Never let your schooling interrupt your education.

Weekend giveaway: Sparkle Stories

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This giveaway has ended. Thanks for entering!

I was tucking my eight-year-old son Jonathan into bed last night when he turned to me suddenly and said, “I wonder what trash company Martin and Sylvia use at their house?”

Seven-year-old Martin and five-year-old Sylvia are the main characters in one of Sparkle Stories most popular storylines. This homeschooled (woot-woot!) brother and sister live, love, eat, learn, argue, and work together–just like most of our little people.

Jonathan’s comment probably clues you into the fact that this duo has, along with other Sparkle Stories characters, become featured players in our home.

I download new Sparkle Stories each week onto my phone, and we often listen to one or two after dinner and before bed. They have added a blissful layer of calm to this hour that for some reason tends toward chaos.

Here’s an overview about this resource that has added so much to our family’s life:

“Sparkle Stories produces weekly audio stories for children and families around the world.  Our Subscription Story Series follow the seasons, inspiring a sense of wonder and magic throughout the year.

We offer six original Story Series, plus a seventh Series with classic stories, songs and games, all designed to entertain and inspire the whole family.

Sparkle Stories is a creative collaboration between storyteller David Sewell McCann and his wife Lisabeth.”

Sparkle Stories also make a fabulous gift this holiday season–I love it when I can give something that doesn’t add more stuff to someone’s life. Or maybe you can request a Sparkle gift for your own kids from the grandparents for Christmas!

Giveaway:  The Everything Martin & Sylvia Package!  ($102 value)

One Simple Homeschool reader will win an everything Martin & Sylvia Package! It includes:

The family that wins the giveaway will enjoy all of the stories from Sparkle’s most popular series. They’ll get to meet Martin and Sylvia, the enterprising brother and sister that create delightful adventures all throughout the year!  This is 20 hours of delightful audio stories, perfect for ages 3 and up.

How to Win

To be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment on this post telling me what time of day in your home could use a little storytime calm! (If you’re reading this via email, you must click over to the main post to leave a comment!)

For an extra entry, “Like” Sparkle Stories on Facebook. Then leave another comment here letting me know you’ve done so.

Special Offers

You can also check out these three special offers:

1. Download a FREE holiday Martin & Sylvia story–Living Room Nutcracker:

This year, Martin is invited to attend the local production of “The Nutcracker” with Momma.  It’s an exciting first!  But as it’s a long performance, it’s decided that five-year-old Sylvia is too young to join.  And oh is she disappointed!  Martin makes it up to his sister by promising to bring the Nutcracker right back to their own living room — and he does, in a full family performance!

Download this free story here.

2. Try Sparkle–$1 for 1 month

Are you new to Sparkle Stories? David and Lisabeth have created an easy and inexpensive way for families to try a Sparkle subscription.

Find out how to get your first month of stories for just $1!

3. 50% off the Martin & Sylvia Christmas Time Audio Book

Through the end of December you can get this holiday audio book at half off–for only $3!

Head here to purchase.

This giveaway has ended. Thanks for entering!

About Jamie C. Martin

Jamie is an introverted mom of three, who loves books, tea, and people (not always in that order), and avoids answering the phone when possible. She co-founded SimpleHomeschool.net in 2010 and began IntrovertedMoms.com in 2020.

Jamie is the author of four books, including Give Your Child the World (reached #9 on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers list), and her latest release, Introverted Mom (an ECPA bestseller). Her work has been featured by LeVar Burton of Reading Rainbow, the Washington Post, Parents, Today Parenting, and Psychology Today.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  9. Ali Federwitz

    There are two times that could use a storytime calm: while I’m prepping lunch and while I’m prepping supper.

    I’ve been wanting to try Sparkle Stories so I’m trying the free story now, thanks!

  10. Kelly

    We will be homeschooling and traveling a lot next year, as we are home in the states for furlough (we’re missionaries). And so I’m thinking car time would be the perfect time for Sparkle Stories!
    Kelly’s latest post: I’m not here.

  11. Shannon

    We could really use this at bedtime! I didn’t know that there was such a thing as an audio book subscription for kids! That is so cool! I have spent lots of money on iTunes for just this purpose. With a new baby in the house, we love audio books. Thanks for this and, pick me! 😉

  17. Stephanie

    Afternoons. During a time of rest, just to pause in the middle of the day before the gymnastics/dinnertime/dance/church all starts!

  18. Maha

    Love love love Sparkle Stories! (At least, the free samples we’ve listened to online.) We are a no-TV house and I could really use something to occupy my kids’ attention while I’m getting dinner ready.

  24. Merilee

    We could use sparkle stories during afternoon rest time and during dinner prep (or any other time of the day for that matter)! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!

  29. Christine

    My kids have been asking for more stories after listening to the samples on their website. This would make a wonderful Christmas gift!

  35. Jody W.

    I’d love some peace in the morning while we’re trying to get Dad out the door to his College! It just seems that my boys are unsettled during this ‘routine’ time – this would be a fabulous gift!

  36. Nicole G

    EARLY morning time could use some calm at our house. My dd gets up anywhere between 5-7am, and I am not a morning person! She wakes up and listens to podcasts, so one about homeschooled kids would be awesome!

  38. Marla K

    We could use some calm around 2 pm. That’s when I’m exhausted and rushing, with still so much to be done. Thanks for the chance to win!

  48. Jenn R.

    Great giveaway! This sounds like a good fit for our afternoon transitions or even in the car when we have to travel a long distance.

  49. Lori

    As another no TV household, there are so many times we could use this, but mayby I would play it during the dinner clean-up time.

  50. Becky Bartlett

    Please please let me win this!! I could use some storytime calm during rest time for my two oldest (4, 3) While the younger two are napping, we could all sit peacefully and enjoy these… it’d give mama a break from entertaining!! 🙂 These sound fabulous!

  55. Charlotte

    I would love Sparkle Stories for my little ones (ages 1 and 3) when we are driving their big sister to and from her almost-daily swimming practice. The worst time of day in our house is called the “witching hour” and always happens when I’m trying to make dinner, so some stories and quiet play would be lovely as well. Thanks!

  60. cardi

    We love Sparkle Stories, especially in the late afternoon before dinner when my children tend to get a little crazy 🙂

    Thanks!

  74. Debra

    Certainly night time is when we need a little story time calm, however we like stories all day long in our house.

  76. Meg

    I just liked Sparkle Stories on Facebook. (I’ve never clicked “Like” on anything before. This is a first!)

  77. Mary Beth

    I think we’d enjoy these before we start our school day in the morning, while Mama enjoys her last sips of coffee and before the kids get started on their work- they often are a little aimless during that time of day.
    Mary Beth’s latest post: a taste surprise!

  78. Meg

    The time of day we could use some down time is after our morning schoolwork. Lunch is hectic because we’re all hungry and tired from hard work all morning. After we get the little ones into bed for afternoon naps, this would be a perfect time to relax before we begin Part 2 of our day!

  83. Shannon

    Our witching hour is from 5:00-6:00 pm. Folks are tired and hungry, the house needs it’s final pick up, all our animals need to be fed and I need to finish dinner. Whew. I look forward to the first two specials to try this series out. I’ve had it recommended before but have never heard it.

  84. kristy

    We would love to have this for our 2-3 pm time when Mama is so sleepy ;), or during our dinner prep time. Thanks so much for the opportunity

  86. Roxanne

    Sparkle stories are great! We have a long drive once a week to our homeschool co-op. We use that time to listen to audiobooks. Sparkle stories would be a great option for that time.

  88. angelle

    First thing in the morning is when we use stories. It gives me time to get organzied and ready for the day and calm the kids for school work ahead! Would love more stories!

  91. Charissa

    I know exactly when we’d listen to Sparkle Stories in our home… dinnertime! We often hear a lot of whining during the dinner making process as our girls have trouble waiting for the food to be ready. A Sparkle Story would be just what they need at that time to bring them a sense of calm!

  94. Michelle

    I could use Sparkle Stories in the late afternoon when I’m trying to prepare dinner and my kiddos are tired, hungry and we are all waiting for daddy to get home from work. That is always a rough time of day around here.

  97. Erika Russell

    We could use a little story calm between 4pm and 5pm on most days! These stories sound like they would do the trick!

  104. Amanda Gray

    I think the time we need the most calm is between 4:30 and 6:30. That seems to be the time in our house when everyone falls apart!

  105. Betsy

    Would love this resource. My family was called for me to quit my job and venture into homeschooling. Quitting my job meant giving up my company car and we decided not to buy a replacement. Needless to say, our sweet kids are in the car for about a hour to a hour and a half every afternoon to pick up Daddy! It is a super sweet and joyful “adventure” every day because everyone is excited to see Daddy but would love a resource for the kids to supplement the long drive;)

  106. Hind

    My kids love Martin & Sylvia! Our favorite time to listen is in the morning as we’re preparing for school.

  108. Kris

    While cooking in the kitchen, my girls and I love to listen to a good story – so breakfast, lunch, or dinner time,

  111. Victoria

    We love to listen to sparkle stories on our long drives. It makes the hours we spend in the car pleasant for all, and a nice tradition of listening is being developed!

  113. Faye E. Hunt

    Sparkle Stories would be most helpful during the witching hour (dinner time!) or certainly right before bed at night. Thanks for the wonderful opportunity!

  115. Christina P.

    Sparkle Stories may help calm the chaos that seems to happen while I’m preparing dinner. 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!

  117. Bri

    Oh boy! I would love these stories to have in the late afternoon before supper. Now that the girls don’t nap anymore, they are so emotional at this time of day! Thanks for the chance to win these!
    Bri’s latest post: Where has the week gone?

  119. Lisa C.

    I would love to win this subscription! Settling down for nap time would be a great time to listen to these! Thanks for the chance to win!

  124. Jettie

    My 5 year old son loves sparkle stories! They are particularly helpful when my very active 10 month old needs my attention and I am not able to read aloud. They are also great for when he plays in his room and car rides. Thanks!

  125. Sarahs

    We love Sparkle Stories, although we’ve never subscribed. My 9 and 7 year olds will listen forever as they draw or paint. Even my 11 year old gets sucked in. They’re so sweet.

  131. Tanya

    We could use sparkle time story anytime during the day but especislly before bed. It would be helpful in helping calm the kiddies down and ready for bed.

  134. Margaret Hutchinson

    There was one Halloween Sparkle Story that my daughter and I listened to over and over, it was so good! Anytime I need to do food prep would be a perfect time to listen to a sparkle story. We would love to win this but will take advantage of the one month for a dollar is we don’t. Thank you!

  137. Lise

    We LOVE Sparkle Stories in our house, and use them to calm down before nap, at bedtime, and for something interesting to do in the car. I’d love to win this package to share with a friend; we have them all already, and want to give them to everyone!

  138. Rachel J.

    We listen to sparkle stories at bedtime the most. LOVE them to pieces. Some funny quotes from my five year old who is entranced with the Martin and Sylvia series, “Oh Mom, I just wish Martin and Sylvia could be a video!” Laugh, laugh, laugh. She has also asked my husband in all sincerity and with matter of fact curiosity, “Daddy, why aren’t you as nice as Martin and Sylvia’s daddy?” He answered back just as matter of fact, “Because he’s not real.” 🙂

  146. Jenn C

    As. Homeschooling mama of 3, I can think of a number of times during the day that could use some calm. Maybe to keep the chatterbox 4-yr-old entertained while I work with her sister on math? Maybe for an afternoon quiet time?Maybe for the dinner-making hour? Martin and Sylvia might become MY new best friends!

  148. Carolyn

    After lunch is our downtime and listening to audiobooks is one way for the kids to immediately get into the “quiet time” mood!

  149. Andria

    The time from dinner until bedtime can get long and everyone tends to get very hyper. Audio books seem to be the perfect thing to get everyone involved in a quiet activity, so they can hear the story!

  151. Kelly

    I think my son would love to listen to them during his quiet time. And also on long car trips, which we take a lot of during the holidays!

  153. Rachel H.

    Story time calm would be best during the time when I am trying to fix lunch! Maybe I would be able to prepare something a little better than PBJs that way? 🙂

  154. Sarah

    Sparkle stories are great to listen to when i am getting coffee going in the morning and dinner going in the evening!

  156. Bethany

    We could use a little story time calm mid-afternoon, which is around the time my two young children’s energy levels tank and their crankiness peaks. They could still use naps, but, of course, they fight off sleep with all of their might. This would be the perfect time for some story time calm.

  159. Angela K.

    The 30 minutes before dinner are the craziest minutes of our day. Everyone is hungry, Daddy has just come home, the kids are squirrely and vying for his attention, my patience battery is running low… ‘twould be a perfect time for some story distraction, especially for my 8 year old. I hope we win!

  163. kristen

    We need quiet time between baths and bed. I would love to win this because we are starting homeschool after the new year and need all the help we can get.

  169. Tehila

    The time right after dinner, when the children have brushed their teeth, an are en route to their bedroom, is the most hectic time in our home. For some reason laughter and jest abound in our hallway every evening on that mysterious path, and the children just seem to linger there excitedly, frolicking and tumbling on each other… (instead of winding down 🙂 )
    Tehila’s latest post: What Amazon.com Taught Me About Prayer

  170. Jennifer H

    The crazy time for me is after nap and before dinner. That way I could possibly cook in relative peace! 🙂

  172. Amy M

    I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old. Prep time before dinner would be a fantastic time for us to listen to Sparkle Stories. The pre-dinner time can sometimes be a little crazy. I don’t let them watch much TV. Sparkle Stories sounds like it may be just what we need to fill in some of the gaps in the day. Thanks for offering this great giveaway!

  173. Heather

    I am newly pregnant with my third, and, for the third time, I have hyperemesis. Any time of the day would be a good time for a quiet activity for my 5 and 7 year old boys. 🙂

  179. Melissa

    First off thank you always for the great info. We are new to homeschooling and every little nugget of info is a blessing! My boys 2 and 5 are always on, and they love love love story time! I would say morning time before breakfast because there is no such thing as sleeping in in this house, or during dinner prep and always bedtime!

  180. Chelle

    I think I would try them during lunch or while I’m preparing lunch. I’ve been curious about them for a while.

  182. Andrea

    You have given me an interest in the Sparkle Stories. My kids would love listening to them during the afternoon dinner prep time. I hope we win. Thanks.

  183. Jamie P.

    Sparkle stories would be such a blessing to our home right before Daddy comes home and I am trying to cook and clean. 🙂

  187. Carrie Mac

    We love listening to stories at bedtime! We started that tradition when my second was born, and I needed a bit of a distraction for my older child as I nursed her little brother to sleep. So after I read a couple of books, we’d play a few Barefoot Books podcasts for my daughter to listen to while I settled the baby. Now she loves listening to stories after lights out. We’d love to get to know the Sparle Story gang!
    Carrie Mac’s latest post: pom poms

  188. Julie

    We could use some daytime calm around 2 or 3, when my daughter gets TIRED and CRANKY (and I’m tempted to, too!).

  192. Amy

    For us, with a new baby due to arrive this week, first thing in the morning would be great! We could snuggle up together for a few minutes and listen and enjoy each other. Sounds fantastic- thanks for the chance to experience this!

  193. Bridget Stevens

    This would be lovely for the dinner time hour which is rife with arguing and toddler melt downs while I’m trying to cook!!!

  195. Kirsty

    I have never heard of these before, but would absolutely love to win this for my almost 4 year old little boy! We love to read all throughout the day, but especially before bed when my little guy begs me to read story after story to him. So we would use these a lot before bed! 🙂

  197. Jess

    The witching hour is around 4 int he afternoon here! Calm moments of listening to a story would be welcome then!

  199. Christy

    Wow! These stories sound very adventurous, just like we like it here at home. If our family were to win this awesome package, we would read/listen to a story every morning before breakfast (while I’m cooking)! My kiddo’s usually read in the mornings and we could REALLY use some new material to help us get our homeschool day off to a great start!
    Christy’s latest post: Homeschooling Is Abuse?

  208. EricaG

    We need a bit of story time around 4:00 or 4:30 when I’m trying to make dinner and everyone is tired and hungry. Oh yes we do!

  214. Kelley

    Would love to have a little bit of storytime in the morning, so we can connect as we get our day started!

  217. sheila

    I have thought about trying this all year, my daughter will really settle into audio stories, and my recently turned two year old, who still needs a nap and quiet time, is having a hard time settling down these days with a busy house (the big boys are 11 and 8…I think if they could listen after lunch I just might be able to keep the much needed nap schedule going 🙂

  219. natali

    I have been wanting to try Sparkle Stories for a while now, it gets such glowing reviews from everyone that has tried it! Our family is Dutch-French speaking and living in USA so we can really use it to boost our English (and our imagination) 🙂
    I would use it with my oldest boy while his little brother is sleeping, we both love stories so this would be a great moment to just snuggle up together and listen to the adventures of Martin & Sylvia.

  221. Renae

    We could use stories during the late afternoon when the excitement of the day has worn off and our creative spirits take a little break!

  223. Kari

    Right about 3pm seems to be the chaotic hour around here. Maybe a Sparkle story would help calm the household. 🙂

  227. Nicola Wilson

    We need Sparkle Stories when I say “School Time” come to the table. Perhaps a story first might be an incentive? But love the idea of it later in the day too.

  232. Meg Rosson

    We live in the middle of nowhere and often make long drives. We are always on the look out for something to listen to on our car journeys at any time of day.

  242. Terri

    When I’m putting my younger son down for a nap (to occupy the older), and of course while making dinner!!!

  244. Lorrie

    My kiddos love to listen to stories anytime – while building with Legos, while crafting, while riding from here to there in the car. They’re a wonderful tool for developing vocabulary and listening skills. Can’t wait to try these!

  246. Beth

    Afternoon–my 5 year old daughter doesn’t nap anymore, but this momma still needs some quiet time! She loves to listen to audio books, so she would love Sparkle Stories.

  247. kat

    my dd sometimes likes alone time during the day, and she loves to listen to stories. i bet she would love sparkle stories!

  249. Jackie

    Afternoon quiet time would be an excellent time for sparkle stories. Son would be entertained and I can get some peace and quiet and work done!

  251. Mindy

    Our busiest time is right before bed, I can never get my little ones to wind down. It would be such a blessing to be able to have this ‘calming down’ period before putting them in their rooms,
    I liked sparkle stories on facebook 🙂

  252. Melissa B.

    I’m thinking this through and my oldest often needs something to do to occupy him (can’t imagine asking him to occupy himself! :)) while I lay his brother down for a nap. It’s also a good winding down/resting time for him and I think he would enjoy these.
    Melissa B.’s latest post: PSA

  255. Stephanie Thorp

    We would definitely use the structured quiet time of these stories in the late afternoon early evening when school is done, Daddy isn’t quite home, everyone is a bit tired, and I have to start thinking about dinner…

  259. MaryBeth

    Our evenings could use a little calming… love the idea of audio stories, then all four of them don’t have to fight over sitting in my lap to see the pages best!
    MaryBeth’s latest post: Big Smiles

  260. Kris

    Our children have listened to several sample Sparkle Stories over the last year or so and they are smitten with the characters and story lines. We would love to receive this gift subscription for long car rides when the kids really want to watch a video, but I would prefer something a bit milder. Thanks for the opportunity!

  261. Patty Pivirotto

    I would love to let these stories play in the car. we have an port that can play the stories from a phone or our laptop. we do not have a dvd in our minivan anymore and although I find it hard to create peace in the car with 4 children 6 and under, I am thinking sparkle audio stories could be the way to keep everyone engaged without watching a show or movie. we also plan on taking some much longer driving trips this summer when they could be a huge help!

  263. Patty Pivirotto

    I just liked it on facebook too! fingers crossed as our kids (ages 6,5,4,1) would love this – and me too!