Welcome to the very first episode of our storytelling podcast!
In this cozy tales, you'll meet Arthur and the Kingswell Trio - a family of bears who live in a warm and whimsical woodland home. This gentle introduction sets the stage for the adventures and friendships that await in pictures books and our select episodes to come.
Perfect for children, families, classrooms and anyone who loves timeless animal stories filled with heart, home and imagination.
Each week, we share original short stories from the world of Hawthorn Quill Publishing- gentle tales to enjoy at bedtime, in the classroom or anytime you'd like to pause and imagine.
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Narrator #1 (0:12):
You’re listening to the Hawthorn Quill Chronicles Storytelling Podcast - with new stories every Wednesday.
Host (0:33):
Welcome dear listeners to the inaugural episode of 'Hawthorn Quill Chronicles: A Storytelling Podcast.'
Host (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 (1:06):
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 (1:31):
Our journey begins here, with the very first tale in the Kingswell Bears series- a collection of twenty-four enchanting stories written by Canadian storyteller Eva Bey. Her stories are inspired by the simple joys of nature and the strength of family.
Host (1:50):
The Kingswell Bears tales weave together gentle life lessons that celebrate both ordinary moments and special occasions, exploring themes of friendship, kindness, and adventures of four young bears and their friends. Each story is set in the cozy backdrop of Kingswell Glen, a quaint village and surrounding forest much like those found in the English countryside.
Host (2:17):
And now, today's story-Arthur and the Kingswell Trio. This tale introduces us to Kingswell Glen and its four bear cousins. Arthur, the youngest, is full of curiosity and always finding new adventures. His cousin Hugh has a love for food that adds warmth and flavor to their days; Charles, is the eldest whose quiet wisdom guides the group; and Philip, has an adventurous spirit that leads them all to new discoveries... and even to the circus!
Host (2:51):
These four very different bears each bring their own gifts to Kingswell Glen, yet together they create a warm and harmonious household. The Kingswell Bears tales reminds us, that even the simplest moments, gardening, mealtimes or walks through the forest, can turn into extraordinary adventures.
Host (3:13):
Through their stories, listeners will find gentle lessons of friendship, kindness and imagination. This very first tale, Arthur and the Kingswell Trio, sets the stage for the whole collection, showing how ordinary days can lead to special discoveries, and how family bonds can grow stronger with each shared adventure.
Host (3:35):
The gentle pace of these stories mirrors the bears' unhurried way of life, inviting listeners to settle in and absorb each lesson naturally. The narrative creates a cozy atmosphere, like a warm conversation with friends, while the vivid details bring every scene to life.
Host (3:55):
These stories shine because they teach important life lessons without ever feeling heavy-handed. Instead of telling, they gently show- letting listeners discover insights through the bears' everyday experiences. The strength of the collection lies in how it blends universal themes with specific, relatable moments , creating stories that resonate with children, families and even adults who enjoy cozy tales.
Host (4:26):
Now that you've met the Kingswell Bears, it's time to step into their world. Curl up, relax and join us for the very first tale - Arthur and the Kingswell Trio - a story from the heart and a story to share. Let our journey together begin.
Narrator #2 (5:21):
Arthur and the Kingswell Trio. At the edge of a valley, where wildflowers play, and mist hugs the hills in the soft light of day, stands a cottage of stone with a warm wooden door, and four friendly bears you'll quite soon adore.
Narrator #2 (5:42):
They live in a place known as sweet kingswell glen, with garden and lanterns and cozy bear dens. Through seasons that circle with gentle delight, they live side by side, from morning to night.
Narrator #2 (5:57):
The youngest is Arthur, a thoughtful young bear, with a nose for good questions and time spent with care. He gardens and sketches, he listens and learns, he knows when to lead and he knows when to turn.
Narrator #2 (6:12):
Then comes cousin Hugh, always thinking of food. He's jolly and round, and his spirit is good. He bakes by the fire and snacks on the go, and always says yes to a warm cookie dough.
Narrator #2 (6:26):
Charles is the eldest, he hums as he walks, and loves quiet books and soft fireside talks. He teaches and tidies, and minds every light, with bedtime tea brewed and pajamas just right.
Narrator #2 (6:42):
And Philip, the boldest, with dreams wild and wide, he dances and climbs and takes joy in the ride. He spins little stories from clouds in the sky, and never says no to a question of why?
Narrator #2 (6:57):
They share their small cottage through snowstorms and sun, with chores in the morning and stories for fun. One starts the fire while another makes stew and each brings their gifts to the good things they do.
Narrator #2 (7:13):
They picnic in summer, plant seeds in the spring, they paint by the garden and dance in a ring. They stack up the books when the weather turns grey and sing songs by candlelight tucked in till day.
Narrator #2 (7:30):
They don't always match and they don't always agree, but kindness is something they all guarantee. For love is their anchor, and home is their thread, it's stitched in the quilts, and the bread that is spread.
Narrator #2 (7:47):
So welcome dear reader to Kingswell at last, where moments are slow and the friendship holds fast. come sit by the hearth and we'll read through and through, with Arthur and Charles... and Hugh... and Philip. too.
Host (8:21):
Thank you for joining us for the very first story on Hawthorn Quill Chronicles. Today, through Arthur and the Kingswell Trio, we were introduced to the four Kingswell Bears and their cozy home at Kingswell Glen — a place filled with warmth, friendship, and simple joys. This tale is the beginning of a much larger collection, where everyday life in their cottage garden and forest becomes a tapestry of meaningful adventures.
Host (8:52):
Arthur and the Kingswell Trio will be launching as a book on October 9th, but this story is also part of the full collection of twenty-four Kingswell Bears tales, already available as an audiobook for families to enjoy together.
Host (9:19):
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. In our upcoming episode, we’ll be reading A Hedgerow Hollows Tale, Welcome Little Ones, written by Canadian author Eliza Thorncroft— a heartwarming story about the birth of the bunny twins, and the joy that comes when a family grows a little bigger.
Narrator #3 (9:43) :
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.
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.
Host (:That was a delightful little clip we just heard from next week's story, Welcome, Little Ones. Be sure to join us next week 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, Grandfather Joe, and Deshna Sogam via Eleven Labs.