Maple Leaf Legends
Season of Gratitude Autumn Stories for Kids
Dorktales Podcast: Episode 55
As soon as the leaves fall, the Folktale Forest hedgehogs turn them into maple leaf medals. They award them to the trees every autumn for their exemplary service to the land and its critters. Now, Jonathan and Mr. Redge are adding to this annual tradition by honoring the unique talents and contributions of their forest friends. And what better way to celebrate than a razzle-dazzling awards show with dancing trios, wonderful wordsmiths, astonishing acrobats, and one famous rooster who cockadoodle-doesn’t miss a beat.
BONUS! Download the free worksheet and color page for this episode on showing gratitude.
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This fall stories for kids episode celebrates gratitude by showing kids how appreciation can be expressed through recognizing the unique qualities and contributions of others. The story begins with the Folktale Forest hedgehogs honoring the trees for all they provide, then expands the tradition into a talent show celebrating the forest critters many different abilities. Kids can see that everyone has something valuable to contribute and that taking the time to notice and celebrate those qualities can help others feel appreciated and valued.
FREE GUIDE FOR THIS EPISODE!
Grab your free guide with list of story and SEL themes, worksheet, certificate, coloring page, and conversation starter questions. This guide encourages deep thinking and helps young listeners relate the episode’s themes to their own experiences and perspectives.
Podcast Episode Credits
Narration, Voice Over and Podcast Host: Jonathan Cormur
Scriptwriter and Show Producer: Molly Murphy
Sound Production, Audio Editing and Mastering: Jermaine Hamilton
Podcast Episode Illustration: Arthur Lin
Title Design and Layout: Jeri DeMartini
Dorktales Fan Page
Come to the Dorktales Fan page, the place where the magic of Dorktales Storytime continues beyond the podcast. Discover activities, coloring pages, fan challenges, and other fun extras inspired by your favorite Dorktales adventures. Plus, there are lots of ways to share your artwork, questions, and story ideas with Jonathan and Redge.
Find the Characters
The tradition of Maple Leaf Medals is explained in Dorktales’ Jolly Holly Hedgehog episode. Many of the characters in this story appear in their own episodes:
- Crenshaw the Fox and the Loppy sisters: Part of the story that introduces Maria Tallchief, Hidden Hero of History
- Nicolai the Firefly: The Tornado Two-Step
- Francois the Ferret: Masterpiece Stories, The Tortoise and the Hare with the ABC Story Sisters Podcast
- Shrimp the Seagull: Part of the story that introduces Duke Kahanamoku, Hidden Hero of History
- Tabitha Vampiria: Part of the story that introduces Merlin Tuttle, Hidden Hero of History
- Lugo the Bat: Hogenstein
- Gerald the Rooster: Merry Band of Bremen