This charming rhyming book by Amelia Hamilton tells the history of how and why America became known as "land of the free."  10 Steps to Freedom: A Growing Patriots Guide to the American Revolution
Copyright © 2013 Amelia Hamilton Written by Amelia Hamilton Illustrations by Anthony Resto Design by Jennifer Lake Reproduced by permission of publisher, Hamilton Oddbody Get the book: 

When Dennis, Otto, and Smidge disagree about how to celebrate the 4th of July, they journey back in time to get some answers from the Founding Fathers and President Ulysses Grant. In this storytime video, your kids will learn the true meaning of America's Independence Day—beyond the parties and the food—to celebrate the sacrifice and commitment to liberty that make our nation unique.

Otto's Tales

Ep. 14 - Today Is Independence Day

Why is it important to learn from previous generations and give back to our communities? With this storytime video, your kids can join Otto and Smidge as they visit a local nursing home and meet a resident with an incredible past. As she shares her story of surviving the Holocaust and coming to America, your young learners will receive an age-appropriate introduction to the Holocaust while learning key American values like patriotism, gratitude, and the importance of volunteering in our communities.

Ep. 13 - Let’s Meet a Volunteer: Honoring Holocaust Survivors

Teach your children to be strong and courageous like Joshua, one of Israel's great leaders from the Bible. When tasked with bringing down the mighty walls of Jericho, Joshua trusted God's plan—even when it didn’t make sense! This timeless tale reminds kids that having faith, even when it’s hard, makes life better.

Ep. 12 - Joshua & the Walls of Jericho

A favorite European fairytale, Little Red Riding Hood teaches young children to be cautious around strangers and heed their parents' warnings.

Ep. 11 - Little Red Riding Hood

In this storytime video, your elementary students will meet Peter, a Dutch boy whose courage and action saved his whole town from disaster. Learn how small actions can make a big difference in the tale of The Little Dutch Hero.

Ep. 10 - The Little Dutch Hero

This classic folktale about a plump and awkward little duck who eventually grows into a big and beautiful swan reminds our youngest learners to be patient and resilient when hard things happen.

Ep. 9 - The Ugly Duckling

In the "Parable of the Talents," three servants are entrusted with their master's money while he is away, and their actions lead to very different results. This timeless Bible story teaches young learners about stewardship, responsibility, and how to use their talents in a way that honors God and makes a positive impact on their community.

Ep. 8 - The Wise & Foolish Servants

When Smidge accidentally throws away Dennis’s favorite lunchbox, she and Otto ask the garbage collector for help and join him on his route through town. This storytime video teaches a valuable lesson about the people who keep our communities clean and safe for everyone and the importance of every job, especially those that require getting your hands dirty!

Ep. 7 - Let's Meet a Garbage Collector

Dennis needs to give a speech in front of his entire school, but how will he overcome his fear of speaking? Luckily, his teacher is there to help! This sweet storytime video teaches young children to appreciate all that teachers do to help students unlock their talents by giving them the confidence they need to succeed.

Ep. 6 - Let's Meet a Teacher

Join Dennis, Otto, and Smidge for a treasure hunt at the library! When the friends discover a mysterious riddle in the attic, they seek the help of a local librarian to answer the clues. Along the way, they discover how librarians serve our communities by inspiring a love of reading and imagination.

Ep. 5 - Let's Meet a Librarian

Why are engineers important? When Otto and Smidge attempt to build their own treehouse (without much luck), they seek the help of a local engineer who teaches them the importance of making a plan, being precise with details, and not giving up in this fun story time video.

Ep. 4 - Let's Meet an Engineer

When Dennis, Otto, and Smidge attempt to make cookies for a school bake sale and their recipe fails, a local baker comes to the rescue! This fun storytime adventure teaches young children valuable lessons about discipline, patience, and the diverse melting pot of cultures in America, while celebrating our everyday community helpers in the food industry.

Ep. 3 - Let's Meet a Baker

Do your children know how much the police do for our communities? Your little ones will find out in this storytime video with Otto and Smidge. When a thief steals their picnic lunch at the park, the friends seek the help of a local police officer and discover how much law enforcement protects and serves us each and every day.

Ep. 2 - Let's Meet a Police Officer

Teach children the importance of discernment—telling the difference between what is true and what is not—with this classic fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen about a young lady who is given an unusual test to see if she is truly the princess she claims to be.

Ep. 1 - The Princess & the Pea

In this storytime adventure, your little ones will travel to Juneau, Alaska to explore Mendenhall Glacier and learn the importance of stewardship and responsibility in caring for the environment.

Ep. 22 - Let's Visit an Alaskan Glacier

A classic tale about a poor shoemaker and his wife who benefit from the generosity of two hardworking elves. This sweet storytime video teaches young learners the importance of gratitude and returning kindness to those who help us in times of need—a perfect reminder for the Christmas season (and all year round).

Ep. 21 - The Elves & the Shoemaker

Teach young children about “a day that lives in infamy”—when the Japanese attacked the naval base at Pearl Harbor, launching the United States into World War II—with this wholesome and age-appropriate storytime video. While learning important American history, your young ones will also hear a meaningful message about heroism, bravery, and coming together amidst a crisis.

Ep. 20 - Let's Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial

In this sweet tale about a Thanksgiving dinner, your children will learn about generosity and compassion as Mr. Rabbit invites his woodland friends who are struggling to find food into his home to enjoy the bounty of what he has collected.

Ep. 19 - Mr. Rabbit's Thanksgiving

Take young children on an adventure to Plymouth Rock in this storytime video about the first Thanksgiving. They’ll learn about the Pilgrims who settled in America, the local Native Americans who helped them survive, and the importance of overcoming obstacles and working together.

Ep. 18 - Plymouth Rock

Through the legend of the Big Dipper about a young girl who shares what little she has with others in need, your young children will learn the importance of sharing and the power of doing good.

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Ep. 7 - Storytime: Otto's Tales — 10 Steps to Freedom [Member Exclusive]

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