Your Favourite Children's Stories written by Leanne Dyck

photo by ldyck

"Free library in Sidney, BC"
Little Free Libraries

Each story on this list have a history of earning over 1,000 page view.  Please click the links to read my stories.

Going South

 Older Rufous hummingbirds fly south in August. Younger hummingbirds migrate in September, but Pablo stays. Will he stay too long? 

Harry, the Spider

Through this story, children learn about the life and special abilities of the wolf spider.

Making Giant Snowballs

 Making Giant Snowballs encourages children to show acceptance and kindness--especially to people who are different from themselves.

Carrots

Mariam Horse is an avid gardener who shares what she harvests with her neighbours because she knows she always wins when she shares with friends.

Whispering Stories

Whispering Stories is a short memoir about my experiences as an elementary school pupil with dyslexia.

Grandma's Knitting Needles Sing

Grandma's Knitting Needles Sing celebrates the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, introduces the art of knitting, and explains how wool is produced.

Dog Hair

This poem is a fun way to teach the English names for body parts.

Jump

 This story was inspired by a childhood memory and is about risky play.

Walks with My Friend

Walks with My Friend was inspired by the friendship between my dog and a dog from the neighbourhood.

Petal's Monster

Petal's Monster is about overcoming stress due to childhood anxiety.

About the author...

Leanne Dyck studied children's literature at the University of Winnipeg, was the sole proprietor of a children's literature bookseller business, and read scores of picture books to groups of children during her fourteen-year career in Early Childhood Education. 

"Abby" photo by ldyck

On this blog in September...

Stranger (short memoir) by Leanne Dyck

 A strange encounter with a stranger inspired this short memoir.

A stranger is just a friend you haven't meet yet. -William Butler Yeats

Or...

"The 'problem" with [this] quote lies in its idealized nature, which ignores the potential risks of interacting with strangers, the fear and hesitation people experience, and the fact that not all strangers become friends, often leading a simplistic view of human relationships and societal safety... In essence, while the quote serves as a gentle reminder to be open to new connections, its oversimplification overlooks the necessary caution and discernment required when navigating social interactions." AI Overview

photo by ldyck

"art by a stranger"

Stranger

The hour-and-a-half bus ride had taken me from my cozy home in rural Manitoba and dropped me off in the intimidating city of Winnipeg. Tomorrow I will begin my studies at the University of Winnipeg, but tonight, I felt too overwhelmed to do anything but walk the short distance from the bus station to a mall. I found a bench on the second floor and watched...nothing. I was the only "ghost" that lingered. Down below, a janitor's cart rolled across the floor as the mop danced beneath the janitor's skilled hands. And then, a few feet away from my bench, the elevator door opened and... He stepped out of the pages of GQ, wearing a long camel coat that accentuated his shiny black hair. One word dominated my thoughts—handsome. The clock struck 9 PM, and I was mesmerized--my eyes glued on him. He headed my way. Me? I wore a sparkling gown and glass--. Nope, my mother's skidoo pants and my faded corduroy parka. 

Really?

Yup, sad but true.

He offered a charming grin. "May I sit?" His voice was thick with an accent I couldn't quite place.

I'm not sure how it happened, but one thing led to another, and he asked if I would like to go to a movie with him. Hmm, of course!

The theatre marquee presented several options, and I chose "Steel Magnolias".

"No, I pay," he insisted, taking responsibility for both tickets.

"'Steel Magnolias' is about...?" he asked as we walked into the theatre.

"Friendship among women," I replied.

"In this country, do men go to such movies?" he inquired.

We brushed elbows in the dark.

"Some," I whispered.

On this blog in September...

is dedicated to stories for and an article about children

Sunday, September 7

Your Favourite Children's Stories written by Leanne Dyck

Each story in this list had a history of earning over 1,000 page views.

Sunday, September 14

Marion, My Day Friend (children's story) by Leanne Dyck

was inspired by career in infant care

Sunday, September 21

Baby, Come Back (children's story) by Leanne Dyck

can be chanted during playtime or sung during naptime

Sunday, September 28

Home Children: Canadian History (article) by Leanne Dyck

September 28 is Home Children Day. Why? What's a "Home Child"?

Read this article to find the answer to these questions.