Episode 2 - Welcome, Little Ones

In this week's tale, we return to the peaceful woodlands of Hedgerow Hollows, where the Holloway bunny family awaits a joyful event - the birth of their bunny twins. Beneath the roots of an old hedgerow, their cozy burrow glows with warmth and anticipation as neighbours gather to celebrate the arrival of two tiny lives.

Through this gentle story, Welcome, Little Ones reminds us that even the smallest arrivals can fill a home with light, and that kindness and community make every new beginning shine brighter.

About the Hedgerow Hollows Collection:

This story is part of the Hedgerow Hollows Tales: Volume 1-a series of ten heartwarming tales set among the woodland creatures who live beneath the hedgerows and brambles. Each story offers a glimpse into the simple joys of friendship, gratitude, and the beauty of everyday moments.

The full audiobook edition of Hedgerow Hollows Tales: Volume 1 is now available from Hawthorn Quill Publishing, featuring all ten tales read-aloud for families to enjoy during quiet evenings or long car rides.

What to expect in this episode:

• A gentle introduction to the Holloway bunny family
• Them reflections on love, family and new beginnings.
• A glimpse of the close-knit community of Hedgerow Hollows.
• Soft acoustic guitar, piano and nature sounds for relaxing atmosphere.

Next episode:

Join us next time for The Festival of Empty Baskets - a touching story about gratitude, community and the joy of sharing what we have, even when it seems we have little to give.

Connect with Hawthorn Quill Publishing:

• Visit us at hawthornquill.ca
• Follow us on Instagram: @hawthorn.quill Threads: @hawthorn.quill
• Explore our books on Goodreads, Library Thing, Bookshop.org

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Narrator Adele (0:12)

You’re listening to the Hawthorn Quill Chronicles Storytelling Podcast - with new stories every Wednesday.

Host Beth (0:33)

Welcome dear listeners to a new episode of 'Hawthorn Quill Chronicles: A Storytelling Podcast.'

Host Beth (0:41)

Here at Hawthorn Quill Publishing, we believe stories are like seeds. Once planted, grow into wonder, courage and imagination. And where words take root in our wonder, courage and imagination, we believe such stories endure. That's why we strive to bring to you stories 'where words take root, and stories endure.'

Host Beth (1:05)

Each week, we'll open the pages of a new tale-some short and cozy, others magical or filled with adventure and discovery -all waiting to carry you into your imagination. We believe stories are even more magical shared, so there will be something here for everyone-children, families and even older readers who love to dream.

Host Beth (1:31)

In our previous episode, we met the four Kingswell Bears and were introduced to their lovely home in Kingswell Glen — a place filled with friendship, family, and the quiet rhythm of cottage life. Today, our story takes us just a little beyond the glen, to the nearby meadows and hedgerows, where another family is preparing for something very special.

Host Beth (1:55)

This is the story of the Holloway bunnies, and the joyful arrival of their newborn twins in a Hedgerow Hollows tale called Welcome Little Ones, by Canadian author and illustrator, Eliza Thorncroft.

Host Beth (2:08)

The Holloways live in a snug burrow nestled beneath the roots of an old hawthorn tree — a place warm with lantern light, soft moss carpets, and the gentle hum of family life. Mrs. Holloway has been preparing for days, tidying the burrow, fluffing the blankets, and making sure every corner feels just right. Mr. Holloway, meanwhile, tends to the garden and keeps the kettle warm for the neighbours who stop by with well wishes and wildflowers.

Host Beth (2:42)

Our tale begins once the twin bunnies finally arrive. Fox spreads the news of their arrival and all of Hedgerow Hollows come together to celebrate. It’s a story that captures the wonder of new beginnings — the tenderness of family, the warmth of community, and the love that fills a home when new life is welcomed into it. The gentle themes of Welcome Little Ones remind us that even the smallest arrivals can bring the greatest joy, and that every new beginning — no matter how tiny — deserves to be celebrated.

Host Beth (3:19)

This story is part of the "Hedgerow Hollows Collection", a heartwarming series of ten tales set among the woodland creatures who live beneath the hedgerows and brambles. Each story in the collection shares a little glimpse of life in the Hollow — from birthdays and picnics to quiet moments of kindness and courage. "Hedgerow Hollows Tales Volume 1 audiobook" is now available for families who wish to enjoy all ten tales together — a perfect companion for storytime or quiet evenings by the fire.

Host Beth (3:54)

It’s time to open our storybook once again, and step quietly into today’s tale. So find a cozy spot, curl up in your favourite chair with a comforting blanket or a cup of tea. And let your imagination wander into the meadows and mossy burrows of Hedgerow Hollows, where tiny heartbeats and gentle whispers fill the air. So now that we’re cozy and ready, let’s begin the tale of Welcome Little Ones.

Narrator Grandfather Joe (4:55)

Welcome Little Ones. This is Bunny's Burrow Home, everyone is so happy! Twin baby bunnies were born today. The morning sun rose warm and wide, as joy and hush filled countryside. Inside a burrow, snug and deep, two baby bunnies stirred from sleep.

Narrator Grandfather Joe (5:22)

The Bunny parents beamed with pride, with tiny twins curled side by side. Their siblings, bright and sweet and small, tiptoed near the nursery wall.  Fox heard the news and spread it fast, "The Bunny twins have come at last!” He dashed through meadows, hill to glen, to tell the tale to all their friends. Stoat stitched a quilt in mossy green, the softest blanket ever seen.

Narrator Grandfather Joe (5:57)

Squirrel carved rattles smooth and neat, with cherry wood and acorn seat. Hedgehog baked a pie with carrot glaze, and set it out on leafy trays. Mouse brewed a tea of mint and pear, and wrapped her cups with thoughtful care. Mole cleared the path with spade in hand, so guests could reach across the land.

Narrator Grandfather Joe (6:26)

Badger tied some clover in a bow; a symbol of love all hearts would know. The burrow glowed with gentle light, and flower bunches, fresh and bright. Fox called aloud,  “Let’s all draw near— new little lives are welcomed here!” They entered soft with gifts in paw, and baby bunnies sparked their awe.

Narrator Grandfather Joe (6:57)

With twitching ears and velvet toes, they snuggled close,  so pink their nose. Their names were whispered, kind & low,  as candlelight gave off its glow. The siblings stood with watchful pride, and kept their post at either side. Squirrel gave hugs, Hedgehog sang sweet, while Mouse arranged the nursing seat.

Narrator Grandfather Joe (7:27)

Mole leaned in close with eyes aglow, and Badger smiled with a voice so low. Fox raised a toast with meadow cheer: "To love that grows with every year! To Bunny’s home, now twice as bright—with hearts so full and eyes alight.” The burrow rang with joy and song, as woodland friends all came along.

Narrator Grandfather Joe (7:56)

They laughed and shared a quiet bliss, in moments shaped by days like this. So here’s to hope and gentle starts, to tiny feet and open hearts. For every burrow,  big or small, grows warmer when there’s love for all.

Host Beth (8:35)

And that was Welcome Little Ones, the story of the Holloway family and their joyful new arrivals — the bunny twins. Through this tender tale, we’re reminded how love multiplies when it’s shared, and how even the smallest hearts can fill an entire home with warmth.

Every animal in Hedgerow Hollows plays a part in these moments of togetherness — from mice who bring tea and hedgehog's sweet carrot cakes and songs sung outside the burrow’s door. It’s this spirit of kindness and care that binds the Hollow together through every season

Host Beth (9:15)

Wasn't this such a lovely tale? I thought it was simply adorable!

"Welcome, Little Ones," is available as a delightfully illustrated picture book, as well as the collection of 10 tales in the "Hedgerow Hollows Tales Volume One Audiobook" — perfectly suited for cozy family or classroom listening and read-alongs, long car rides, quiet evenings or before bed.

If you loved today’s story, we’d love for you to share this podcast with a friend, and don’t forget to follow us so you’ll be here for our next tale.

Host Beth (9:52)

In our upcoming episode, we’ll be reading a Châtenay Fable called "The Festival of Empty Baskets", written by Canadian author Eloïse Belleveau.

The Chatenay Fables take place in the quaint village of Châtenay, nestled in the Alsace region of France. These early readers are part of a language-learning series launching this winter, one that introduces learners to french as well as other select European languages.

Our story, The Festival of Empty Baskets, is a heartwarming story about compassion, generosity and gratitude - a celebration of the joy that arises when neighbours come together in times of need to share what they have. It’s one of Chatenay's most beloved traditions- and perhaps, one of its most touching.

The first warm wind of spring tiptoed through the windows of Maison Lapinette, stirring curtains and ears alike. Isaline Lapinette twitched her nose as she leaned over the kitchen table, cheeks dusted with flour, paws carefully pressing the last sliver of plum into place. “There,” she whispered. “Perfect.”  Her mother, Madame Lapinette, smiled from the hearth, where the old oven gave a cheerful hiss.   “One tart, one basket, one gift for the table,” she said, repeating the spring rule the village council had posted on the fountain board. “This year, we share what little we have—and we do it gladly.” Isaline glanced at the tart again. It gleamed in the sunlight—golden crust, rich purple swirls, and the last crumble of almond from their dwindling stores. It was the prettiest thing they’d made since the frost ruined the early harvest.  “Do you think they’ll put it in the middle?” she asked.

Her mother just laughed. “That’s not the point, chérie.”  But Isaline thought maybe it was. After a long, grey winter and an even greyer spring, the Festival of Baskets was the first cheerful thing in moons. Each villager would bring one small item to place on the long table in the square. No one was to bring more than one—not even the elders, not even the baker. That way, no creature would feel ashamed of how little they had.   Still, Isaline had this—a tart of preserved plums picked by her own paws last summer, when the orchard behind Auntie Linotte’s cottage was bursting with fruit.  She could already imagine the basket procession: ribbons fluttering, bells chiming, and her tart gleaming in the centre like a crown jewel.  “Can I carry it myself?” she asked. Madame Lapinette nodded. “Just wrap it carefully, and don’t trip over your own excitement.”  Isaline bundled the tart in soft linen, tucked it into a woven reed basket, and tied it with a ribbon the colour of early crocuses.  She skipped to the door—then stopped. Outside, the village square hummed with quiet movement. Children darted between houses with baskets of eggshells, flower garlands, and hand-scrawled poems. Some walked slowly. Some carried nothing at all. Isaline frowned. She hadn’t noticed that before. With the tart warming in her paws, she stepped into the breeze. Something about the sunlight felt different now. Like a story hadn’t quite started yet—but it would.

That was a delightful little clip we just heard from the story, The Festival of Empty Baskets. Be sure to join us in our next podcast to hear the rest of it.

At Hawthorn Quill, we believe that stories bring us together, and we look forward to sharing many more with you. Until next time, may your days be bright, your evenings cozy, and may stories always find their way to your heart.”

This has been a Hawthorn Quill production. Music licensed from Pixabay. Voices by Adele, Beth, and Grandfather Joe via Eleven Labs.