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Happy New Year, koalakids. Welcome to Abby's Snoozy News, our minisode full of chatter all about the show. There's little bits of news from the characters, talk about all the exciting things happening all over the Koala Moon Kingdom, and answers to some of your biggest, most burning questions. Like this one that came in from Connor. Connor asks, what is the first thing that Koko packs into his backpack? Well, I happen to know the answer to this one because when I found out, I thought it was so brilliant I decided to copy him. You see, Koko, being the very clever and cool little koala that he is, never, ever, ever leaves home without his favourite koala quiz compendium. In other words, first into his backpack is always a book of quizzes, puzzles and crosswords. Because A, he likes to keep his brain razor sharp and B, he really hates being bored. So just in case he has to wait for Kira or a bus or, well, anything really, he knows he'll always have something to do. I'm now wondering what you, Connor, put in your bag first. Whether that's your school bag or your bag when you go on holiday, do let me know if you want. Okay, let's get into tonight's snoozy news. We are talking all about the new year and new beginnings this evening. Because January's such a special time, it's like opening a fresh blank notebook. You haven't written anything on the first page yet and that means anything could happen. How exciting. And to kick off the year, we've got some lovely stories that feel just like that. Gentle Starts, Brave first tries and New adventures in Pillowy Peaks. Harmony Cove, Moonbeam Heights, Wonder Jungle, and of course, the Sleepy Forest. Who's been listening closely to our brand new stories lately? I hope you've been enjoying the latest tales from the Koala Kingdom, especially our new stories that put you right in the centre of the action. That's right. I'm talking about welcome to the Wonder Jungle and welcome to Moonbeam Heights, where we invite you to snuggle in with old friends, meet some brand new ones, and go adventuring in some unexplored corners of the Koala Kingdom. And guess what? There are even more dreamy lands waiting for us. Next we'll be soaring up to the cosy heights of Pillowy Peaks with our favorite yeti. Then we'll go drifting down into the beautiful, peaceful, peaceful setting of Harmony Cove with Zen, the pufferfish, and who knows who else we're going to meet along the way. Also, what's better on a cold, chilly evening than curling up with your favourite blanket, your trusty teddy and a warm mug of hot chocolate, then winding down for bed with Koko's cosiest bedtime stories? That's right. We've got another two hour compilation of the cosiest stories ever. And do you know what I love about the new year? It's the fresh energy of it. I always think it feels like we can spring into a year of sparkly newness if we want. There's a permission to change and a determination to discover and try new things. Thinking close to home have you and your family discovered Kelly from Koala Shine yet? Talk about sparkly energy. Her voice and characters are full of it. Tune into the fun brand new four part series called the Topsy Turvy. It starts February 1st on Koala Shine. Or if you like the thought of baby Koko and our Koala Moon characters as toddlers, you could try listening to Koala Tots each week. It is made for tots. It's made for babies, but it isn't babyish. There's some great stories there and some lovely little rhymes too. So that's just some ideas for me. So now that we've got a blank page in a brand new year, I've got a question for you. What kind of new beginning would you like? Not a huge one, just a little one. Maybe you'd like to learn something new or make a new friend or be a bit braver about something you've been avoiding. Or maybe your new beginning is simply getting more rest while listening to all the Koala Moon adventures. Well, if you have something in mind, I want to give you a little challenge. It is a special new year and new beginnings. One Let me know in the comments. One fresh start you'd like to have this year. It could be a goal. It could be a hope. It could be a habit. Or even a new skill one of your favourite characters could learn. Could Coco learn to juggle? Or could the Jupiter Twins learn a new bedroom tidying spell? And remember, new beginnings don't have to happen just on January 1st. You can have a new beginning on any day. Even today. Even right before bedtime. Well, after all that, I don't know about you, but I'm feeling kind of sleepy. I can't wait to curl up with a cosy story and let my thoughts drift off nice and slow. I think I'll start with welcome to Wonder Jungle as it's pretty chilly here at Sleep hq, so a tropical escape would be just lovely. Sweet dreams.
Podcast: Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids
Host: Abbe Opher (Kids Bedtime Stories by Koala Moon | Starglow Media)
Date: January 20, 2026
Episode Focus: New Year, New Beginnings & Cozy Community Updates
This January minisode of Koala Moon’s beloved podcast, "Abbe's Snoozy News," celebrates the arrival of the new year with gentle excitement. Host Abbe Opher chats directly to young listeners (koalakids), sharing the latest highlights from the magical Koala Moon Kingdom. The minisode blends cozy updates, sneak peeks into upcoming story locations, and a heartfelt invitation for listeners to ponder their own fresh beginnings—perfect for winding down into sleep and sparking quiet inspiration.
On Koko’s Backpack (01:26):
"First into his backpack is always a book of quizzes, puzzles and crosswords. Because A, he likes to keep his brain razor sharp and B, he really hates being bored." — Abbe
On Fresh Starts (03:14):
"January's such a special time, it's like opening a fresh blank notebook. You haven't written anything on the first page yet and that means anything could happen. How exciting." — Abbe
On New Adventures (04:28):
"Welcome to the Wonder Jungle and Welcome to Moonbeam Heights, where we invite you to snuggle in with old friends, meet some brand new ones, and go adventuring in some unexplored corners of the Koala Kingdom." — Abbe
On Cozy Bedtime Rituals (05:40):
"What's better on a cold, chilly evening than curling up with your favourite blanket, your trusty teddy and a warm mug of hot chocolate, then winding down for bed with Koko's cosiest bedtime stories?" — Abbe
On New Year Energy (06:18):
"I always think it feels like we can spring into a year of sparkly newness if we want. There's a permission to change and a determination to discover and try new things." — Abbe
On New Beginnings, Anytime (08:47):
"New beginnings don't have to happen just on January 1st. You can have a new beginning on any day. Even today. Even right before bedtime." — Abbe
Abbe’s gentle, imaginative narration fosters both warmth and empowerment. This minisode is uplifting but calming—imbued with encouragement, a hint of whimsy, and direct engagement with young listeners. She balances updates from the Koala Moon world with broader invitations for reflection, always returning to themes of comfort, coziness, and mindful new beginnings.
Summary:
"Abbe's Snoozy News" January Minisode is a gentle, interactive journey through new Koala Moon episodes, playful listener questions, and the cozy, open possibilities of a brand new year—reminding all "koalakids" (and their grownups) that bedtime is a magical time for comfort, stories, and fresh beginnings.