Beyond Fables, Tall Tales, and Time
A Collection of Read-Together Short StoriesConscious Book for Children of All Ages
Welcome to my place! Come on in …
Herein is a shared journey through my long life experience. You may eventually run into several books here as time goes on. For now, we have our first book.
A Conscious Book for Children of All Ages.
Why?
I wrote these read-together stories for my grandkids because I wanted to find a light and humorous way to teach them about important life lessons like acceptance, sharing, and self-calming. Dealing with monsters and ghosts and finding True Love are addressed. “Where we come from” and a look at death are parts of this book, too.
These stories are meant to evoke important discussions about real-life happenings. The deeper discussion can be the real purpose of stories … much as our ancient ancestors had intended … to impart wisdom through the generations.
Helping all children (and adults) understand basic life situations is crucial.
How to Use
Because they are written in a fashion broad enough to accommodate all beliefs and interpretations, I encourage you to read them for yourself first and find what is appropriate for your unique perspective.
In fact, parents and educators — feel free to change the names, gender, race, or age of the characters as you see fit. Shape them into your world — keeping the feeling and outcome of the story the same.
Benefits
All of these stories are non-violent, non-competitive, and suitable for even young tender ones. At the end of the day, these stories can be just stories for snuggling and feeling safe. Enjoy however you choose!
The book is printed on premium quality paper and, including the front and back covers, includes 36 full-color handmade illustrations, many of which are full-page.
Video: Earlynn reads “Tale of the Teeth and the Tongue,” a humorous story with an important self-care message, from Beyond Fables, a Conscious Book for Children of All Ages.
David2023-08-27Wisdom to share It’s a wonderful book. The way it calls attention to the unobserved mystery of being alive, of a heartbeat, of love, is good for a grown kid my age too! I celebrate Earlyn’s use of tales to build feelings of trust and safety in young readers.sarah2023-08-07Sweet Life Lessons! What a sweet sweet book! I love the short stories, as children sometimes do not have the attention span. Every story is a life lesson told in such a lovely, fun way. I plan to but more for all my nieces and nephews.TS2023-07-10I great read for adults and kids alike. I picked up the book intrigued by the illustrations and artistry. The author is gifted in a beautiful way of explaining difficult topics in an easy-to-understand way for children. It encompasses the importance of kindness and caring. I feel this is more important today than ever! I take time before bedtime to read these stories to my son. Then we talk about the story together and all the important things that stood out to him and what they mean. I feel it has a very Fred Rogers-ish vibe and sincerity to it. I HIGHLY recommend this book for everyone!!Nico2023-06-07Wonderful! Wonderfully written and illustrated! An excellent invitation and reminder to the beauty and magic which resides in us all ❤️
Patricia Lapidus2023-05-31Touched by these Lovely Tales This is a tender book of stories, and I have no doubt they were helpful to the author's grandchildren.jbm2023-05-28A wonderful read for r all sges I love this book! So funny and has great teaching nos for kidsWill2023-05-05Fun illustrations and stories I got this to see if it would be a good gift. The illustrations are ver charming, though I wish the style was more consistent. They vary a lot, but they all have a good feel to them. The stories themselves are short and have good messages.sureshot2023-05-03Great for Kids For the most part, this is an excellent children's book I'd strongly recommend. Kids will love their creative and silly style. The messages are about love, acceptance of self and acceptance of others. Children are likely to be morally booster here. If I was the author, I'd take the last story out. While it does not push any particular religion, it's still religious. I'd read that one with my child if I let them read it at all. Overall, this is one of the better children's books I've read.André Darlington2023-04-28Engaging stories and great illustrations Beyond Fables is a great book full of wonderful stories and pictures perfect for bedtime. The best part is they are time-tested on the author's children - and the quality shows!reppets2023-01-12Beautiful illustrations and stories to match The first thing that attracted me to this book was the lovely, colorful, dreamy illustrations. Then reading the stories put a smile on my face with each one. Written in a language that kids can easily understand and yet dealing with subject matter that is deep and sensitive, the stories are sure to bring up some meaningful discussions between the reader and the listener when shared. The lessons therein are all about love and acceptance, gratitude and affection - stories that are uplifting to share at any age.
Additional Review
“Earlynn has added a new and needed dimension to the world of fairy tales with this delightful little book. Not only does she cover the fairy tale spectrum but she also deals with the eternal philosophical questions … like “What is God?” Is this sort of book needed? Of course it is. Badly. Earlynn is trying to keep us ahead of the curve. Her descriptions are beautiful, and the illustrations (which only she could do) belong to a brighter, clearer, and more transparent time. Once obtained this book should be kept on a shelf in the bookcase for a very long time and it should be pulled down often — especially when the ingredient — hope — is needed in the cookie mix. Thank you, Earlynn.”
Buy the Book on Amazon
For Parents and Teachers —
Welcome to a land Beyond Fables.
A Conscious Book for Children of All Ages.
The stories born here are more than basic bedtime stories. Some of them deal with questions that children inevitably ask. Some of them deal with dilemmas they may face and never ask about.
They were written for my grandchildren years ago. Most have grown from real-life situations we encountered, or they asked for stories about. All of them attempt to face these situations in a delicate and humorous way. All of these stories are non-violent, non-competitive, and suitable for even young tender ones. I encourage you to read them for yourself first and make your own decisions.
The book is printed on premium quality paper and, including the front and back covers, includes 36 mostly-full-color handmade illustrations, many of which are full-page.
A Peek at a Few Stories: Excerpts
A Conscious Book for Children of All Ages.
These short stories were written to bring up topics children will face in their lives (adults, too). They are non-denominational and can be adapted to any culture. You choose and make them your own for your children. Also included are brief but encouraging sections on music, drawing, storytelling, and taking a look at monsters and beasties. There is much to talk about! This book is a good starting point.
DOG LOVES MOON
Age 4+
“I love you!” cried the yellow dog to the yellow moon. “I want you to stay with me forever!”
He was sure she would because as nights went on, she would grow big and round just for him! But then she would disappear! Poor dog. He decides he must go to her. So, when a mystery rocket ship landed, Dog takes the opportunity to fly to his moon, only to discover a big surprise! The moon was not what he thought. Instead, he finds…can you guess? Cats!
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“So, Dog went back to his hill and sat looking at the moon again, but now he just enjoyed the moon for what it is because he learned that everything is not always what you think or want it to be.
And if Dog forgets … the cats remind him.”
THE PRINCESS WHO HAD NO HAIR
Age 6-12+
Mirabella was a princess who had everything except hair. She didn’t mind at all. “I don’t have to run from you and your hairbrush,” she laughed at the Queen.
But her parents, the King and Queen, were concerned about her royal destiny.
Mirabella had her own ideas. With her faithful companion, Wolfie, a large white dog, she embarked upon an adventurous quest to find real happiness. She meets the Shadow Prince, and the Diamond Wizard, two very unique companions. They help her find the Great Tree of Wisdom. Will the Great Tree know the secret of True Love?
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“Someone noble and kind,” Mirabelle told Wolfie, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully at the foot of her bed. His tail wagged in agreement.
“If there is someone that would love me whether I have hair or not, and whether I am a princess or not, then he will be a true and worthy companion. Otherwise, I care not to spend time with a prince or anyone else who is concerned with what I have or what I look like. Though I am not sure what true love is exactly,” she added, “I am sure it is nothing to do with how I look!”
THE SECRET PALACE
Age 5-8+
“In my secret palace
Where there is no fear,
Monsters disappear
In my secret palace.”
-I wrote this poem — Ava
Our young heroine has discovered her own “secret palace” in the back of her closet and invites her friends to join her to see if they like it as much as she does.
Marcie is the most reluctant to join her, so she is taken on a tour of the “underworld”, that is, under the bed.
Everyone, we find out, can have a serene and quiet place of their own.
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“Someone noble and kind,” Mirabelle told Wolfie, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully at the foot of her bed. His tail wagged in agreement.
“If there is someone that would love me whether I have hair or not, and whether I am a princess or not, then he will be a true and worthy companion. Otherwise, I care not to spend time with a prince or anyone else who is concerned with what I have or what I look like. Though I am not sure what true love is exactly,” she added, “I am sure it is nothing to do with how I look!”
LITTLE BIRD’S GIFT
Age 6-10+
Nadia loved all her forest friends. When she finds a dead possum, she asks her wise Grandfather, “Was he sad when he died?” Grandfather says the answer will come to her question if she just watches for it. A small bird arrives to show her very softly and gently about death.
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“Someone noble and kind,” Mirabelle told Wolfie, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully at the foot of her bed. His tail wagged in agreement.
“If there is someone that would love me whether I have hair or not, and whether I am a princess or not, then he will be a true and worthy companion. Otherwise, I care not to spend time with a prince or anyone else who is concerned with what I have or what I look like. Though I am not sure what true love is exactly,” she added, “I am sure it is nothing to do with how I look!”
WHAT ARE WE MADE OF?
Age 7-10 or anyone curious
“Stardust and water? You mean we are mud pies?” asked the twins, Josh and Jasmine.
“Much more than that!” says Mama as she reads to them a first “physiology” book with a helping of metaphysics. They experience their heartbeat and their invisible heart, where love happens.
They learn how to take care of their bodies and how to relax through breathing. Most importantly, they learn of the “spark” that animates us all.
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“Someone noble and kind,” Mirabelle told Wolfie, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully at the foot of her bed. His tail wagged in agreement.
“If there is someone that would love me whether I have hair or not, and whether I am a princess or not, then he will be a true and worthy companion. Otherwise, I care not to spend time with a prince or anyone else who is concerned with what I have or what I look like. Though I am not sure what true love is exactly,” she added, “I am sure it is nothing to do with how I look!”
GHOST IN THE GARDEN
Age 6-9 or 49
Based on an old tale, this story takes us into the beautiful garden that supposedly belongs to a ghost. When Jack and Jacy decide to explore it, they hear the trees asking to be able to share their abundant harvest with everyone in the village. The boys are willing to help them until the ghost shows himself. Can the innocence of their approach convince the ghost to open the garden gate?
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“Someone noble and kind,” Mirabelle told Wolfie, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully at the foot of her bed. His tail wagged in agreement.
“If there is someone that would love me whether I have hair or not, and whether I am a princess or not, then he will be a true and worthy companion. Otherwise, I care not to spend time with a prince or anyone else who is concerned with what I have or what I look like. Though I am not sure what true love is exactly,” she added, “I am sure it is nothing to do with how I look!”
CHARLIE’S THUMB
Age 3-9+
Poor Thumbie … wrapped in a bandage after Charlie banged him with a hammer. How could Charlie fall asleep at night without him?
Mama helps him but Charlie must come to terms with relying on his thumb for self-soothing. Charlie starts to realize that perhaps there were other ways into sleepiness and Thumbie was designed for other purposes.
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“Someone noble and kind,” Mirabelle told Wolfie, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully at the foot of her bed. His tail wagged in agreement.
“If there is someone that would love me whether I have hair or not, and whether I am a princess or not, then he will be a true and worthy companion. Otherwise, I care not to spend time with a prince or anyone else who is concerned with what I have or what I look like. Though I am not sure what true love is exactly,” she added, “I am sure it is nothing to do with how I look!”
NIGHTTIME
Age 3-6+
Nighttime is not just for sleep. Nighttime is dark and deep.
This story, the observations, and wonderings of a young child, is quite like a pleasant cup of tea before bedtime for both parent and child.
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“Someone noble and kind,” Mirabelle told Wolfie, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully at the foot of her bed. His tail wagged in agreement.
“If there is someone that would love me whether I have hair or not, and whether I am a princess or not, then he will be a true and worthy companion. Otherwise, I care not to spend time with a prince or anyone else who is concerned with what I have or what I look like. Though I am not sure what true love is exactly,” she added, “I am sure it is nothing to do with how I look!”
THAT’S PRETTY GOOD FOR A BEAR
Ages 3-76
Jimmy’s best friend, Koala Bear, doesn’t do everything quite the way Jimmy would. Koala leaves a mess in the kitchen, loses Jimmy’s favorite pillow, and sleeps upside down. We have certain friends in our lives just to help us learn tolerance and patience.
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“Someone noble and kind,” Mirabelle told Wolfie, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully at the foot of her bed. His tail wagged in agreement.
“If there is someone that would love me whether I have hair or not, and whether I am a princess or not, then he will be a true and worthy companion. Otherwise, I care not to spend time with a prince or anyone else who is concerned with what I have or what I look like. Though I am not sure what true love is exactly,” she added, “I am sure it is nothing to do with how I look!”
About Earlynn
Beginnings
Born in a small Italian immigrant coal mining town with no internet in the 40s, I began to love reading illustrated children's books. Soon I was drawing pictures of horses and dogs and taught myself shading and sketching. A college art major was next and teaching became my profession.
Inspiration
I spent much of my young adulthood living in the tranquility of the woods where my husband and I raised our three children, a few animals, and lots of plants. In later life, I spent much more time drawing and writing. When the grandkids arrived, I felt the importance of addressing universal subjects for them in a light and entertaining way.
Purpose
In my travels through life, I was asking for answers to the big questions. Two spiritual communities later, when I learned meditation as a way of exploring existence, the answers seemed obvious.
These big subjects are met without reference to or excluding any particular belief system. The reader may change them. The belief system seems secondary to the fact that topics like love and death are addressed, even from a young age.
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