- Tiny Tales, Big Ideas

Deep in Oakleaf Forest, Will the Squirrel stumbles upon the Glitter Fountain—a dazzling display of endless sparks filled with exciting news, comparisons, and surprises. At first, it seems harmless fun, but soon, Will and the other woodland animals find themselves glued to the shimmering images, forgetting the simple joys of the forest. As the days slip by, Will begins to wonder: Why does the Glitter Fountain always leave them feeling anxious, restless, or unseen? And more importantly—can they break free? What’s Inside: 🔹 An Engaging Adventure Join Will as he navigates the pull of the Glitter Fountain, questions its effects, and reminds his friends what truly matters beyond the endless sparks. 🔹 A Playful Introduction to Digital Well-Being See how the Glitter Fountain mirrors the way social media keeps us scrolling, comparing, and distracted—helping young readers reflect on their own experiences in a fun, age-appropriate way. 🔹 A Gentle Lesson on Mindful Technology Use Help children recognize the signs of unhealthy screen habits, understand why social media is designed to hold attention, and learn how to set their own boundaries. 🔹 Vibrant Illustrations & Simple Text Perfect for read-alouds, classroom discussions, and independent reading. This book is printed in Lexend, a dyslexia-friendly font designed to support all readers. Whether you’re a parent hoping to encourage mindful tech habits, a teacher looking for discussion starters on media awareness, or a curious kid who loves a good woodland adventure, Spellbound by Sparkles offers a captivating way to explore the hidden effects of social media. About Tiny Tales, Big Ideas At Tiny Tales, Big Ideas, we believe storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to spark curiosity. Founded by an experienced educator, our books transform complex modern challenges—like digital distraction, coding concepts, and problem-solving—into engaging narratives that stick with young minds. About the Author Brian Duryea is a public school educator dedicated to helping young learners understand technology in meaningful ways. Through the Tiny Tales, Big Ideas series, he turns abstract concepts—like algorithms, social media habits, and computer science—into playful, memorable adventures for kids.

Using Spellbound by Sparkles in the Classroom Here are some ways to engage students: Read Aloud: Share the story to illustrate how Will and the woodland animals become captivated by the Glitter Fountain and what they learn about its effects. Personal Connection: Ask students if they’ve ever lost track of time on social media or felt pressured to compare themselves to others. Discuss how it made them feel. Observation: Have students identify the ways the Glitter Fountain kept the animals hooked and how Will realized what was happening. Discussion: Talk about why social media is designed to keep people engaged and how it can sometimes make users feel anxious, jealous, or disconnected. Creative Activity: Challenge students to design their own 'Glitter Fountain'—what kinds of sparks would it show to keep people watching? How could they break free from its pull? Real-Life Examples: Brainstorm times when social media can be helpful and when it can become overwhelming. Discuss strategies for setting boundaries. Group Project: Have students create a 'Social Media Balance Plan' with practical steps to use technology mindfully while prioritizing real-life experiences. Reflection: Reinforce that social media can be a great tool, but like the Glitter Fountain, it should be used wisely to avoid distraction and comparison.

Helping Others Understand the Trouble of Social Media Social media is designed to capture attention, yet many young people don’t realize how endless scrolling can lead to comparison, distraction, and lost time. Kids often see it as fun, not noticing how it can affect their confidence, mood, and real-world connections. Spellbound by Sparkles: A Cautionary Tale of Social Media mirrors this struggle. The Glitter Fountain’s dazzling sparks keep the woodland animals watching, comparing, and waiting for the next big thing—just like social media feeds. Through Will’s journey, students see how easy it is to get hooked and why stepping away helps them regain control. By discussing this story, students can reflect on their own social media habits. How do constant comparisons affect their feelings? What small changes could help them focus on what truly matters? Parents and educators can use this as a starting point to talk about balance, mindful usage, and how to enjoy technology without letting it take over.

Questions that turn this tiny tale into a big idea 1- Name one way Will realized the Glitter Fountain was affecting the way animals saw themselves and each other. 2- Why did the animals stay so focused on the sparks, even when they had important things to do? 3- Why did the animals start comparing themselves to each other after seeing the sparks? How does this happen in real life? 4- If you were in Oakleaf Forest, how would you help others remember to focus on real-life experiences instead of the Glitter Fountain? 5- Not all analogies are perfect—what would you change about the Glitter Fountain to make it an even better example of social media?