Story sample
stories
LITTLE LISTENS PODCAST SERIES
LITTLE LISTENS SHORT STORIES
COMING SOON
On April 3rd, 2025, we joyously celebrate the 70th birthday of Martyn Stewart, our co-founder and pioneer in wildlife sound recording. In honor of this milestone, we're thrilled to launch THE LITTLE LISTENING PLANET.
A Boy Who Listened to the World
Martyn's journey began long before he ever held a microphone. When he was just 8 years old, he and his big brother, Alan, would slip away from the noisy streets of Birmingham, England, and disappear into the green, whispering countryside. To some, it was just a forest. To Martyn, it was a whole other world. The rustling leaves carried secrets. The streams murmured ancient lullabies. And the birds? They weren’t just singing—they were telling stories.
At 11 years old, Martyn found a way to save those stories. Borrowing his brother’s microphone and tape recorder, he captured the song of a Eurasian Blackbird. That one recording unlocked a lifelong adventure - one that would take him across the planet, collecting the voices of creatures great and small, from the roaring Arctic winds to the tiniest buzzing bees in the Amazon.
A Keeper of Earth’s Hidden Voices
For over 60 years, Martyn has traveled the world, listening to animals that most of us will never get to meet in person. He’s recorded the deep, wise rumbles of elephants, the splashy chatter of dolphins, and the lonely howls of wolves under a silver moon. But he doesn’t just record sounds—he keeps their stories alive, making sure the voices of our planet are never forgotten.
That’s why we’re launching THE LISTENING PLANET KIDS - a new way for children (of all ages) to discover these magical sounds and stories, just like Martyn did when he was young. Because the world is full of voices waiting to be heard—and who knows? Maybe YOU will be the next great listener!
Because when we listen, we learn. And when we learn, we love.
BOOK 3 - The Little Oak who Listened
Dedicated to the forests that hold our stories and the hearts that listen
STory Synopsis
Location: Pacific Northwest, USA
In a tranquil valley brimming with life, a young sapling named Lila listens to the fading whispers of the forest, a symphony of ancient connections shared through roots and fungi. When she learns that the whispers are weakening due to broken soil networks, Lila sets out on a heartfelt journey to restore the harmony of her woodland home.
Guided by wise fungi, Lila discovers the importance of life’s interconnectedness. She befriends a bumblebee, finds strength in wildflowers planted by humans to heal the soil, and learns from the wisdom of an ancient beech tree. Through her efforts, Lila strengthens the forest’s underground network, bringing the whispers back to life.
As the connections spread, the whispers become a harmonious song that resonates through the land, symbolizing the unity between trees, fungi, flowers, and even the humans who nurture the earth. Lila, now a strong oak, stands as a guardian of the forest’s vibrant symphony, a testament to the power of growth, connection, and collaboration.
The story concludes with the forest thriving, alive with the buzz of bees, the chatter of birds, and the gentle rustling of leaves. Lila’s journey shows that even the smallest among us can make a profound impact when we work together, and that life’s greatest strength lies in its
Where LITTLE Ears go on Big Adventures
featuring
Lila
A young oak sapling with an eager heart, determined to restore the whispers of the forest.
The Great Oak (Lila’s Mother)
A wise and ancient tree who encourages Lila to trust her strength and seek solutions.
Fungi
Delicate, moonlight-like threads that serve as messengers of the forest, guiding Lila on her quest.
Bumblebee
A pollen-dusted, cheerful guide who points Lila toward the wildflowers.
Wildflowers
Vibrant flowers along the streambank, planted by humans, who anchor the soil and provide nourishment for the fungi.
The Ancient Beech Tree
A deep-voiced elder who connects Lila to the larger forest network and teaches her about unity.
Humans
Silent caretakers of the land, planting flowers and tending the soil to help the forest heal.
WRITTEN BY: ALDOUS HEAF + AMANDA HILL
NARRATED BY: PHIA SABAN
Nature Sounds: The Listening Planet
& Martyn Stewart
Producer and Sound Designer: Seb Masters
Illustrator: Kate Kuznetsova
The story is set in a verdant valley in the Pacific Northwest, where towering evergreens and ancient deciduous trees form a thriving forest. This magical haven is alive with interconnected ecosystems, from the whispering canopy to the bustling forest floor.
The Canopy:
A sunlit lattice of Douglas firs, western red cedars, and bigleaf maples. Light filters through, creating golden beams that dance across the forest floor. The canopy is alive with birds, bees, and the occasional squirrel darting through the branches.
The Forest Floor:
A soft, mossy carpet interwoven with roots and fungi. The soil teems with life, from creeping insects to vibrant mushrooms glistening in the shade.
The Stream:
A bubbling creek meanders through the valley, its banks adorned with native wildflowers like lupines and columbines, planted by humans to restore the land.
The Beech Glade:
A shadowed clearing where an ancient beech tree stands, its smooth bark gleaming in the dim light. Its sprawling branches and roots exude wisdom and strength.
The Great Oak’s Domain:
At the heart of the valley stands Lila’s mother, a mighty oak with sprawling roots that anchor the forest.
LOCATION
WRITTEN BY: ALDOUS HEAF + AMANDA HILL
NARRATED BY: PHIA SABAN
Nature Sounds: The Listening Planet
& Martyn Stewart
Producer and Sound Designer: Seb Masters
Illustrator: Kate Kuznetsova
NARRATED BY: PHIA SABAN
created by: aldous Heaf