Sensory Stories and Rhymes

Ailie Finlay and Kate Leiper

17 November 2020
Ailie Finlay and Kate Leiper headshots, their book ' A Sensory Story' is placed between them.

We have teamed up with storyteller Ailie Finlay and illustrator Kate Leiper to develop a series of sensory stories and rhymes for children and young people with additional needs. Once a month, between November 2020 and April 2021, a new story and accompanying rhymes will be released, alongside a printable download to enable teachers, carers and families to use the rhymes and stories in their own way in the classroom and at home. 

You'll find the stories and rhymes below or on our YouTube channel. They will be published on the following dates: 
Monday 23 November 2020, released - links below
Tuesday 15 December 2020, released - links below
Monday 25 January 2021, released - links below
Monday 22 February 2021, released - links below
Monday 22 March 2021, released - links below
Monday 26 April 2021, released - links below 

This project is supported by Section 10 Grant Funding 2020-21.

Subscribe to the Big DoG YouTube channel to receive notifications when new videos premiere.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

'A Sensory story for April' book cover. An illustration of three children standing at a planter box touching the flower and soil. A watering can, rake, shovel, plant pots and a sleeping cat are at their feet.

A Sensory Story for April: Little Red Hen

Join The Little Red Hen and friends - the Cat, the Rat and the Big Pink Pig. When Little Red Hen finds some seeds she asks her friends for help, without success. But the Little Red Hen reminds them about true friendship.

Watch our short introduction HERE.

Listen to the story, told by Ailie Finlay, preview 9am on Monday 26 April 2021.

Watch the full video HERE.

Download the story to tell yourself HERE.

'A Sensory story for April' book cover. An illustration of three children standing at a planter box touching the flower and soil. A watering can, rake, shovel, plant pots and a sleeping cat are at their feet.

Sensory Rhymes for April

Traditional rhymes for springtime. Listen along as we step in puddles, slip in the mud, plant the beans and watch them grow. Adaptations by Ailie Finlay.

Listen to the rhymes, told by Ailie, HERE.

Download the rhymes to tell yourself HERE.

'A Sensory story for March' book cover features a large sleeping dog lying down. A lamb and a goose above him

A Sensory Story for March: Big Dog and the Lambs

Come on down to the farm where the new lambs make their escape through an open gate! Big Dog is asleep and the farmer's daughter, horses, ducks and chicks can't wake him up. But the clever pig has an idea! Find out how they wake Big Dog so he can round up the naughty lambs.

Watch our short introduction HERE.

Listen to the story, told by Ailie Finlay, preview 9.30am on Monday 22 March 2021, part of the Big DoG Children's Book Festival. Watch the full video HERE.

Download the story to tell yourself HERE.

Sensory Rhymes For March book cover features a large dog sitting alongside a small child on a red tricycle. A chicken is walking, her chicks behind her in a row.

Sensory Rhymes for March

Traditional rhymes for springtime, featuring some of our favourite animals as we celebrate the fourth Big DoG Children's Book Festival. Adaptations by Ailie Finlay.

Listen to the rhymes, told by Ailie, HERE.

Download the rhymes to tell yourself HERE.

'A Sensory Story For February' book cover features two children looking through a bedroom window into the night sky. One child is sitting on a box pointing to the moon, the other child is in a wheelchair. Pictures of space and rocket ships cover the wall. A telescope, books, a sleeping dog, robots, a globe and cupcakes adorn the floor.

A Sensory Story for February: The Old Woman Who Went to Planet Zog

Get on board your spaceship with storyteller Ailie Finlay and travel to Planet Zog where the aliens learn how the Old Woman bakes the best cakes and how much they prefer peace and quiet! Don't forget to pack your mixing bowl, spoon, a pot and lid, and a shaker to make the sound of rain (I'll be using some rice in a tub!)

Watch our short introduction HERE.

Listen to the story, told by Ailie Finlay, HERE.

Download the story to tell yourself HERE.

A Sensory Story For February' book cover features two children looking through a bedroom window into the night sky. One child is sitting on a box pointing to the moon, the other child is in a wheelchair. Pictures of space and rocket ships cover the wall. A telescope, books, a sleeping dog, robots, a globe and cupcakes adorn the floor.

Sensory Rhymes for February

Traditional rhymes that reach for the stars, in celebration of the forthcoming Big Bang Week hosted by Wigtown Festival Company. Look out for the aliens, Wee Willie Winkie and see if you can tickle the stars. Adaptations by Ailie Finlay.

Listen to the rhymes, told by Ailie, HERE.

Download the rhymes to tell yourself HERE.

'A Sensory Story For January' book cover features a small cottage in front of a hillside. It is snowing and a figure is walking towards the house, their footprints visible in the snow.

A Sensory Story for January: Stone Soup

When a traveller seeks shelter with the family, he promises the gift of some delicious, warm soup in return - made from a stone! Can you join in and make your own stone soup?

Watch our short introduction HERE.

Listen to the story, told by Ailie Finlay, HERE.

Download the story to tell yourself HERE.

'Sensory Rhymes For January' book cover features two children and a teddy bear on a sledge going down a snowy hill. They are clothed in warm jackets, hats and scarves.

Sensory Rhymes for January

Traditional rhymes featuring snow, mice and an old man called Michael Finnegan, with adaptations by Ailie Finlay.

Listen to the rhymes, told by Ailie, HERE.

Download the rhymes to tell yourself HERE.

'A Sensory Story For December' book cover features a child with a walking frame smiling at a small dog holding Christmas tinsel. Boxes of decorations are being opened up by another child. Star bunting is hanging on the wall, baubles and a small Christmas tree are on the floor. A third child is holding up the large star for the tree.

A Sensory Story for December: Wake Up Santa!

Santa has fallen asleep, the children won't get any presents! Join the little mouse, the cup, the dishcloth, the oats and the reindeer as they try to wake up Santa!

Watch our short introduction HERE.

Listen to the story, told by Ailie Finlay, HERE.

Download the story to tell yourself HERE.

'Sensory Rhymes For December' book cover features a curled up sleeping mouse inside a teacup and saucer. A mince pie has been nibbled.

Sensory Rhymes for December

Seasonal rhymes for a wintry December as we wait patiently for Santa Claus. Traditional rhymes, rewritten and told by Ailie Finlay.

Listen to the rhymes, told by Ailie, HERE.

Download the rhymes to tell yourself HERE.

A Sensory Story' book by Allie Finlay and Kate Leaper. Two children are sitting in an armchair with a cat. One child holds a cup of hot chocolate perched upon a stack of books resting on a small table, a dog lies sleeping underneath. Books, a slipper and a teddy bear are scattered on the floor. A lamp and another mug of hot chocolate are placed upon a small set of drawers.

A Sensory Story for November

Once upon a time a fairy woman gave a magic porridge pot to a little girl. Find a pot and a wooden spoon in the kitchen and join in.

Watch our short introduction HERE.

Listen to the story, told by Ailie Finlay, HERE.

Download the story to tell yourself HERE.

A pot of porridge is overflowing, the lid is on and a spoon handle is sticking out.

Sensory Rhymes for November

It might be getting chilly outside but these traditional rhymes, rewritten and told by Ailie Finlay are perfect to warm you up.

Listen to the rhymes, told by Ailie, HERE.

Download the rhymes to tell yourself HERE.