Zinnia Fig and The Droop | Fantasy Stories for Kids

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There’s a serious problem in the community garden! The beloved apple tree is in a sad state, and Redge worries there won’t be apples for snacking, pie baking and cider making in the fall. Abracadabra! Alakazam! In swoops Zinnia Fig riding on a cluster of wild onions to declare the tree is experiencing the dreaded DROOP. Can the Folktale Forest’s favorite hedge witch use her practical earthly magic to cast out its doldrums and bring on the blooms?

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/zinnia-fig-and-the-droop/     

SUMMARY: Jonathan and Redge are enjoying a beautiful day in the community garden. They notice the apple tree, which should be blooming already, doesn’t look happy so they call upon Zinnia Fig, the Folktale Forest’s hedge witch, who says the tree is experiencing a sad state known as “The Droop.”

Zinnia explains that sometimes trees need to feel their way through sadness and offers support and encouragement to the tree. They fertilize the ground and speak kind words to the tree, which starts to show signs of improvement. The flowers on the tree begin to bloom again, and Zinnia assures them that with care, the tree will fully recover. Grateful for Zinnia's help, Jonathan and Redge express their appreciation, and Zinnia performs a final incantation to bring joy to their day.

PARENTS, TEACHERS, HOMESCHOOLERS:  Overall, the story promotes themes of friendship, patience, positivity, acceptance, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. It encourages kids to cultivate a sense of wonder and respect for the environment while fostering a supportive and caring community. 

If you liked this story, you may also enjoy Episode 50: The Magical Doorway, where Jonathan enters the land of Once Upon a Time and meets his best hedgehog friend, Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog: https://jonincharacter.com/the-magical-doorway/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written and produced by Molly Murphy. All characters are performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings.

CALLING FOR LISTENER SUBMISSIONS BY 9/20/26: Grownups, send us your child's questions, ideas, or drawings of their favorite character or episode for a chance to be featured in our next FanTales zine. Email us at dorktalesstorytime.com and don't forget to include your child's first name and age.

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GROWNUPS: Dorktales Storytime is more than a Kids and family stories for kids podcast. Every visit to our Once Upon a Time world invites kids to discover reimagined fairy tales, fables, Greek myths, mysteries, fantasy adventures, pirate adventures, bedtime stories, Halloween stories, dinosaur stories, spy adventures, and inspiring stories about historical figures and STEAM pioneers. We believe a well-told story brings families together, opens the door to meaningful conversations, and helps every child know they belong and their imagination can change the world.

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