It’s the perfect day for pure play! Sherlock Nettlesbee, the great deducing squirrel detective, joins Jonathan and Mr. Redge in an afternoon of imagination and good old-fashioned make believe. When their cloud gazing doesn’t cut it, Sherlock declares that “the Improv Game is afoot!” Can the trio find inspiration from Mary and her little lamb, Lula? Yes and…they’re sure to find a whole-lotta playful, floofy fun everywhere they go! PARENTS, TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOLERS: This story is about making time for imaginary play! Improvisation, or improv, is when you make up a story, or a scene, or a little bit of music on the spot. The ‘Yes And’ game is when you listen to another person in your improv scene and agree with what they are saying—that’s the ‘yes’ part—and you use your own ideas to build on their thoughts—that’s the ‘and’ part. It’s entertaining and very fun, plus it also encourages listening skills, collaboration and cooperation. Go to the episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/mary-had-a-little-yes-and    LET IMAGINATIONS SOAR! Grab our FREE Dorktales+ portal for use-your-imagination activities, cool conversation starters, social-emotional guides, themed playlists and more! jonincharacter.com/portal Visit the Dorktales Storytime Podcast website: https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/ SPECIAL THANKS: Our great deducer Sherlock Nettlesbee the Squirrel is performed by Eric O’Keeffe, host of What If World, a story podcast where "What if?" questions from kids become imaginative stories! Visit the website at whatifworldpodcast.com and check out their Patreon page for ad-free stories and rewards: https://www.patreon.com/whatifworld  FOLLOW US: If our storytelling brings you some joy - and a few laughs - please follow us in your preferred podcast app so future episodes will automatically show up in your podcast library. We’d be so grateful if you helped us grow by letting others know about our geeky tales too. Now, go be the hero of your own story and we’ll see you next once-upon-a-time! PODFRIENDS: We want to introduce you to another kids’ podcast we know you’ll enjoy: A Kids Book About: The Podcast! It’s about the things that matter, like racism, body image and belonging. Created by the folks who’ve been there. Honest. Important. Relevant. Find more on their website: https://akidsco.com/pages/a-kids-book-about-the-podcast  KIDS LISTEN MEMBERS: advocates for quality podcasts for kids: https://www.kidslisten.org/ WE LOVE FEEDBACK: https://ratethispodcast.com/dorktales  CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Amy Thompson, and edited by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Eric O’Keeffe from What if World, who voiced Sherlock Nettlesbee and created the Mary and Lula story with Jonathan Cormur. Jonathan and Mr. Redge were performed by Jonathan Cormur. Sound recording and production by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. Support the show