# Story Time production notes Young-reader edition for ages 4–6. The app uses timed still illustrations and optional device narration. These notes describe possible future animation; no generated film or recorded voice track is included. Each story uses a 3-column by 2-row illustration atlas. Scene 1 uses the top-left panel. Continue left to right, then across the lower row. ## The Shepherd and the Builder A gentle, shortened retelling for ages 4–6. Read together, pause for your child’s ideas, and explore the scripture with a grown-up. This gentle capstone retelling preserves the original collection’s paired image of David the Shepherd and Solomon the Builder while leaving the darker adult material for later reading. Read together: 1 Chronicles 22–29; 1 Kings 3–8 ### Scene 1: Two good gifts Narration: David cared for sheep. His son Solomon liked to build. God gave them different gifts. Both could help others. Picture: David and young Solomon sit together on a high stone terrace overlooking sheep fields on one side and a peaceful city workshop on the other; David holds a shepherd staff, Solomon holds a rolled plan. Suggested duration: 14 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 2: Getting ready Narration: David gathered wood and stone. He found people who could help. “These are for you, Solomon.” His son would not build alone. Picture: Older David in a bright storeyard respectfully checking organized cedar beams, dressed stones, bronze fittings, and labeled baskets while young workers record counts on parchment. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 3: Please help me Narration: Solomon had a big job. He asked God for wisdom. “Help me listen. Help me choose what is good.” Picture: Young Solomon asleep beneath a deep-blue canopy; a soft golden light fills the room while an open scroll and simple wooden model rest nearby. Suggested duration: 14 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 4: Piece by piece Narration: The builders got the stones ready. They checked each one. Then the pieces fit together. Little by little, the house grew. Picture: Split visual: quarry craftspeople carefully shaping numbered stones, then a peaceful temple site where prepared blocks settle neatly into place. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 5: A place for peace Narration: The house was ready! People came to pray and give thanks. They had a special place to gather. Solomon was glad. Picture: Families of many ages walk peacefully into a luminous sandstone courtyard with white doves, blue banners, flowers, and open doors. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 6: We help each other Narration: David helped Solomon get ready. Solomon helped the people build. Many kind hands made one good thing. We can help each other, too. Picture: A glowing golden thread travels from David’s shepherd staff through prepared materials into Solomon’s builder square, then around families gathered at the finished house. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ## David the Shepherd Boy A gentle, shortened retelling for ages 4–6. Read together, pause for your child’s ideas, and explore the scripture with a grown-up. This story draws from the collection’s ‘The Youngest in the Field’ and ‘The Unseen Watch,’ softened for early read-aloud use. Read together: 1 Samuel 16; Psalm 78:70–72 ### Scene 1: A little helper Narration: David had a little job. He cared for the sheep. Every sheep mattered to him. Picture: Young David leading a small flock through wildflowers on a bright hillside, checking that the smallest lamb is keeping up. Suggested duration: 12 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 2: A safe path Narration: The sheep needed grass and water. David led them gently. He watched the path. He kept his flock together. Picture: Twilight sheepfold; David calmly guides sheep behind a low stone wall while a distant animal silhouette remains far away and nonthreatening. Suggested duration: 14 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 3: A song of thanks Narration: The sheep rested under a tree. David played his harp. He sang a thank-you song to God. The hill was peaceful. Picture: David seated beneath an olive tree playing a small harp as sheep rest and golden afternoon light moves across the valley. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 4: A kind heart Narration: Samuel came to David’s home. David came in from the fields. God saw his kind heart. David was chosen for a special job. Picture: Family courtyard; Samuel greets David as he arrives from the field, while the family looks surprised and the sheep peek through the gate. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 5: Back to the sheep Narration: David would be a leader one day. Today, his sheep still needed him. Back to the hills he went. He kept caring for them. Picture: David returns to the same hillside at dawn, opens the sheepfold, and walks out with the flock while carrying his harp and staff. Suggested duration: 17 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ## A Song for the King A gentle, shortened retelling for ages 4–6. Read together, pause for your child’s ideas, and explore the scripture with a grown-up. This version focuses on the collection’s ‘Harp in the Dark Palace’ theme—music used in service—without including later palace violence. Read together: 1 Samuel 16:14–23 ### Scene 1: A worried king Narration: King Saul felt worried. His big palace did not make him feel better. Who could help him find a peaceful moment? Picture: Large sandstone palace hall at dusk; King Saul sits worried in shadow while servants speak softly near tall blue curtains. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 2: David brings a song Narration: David came with his harp. He listened first. Then he found a quiet place to sit. He wanted to help. Picture: David enters the palace courtyard with a small harp, simple shepherd clothes, and a calm smile as attendants welcome him. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 3: Gentle music Narration: Plink, plink, plink. David played softly. The king took a slow breath. The room began to feel calm. Picture: Golden music-like light curls gently through the palace hall as David plays; Saul’s expression softens and servants resume calm work. Suggested duration: 13 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 4: Little bits of practice Narration: David had practiced on the hill. Some notes were hard at first. He tried again. Now his music could help someone. Picture: Montage of younger David practicing on the hill in rain, morning, and starlight, then matching his hand position in the palace. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 5: A gift to share Narration: The king felt calmer. David was glad he could help. A song can be a kind gift. What could you share? Picture: David finishes the song; the king thanks him, and the scene widens to children using different gifts—drawing, carrying water, repairing a stool, and comforting a friend. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ## David and Jonathan A gentle, shortened retelling for ages 4–6. Read together, pause for your child’s ideas, and explore the scripture with a grown-up. The original collection calls Jonathan the covenant friend who says, ‘you first, me beside you.’ This version keeps that heart in simple, hopeful language. Read together: 1 Samuel 18–20; 23:15–18 ### Scene 1: Hello, friend Narration: David met Jonathan. Jonathan was the king’s son. They became good friends. Jonathan was happy when David did well. Picture: Young Jonathan meets David in a palace courtyard after the valley victory; both are modest, relieved, and curious rather than triumphant. Suggested duration: 14 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 2: A gift for you Narration: Jonathan shared his special cloak. “You are my friend,” his gift said. David felt cared for. Kind friends share. Picture: Jonathan offers David a folded blue robe, a belt, and an unstrung bow in a peaceful garden; the items are symbols, not weapons in use. Suggested duration: 14 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 3: Stay safe Narration: Trouble came near the palace. Jonathan told David the truth. “That way is not safe.” He helped his friend choose a safe path. Picture: Open field at sunrise; Jonathan uses three arrows as a prearranged signal while a helper safely retrieves them and David watches from far cover. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 4: You are not alone Narration: One day David felt tired and worried. Jonathan came to sit with him. “You are not alone.” He reminded David of God’s care. Picture: Quiet wilderness grove; Jonathan finds tired David beside a small fire and sits with him, offering water and encouragement. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 5: Side by side Narration: Friends can cheer. Friends can share. Friends can tell the truth kindly. David and Jonathan cared for each other, side by side. Picture: David and Jonathan walk side by side along a ridge, then montage to children helping one another carry a basket, build a wall, and comfort a lamb. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ## The Brave Little Stone A gentle, shortened retelling for ages 4–6. Read together, pause for your child’s ideas, and explore the scripture with a grown-up. The confrontation is told without gore or graphic detail. The focus remains on preparation, trust, courage, and protecting others. Read together: 1 Samuel 17 ### Scene 1: A big worry Narration: A giant shouted across the valley. The people felt afraid. David remembered God’s care. He knew he could ask for help. Picture: Wide peaceful valley with two distant camps; Goliath is a large but not monstrous silhouette shouting from far away while soldiers look worried. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 2: Too big! Narration: David tried the king’s heavy armor. Clunk! It did not fit. He took it off. He would use the tools he knew. Picture: Inside a bright command tent, David tries oversized armor, wobbles harmlessly, smiles, and respectfully removes it. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 3: Five smooth stones Narration: David stopped beside a stream. He chose five smooth stones. One, two, three, four, five. He got ready with care. Picture: David kneels by a clear stream selecting five smooth stones and placing them carefully in his bag as sheep graze in the background. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 4: One brave step Narration: David trusted God. He used the skills he had practiced. He faced the giant and won. The people were safe again. Picture: David runs across the sunlit valley; use a graceful slow-motion sling release, show the stone’s arc as a bright streak, then cut wide as the giant falls in the distance with no impact close-up. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 5: Small can help Narration: David had been ready. A little stone helped with a big problem. Small things can matter. Small acts of kindness matter, too. Picture: Close-up of the remaining four smooth stones in David’s open palm, then montage of small helpful things: a key opening a gate, a seed becoming a plant, a single brick completing an arch. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ## King David’s Joyful Parade A gentle, shortened retelling for ages 4–6. Read together, pause for your child’s ideas, and explore the scripture with a grown-up. The original collection stresses ‘the right thing, the right way.’ This retelling says the first plan was unsafe and stops there, avoiding the fatal detail for younger children. Read together: 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 15–16 ### Scene 1: A happy plan Narration: David wanted to bring God’s special chest home. The people were excited. They needed to learn the right way to carry it. Picture: Colorful procession begins outside the city with musicians and a decorated cart, then leaders gently raise a hand and pause when they realize the plan is wrong. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 2: Stop and listen Narration: David stopped to listen. The helpers checked the instructions. They got the carrying poles ready. Now they knew what to do. Picture: David, priests, and builders gathered around an open scroll and a small route map in a sunlit courtyard. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 3: Music on the road Narration: Step, step, step! The helpers carried the chest carefully. David danced with joy. Music filled the road. Picture: Grand family-safe parade with ark carried respectfully on poles, blue-and-gold banners, musicians, children, flowers, and David dancing joyfully. Suggested duration: 13 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 4: Bread to share Narration: David shared bread with the people. Families ate together. Everyone had a place in the happy day. Sharing made it better. Picture: Courtyard tables where helpers distribute bread and fruit to families; David works beside them rather than above them. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 5: Joy together Narration: They had listened. They had helped. Now they gave thanks together. A good plan and kind hands made a joyful day. Picture: David closes the instruction scroll, sets it beside a harp and bread basket, then looks over the peaceful city celebration. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ## Solomon Asks for Wisdom A gentle, shortened retelling for ages 4–6. Read together, pause for your child’s ideas, and explore the scripture with a grown-up. This is the younger-reader adaptation of ‘The One Ask’ in the original collection. Read together: 1 Kings 3:3–15 ### Scene 1: A very big job Narration: Solomon was the new king. Many people needed his help. He had a crown, but he still had much to learn. Picture: Young Solomon stands on a palace balcony looking over farms, workshops, roads, and families in the city below. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 2: What will you ask? Narration: One night, Solomon had a dream. God invited him to ask for a gift. What would help him care for the people? Picture: Solomon asleep beneath a blue canopy as a gentle golden presence fills the night sky; no human depiction of God, only light and voice. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 3: More than gold Narration: Solomon did not ask for heaps of gold. He thought about his people. He wanted a gift that would help them. Picture: Gentle symbolic tableau of gold, a cheering crowd, and a long road fading away as Solomon turns instead toward families waiting for wise care. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 4: A listening heart Narration: “Please give me wisdom,” Solomon asked God. “Help me listen. Help me know what is right.” He wanted an understanding heart. Picture: Golden light rests gently over Solomon as he listens to many soft voices represented by glowing threads joining into one clear path. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 5: Wisdom to help Narration: God gave Solomon wisdom. He could use it to help people. We can learn to listen, too. We can make kind choices. Picture: Morning audience hall; Solomon listens to farmers, parents, craftspeople, and children while a blue-and-gold wisdom motif glows subtly behind him. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ## The Wise King Listens A gentle, shortened retelling for ages 4–6. Read together, pause for your child’s ideas, and explore the scripture with a grown-up. The biblical account contains a proposed violent test. This adaptation describes it only as a hard test that would divide the claim, makes clear it was stopped immediately, and keeps the child safe throughout. Read together: 1 Kings 3:16–28 ### Scene 1: Two people speak Narration: Two women came to King Solomon. Both said the baby was hers. A helper held the baby safely. Solomon listened to each woman. Picture: Bright, calm audience courtyard; two worried women stand several steps apart while a baby rests safely with a trusted attendant; Solomon listens from a low, approachable seat. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 2: Listen with care Narration: Solomon needed to find the truth. He listened carefully. He watched for the person who cared most about the baby’s safety. Picture: Solomon thoughtfully presents two equal claim tokens on a table while the baby remains far from the discussion in safe arms. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 3: Keep the baby safe Narration: One woman spoke with a loving heart. “Please keep the baby safe.” She cared more about the baby than about winning. Picture: The true mother steps forward with open hands, pleading for the baby’s safety; Solomon immediately signals stop and the attendant comforts the baby. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 4: Home with love Narration: Solomon knew who the mother was. He gave the baby back to her. The little child went home safe and loved. Picture: Solomon gently directs the attendant to place the baby into the true mother’s arms; the other woman lowers her eyes while the court remains compassionate. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 5: Kind ears, kind hearts Narration: Wise people take time to listen. They look for what is kind and safe. When you need help, ask a trusted grown-up. Picture: Solomon later teaches a small group of children in a garden, using two clay cups and a small lamb to explain listening, truth, and care. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ## Solomon Builds a House of Peace A gentle, shortened retelling for ages 4–6. Read together, pause for your child’s ideas, and explore the scripture with a grown-up. This combines the source collection’s ‘Rafts on the Sea,’ ‘The Silent Build Site,’ ‘The Glory Fills the House,’ and ‘Under the Vine and the Fig Tree’ in simplified language. Read together: 1 Kings 5–8; 1 Chronicles 22–29 ### Scene 1: Room to grow Narration: The kingdom was peaceful. Families could work and rest. Solomon wanted to build a special house. It would be a place to pray. Picture: Peaceful kingdom panorama: farmers, craftspeople, children, traders, and builders working under clear skies while city gates stand open. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 2: Friends bring wood Narration: Friends sent strong cedar wood across the water. Helpers brought food and tools. Many people shared their skills. No one built alone. Picture: Cedar rafts travel across sparkling blue water; dockworkers, scribes, and carpenters greet one another and check supply lists. Suggested duration: 16 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 3: Measure and check Narration: The workers shaped the stones. They measured and checked them carefully. Each stone needed to fit. Getting ready was important work. Picture: Sunny quarry workshop with craftspeople using squares, cords, and wooden templates to finish pale stones; no unsafe dust or harsh labor imagery. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 4: It fits! Narration: The stones arrived ready. The builders put them in place. One stone, then another. The house grew, piece by piece. Picture: Temple walls rising in warm sunlight; prepared stones are guided gently into place with ropes while doves rest nearby. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 5: Thank you, God Narration: The house was ready. People came together to pray. They gave thanks to God. It was a place for many hearts. Picture: Families gather in a luminous courtyard; Solomon stands before them with open hands, white doves crossing the sky. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished. ### Scene 6: Time to rest Narration: The work was done. Families rested beneath the trees. They could be together in peace. Good building helps people live well. Picture: Evening montage of families eating under vines and fig trees, children reading, workers resting, and the finished house glowing on the hill. Suggested duration: 15 seconds. The app holds the picture until device narration has finished.