Created by a mom, Ashten in 2025, who wanted to help her own kids understand what it means to be brave, Circle Time Stories brings heart and purpose to storytime. Through beautifully written picture books and thoughtful companion products, the brand turns everyday moments, like starting school or meeting new friends, into opportunities for growth and connection. Each story, plush Brave Buddy, and activity set is designed to help kids explore emotions, build confidence, and see that bravery comes in all shapes and sizes.
Tell us a little bit about your company:
Circle Time Stories is a children’s publishing and storytime brand that creates books and products to help kids explore emotions, build confidence, and understand everyday acts of bravery and kindness. We specialize in picture books for young children, along with companion items like plush characters and activity sets that make story time interactive and meaningful. Our goal is to give families simple tools to spark conversations, encourage courage, and make reading together an experience kids remember.
Why did you start your business?
I started Circle Time Stories because of my kids. This year, I registered my son for kindergarten and my daughter for preschool, and I kept thinking about how brave it was for them to walk into new schools, meet new teachers, and make new friends. Bravery felt like such a big word, and I wanted to explain it in a way they could actually understand. So, I wrote a book about it. For me, bravery isn’t just fighting dragons or saving the day. It’s trying new foods, raising your hand, or starting a new school. Writing The Very Brave Day and building Circle Time Stories has been my way of turning those everyday lessons into stories and tools other families can share with their kids too.
What sets you apart from other brands similar to yours?
What sets Circle Time Stories apart is the heart behind it. I’m a mom first, and I write the kinds of stories I want my own kids to read: books that make bravery and kindness feel simple, real, and doable. Many children’s books talk about courage in big, heroic ways, but I focus on everyday bravery: making a new friend, visiting the doctor, trying something new. And instead of stopping at the book, I’ve built Brave Buddies and activity sets that give kids something to hold onto, so they can practice courage in their own lives. Circle Time Stories isn’t just about publishing a book, it’s about creating an experience families can share together.
Where do you see the future of your business?
In the next year, I see Circle Time Stories stepping into its own. I’ll be releasing my second book, The Very Kind Day, and growing the Brave Buddy family so kids can choose the Buddy that feels just right for them. My goal is to get these stories and products into more schools, libraries, and shops, while continuing to build a brand that families look to for books and tools that make big feelings feel manageable. This is just the beginning! I want Circle Time Stories to be known as a go-to home for picture books that help kids grow brave, kind, and connected.
Where are your products offered or how are your services booked?
Right now, my books and bundles are offered directly through my website. That’s where families can preorder new print runs, choose Brave Buddies, and order bundles. Books are also available locally at Bougie Beach Co, and I’m excited to keep expanding into more shops, libraries, and schools in the year ahead.