am so lucky to have you. I couldn't raise this little guy without you, and your reading was so soothing it put me right to sleep. And your brother didn't make a peep the entire time. Thank you for being you, park.
Parker was learning so much from having a baby brother. She discovered that sometimes you have to think about others instead of only focusing on your own needs. But she also learned that if she spends all her time trying to please or help others, it leaves her feeling worn out, often leading to wild outbursts and poor mister Incredible getting the brunt of it. She realized there's a balance to everything.
That's the thing about growing up. It's not about having it all figured out. It's about figuring out yourself one puzzle piece at a time. And lucky for Parker, she loved puzzles the end.
For now, I completely understand Parker and all her scattered thoughts and feelings. Sometimes handling your emotions can feel overwhelming, but I believe in you. You got this. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Brooks, Aristotle, and Langston. I heard your big fans of Ella the Curious, and I'm a big fan of you guys. Thanks for listening.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Phillip the Frog
Phillip the Frog has seen a LOT in the pond.In this fun and educational episode of Adventures of Curiosity Cove, kids learn how frogs grow from tiny tadpoles into hopping, bug-catching frogs, all while trying to survive the wild world around them.Through humor, storytelling, and fascinating nature facts, children will discover: How tadpoles transform into frogs What frogs eat How frogs survive predators Why ponds and wetlands matter in nature Perfect for curious kids ages 5–9, classrooms, homeschool learning, and families who love educational podcasts about animals and science. But watch out… around Phillip’s pond, it’s eat or be eaten. Adventures of Curiosity Cove is a storytelling podcast for kids and families that helps children explore emotions, curiosity, friendship, and growing up through imaginative adventures and meaningful conversations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
00:05Speaker 1: Cancil to paper sketching you art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life? Today?
00:21Speaker 2: Another adventure waits for you, ro Scout and Layla. My comment wong to It's imagination time.
00:33Speaker 1: And curiosity cold. Curiosity came.
00:41Speaker 2: It's a magical place.
00:44Speaker 1: Come Rod, Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity.
00:51Speaker 3: Call hello and welcome back to season five of Adventures of Curiosity.
01:04Speaker 4: Cove.
01:05Speaker 3: It's me Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, bluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy row right by my side. It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spray. Perfect for story time. We're back with our series Animal Apprentice. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up as a brand new animal deep in the ocean, high in the jungle canopy, or out on the wide Serengetti. An Animal Apprentice, you step into the tiny paws, claws, wings, or fins of a baby animal, seeing the world for the first time. Each episode, a wise grown up animal becomes your guide, teaching you how to survive and discover your special treats. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in. Fill up the frog?
02:10Speaker 2: Really?
02:11Speaker 4: Oh excuse me? How you doing there, Sonny? Come on school a little closer. Now, don't worry. I ain't gonna bite you unless you look like a mosquito, and even then I might have to think on it, depending on how sleepy I feel. Now, just a few days ago you in about oh, twenty thousand of your siblings. Yeah, I said that, right, twenty thousand. We're all clumped together over there, and that shallow mud puddle looking like somebody spilled a giant cup of boba tea little black dots of jelly. The whole place was wiggling. Y'all started thrashing around inside them, little jelly eggs, wiggling on this strep, bumping into each other. We all sat on the bank tink of bets on who pop out first? Had to tell when there's so many of you, look like a pot of beans. Is sunday boil? Now? Look at your little tadpole, just a tiny old dot head with a swimming tail, scooting rind like you got somewhere important to be. You look nothing like me, which I gotta admit that is downright hilarious. Don't you go asking me now how in the world you're gonna turn out into this fine specimen sitting in front of you. It just got her own ways, and she don't always explain herself, But just give it a little time. Could be a year, maybe three, I don't know. One day you gonna feel something funny happening. First comes the back legs, little nubbings at first, then they stretch out into proper kicki legs. Then pop, How come the front arms like you've been hiding them all along? And that little tail of yours, well, you're just gonna slowly sip that right back up, like y'all saving it for later. Now listen close. Folks all over the world gotta fondness for all frog legs. Heard tell. They say it tastes like chicken, which means you best learn early them kickie legs ain't just for show. They for kicking, leaping, and getting yourself out of trouble faster than a june bug in a windstorm. Hard to believe, right, now I know, but one day you gonna be able to jump nearly six feet. That's about ten times your own body length. And that's what we call out of sight out of danger. Now, I'm sure you're wondering what in the world you're gonna eat and whether there's enough for you. You and your twenty thousand brothers and sisters. Will let me put your little tadpole minded ease. There ain't no shortage of food around here. Algae ponds come, that good old goopy green coats, the rocks, floats on the water, sticks to your tail if you ain't careful, gets all over my feet sometimes makes it hard to get a proper kick going. But for you, why sonny, y'all living in an abundance, you'll spend your days grazing like tiny underwater cows, nibbling and scraping and growing big and straw, which also you're gonna learn real quick you are in abundance too. For everybody else. Oh shoot, how dang ho? Why'll be a dragonflies? Uncle? The fish? You ain't my student? Well, heck who am I gonna talk to? Now? Why am I supposed to finish the speecher? Hello? Anybody? And anybody want to listen? Hello, any tidpools still with me? Oh? Hey, hey you yes, sir? Yeah, come on over here, I see you wiggling back. They're good. That was good for you. At least somebody was paying attention. Now scoot yourself under them dead leaves right there, so you don't get eating like you like your brother or sister over there. You just tuck in real still, all right while I scool you on a few things. Rule number one of the swamp. Everything wants to eat you. It ain't personal, just business. Fish lurking below, Snakes sliding through quiet as gossip, Alligators floating like logs that suddenly decide they hungry toitles with them. Slow eyes, they're creepy. Don't let them fool you. They snap quicker than you think. Buds overhead, herons, egrets standing still like statues. Tell why. And you don't even get me started on raccoons. Ugh, Those little mass bandits come waddling down to the water at dust like they own the place. Paws feeling around looking for a snack. Those things eat anything, but listen close. Now. The swamp ain't trying to be mean. It's just hungry, and you well, you got two gifts, staying still and moving fast. Learn when to do which, and you gonna be around long enough to grow yourself some fine KICKI legs. Feel bad for your for your brother's sister anyways, un once you get them fine kicky legs, Why now you really stop feeling like yourself, because along with them legs comes one of the greatest tools of swamp ever handed out that there, slingshot tongue. I said that, right, son, your slingshot tongue. Now listen close. When you're a proper frog, not one of these little swimmy tadpoles. Your tongue gonna be anywhere from about a third to half your whole body, like, and it ain't just long. It's sticky, all right. Your saliva it's sticky, not just a little sticky neither. I'm talking like nature's fine as fly paper. Saliva is soaked tacky. It could hold onto trouble if trouble tried to run. Now, we could shoot that tongue out faster than a human can blink. That's no joke. Flick snack done. And if that ain't enough to impress you, we can lift nearly one and I half times our own body weight with it. Now, Just imagine one of them humans up there with a tongue like os while they'd wake up in the morning and stretch that tongue out clear across the room to smack that along clock quiet without even sitting up, Reach over to a cup of water, pick it up, zip sip. Still ain't under the us. Opened the door without touching the handle, might even lift up there, Mama or daddy if they really had to. You know, though, I don't recommend trying that unless you less suppers late. But that's our special gift. We use that tongue to catch just about anything that fits in our mouth. Insects buzzing by snails, dragging, slow slugs mining their own business, little fish, sometimes even little frogs. Yes, sir, I'll be honest with you. I won't save my buddy of mine. He just kept talking and talking, telling me about something or other. I don't remember what he was talking about, but I kept getting hungrier and hungrier. Next thing I know, he stretches out a leg. Instincts took over, and down he went. I do believe he was still mid sentence while he was going down My throat. Now, don't you go looking at me like that. Come on, now, swamps a practical place anyway. We got tiny little teeth, long, all wide old smile. It's just enough to keep supper from wiggling out once it's in. But here comes the part that makes most folks blink. Twice. We swallow with our eyes. Yep, that's right. When you see us squish our eyes down into our heads like one of them Jim Henson sock puppets, We ain't making faces for fun. We actually put our eyeballs down to help push the food towards our throat, sort of like nature's built in plunger. Now, I met. I tried using my hands once or twice, but truth be told, eyes work best all right. Now onto something mighty important. Water. You ever seen a frog walking around asking for lotion? No, we'll slimey for a reason. Our skin gotta stay nice and moist. Nice and moist keeps us healthy, keeps us comfortable, keeps everything working just right. That slick coat on us helps us soak up the water straight through our skin, like carrying a built in cateen. Wherever we hop dry out too much and we in trouble quicker than a cat and a dog parade. And here's a neat little party trick most folks don't know about, and I'm gonna share it with you. We can breathe through our skin. That's right. Sure, we got lungs, I mean, we got lungs, taking nice little deep breath, nice gulp of air like anybody else. But when we sitting still in the water, relaxing like a gentleman in a rocking shell, oxygen's just slipping right through our skin, no fuss, no hurry, just breathing the swamp in. Now. Oh, come now, look at me talking and talking and talking. Next thing you know, I done worked up a powerful hunger. This happens when you get to telling stories. Barey starts reminding you what time it is, And I plumb forgot to tell you what else. Frogs like to eat. They got little round heads, little wiggly tails, swim around all curious, all soft and gooey, slide right down the pipes like a bob of pearl and a sweet drink. Can you guess what that is?
12:20Speaker 1: It's you?
12:21Speaker 4: Help, Oh mischief, Hey, you a slimy one. Come on back here now. Philip needs filling up. Old still now, don't make me chase you. Oh dang, he's getting away. Boy, oh boy.
12:39Speaker 3: My mom always tells me to put lotion on. But these frogs, they breathe through their skin and absorb moisture through water. Wow, I wish I was a frog sometimes. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today. Boy was I come fee and cozy and all tuned in. If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five star review, but only if you really mean it. We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know you might even get a shout out from me here in the Cove. I'd like to give a shout out to Ariya. I heard you're a big fan of the Cove, and I'm a big fan of yours. Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout out on an upcoming episode. Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits all right, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time. Friends, we never say goodbye. It's always see you later. Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Coves theme song was written and composed by Mattie Limb and sung by Laura Saraphine. Engineered by Robert Aultchuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
14:15Speaker 1: At Curiosity Came Curiosity, Come.
14:24Speaker 2: Get some magical place, Come Trum.
14:28Speaker 1: Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Caul.
14:42Speaker 3: This is a Fort Sumter production. | | |
Phoebe’s Garden (Part 1)
Through ups and downs, rain and shine…and BUGS, Phoebe discovers that growing a garden is a lot like growing up. With patience, teamwork, and a little dirt under her nails, she learns that hard work can bloom into something truly beautiful—and oh-so rewarding. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season four of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's meet Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in Phoebe's garden Part one. Good morning, my gorgeous babies.
I hope you all had a good night's sleep and are ready to make the most of today. Phoebe started her day the same way every day, by saying good morning to all of her stuffed animals and wishing them the best day, followed by a morning routine of getting ready, and before she walked out of her room, she always made sure to look into her mirror, smile big, and say. Today is going to be a great day. Why did she do this because Phoebe is a smart girl.
Phoebe knew that you can trick your brain into believing things even if you don't feel it. And she's absolutely, positively, one hundred percent oh correct. When you tell your brain that it's going to be a great day, your brain automatically starts looking for reasons why it's such a great day. Don't believe me.
We'll just think back to a time when something went wrong during the day and you got fed up, and then everything that happened after that made you grumble. Well, chances are you told yourself having a bad day. Then instead of convincing yourself that the rest of the day will be great, you expected it all to day go bad, and I'm sure it did. Chances are some good things happened that day that passed you by because you and your brain were only looking for the bad.
Well, what if I were to tell you that every day an equal number of good things and bad things happened. It's just how you perceive it and how you handle it. You could trip over a raised sidewalk and say, see, just another bad day, or you could laugh and say, phew, that could have been a lot worse. Phoebe has made the this is a bad day mistake one too many times.
Luckily, Phoebe's grandma filled her in on the today is going to be a good day secret I just shared with you all, and luckily Phoebe was smart enough to listen. In fact, Phoebe listened to a lot of the things her grandma told her. Her grandma always seen so wise, so sweet, so happy all of the time. So one day, when Phoebe asked her grandma.
How are you always so happy, grandma. Her grandma let her in on a secret. You have to get your hands in the dirt. Excuse me.
It's what we're made of and it's where we'll return in the end. Geez, Grandma, that sounds morbid. Morbid, It's beautiful. This is where all life comes from, so it only makes sense that it makes us happy.
Where do you think food comes from the grocery store? And where do you think they got it from? A factory. Oh, you're being a stinker.
Anything worth eating once lived. Grandma waved Phoebe to follow her outside. They stepped out on the porch, where the warm breeze met them both. Do you smell that?
That air is alive with bee pollen, carbon monoxide from trees, fresh scents from flowers, dirt, sap animals. Look at these trees, they're alive. What do you think they're saying. They don't need to say anything.
They're just being and that's better than anything. They're part of the great big picture. Follow me to the garden. Phoebe followed her grandma out to the garden.
It was so beautiful. It was full of plants, plants with tomatoes, zucchini, rhubarb, peppers, and watermelon. There was a tiny section of the garden where nothing was planted. It was just dirt.
You did all of this, Grandma, without any help from your grandpa. He's not much of a gardener anyway. I let him manicure the lawn. Why is there a patch of dirt over there with nothing in it?
I was hoping you would ask that. That is where I would love for you to plant. Tell me, Phoebe, what's your favorite fruit. Phoebe answered, without hesitation, strawberries.
Oh what's that poking me in my back pocket? Her grandma pulls out a packet. The label reads strawberry seeds. Why where did these come from?
Grandma? You knew I most certainly did not. It must have been one of these garden gnomes. Phoebe smiles at her grandma, and her grandma winks back.
Her grandma uses her kneepad to kneel down on the cushion. She starts digging up the soil. Well, I don't just stand there. Come give you a, Grandma, a hand.
I don't like to get dirty nonsense. Dear, come down here, let me show you. This is the earth we walk on day after day. The least we can do is give it a massage and plant within it a seed.
Phoebe kneels down next to her grandma. She slightly hesitates to put her hand in the dirt when her grandma grabs her hand with a big glove of dirt, getting Phoebe's hand full of dirt. Welcome. Well, there's no more hesitation.
Phoebe's already dirty, so she digs her hands in and starts breaking up the dirt. With her grandma. I didn't know you who are pro well. I watched you and mom do it before, and you've never tried it yourself.
Never, Oh dear, how will you even learn if you don't try and make mistakes? You don't need an invitation to try. Phoebe and her grandma continued filling the dirt in that tiny little section until the dirt was light and fluffy. Then they dug out a tiny row for the strawberry seeds.
Now you have to make little beds for all the seeds, because the seeds are like babies at first stage. They're so very fragile, and they need to be treated with care and love. Much like anything at its early stage, anything you name it, it needed to be handled with care at its earliest times. Phoebe points to a big tree.
What about that tree? Oh absolutely, there was a time when that tree was as tiny as a weed. If your grandpa would have ran it over with the lawnmower because splat, it would have never grew to that big, beautiful tree it is today. What about my stuffies?
Oh yes, absolutely. Do you remember the day you brought home a new one? You probably treated it best of all, making sure it didn't get a spot of dust on it, or fell on the floor or stepped on by an adult. Then one day it got a little tiny piece of food on it, and you were upset, but you realized it's still okay.
And then you left it somewhere, and when you found it, it was still okay. Then you dropped it in water and thought it was ruined, but when it dried, it was still okay. Then it had its first wash through the washing machine, and you thought for sure it was going to come out torn to shreds, but it looked shiny and new. It stood so many tests and trials that you knew it was resilient, and you stop protecting it as much as you once did when it was a new baby.
How about a new friend, Oh, relationships are especially fragile in the beginning. It's the same thing with your stuffies. You have a new friend and you have to foster that relationship. Imagine you make a new friend and never make an attempt to see them again.
The relationship is over. However, if you make an attempt to see them again and you take some time to get to know them, you want to know what they like. You try to find similarities, and I'm sure you try to like the things that they like. Then you have your first argument and you feel sick over it.
You're worried that they won't ever talk to you again. But then you both apologize, and then the relationship. You appreciate the love and care you both put into the relationship, and you're a friendship o ohs. And you realize it's more resilient than you thought, so you start being more of yourself, and you have your ups and downs with each other, but you appreciate your differences and both's willingness to put forth effort.
It's the same with a garden. So we'll plant these seeds and water them today, and if we never come back for them again, chances are they won't make it. But if we come back tomorrow to water them, they'll be happy. Some days they may tell us they're being watered a little too much, and some days are just right.
It's just like life, balanced, Grandma. You talk about it with such love, because I've lived, I've seen things, I've made mistakes, and the most important thing is to have a positive, loving heart and the willingness to always learn and grow no matter what. So what can you teach me today while we plant these seeds. Oh boy, where do I start?
So this video game I've been playing is about a treasure hunter and you have to climb all of these ruins in the jungle. Sometimes I'm climbing and then I make the wrong move and my guy falls into the pit, and then I have to start all over again. Oh, I know all about that, do you you've played it before? Phoebe went on and on and on about that video game while they gardened.
They worked hard on planting the row of strawberry seeds. When they got to the end, it was dinner time. Wow, that sure was a lot of work. Well, good thing.
We only have to do that once the rest of the work comes in the next few months. I want you back here every day after school to check on these little babies every day every day. Some days you'll need to do more than others, but some days it'll just be a quick inspection. Then you're done.
I'll try Would you want your parents to try to feed you? Or do you want them to feed you? I understand. Good.
Now give me a big hug and you better head home. Oh and don't forget to wash up before dinner. I love you very much, Febs. I love you, Grandma.
I'm very proud of you for sticking it through today. This story is so beautiful. I love my grandma, especially the chocolate oatmel pie she makes. Sometimes patience is hard, but I get it, Phoebe, I really do.
I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Brooks, Aristotle, and Langston. I heard your big fans of Ella the Curious, and I'm a big fan of you guys. Thanks for listening.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Phoebe’s Garden (Part 2)
Through ups and downs, rain and shine…and BUGS, Phoebe discovers that growing a garden is a lot like growing up. With patience, teamwork, and a little dirt under her nails, she learns that hard work can bloom into something truly beautiful—and oh-so rewarding. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll. Dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spread, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for? Phoebe's Garden Heart two. Phoebe ran home, where she had dinner that night.
The next few days were very hard to show up to Grandma's every single day after school. She almost forgot a few times, but her grandma and her parents reminded her it was simple work. Though she only had to sprinkle the garden. Grandma, this is so weird.
It seems like I'm just watering dirt. Have faith, my dear, that is what faith is all about. Planting a seed and having faith that that seed will sprout out of the ground. Oh okay, well you wouldn't believe it, But the following week, a tiny, teeny baby sprouted out of the ground.
Phoebe was so excited. She couldn't believe that a hard little seed would produce a tiny green stalk, and that tiny green stock could push its own way through the heavy dirt. Phoebe just wasn't ready to believe that the little green shoot was an actual strawberry plant. What if it's just a weed.
What if it's not a weed, good point, Grandma. If I pull it thinking it's a weed, but it's really a strawberry plant, then I'll kill it. Phoebe's grandma kissed her on the head and said. My bright little girl, I'll see you tomorrow.
Few weeks, Phoebe showed up at her grandma's house every day, watching the little plant grow and grow. Some days she would be amazed at how much the little plant grew. Other days there was nothing to see. Phoebe got a great idea to start measuring it, like her dad measured Phoebe to see how tall she was growing.
It gave Phoebe a great lesson that if you see something every day, you may think there's no progress. But when you can measure, you realize just how much something has grown. You may not know it or see it. But I've seen you grow, Phoebe, even from the first day you started coming here.
You're getting so tall. But not only that, you're turning into a beautiful young lady. The thing I love the most is your heart. I see your light inside shining brighter and brighter.
You really are a lovely person. Ah, Grandma, I really needed that today. I felt like I was struggling. With school, and it felt like I was stuck in mud, like this little strawberry plant exactly.
Well, we've seen this little one grow, and I can see you are as well. A month past and the strawberry plants were now knee high and had a few different branches. It looked like budding was forming on the plants. This was a sign that they were about to start growing strawberries.
Phoebe showed up to her grandma's house looking somber. What's wrong, Phoebe. I had a really hard time in school today. Tell me about it.
Well, school's been rough lately, like really rough. Our teacher is giving us harder and harder work. But today just felt like it all blew up. My best friend Claire and I got into an argument over our and we're not talking.
And then some guys made fun of my pants and I missed my piano practice after school because I forgot. Well, life gets hard. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches. You'll have rough patches like this and tomorrow will be better.
Well, that doesn't help me fix it, Grandma. Sometimes things don't get fixed. But tomorrow will be a better day, and other great things will happen. Your friend Claire will come around, and if she doesn't, maybe she wasn't a friend after all.
Let's look on the bright side. Our little babies. Are growing, huh, Grandma waved Phoebe out to the garden. Remember the rain we had last night.
Well, today's sunshine mixed with last night's rain must have triggered something in our little plants. Sometimes it has to rain for new growth. The next week, Phoebe had been had having a great week school was going better. She and Claire were talking again.
Her piano practice felt easier somehow, even her teacher complimented her story writing. She practically skipped to her grandma's house. Grandma, well, someone's got sunshine in their shoes today. It's been a good week.
I'm just happy. Oh, I'd love to hear that. Let's go tell the strawberries the good news. They walked hand in hand towards the garden.
Phoebe smiled at the blossoms, but then her smile quickly dropped. Wait, what's wrong with the leaves. Some of the strawberry leaves were full of little holes, a few were curled, and others had tiny specks crawling on them. Bugs.
They're eating our strawberries. Grandma knelt down for a closer look. Aphids sneaky little things. They love the sweet stuff just like we do.
Do we pull them out? Are they ruined? No? No, no, no no.
This is just another part of growth. Sometimes things come along that try to steal your joy, but that doesn't mean you give up. It means you protect what you've worked so hard on. Phoebe washed this' or Grandma sprayed a gentle soap mixture on the leaves.
Is that safe for the strawberries? Safe as sunshine. We don't need anything harsh, just something to remind the bugs to find another lunch. Phoebe helped her grandma rinse off some of the worst leaves.
I can't believe how fast things can go wrong, even when everything felt so right. That's life, kiddo. Ups, downs, sunny days and bug attacks doesn't mean you're good. Week wasn't real, just means the story's still going.
Phoebe looked at the little plants again, this time with a new kind of pride. Okay, strawberries, hang in there, We've got your back. Two weeks later, Phoebe showed up at her grandma's house with a bounce in her step. It had become a routine school, then Grandma's quick check of the garden, and usually a laugh or two before heading home.
But today was different. Phoebe, you might want to bring this with you. He handed her a little basket. Phoebe raised an eyebrow.
Wait did they? Grandma just nodded. Phoebe dashed to the garden and gasped. They're red, Grandma, They're really here.
They're poking out from under leafy branches were plump red strawberries. Phoebe carefully picked the ripest ones and placed them into the basket. They're perfect, almost let. You.
Popped one in her mouth and smiled wide. Okay, now they're perfect. Phoebe giggled and took a bite of her own. It was the sweetest thing she'd ever tasted, not just because of the flavor, but because of everything it had taken to get there.
All the watering, the weeding, the bugs all worth it. Phoebe looked down at the strawberry plants and gave a quiet little nod. I think I understand now, understand what, dear wife. It's like the garden.
You don't always see progress. Some days it rains, some days the bugs show up. But if you keep showing up, if you care and try and have faith, you get something amazing in the end. Grandma beamed, I think this is my new favorite harvest.
Phoebe leaned against her grandma and looked out at the garden, now full of green leaves, white blossoms, and juicy red strawberries. Thanks for planting this with me, and thanks for showing up every day. And as they sat under the golden sun eating strawberries side by side. Phoebe knew she'd keep growing too, just like the plants, ups and downs, rain and shine and in the end, sweetness.
I love you, Grandma. I love you too, Phoebes. I love how Phoebe learned that something worth anything is never fast. The good stuff takes time to nourish and grow.
Like checking our lemon tree every day, or snorkeling and waiting for fish. Phoebe reminds us good things come to those who wait and work hard. At least that's what my parents say. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Brooks, Aristotle, and Langston. I heard your big fans of Ella the Curious, and I'm a big fan of you. Guys.
Thanks for listening.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Pup, The Shining Star
Do you know which star shines the brightest in the night sky? Join Pup on her amazing adventure as she flies through the galaxy, meeting fun friends like Saturn and Neptune along the way. This exciting journey teaches her that the greatest treasure was waiting for her back home all along! Adventure awaits in Curiosity Cove! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this, We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too.
It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dreams pray to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive into today's tale about Pop, the curiously bright star in the sky who want it nothing more than to shine as brightly as her father serious.
But oops, Pup's journey may have took a bit of a mischievous turn. Ready to find out, All right, let's do it. Pup the Shining Star. This is a story about a star, not just any star, since there are approximately two hundred billion trillion stars in the galaxy according to astronomers, this is a story about a star named Pup.
Who is Pup, you may be asking. Pup is the daughter of the brightest star in the sky. Can you guess who the brightest star in the sky is. I'm sure most of you guess the Northern star.
Well, you would be surprised to know that the North Star is the forty eighth brightest star in the sky. The brightest star in the sky is serious. Now, don't take his name quite literally, because the only thing he is serious about is loving his daughter and shining as bright as he can to bred love and hope. Sirius starts every night with music and dancing with his daughter Pup.
They joke around, laugh, dance, and enjoy each other's company. Some say this is why they shine the brightest Dad. Can I ask you a question, of course, Pup, have you ever been out there? Pup points her pointy star hand out to the galaxy.
Pup is pointing to space and beyond. Sirious laughs. Of course I have. What's out there?
Sirius ponders this question. He's seen miraculous things in outer space, things that human's eyes may never see and may never be able to imagine. I've seen fire, whoa, I've seen ice. Wow.
I've seen galaxies that glow green, purple, blue, and orange. No way. I've seen rocks dancing in circles around planets that seem endless cool. I've also seen storms and black holes that can suck you in before you have any idea what happened.
I've seen asteroids fly by me so fast that I didn't stop spinning for days. That sounds like so much fun. Well, not if it would have hit me. I was lucky.
That's so cool, Dad. But the greatest thing I have ever seen, yeah, was the day you were born. I'll never forget it. You showed up and immediately took in your surroundings, your big beautiful eyes looking around at all the wonder of your new environment.
You have always been so curious, which has kept me entertained my entire life. Serious laughs. Then he says introspectively, it has been the greatest pleasure watching you grow up. I am so very proud of you, Pup.
This makes Pup so happy. She doesn't know her pride is palpable. Thanks Dad, Hey dad, Yes, my love, how did you become the brightest star? It's never been about being the brightest star, Pup.
It's always been about being the best version of myself that I can be, but most importantly, keeping a grateful, loving heart. Sirius smiles at his daughter's consideration for what he just said. Well, well, here comes the sun. Looks like it's time to get a little shut eye.
I love you so very much, my little Pup. Have the sweetest. Dreams you two, Dad, I love you. And with that, Pup and Sirius shut their eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Now, stars are not diurnal like you and I. Diurnal means that we're up during the day and sleep at night. But stars are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are awake all night. That day, Pup dreamt of being the brightest star in the sky.
All the other stars were flying up to her and admiring her. There was a star name Sparkles. Oh my god, Pup, you're so bright and fabulous. What have you been doing?
The North Star even came to see her. Whoa looking good, Pup? Oh this is nothing. Thanks.
Pup felt so good that when she woke up, she knew exactly what she had to do. Her dad was still sleeping, and she quietly packed a few things and flew off into the sky. When the night was fully dark, Serious woke up with a yawn oooh, he was so used to waking up after Pup. Without even opening his eyes, he said good morning, Pup.
There was no reply. Sirius felt something was missing. He opened his eyes. Pop.
He looked around, nobody was there. He began to panic, but took a deep breath and reassured himself. Everything will be okay. It's all written in the stars.
Just then, he looked up and saw a note that Pup had written with stardust. It read, dear. Dad, I love you very much. I'm going to shine just as bright as you one day.
I just need to go on my own journey. I promise I will be back before you know it. Love your Pup. Sirius was full of concern, anxiety, and fear.
He didn't know what to do. He didn't get a chance to tell Pup about all the dangerous things to look out for. So he did what any father would do and ran after his beloved daughter. Only he ran in the opposite direction of where Pup went.
That night, there was no brightest star named Sirius in the sky. Pop, on the other hand, was flying into the great unknown, full of adventure and excitement. She was screaming and singing. Whoohoo, I'm free, I'm free as can feed.
No one can stop me but me. Flying up to the galic See, nobody can stop me but me. Pup flew higher and higher to new heights. She looked beyond and saw a bright blue light.
What's that up there? She burst through the dark void towards what we know as Neptune. As she got closer, she heard howls. What does that sound?
That's Neptune's winds. What's Neptune? You see that big beautiful blue ball? Uh?
How can I miss it? Blues my favorite color? No way mine too. I'm Larissa, Hi, Larissa, I'm Pop.
Yeah. My dad calls me ris, My mom calls me La. I call myself. Sah, just kidding, what are you doing here?
So? My dad is kinda the brightest star in the universe? And oh my god, your dad is serious. Pop is surprised.
She's only known her dad as the fun loving guy who's just her dad. She had no idea that people knew who he was. Mom, mam, Mom, come here. Larissa's mom, Despina, rushes over.
Despina is one of Neptune's moons. She is beautiful and elegant. Yes, my moon, this is Pop. Hi, pup, it's nice to meet you.
I love your glow. Thanks, ma'am, and what brings you to our planet? Her dad is serious? Let her speak for herself.
Dear, Sorry did you say serious? Well yes, ma'am. Oh, dear call me Da Spina or Dessy for short. I know your father.
He's a wonderful man. Are you lost, No, ma'am, I mean Dessie. I'm trying to find a way to be as bright as my father. Just then, two more of Neptune's moons showed up, Galicia, Larissa's dad, and Thalasia, Larissa's sister.
Hey, my mini Moon, Larissa. What's going on? And who do we have here? Look at your glow.
It's brilliant. Thank you, sir. Galicia. This is Pup.
She is Serious's daughter. Pop. This is my husband Galicia and my daughter Galicia. Yes, ma'am, I mean Daspina.
We are Neptune's moons, but Galicia is really my honeymoon. Oh honey. Yeah, quiet, girls, I love your father and I'm not sorry about it. You gotta have a little family fun, right, Pop.
Let's see. Let me ask Neptune. Oh, Neppie, do you know where this wonderful girl can find brightness? Um?
Sorry, I can't help her. I don't gloat due to my icy water, methane and ammonia. My supersonic winds would blow out her flame. Uh have you thought about asking Saturn?
What about Uranus? It's just around the corner. Uranus is made of the same elements as I am. Water, methane, ammonia.
It's just as cold, wet and icy as me. You're quite a far way away from home and the Sun, Pup, i'd i'd head towards Saturn. You can't miss it. It's the only planet with a beautiful ring around it.
If you're not going towards the Sun, then you're going the wrong way. I'm the furthest from the sun. Pup said her goodbyes to Despina, Galicia, Thalasia, and Larissa. Then she told Neptune what an honor it was to meet him, and she went on her merry way.
Pup was so excited to have just met Neptune and its moons. She was finally on her way towards Saturn and becoming brighter on her journey. Uranus High, mister Uranus. Oh, hi, the here little star.
She was gliding now, taking in the comets. When she finally saw Saturn, she stopped and admired her from a distance. Wow, she's far more beautiful than anyone has described. Look at her rings.
As Pop got closer, she realized that Saturn's rings were not as solid as she thought they were. WHOA, from a distance, her rings looked really solid. I had no idea they were made of rocks. Oh, and ice going around in circles and dust.
Uh who said that? The one and only rain Queen Saturn. You guessed it. Honey.
You are so cool and I feel like I've waited my entire life to meet you. I mean, everyone says how beautiful you are, but geez, Louise, I can't I wait to tell all of my friends. Slow down, little star, where are you from? Well, my dad's sort of the brightest star.
Just then, Saturn abruptly interrupts. Pup, Pup, how did you know my name? Honey? You have got to get home.
Your father is worried sick about you. He is. How do you know that we're all connected? Honey?
Your father has been looking everywhere for you. You just missed him. Oh no, I thought, well whatever you thought, you thought wrong. A parent's love is deeper than all of these galaxies.
You got to get back home. Pup didn't know what to say. She never considered that leaving would have impacted her father. After all, she was doing this to make him proud.
What are you all the way out here for? Anyway? I was trying to find something to make me shine as bright as my dad. First off, you'll never be your dad because you're you, just like your dad will never be like his dad because he's him.
Uh, I'm not quite following, honey. We're all amazing because we're ourselves, and even though we're all connected, not one of us will ever be identical to another. You're beautifully unique in your own way. There will never be another pup, and a pup has never existed before you.
Pup ponders this. Yes, girl, take that in and think about it while you're shooting back home to your PUPA thank you, Saturn. You're so great and gorgeous, So are you, honey? Don't you forget it now?
Go. Pup burst from her spot and started shooting across the sky. And if you have ever looked up in the sky and saw a shooting star, it just might have been Pup. As Pup was flying home, easily distracted, she watched this.
She slowly shot by a huge red ball. She thought to herself, whoa baby is that much? As she got closer and closer, she noticed the solar storm. It was kicking up red dust that danced across Mars's surface.
She stopped and watched the spectacle. It seemed as if Mars was having fun playing with its own dust. It was creating wind, tornadoes and swirls like a work of art. It's almost as if Mars was lost in its own excitement.
Mars, huh over here the tiny start to You're right? Mars looked to the left, only half interested and distracted and wanted to get back to his fun. That's your left Huh, yeah, I knew that. Hi, my name is Pup.
I'm a star. Oh yeah, I see that, and. I traveled all this way to find out how to shine brighter like my dad. He's sort of the brightest star in the sky.
Pup paused because she was used to everyone being awestruck at this information. After a few beats of no response, Pup. Said, m do you have any advice? Mars said nothing.
Pup started wondering if Mars even heard what she said. Pup gave up and started slowly flying away. Uh, I was pretty hot once. Excuse me, Yeah, used to be pretty amazing.
Oh yeah, I looked a lot like Earth had rivers and lands and oceans and living organisms. Then I guess, but just ran its course and and here I. Am in, and here you are. Pup waited for Mars to say something, but nothing came after that.
Pup made a few odd faces, wondering what she was supposed to learn from that. Finally, you don't know what I'm saying? Um no. Uh.
Annoyed that Pup couldn't figure it out, Mars stopped playing with this red dust and settled down, Mars became more of a brownish color. Okay, so here's the deal, kid, Nobody knows what life's got in store for you. You can fight your entire life, but then you just realize you fought the natural current of life. What am I saying?
Life is far more enjoyable when you go with the flow, enjoy each moment, and make the most out of what you got. I used to be in an amazing ball full of life. Now I'm a dustball, so I make guard with that dust I love it. I hated it at first, I mean, but only because I didn't embrace it.
Embrace who you are, kid, Oh I am is that while you're out here chasing an idea of being more than you are? Well, um Pop. Thought long and hard about this. She was chasing a dream of being more than what she was.
Listen, Kid, word around the galaxy is that your dad isn't doing very well without you. I think you best get home and deal with what it's most important, or as being brighter than your dad more important. Pup stared at Mars for a beat. She didn't know what to say to him, but she knew he was right.
So she shot across the sky and straight back home. When she got home, her dad was there, but he didn't look so good. He was dim. She'd never seen him dim before.
In fact, she shine brighter than him, but it was the complete opposite of what she actually wanted. Pup began to weep. Dad. At the sound of Pup's voice, Serious flickered so bright, but then went dim again.
Pup, Dad, it's me Pop. Serious's glow flickered so bright that Pup could barely look at him. She had never seen a light that bright before. Pop, is that you?
It's me Dad. I'm so sorry I left you. Sious flew over to Pup and hugged her so hard it felt like you would never let go again. Ever, both Serious and Pup shines so bright that it lit up the night sky.
Pop, where have you been? Where did you go? I'm so sorry I left without telling you, Dad. I just wanted to go on the journey that you went on.
I wanted to find out how you shine so bright, so that I could shine as bright as you and you could take a break sometimes. Oh Pop, don't you understand the reason I shine so bright is because of you? Thank you? Dad?
I know that I make you happy, and I know that I make you shine bright, but I want to help take over some nights when you're too tired to shine. No, no, no, no, you're not understanding. I'm only as bright as I can be on my own, Pup. But when we are together, I mean, we look much bright.
Don't you get it? It's me and you together that make the brightest star in the galaxy. Without you, I'm just another star. You're so bright, Pup.
Just you being you is perfect. Pup understood exactly what her dad was trying to say, and she was so surprised. She had no idea that just by being herself, her dad and her made the brightest star in the sky. So if you walk outside at night find the brightest star in the sky, you're probably looking up at Sirius and Pup together happily themselves.
I love you, Dad, and I love you too, Pup. Wow, I love that story so much, I might just take another listen. I can really relate to Pup like her. I love my mom and dad and I want to be just like them, but sometimes they remind me that being the best me I can be is even better.
And remember You're the best you you can be too. Fun fact, did you know that serious really is the brightest star because it's shining with the star astronomers named pop cool? Right? I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Rumble at Recess
Join Ella the Curious and her besties as they navigate the tricky world of recess drama! When the popular Cove Cuties make them feel left out, Ella and her friends learn to stand up for themselves and solve their own problems. This exciting episode is all about friendship, bravery, and finding your own solutions without grown-ups stepping in. Adventure awaits in Curiosity Cove! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we have stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dreams pray to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. And today you'll get to hear one of my adventures, Ella the Curious, Rumble at recess, Ella and Layla giggled with glee as they chased each other back and forth in a game of tag.
Scout usually joined them, but he was having a blast on the swings. Ella noticed a group of girls sitting at a picnic table and got so distracted that she didn't notice Laylah sneaking up on her. Ella, you're supposed to be running away from me. Oh, sorry, Layla, I just got distracted by the cove Cuties over there.
One of them said hi to me this morning before class. Do you think they'll let us play with them today? Oh? I don't know.
They sit next to each other in class, at lunch, at recess, and on the bus. I don't know if I've ever seen them playing with other kids. Maybe they're just shy and no one has asked them before. Come on, Ella, aren't you curious enough about them to at least try to make some new friends.
Ella was a little curious, but she had a funny feeling about playing with the cove Cuties. Leila, you and Scout are already such amazing best and the Quties don't exactly make me feel welcome. Well, I think it's important to give them a chance. How will we know if we don't ask.
Before Ella could answer, Leayla grabbed her hand and pulled her to the bench where the Quties sat giggling with each other. Ella's funny feeling started to feel like a seat belt squeezing shut and clicking into place around her waist. She wanted to listen to the warning feeling she felt tightening around her and turned back to her game of tag, but she and Layla had reached the Cove Cuties already. It was too late.
Layla was waving at the girls so enthusiastically that she didn't notice that their smiles started to change into something that Ella couldn't quite name. Hi, you looked like you're having so much fun today, so we thought maybe we could join you. What are you playing? Hmmm?
What was your name? Again? It doesn't matter. The game we're playing is a secret that only Cove Quties know.
Ella felt the invisible seatbelt tightening around or even more. She wished that Layla had one too, but her friend kept going, isn't the fun of secret sharing with them with friends? And every game is more exciting when more people join in. It's okay, Layla, maybe we can all play a game together another day.
But before Ella could finish, one of the cuties put a hand in the air to shusher. She pulled her friends into a huddle, and they whispered mischievously. Finally they turned back to Ella and Layla, with innocent grins on their faces. We changed our minds.
Maybe we should let you play with us, but only if you help us with something first. Being helpful is a super important part of friendship. What do you need? Well, we made each.
Other friendship bracelets yesterday, but I lost mine somehow. If you find it for me, I guess you can sit with us. Layla beamed, but Ella's warning feeling was still there, stronger than ever. I don't think this is a good idea, Ella whispered to Laila.
You wanted to play with them, not run recess errands. I thought, feel like being helpful, Ella. Besides, friendships can start all sorts of ways. Come on, this will be fun, Ella shrugged.
Does the cuties sweetly wave them away and join Layla on the search for the not so friendly friendship bracelet. They looked behind the swings, under the slide in a sandbox, and under the shady trees, but the bracelet was nowhere to be found. I don't think we're gonna find that bracelet, Laila. We've looked everywhere, but it seems like it vanished into thin air.
Besides, recess is almost over. If it's really important to you, we can try to play with the cuties again tomorrow. Layla sighed with disappointment, but followed Ella back to where the cove Quties were perched like the queens of the school. We tried really hard to find your bracelet.
We didn't have any luck, but we could check the lost and found in the office when recess is over, and maybe we could even make some new ones together one day. The cuties did their best to stifle their giggles, but it was no use. Were you looking for this bracelet? She smirked as she held up her wrists.
I must have forgotten to mention that I found it this morning. Oops. You two will never be cool enough to be cove Cuties. But if we lose anything else we don't feel like looking for, we'll be sure to let you know.
I thought you really wanted to be friends with us. I'm your friend no matter what, Layla. Let's go back inside. Ella and Layla lined up by their cobbies, as they waited for class to start, and Roe nudged Ella to tell him what was bothering her.
You're lucky. All of your purple roly poly friends get. Along with each other and always make everyone feel included. We get along with everyone, people, roly pollies and all the different bugs we meet.
People are different than bugs, though, and if kids sees something that isn't right, they should ask an adult for help. You sure do have a big brain for such a little bug, Laila. I think I should. Tell the principle what happened at recess.
The cove quties weren't just keeping us out of their group. Making us look for that bracelet and calling us names was kind of bullying. I don't think telling the principle will help. The quties might get mad at us.
Ella felt the seat felt tugging at her again. This time it felt like an encouraging hug, and she knew what she had to do. The qts might get mad, but sometimes we have to be brave enough to be unpopular. Besides, you're one of my besties, and I hate how sad they made you today.
I don't want them to hurt anyone else's feelings like that. Roe nodded enthusiastically. Lailah smiled reluctantly, so Ella took a deep breath and marched off to the principal's office. Ella, it looks like something really important just swirling around in the big brain of yours.
Is there something I can help you with? Ella plopped down in the big chair across from the principal's desk and told him everything that had happened that day, Layla's unusual cutie greeting that morning, the bracelet, wild goose chase, and the name calling. When she finally finished her story, she was out of breath and waited expectantly to hear what the principal would say. Well, that certainly is an interesting story, but I'm not quite sure what you'd like me to do about it.
The cove Curtsies, the cove Cuties, sure, they don't have to be friends with someone if it makes them feel uncomfortable, just like you and Layla didn't have to go looking for that bracelet. But aren't we supposed to make everyone feel included. That's one of the things that makes Curiosity Cove Elementary School so great. Feeling included is one thing, but you can't force a friendship.
But the way they treated us was bullying. Right. They knew the bracelet was all along, and they told me and Leyla that were not cool enough for them. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, Ella.
Besides, no grown ups were there, so there's really no way for me to pick a side. I'm sorry your feelings were hurt today, Ella, but disagreements are going to happen sometimes. You should get back to class now. Ella slowly got up from the chair and walked to the door of the principal's office.
I thought, trusting that warning feeling and telling an adult about a tricky situation would help. Now I don't know what to do. At the end of the very long day at school, Ella climbed into her mom's car and slid way down into the seat. Joy took one look at her and could immediately tell that something was wrong.
Hi, Mom, Hi, Ella. Did something happen at school today that you want to talk about? Ella let out a long, heavy sigh. She already tried talking to one adult, and that had left her feeling even more confused.
Her mom always listened carefully and gave her good advice, though, so Ella told her everything that had happened that day, Ella, do you really want to be friends with the cove qtis? I guess not, but I don't understand why they didn't like us, and I really don't understand why the principal couldn't do anything. I felt like an invisible seat belt was. Trying to keep me from talking to the qts at recess, but I felt that same seat belt giving me an encouraging hug when I decided to go to the principal.
Ella. That feeling you had is called intuition. It's an important feeling that we all have inside to help us make the right decisions. So my intuition was letting me know that I didn't need.
The quties' approval since Scout and Layla are already such great besties. That's right. Always go where you're celebrated, not tolerated. It's something even adults have to learn with friends and bosses.
So everyone has that little voice inside, what about what happened with the principal? You did the right thing by going to an adult you trust, but sometimes grown ups can't fix everything. That's when you have to trust yourself. The more you do it, the stronger your intuition will get hmm.
Okay, I'm glad my intuition knows who my real besties are. Mama. Yes, Ella, I think my intuition is telling me that we should definitely stop at Curiosity Cones on the way home. That bracelet hunt wore me out, and I think a double scoop of strawberry ice cream will help me feel a lot better.
You know what, Ella, I think that your intuition is right again. Who I love Curiosity Cones. Boy, did it help me that day? I learned some pretty big lessons.
Knowing who my true friends are and trusting that firm little voice inside of me. Following your intuition is such an important part of being a good friend to the people in your life. But also to yourself. I hope all of you have friends who you can trust through thick and thin, at recess, in the classroom and even eating ice cream.
All right, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, Friends, we never say goodbye. It's always see you later. Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella.
Today's story was written by Lydia Carradine. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
Sandy the Shrimp - Casper Shout Out!
Ayy! Welcome to the reef, kid. Name’s Sandy.You might be small… like really small… but out here? That just means you gotta be quicker, smarter, and a little bit scrappier than everything trying to eat you.In this fast-talking, funny lesson from Sandy the Shrimp, you’ll learn how we squeeze into tight spots, make unlikely friends (lookin’ at you, Goby), regrow body parts like it’s no big deal, and see a world of colors you wouldn’t even believe.But don’t get cute…Out here, everybody’s hungry.So stay sharp, stay sneaky, and whatever you do… don’t get eaten.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Hello and welcome back to season five of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's me Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream spray. Perfect for story time. We're back with our series Animal Apprentice. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up as a brand new animal deep in the ocean, high in the jungle canopy, or out on the wide Serengeti.
An Animal Apprentice, you step into the tiny paws, claws, wings, or fins of a baby animal, seeing the world for the first time. Each episode, a wise, grown up animal becomes your guide, teaching you how to survive and discover your special treats. So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in Sandy the Shrimp.
Hey, Hey, yeah over here, Hey, how you doing? Yeah yeah, save it kid. Look, we ain't here for the funny business. No crying, No, I.
Want my mommy. No, life's been so tough for me. Yeah. No, we're not here to complain.
We're here to serve, and we got a job to do our mango, clean. We're street sweepers. Baby, that's right, we're in the street sweeping business. I know, I know you just got here.
You don't see it yet, but trust me and my whole eleven months on this ocean floor. Don't ask me how. I swear this place has gotten dirty. It's filthy.
So that means all hands on deck, antenna up, eyes open. Let me walk you through a couple of tools you got on yourself. All right, Hey, don't look at me all dumbfounded. This is your baggage, it's your swag.
This is what you're made of. Okay, So first stop, we got your exoskeleton, which you ain't got much of at the present moment. Don't worry. You'll grow on fast.
Forget about it. It's gonna be a hard shell all around the outside of you. All right, that'll be what you get soon. The giants on land, you know, the ones that they call themselves, the humans, they got the skeletons on the inside.
Don't ask me how this works. I have no idea. Sounds backwards if you ask me. But for us, if we want to grow, we gotta shed out a skeleton, grow on the inside, then build a brand new skeleton on the outside.
Get me humans, I don't know, kid, Everything just grows with them. I guess. I don't know. Must be nice, but I guess that's the price you pay when everything wants to eat you.
Right, I'm talking about us, kid, Come on, follow me. You grow your armour on the outside. Okay, let's skip that. Next.
Legs you got five pairs. You don't know math yet. Okay, all right, I help you out. Five times two.
That's ten, ten little dangle legs. Walk with them, run with them, swim with them. I don't care as long as you're doing what Oh my gosh, kid, cleaning, that's what you're doing. You're cleaning.
Okay, you're cleaning with your little dangly legs. Stay with me now. Oh my gosh, Ruth, I don't know about this one. Oh might not be comprehending what I'm saying.
Oh no, Sandy, that one's just observant and a good listener, aren't you, cutie? Sandy? Be nice? I gotta get back to cleaning teeth.
Look at that. You hear that kid? The lady who birthed you, real professional, She's a dentist. She flicks her intent around antenna attention.
Pretty slick and passing fish swing by. They open up the mouth and let your mom hop right in there. Why they don't eat a that beats me. She must be doing a good job of something a shrimp.
We remember everything, tremendous memory, so nobody can try us. Your mom, for. Instance, she remembers which fish open them mouths polite and slow, and which one's twitch funny, and which ones smile a little too wide. Yeah, she remembers who came in for a clean and who came in hoping she slips.
You get what I'm saying. Chomp, chump, You try to chomp a once. That's it. You're on the list.
She sees you coming from three reefs away, and suddenly she's got somewhere else to be. She's a smart lady. I guess you'll get there anyways. That's how you survive down here, kid, No muscles, not size memory.
The ocean's big, but all grudges those are even bigger. She'll live up to about six years if she's lucky with that job. Me. I'm out of here too.
I work the ocean floor. That's heavy labor. Kid. This this here, this is the first time I've ever stopped.
Just so you know. After today, that's it. Cleaning all day, cleaning all night, seven days a week. Because if we stop, this place goes to garbage.
It's nasty, trust me, and then they're gonna blame us. So no complaining. Nobody's listening anyway. All right.
Oh and before you look at my size and you think we're pushovers or something, some of my cousins snap their claws so loud it stuns fish. That's the truth. Loudest noise in the ocean for their size. So yeah, small don't mean quiet.
All right, Next question, what do you do with the garbage you clean off the floor? Come on, guess, you eat it living non living, Oh gross, floating mystery in my mouth, in your mouth, doesn't matter, you eat it. Move on. You're an omnivore.
What's an omnivore? Ruth? Does this kid not know anything? That means you eat everything everything?
Don't give me any of this garbage about a nut allergy or a vegetarian a vegan. Nah, This place don't care about your preferences. It cares if it's clean, So eat it. That's recycling, kid, shrimp style.
Now, these cool little flappy things here, you're standing on them right there, pleopods say it with me, pleopods. Fancy word right. Yeah. They help you swim, breathe and real important.
They help you carry eggs, if that's ever your job. We don't waste energy around here. Kid. You'll notice we're small.
It's not a weakness. That's how we get into places nobody else can. Cracks, crevices, tight spots full of mess. Big animals can't fit.
We can. That's why Goby's that. Weird looking fish over there, garden that hole you see that, that's a gobi. Watch our backs.
That's what they do. They watch our backs. Remember that they're supposed to protect us from other fish trying to eat us. Okay, ah, don it trying to hate me?
Go be where were you on that one? You had one job? Gee? Ah, forget it.
He only ripped off three of my legs. It's fine. They'll grow back. Don't worry.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I guess that's a glad that happened because I got to show you a cool party trick. We get regeneration. You lose a leg or three in my case, you grow a leg or three in my case. It's no big deal.
Forget about it. Anyways, When I was younger, we used to mess with the new kids who didn't know that. One time a kid stepped on my foot, so I yanked off my leg and I started screaming. I started screaming so loud, and this kid was like, oh my gosh.
Kid turned white as a clam. He ran crying to his mom. It was so funny. I grew it back in like a couple of weeks.
It was cool. Anyways. Yeah, that's about it, man, So relax. What's tougher than we look.
Don't stress about nothing. That's why when the job gets tough, they call us. Oh hey, let me tell you about these about these peepers. On our eyes, we see seventeen main colors, okay, seventeen.
You know a human see three? Only three? I mean they must it must be dull. See in the world in green, red, and blue.
They probably see like nothing, nothing as cool as we do. They think the great artists up there, please if we went so busy cleaning, they'd be begging us to paint their pictures. Of course, they wouldn't be able to see all the beauty and all the colors like us. Hey, but you know, speaking of color, you can change yours.
We blend into the background like a millions or octopus or cuttlefish. It's part of our camouflage, so you know, so we don't get eaten like I almost did. Yeah, I mean, kid, everything wants to eat us, fish, whales, buds, crabs, octopus, even even starfish try to eat us. And I don't even know why.
I mean, we're cleaning the ocean floor, right, I mean, that would just be pathetic getting eaten by one of them starfish, giving how slow they are. I mean, I guess if you'd be sleep anyways. Of course, whatever the heck that fish was, they tried to swipe me up. Yeah, you fish, you ain't taking sandy alive.
Anyways. You'll notice we don't sleep much. Yeah, we rest when we can, but you know that's the gig. Ocean don't close, and either do we.
So my advice to you straighten up, antenna out, legs moving. You're a shrimp now, and the world stays clean because of us. You like coral. Reefs, they're pretty right clean oceans?
Yeah, real nice? Well, thank a shrimp. Wear the cleanup crew. Nobody sees.
And that's about it. That's all I got for you, you little shrimplet. That's the name for a baby shrimp. Little shrimplet, I like it.
Shrimplet. Take care of yourself and have a good life, all right. I get going, Get to work. Don't stop till you're dead.
Boy. Oh boy, shrimps work really hard. I'll have to think about that next time my mom goes shopping and ask what I want for dinner. Ooh, I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
I'd like to give a shout out to Casper. I heard you're a big fan of the Cove and I'm a big fan of yours.
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
The Art Show
Ella the Curious dreams of getting a new easel and decides to sell her first pieces of artwork to make it happen. Her parents think it’s a great way for her to learn the value of hard work. This heartwarming Thanksgiving episode is all about understanding the importance of working for what you want and discovering that giving can be one of the greatest gifts of all. Adventure awaits in Curiosity Cove! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we have stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dreams prey to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. Let's dive into today's story about me Ella the Curious and how hard I work to get a new easel by selling my artwork.
Ready to listen, Let's do it, Ella the Curious the art show. Mom, Dad, you have to see this. It's a total game changer. Ella flew into the kitchen in a flurry, and her two long braids bounced behind her in the wind.
What's going on, Ella? Is everything all right? Ella took a moment to catch her breath. All she could do was hold up the art magazine in her hands, pointing excitedly to something at the top of the page.
Look at this evil I want it, I need it. I have to have it. Can you imagine I can paint outside al fresco like a Renaissance painter. I need a little hat and a smock.
It says it's on sales, so that means it costs way less than the original price. Mom, that's what you always say to dad, Right. Ella, that's a really nice cecil, but you already have one. It's great to see you so passionate about your creativity, but it's also important to be thankful for the tools you are have.
Your Dad's right, Ella. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we have so many wonderful things to be grateful for. I know, and I am grateful, but I have a kitty easel? Can I be grateful for all the cool stuff it's helped me create and also want a little glow up?
Ella's parents winked at each other, then grinned back at her. What's going on you two? Well? Ella, if you really want that easel, maybe you can find a way to earn the money for it.
What do you think about having an art sale tomorrow morning? That way, you can get the easel in time to paint your favorite character floats that you'll see in the Thanksgiving Day parade? An art sale me, I'm not Deborah hert Right or romeor Bearden or Picasso. Do you really think people would buy my work?
Of course they will, Ella, you're an amazing artist. I'll tell you what. I have some spare plywood from the house we're building at work. I'll make you a display table and you can paint it.
This is going to be the best Thanksgiving. Art sale yet. Now, Ella, you're going to have to set your prices and stick to them. It's important that you know your worth as an artist.
Haggling can be fun, but your work is valuable because it's part of you. Wow, I never thought. Of that before Ella grabbed Row, her favorite stuffed purple roly poly from his seat at the kitchen table. Are you as excited as I am?
Row? I really want that easel, but showing my art to the whole world is a little scary. Maybe I should stick to the easels and the paints that I'm used to. Ella's mom kneeled down in front of her and gently pulled her into a hug.
Ella, your dad and I want you to be proud to show your gifts to the world. Your art may not be everyone's cup of tea, but you don't paint for them. You do it because you love it. Ella tried to put on a brave face.
Not knowing whether or not people would like her art was like walking into a huge room with her eyes closed. Do all artists feel this way? Ella felt a rush of excitement and nervousness as she wondered if the world would like her paintings and drawings. She took a deep breath, and her excitement suddenly took over.
You're right, Mom, I'm gonna be my best me and if people like my art, hooray, And if not, I'll keep at it because I love it so very much. Ella excitedly bounced on her toes as she stood behind the sturdy table Joseph had made for her. Her neighbors in Curiosity Cove were racing by to get last minute ingredients for their Thanksgiving dinners, and seeing Ella's art brightened up everyone's day. You were right, mom, People do like my drawings and paintings.
Oh, I feel like a real artist. You are a real artist because you are brave enough to paint. Ella. You shared what was inside of you, and that's the most important thing.
The other important thing is getting that easel. Do you think I make enough by the end of the day? Ella's mom stepped over to Ella's bright toy cash register where Roe was keeping watch. She popped it open and did a quick calculation.
Ella, you're not going to believe this. If we can make a few more sales, you'll be able to get your easel and maybe even some new watercolors. Really, Mama, that's amazing, and showing my art to the world. Made me realize there's nothing to be afraid of.
I was a little disappointed when our neighbor picked up my paper mache dog sculpture and then put it back without buying it, but maybe it was just a little too fancy for her. My heart won't be for everyone, and that's okay. I'm proud of you for realizing that. Ella.
Some people still don't get Picasso, but it doesn't make his work any less valid. Oh, I see someone who does love your work, though, isn't that Leila? Ella looked up and saw her terrifically talkative, extra excitable bestie bouncing down the sidewalk toward them, But she could immediately that something was wrong. Does Layla look okatie?
You row? Thanksgiving is one of her favorite holidays. She loves turkeys and the roquettes and watching in the parade as much as I do. Hmm, I wonder if something happened.
By the time Laila reached Ella and her parents, Ella was absolutely convinced that something wasn't right. Layla's bright smile was nowhere to be found, and it seemed like there was a dark storm cloud right over her head. I'm so glad you made it to Ella's art show today, Layla. Is there anything we can help you with?
Layla let out a heavy sigh and sadly shook her head. I'm here for you. If you ever want to talk. I really hate when you look sad, Laila.
You guys are the best, but I don't think there's anything you can do. I lost my helmet that perfectly matches my new bike, and I need it to ride with my parents in the Turkey trot tomorrow morning. You have to do the Turkey trot you've been training for. You do it every year.
Well not this year. I guess all of the stores and Curiosity Cover sold out of every single kid's helmet. My mom even checked online, but the website was down, and then she had to get started on all of our yummy Thanksgiving treats. I guess we'll just have to wait until next year.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, Laila. I know this race is important to you, but maybe this year you can start a new Thanksgiving tradition. Yeah maybe, Laila shrugged, then stepped back to look at the last few pieces of Ella's colorful art on the nearly empty table. I'm really proud of you for doing this sale.
Ella, I know that everyone who bought something today is thankful that they have a piece of your amazing art to brighten up their homes. Ella hugged her friend and squeezed her as tight as she could. Thanks, Leyla, I'm thankful I have a friend as amazing and encouraging as you. And don't worry.
Maybe there will be a Thanksgiving miracle and you'll find a way to do the turkey trot after all. Laylah smiled hopefully, and Ella waved goodbye as she continued on her way. When Ella turned around, she saw her dad shake hands with the customer before letting out a triumphant whoop wooo. What was that about?
Dad? You did it, Ella, That last sale put you over your goal and you can buy your fancy new easel. I can't believe it. Today's sidewalks tomorrow the met Ellison's.
Paintings here we come. Good job, Bro, I don't think we could have done this without your bookkeeping. Ella joyfully started to gather up her remaining pieces, but she felt the smile slowly sliding down off of her face. What's wrong, Ella?
You did a really great job today and you should be. Proud of yourself. Mom, I need you to look something up for me. I think I know what this is about.
Ella's mom pulled out her phone and did a quick search. A moment later, she handed her phone to Ella. The website is working again. My new easel is the ex exact same price as Laylah's helmet if I order it right now and use the super speedy overnight shipping.
But there's no way I can do that and get my easel. Ella. I know Layla is your friend, but you set a goal and worked hard to get something that's important to you. If you still want your easel, I think you should get it, really, but Layla was super upset, and I know what it's like to be disappointed when you can't have something that.
You want soup bad. I don't want one of my best used to be sad when I can do something about it. You know, sometimes life can be disappointing. But Laila will get through this and she'll be your friend no matter what.
Yeah, you're right, but I think I want to help Layla this time. She's been training for her Turkey trot way longer than I've wonted that. Easel, and you guys are right. I have an easel that works perfectly fine.
I can save up and get a new one some time. Sacrificing for the people you care about can be hard, but it's always worth it. In the end, it's important that it comes from your heart and you have absolutely no regrets. Let's do it.
I'm thankful for the easel I have, and for learning that other people value my ard enough to pay for it. But I'm most thankful that i have a great friend like Layla. I want to help her have the best Thanksgiving ever. Then I'm ordering the helmet right now, fingers crossed.
It makes it to her before the race tomorrow. On Thanksgiving morning, the air was crisp in curiosity, cove bright leaves swirled in the air, and the smell of turkey's cooking wafted it through open windows. Ella and her parents paced near the starting line of the Turkey Trot, hoping that they'd see Layla with her shiny new helmet. Maybe it didn't get there in time.
I really wanted Laylah to race. Ella. Look at this. Ella lit up as laylahed toward her, proudly wearing her shiny new bike helmet.
This showed up at the crack of dawn while my mom and dad were getting ready for the Turkey Trot. It says it's from you. How did you manage to buy my helmet? And your new easel.
I didn't get my easel because it was more important to me that you have a great race today. Ella, you're the best bestie I could ever ask for. Think you so so so much. All right, turkey trotters, it's.
Time to race on your marks. Good set, gobble gobble. Ella clapped her hands and cheered as Layla pedaled away from the starting line as fast as she could. You are right, Dad, Sacrifice can be hard, but the look on Laylah's face made it all worth it.
All right, old Diesel, you're not retiring just yet. We've got some floats to paint, and the ellis is still happening. Ella grabbed her favorite brush and dipped it in the brightest color as she began her work of art. She was concentrating so hard on her new masterpiece that she didn't notice her mom standing in the doorframe with a suspicious package behind her back.
Ella, do you have a minute? Just the second, Mom? The artist is at work and genius can't be stopped. When Ella finally looked up, she was so shocked that she almost dropped her paint brush.
Mama, is that the easel I wanted? You sacrificed your hard earned money to buy Laylah her helmet. So I sacrificed my dislike of shopping on busy holidays to get this for you. I'm thankful that your dad and I have such a talented, generous, brave little artist with a heart as big as yours.
You earn this easel, and I know you're going to create amazing things with it. Ella jumped up and gave her mom the biggest hug she could. Thank you, Mom, You're the coolest patron of the arts a girl can ask for. And this really is the best Thanksgiving ever.
The end. Wow, boy, did I learn so many important lessons on that Thanksgiving, like believing in my art and knowing my worth even if I'm not so sure how other people will react to it, and the importance of generosity and putting others first. You know, spending the holidays with friends and family can be a wonderful time full of yummy food and gifts, but the people you share those moments with are what matters most. I hope you have an.
Amazing, curious, creative holiday season with your friends and family. Hope you join us next time for another adventure and curiosity cove Soon, Happy Holidays. Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Today's story was written by Lydia Carradine.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound. Effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
Stay connected and be part of our community by joining our newsletter at Fort hyphensumter dot com and our Instagram page at Love Fort Sumter to get out the latest news first at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity, Come. Get some Magical. Place, Come True.
Welcome to a Ventures Up Curiosity Came
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
The Birthday Party Betrayal (Ella the Curious and The Mystery of Growing Up)
When Ella realizes she wasn’t invited to the birthday party of the year, she launches a full-scale investigation to uncover the truth. Did she offend the birthday girl? Was there a secret invite list? Or is this part of a larger conspiracy? With Scout tripping onto clues and Layla is running a “forensic” analysis, and Ella is determined to solve “The Case of the Missing Invitation”. Learn More: FortSumpter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
"Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
Welcome back to season three of Adventures of Curiosity Cove. It's meet Ella the Curious and whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm so thrilled to have you here. This season, we'll dive into brand new adventures from my treehouse. Think cozy beanbags, fluffy pillows, and of course my favorite stuffy Ro right by my side.
It's peaceful, almost like my mom just used her relaxing dream fread. Perfect for story time. Today, I get to introduce you to a new series called Ella the Curious and the Mystery of growing up. In each episode, I face something that doesn't quite make sense, like school emotions, friendships, parents, or all those misunderstandings in life.
With Scout and Layla, I treat every moment. Like it's a case to solve and today's case The Birthday Party Betrayal, Act one. The Discovery School. Hallway morning, Ella, Scout, and Layla are at their school lockers.
A group of kids nearby is buzzing with excitement. It's gonna be the best party ever. Giant bouncy house, cake pops shaped like dinosaurs, and a face painting station. Ella half listens, then perks up.
Wait, whose party is this? Oh, it's Madison's birthday party this Saturday. She invited everyone. Everyone.
Ella pauses and checks her back. No invitation at her desk, nothing. The color drains from her face. She turns slowly to Scout and Layla.
I didn't get invited. Dramatic telenovella moment to the black and white close up of Ella's shocked face, slow zoom, wind blows through her hair, music swells. Be a sneal. How could this be?
Have I done something wronged her? Familia bumped into her in. The hallway, said no to share my cholcolate chip coodnies during lunch. Or it could be you just weren't invited.
Were you invited, Laila? That would be a. Yes, scalp, that would be a double yes for me. I need to get to the bottom of why.
There must be an explanation I invited her to mine. Wasn't she a no show? Yes, Scout, but that's not the point. Just asking a question here, Jeez, come.
On, let's go investigate in our office. You mean the tree house. Or the three house? You get it, because the three of us three house.
We got it. Scout just needed you to squirm through that joke a bit. Now off to HQ HQ headquarters. Oh right, where we always solve the mystery of our lives.
Don't be so dramatic, Scout, gotcha. Now off to do what we do best. Play, no bake, no solve the cases of our lives. Talk about dramatic.
Let's do this act too. The investigation begins Ella's treethouse. Ellis slams a fresh case file onto the table. The words the birthday betrayal are written in bold.
Alright, team, we have one mission. Find out why I was left off the list. Layla clicks a pin nod seriously. Scout accidentally sits on a juice box.
The investigation is on. Ella points to her dry erase board that reads leads and theories, the forgetfulness factor. Maybe Madison just forgot the secret guestless theory. Maybe there's an elite list of vi peas the ultimate betrayal possibility.
Maybe Madison doesn't like her anymore. Ella shudders at that thought. Scout gasp, should we go undercover? Seriously?
I knew you were a genius Scout. Why don't we just ask questions? Go under cover and ask questions. I have best friends who happen to be genius detectives.
Ella grabs both her besties and smothers them with hugs, then quickly releases them. Lailah grabs three pairs of sunglasses out of her backpack. And hands them to the team. Okay, here are some sunglasses I design with my three D printer.
They should help you feel detectivey And if you need extra help, press this side button and I can help you at any time. Laila shows the team the side button. She presses it into. She has an earpiece where she can talk back to the team through the glasses.
Slick. I can slide in and out without being detected. Cool, and if we need a little extra help, Laila will keep the questions flowing. Leila, you always come up with the best gadgets.
I try a bit traumatic. Scout jumps in. You don't try, Layla. You do all right?
Yoda? You ready, Curious Crew, Yes, let's do this. Act three undercover operations. Ellen and her friends gather Intel in the cafeteria at the lunch tables, casually bringing it up to Madison.
So, Madison, here, you're having a tiny. Gathering this weekend. Oh yeah, it's huge, cool cool cool love that love that for you. The Curious Crew interrogate other guests.
Scout accidentally spills punch. Oops. So hey, how exactly did you get invited? Madison invited me or strategically distributed an invite.
The team gathers back together in their corner of the lunch room. Layla presents a chart of who was invited. Notice, no one from our lunch table was invited. You mean everyone except you?
Ella? At four the confrontation outside playground next day. The next day, at the playground, Ella approaches Madison dramatically, Madison, we need to talk. Madison looks up confused.
Uh, okay, I wasn't invited to your party. I know this for a fact. Madison blinks, thinking, oh yeah, my parents said I could only invite ten people this year. Wait, so it wasn't personal, of course not.
I just had to pick a few people. I wish I could invite everyone. Ella processes what Madison just said. Scout and Layla exchange glances.
Oh so not a conspiracy, just. Basic party logistics. Huh, Ella size ven grins well. Mystery solved.
Back to a dramatic telenovella mode. Ella tosses her detective notebook into the air. This is the cruel reality of childhood. The limits of headcounts back to normal mode.
Hey, but if you want to come hang after, I'd love that, really Yeah, and we'll save you a cupcake. Ella's eyes glimmer. Scout claps, Layla nods, satisfied at five what Ella learned. Back at Ella's house, Ella sits in her room, writing in her detective journal.
Sometimes the answer isn't a big mystery. Sometimes it's just math, and after party playdates are just as fun, especially with yummy cupcakes. She closes her detective notebook. We see Layla and Scout at the end of Madison's party debating what flavor cupcake Ella should get when she arrives to the after playdate.
Fade out as we hear Layla and Scout bickering about which one is better. I think I think she would love the. Blue, pink green. Oh boy, I am so excited to keep solving life's mysteries with my besties.
Sometimes things are simpler than they seem. If we just stay curious, they don't call me out of the curious for nothing. I hope you enjoyed our podcast story as much as I did today.
Boy, was I comfy and cosy and all tuned in.
If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five-star review — but only if you really mean it! We love hearing your feedback. It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you and all our curious listeners. You never know, you might even get a shout-out from me here in the Cove!
Drop your kids' names in your podcast reviews, and we'll give them a special Curiosity Cove shout-out on an upcoming episode! Can't wait to celebrate your amazing kiddos. Adventure and Curiosity awaits!
Alright, I need a snack, so I'm headed back home. Until next time, friends — we never say goodbye, it's always see you later.
Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Written by Nicholas Muscarella. Adventures of Curiosity Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine. Engineered by Robert Altshuler, sound effects by Command Creative Studios. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove."
The Broken Vase
Uh-oh! Ella the Curious accidentally breaks her mother's favorite vase and doesn't tell the whole truth about it. As her stomach ties itself in knots, Ella learns an important lesson about honesty and the slippery slope of lying. Join Ella on this heartfelt journey of truth-telling and understanding. Adventure awaits in Curiosity Cove! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read the full transcript
Pencil to paper, sketching new art on this page. What kind of journey will this drawing bring to life today? Another adventure awaits for you. Ro, Scout and Layla might come along. It's imagination time at Curiosity Cove. Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place come true. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
It's me Ella the Curious. Whether you're joining us for the first time or coming back for more adventures, I'm thrilled to have you here. Welcome back to the Adventures of Curiosity Cove, where each episode we dive into one of my own Ella the Curious adventures or listen to an original story right here in my cozy treehouse. Picture this.
We're nestled among the trees, surrounded by comfy bean bags, piles of fluffy pillows, and yes, my favorite stuffy Ro is here too. It's like we've stepped into a peaceful world, almost as if my mom used her relaxing dream spray to set the tone. It's just peace and quiet, perfect for story time. So are you ready?
Let's dive into today's adventure and see where our imaginations will take us. Today we start with Ella the Curious and the broken vase. Hello, and welcome to Curiosity Cove. Ooh, look there's our friend Ella.
Oh you don't know Ella. Sorry, I assumed you two were friends since she's friends with everyone in Curiosity Cove. Ella is eight years old, has bright, inquisitive brown eyes and curly brown hair that her mom and dad put into. Ella's favorite style two long braids, separated by a perfectly straight part.
Ella's favorite color is well, every color. That's why today she's wearing her favorite pink boots with yellow stars on them. Plus, Ella loves those boots because her mama says, when Ella smiles, she lights up the sky like millions of stars, and most importantly, like everyone else in Curiosity Cove, Ella is always eager to explore. The world around her.
That's what curiosity is. So if you look at what Ella the Curious is doing right now, you'll see she's living up to her name. She's outside of the lock bathroom door, curiously trying to see if she can unlock it with a pencil. Mama, what smells so good?
Ella asked as she quietly tried to open the door. Ella was trying to get inside the bathroom because she loves being next to her mother, even though as a big girl she understood that sometimes mom needs to be alone to take showers. My strawberry shampoos, what smells so good? Her mom called out as Ella leaned against the door, frustrated that her lock picking wasn't working.
How much longer are you going to be in the shower, Ella asked. Ella strained her voice on purpose so her mom would know she was very bored and lonely. Hopefully that would make her mom hurry up. Ella, let your mother take a shower in peace.
Please. A man's voice said that was Ella's dad. He's a strong, sturdy, but funny dad, and he has a voice that sounds like soft thunder. But I want to.
Make me her special Sunday breakfast, her kitty shaped pancakes with apple eyes, a banana nose, and a blueberry smile. And I want you to practice just a little patience. Because patience is a part of love, Ella said. Her dad proudly kissed her head before he started to walk down the stairs.
I'm going to the store, her dad. Called out as Ella heard the front door open. I'll be back in five. As soon as Ella heard the front door close.
She tried to sit quietly and wait for her mom, but sometimes patience is hard. Mom, Are you coming out now? I'm so bored. There's no such thing as bored, Ella, just something you haven't discovered to do.
I'll be out in a second, one, Ella said, counting that second out loud, even though she knew with her mom, one second often seemed longer than a second. Ella wondered if when you were an adult, time was different. When her mom didn't reply, Ella twhirled around from the bathroom door and ran into her room to get her best stuffed friend. Row Roe was soft and squishy.
He looked like your favorite roly polyly on the street after a good rainy day. His bug fur was purple and blue, and he had big, caring eyes. Row I'm going to be a big girl. I'm gonna make myself a bowl of curiosity crunch cereal.
It wasn't the kitty shaped pancakes she wanted, but she knew her mom would be proud of Ella because she made it herself. Ella raced down the stairs and into the kitchen. The cabinet with the cereal was just out of reach of her hand. Ella stood on her tiptoes, but still couldn't reach it.
But she was a big girl, so she didn't give up, and she stood on the tiptoes of her tiptoes, but still her fingers couldn't grab the cereal box. Ella had a big brain, so she opened the closet to find something to make her taller. She grabbed the folding ladder her mom used when she watered the plants above the kitchen shelves. The ladder seemed light when her mom picked it up, but Ella had to use all of her muscles to pull it out of.
The closet's corner. Ella used almost all of her energy when finally the ladder moved. Then went flying across the kitchen. Then there was a loud crash.
When Ella turned around, she saw the ladder had knocked over her mom's favorite vase. It was broken into what seemed like a million pieces on the kitchen floor. Ella looked at the kitchen floor. Pieces of broken glass stretched from the oven to the kitchen table.
Some were as big as a button and some were as small as a grain of rice. The glass and its sharp edges reflected different rainbow colors on the kitchen ceiling. Ella noticed rose caring bug eyes were bugging out, even buggier than normal. He looked at the jagged edges of the broken vase like he was afraid they'd cut right through his fur.
Ella didn't want Road to be scared. That was a big emotion for a little bug, so she quickly opened a kitchen cabinet. She was trying to find glue or tape so she could fix her mom's favorite vase. She only found syrup.
She knew syrup was sticky, but Ella didn't know if it was strong enough to hold glass. Emma, I'm drying off? Are you happy? Oh?
The strawberries came to life in Dancing with Me. Usually, Ella loved the silly songs her mom sang when she was finished in the shower. But today, oh no, Ella exclaimed to Row. If my mom sees the vase, she'll go from.
Silly to sad. Roe being scared plus her mom being sad. Those were two big emotions for a little girl to handle. On a happy Sunday morning, Who broke my favorite viz?
Ella heard her mom behind her. Her mom's voice was no longer silly like when she danced with strawberries. Her mom's voice was loud. To Ella, it seemed almost as loud as when a big truck drove by in Ella's windows shook.
Dad probably did it, Ella blurted out. Even though Ella lied, the scared feeling in her stomach felt better because her mom wasn't yelling anymore. Your dad has some explaining to do when he gets home, mom said, as she found the dust pan and knelt down to sweep up the tiny pieces of glass. As Ella and Roe watched mom clean up the broken vase, Ella felt relief.
Her mom grabbed the pancake batter. They were back to their regular happy Sunday of kitty pancakes. Then she heard the front door open. Where are my favorite ladies at.
Dad's voice called out as his footsteps headed towards the kitchen. Where do you think we were? We were cleaning up. The vase you broke, Ella's mom called out to him, her voice loud again.
I'm sorry, I didn't even know I broke the vase. Ella's dad said. He had the flowers he bought for Ella's mom every Sunday in his hand, and now he had nowhere to put them. Once again, Ella's big emotions were growing inside of her.
She felt like a long rope in her stomach was being tied over and over into bigger and bigger knots. Soon, this rope is going to burst out of me. Ella thought, as she felt the knots crawl up towards her throat. She opened her mouth.
I broke the vase, Ella said. Once she let out that lie, it felt like the knots were gone. Now we could all get back to kitten pancakes. Instead, she heard her mom's voice loud again.
You lied to me. Go to your room right now. Ella grabbed Roe and sadly walked to her room. She sat on the floor and looked for something to make her less sad.
She looked at Roe. She looked at her dolls. She looked at her arts and crafts corner. She didn't feel like playing with anything because there were new emotion knots forming in her stomach.
Ella looked at her watch. She'd only been in her room for ten minutes, but it felt like ten hours. Maybe this is what time feels like when you're an adult, Ella said to Roe, before she heard her mom's footsteps on the stairs. Maybe even mom had decided that ten minutes was too much time for anyone to be alone.
Ella thought as she leaped up from the floor. Can I come out now, please? Ella called through the door. Her mom poked her head in.
You can come out once you think about what you did. Ella sat back down and tried. To do what her mom said. But how do you think about what you did?
Especially when it's hard to concentrate because big emotions have your stomach and knots. Ella grabbed her water colors. Maybe drawing will make the knots go away, she thought. She pulled out her biggest brush and drew the angry knots in her stomach.
With her biggest brush and saddest colors, Ella drew swirls and big, messy balls that soon. Took over the whole page. Curiously, Ella noticed her stomach felt a little better. Maybe the big emotions had jumped out and into her painting.
Ella grabbed a smaller brush and painted her mom in the shower. Then she painted the broken vase. Then she painted her mom. When she saw the vase that painting was all red, because that's the color, Ella felt.
When her mom yelled, mom, Ella called out, did you think about what you did? Her mom asked as she poked her head back through the door. Yes, I'm sorry I lied. But when you're angry and you yell.
You look like a big, scary ball of fire. She showed her mother the red painting. After looking at it, Ella's Mom's eyes softened, she sat on the floor next to Ella. I'm sorry I made you yell at me.
Ella said, you didn't make me yell. My throat made me yell. Ella's mom joked, Ella, I only yelled because I was surprised. Still, that's no reason.
To lie to me. Pinky swear, I'll never do it again. Ella said, But I thought the knots were going to break out of my stomach and tiles all to the kitchen chairs. Big emotions can sometimes feel scary, but you're a big enough girl to know they can't pop.
Out of your stomach. Ella's mom chuckled, where did you get such a big imagination? Girl? Ella pulled out one of the watercolors her mom hadn't seen on it.
Ella had painted her mom with a bath towel wrapped around her, dancing with giant strawberries. I got it from you, mama, Ella laughed. Then she hold out her rainbow of colors and started drawing. What she could smell was cooking downstairs, her mom's famous Sunday kitty pancakes.
Wow, what an adventure Ella had today. Huh good things, She'd untied all those emotional knots. If you loved what you listened to, please leave us a five star review, but only if you really mean it. We love hearing your feedback.
It helps us grow so we can continue to bring stories to you In all our curious listeners. You never know you might even get a shout out from me here in the cove. All right, I need a snack, so I'm at it. Back home until next time, friends, we never say goodbye.
It's always see you later. Adventures of Curiosity Cove was created by Tika Sumter and Nicholas Muscarella. Today's story was written by Angela Nissel. Adventures of Curiosity CD Cove's theme song was written and composed by Mattie Lim and sung by Laura Serafine.
Engineered by Robert Ultruler. Ella the Curious is an original story series created by Tika Sumter. Stay connected and be part of our community by joining our newsletter at www dot fort hyphensumter dot com to get all the latest news. First at Curiosity.
At Curiosity Cove, it's a magical place. Welcome to Adventures of Curiosity Cove.
What age is Adventures of Curiosity Cove for?
Adventures of Curiosity Cove is designed for children aged 5 to 8. The stories, language, and emotional themes are calibrated for this age group, though children slightly younger or older also enjoy the series.
Is it good for car journeys?
Yes! Each episode is a complete, self-contained story. No cliffhangers, no frustrated arrivals. Episodes download for offline listening on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, so no wi-fi is needed on the road. It has become one of the most-recommended children's podcasts for car journeys for exactly this reason.
What topics does it cover?
Episodes cover a wide range of childhood experiences: big feelings like anger and frustration, worry and anxiety, sadness and disappointment, friendship and kindness, confidence and bravery, family life, bedtime and sleep, school challenges, major life transitions, and mindfulness and calm. Use the filter above the episode library to find the right episode for what your child is experiencing right now.
Is it good for bedtime?
Yes. Adventures of Curiosity Cove has a warm, unhurried format that makes it a reliable part of bedtime routines. The show requires no screen, keeps children engaged without overstimulating them, and many episodes deal directly with themes of calm, safety, and winding down.
What is it similar to?
Adventures of Curiosity Cove sits in the same space as Wow in the World, Story Pirates, and Smash Boom Best — curious, child-centred audio storytelling that makes listening feel like an event. Where those shows focus on science, competition, and comedy, Curiosity Cove focuses on emotional intelligence and the interior life of childhood — the things children feel strongly but don't yet have words for.
Does it feature diverse characters?
Yes. Adventures of Curiosity Cove features a diverse cast of characters, with Ella the main character being Black. The show was created with the belief that all children deserve to find themselves in the stories told to them. The stories themselves are universal, centred on the friendships, emotions, and everyday experiences that every child recognises.
