← Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast
Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast
Atticus & The Pirate's Armbands 🏴☠️🦆 Sleepy Bedtime Stories For Kids
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Hello and welcome back to Koala Moon, a podcast of original bedtime stories and sleep meditations for kids designed to make bedtime a dream. Tonight's shout out and warm thank you is going out to sisters Charlotte and Lucy in Newcastle, England, who listen every night and love Fenella the tiny unic. Or have you listened to how Fenella's best friend Dinky the tiny giraffe outsmarted Coco recently when playing hide and seek in our special Halloween mini episode? If not, look out for Halloween Hide and Seek with Coco. And please enjoy all your bonus stories all ad free from now on. Now then, I wonder if any of you have ever wondered what you're good at. Sometimes our skills are really obvious to outsiders and to ourselves, like being a fast runner or a good piano player. Other times it can feel like our special characteristics are hidden from view a little. Maybe you're really kind to animals or you find it natural to be optimistic when trying something new. Our bedtime story tonight centres around a young pirate, Petey, who's growing more and more anxious because he can't swim. Before we begin, a quick message for the grown ups. If you'd like to support our podcast, enjoy ad free listening, unlock four bonus stories per month and much, much more, you can join Koko Club. Subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show notes, but now here's a quick word from our sponsors. This message is sponsored by Greenlight. As parents, some parts of the job get easier, like when your kids can finally make their own snacks or get ready for bed. But other lessons, like teaching them about money, take a little more care. When my kids were little, we'd talk before bed about what they wanted to save up for. A book, a toy, sometimes even something for someone else. Those chats are lovely, but it's hard to turn them into real world lessons. That's where Greenlight comes in. A debit card and money app made for families. Parents can send money, track spending and set saving goals while kids build money, confidence and real life financial skills. There's even a chores feature where you can set up tasks and reward kids when they're complete. I have to say, if my kids had been paid to do the dishes, they'd have been a lot more motivated. Kids learn to save, spend wisely and even invest with you, all through fun, easy tools that make money management part of everyday life. It's no wonder millions of parents and kids are learning about money together on Greenlight, the number one family finance and safety app. Don't wait to teach your kids real world money skills. Start your risk free Greenlight trial today@greenlight.commoon that's greenlight.commoon to get started greenlight.commoon we know our listeners have the most incredible imaginations. From sharing story ideas to showing us how creative they can be with characters, the new Paw Patrol Fire Rescue Toys celebrate that same spirit of creativity, helping little heroes feel proud of the stories they create. Your little storyteller can join Marshall and the team on their biggest adventures yet with the all new Fire Station HQ where they can gear up and slide down the pole and Marshall's rapid reload fire truck ready for action. Every pup has their own vehicle so kids can recreate their favourite rescues from the show or dream up their own. It's creative hands on play that inspires teamwork and confidence. The perfect way to keep their imaginations shining bright. So when the time comes for a new adventure, check out the red hot Paw Patrol Fire Rescue toys available now at all major retailers. He never learnt, he just always preferred to read books rather than get chilly and swimming lessons. It wasn't a problem until now, but luckily Atticus, son of Captain Cliff and Captain Sloane, has an idea. Jump into bed as we join the crew on the Star Chaser in the middle of the ocean, gently bobbing up and down as you breathe in and out. You know the drill. I will get started with Atticus and the Pirates. Armbands by Sarah Kate Howarth the ocean stretched out under the night sky like a sheet of tarmac, inky black and endless. The stars sparkled in the sky overhead, scattering starlight over the saltwater ripples below. The Star Chaser bobbed soft with the tide, its sails billowing out like bedsheets hanging on a washing line and its telltale flag unfurling proudly from the mast. On the top deck, a gaggle of young pirates in training sat in a row gazing up at the moon, deep in thought. It had been a long day of pirate lessons and the young buccaneers were exhausted. Pirate school was hard work. How did you manage to learn everything so quickly, Atticus? A young lad called Jeremy asked. Atticus shrugged. I grew up on this ship, remember? I've been doing all this since I was a baby. I learnt to climb the rigging before I learned to walk. It's second nature to me. The other trainee pirates sighed. It was true, Atticus was leaps and bounds ahead of them, but whilst Atticus had a natural gift for piracy, they all had their particular talents. Polly was ever so strong and could pull herself up the rigging with the ease of a chimpanzee. Jeremy might not have been the quickest learner, but he had razor sharp eyesight. Everyone knew he'd make a fantastic lookout someday, and he'd taken to hanging out in the crow's nest whenever he had a spare moment, getting acquainted with the feeling of being so high up in the air. Twins Melody and Margaery were a safe pair of hands. With the sail, they could judge the wind perfectly and hoist it up into the air like a graceful swan. Even Tommy, the youngest of them all, had found his place, steering the ship like a pro. Each of them seemed to have found their groove. All of them except one, that is Peetie. The pirate in training was a bit of an anxious soul. He was ever so keen to learn, keen as a bean to graduate from pirate camp along with the rest of his classmates, there was just one thing holding him back. He was a little bit scared. Scared of the ocean. While all the other pirates in training could swim with ease, diving like dolphins head first into the water, Peetie hung back. Indeed, he was so scared that he never dared go anywhere near the edge of the ship or climb more than a few feet up the rigging in case he fell in. It wasn't that Peetie didn't think the ocean was amazing or that he wasn't brave. It was just that he had never actually learned how to swim. You see, Peetie was ever so fond of reading storybooks. He'd always opted to stay tucked inside his cosy cabin, racing through the latest adventure novel whilst all the others shivered outside in swim class. At the time, he was perfectly content to skip the lessons. But not being able to swim did make being a pirate more than a little difficult. Atticus gazed up as a shooting star sparkled across the night sky, scattering fairy dust in its wake. Time for bed, I think, gang. He smiled, brushing the dust off his knees and standing up on the wooden deck, ready to head down below deck, the fledgling pirates followed suit, whispering to each other as they headed towards their cosy cabins. All except one, that is Peetie. The pirate in training stayed curled up on a step, his arms cradling his shins and his chin dangling onto his kneecaps. Atticus paused. Petey, he called softly. Aren't you coming down with us? It's almost bedtime. A solitary sniff came from Peetie in response. Atticus tried again. Peetie, he proposed, trying his best to capture the attention of the young pirate who sat alone and brooding in the quiet moonlight. The delicate sniffs coming from Petey's form began to escalate into sniffles, snuffles, and sobs. Atticus hurried over to comfort his upset classmate. Peetie, he began. What is it? Peetie let out a soft hiccup. Oh, Atticus, it's no use. I'll never be a pirate. Atticus's brow wrinkled in confusion. Of course you will, Petie. Don't say that. He'll be a wonderful pirate someday. But Peetie shook his head firmly. No, Atticus, I won't. Polly's the best climber. Jeremy's the number one lookout. The twins are a dab hand at the sail. Tommy's born to be a captain. And you, well, you can do everything. Atticus blushed. I can't do everything, Petey. I'm not very good at remembering to make my bed in the morning. Peetie smiled a little at that. It was common knowledge that Atticus's cabin was the messiest on board the ship, but a salty tear continued to trickle down his left cheek. Atticus frowned. He hated to see his classmate so upset. He tried once more to cheer him up. You look every inch the pirate, Petey. I've never seen someone so smart. And after a full day of pirate training, too. Petey sniffed. It was true. Petey did look the part in his blue and white stripy top, his skull and crossbones hat with the golden trim, and his nautical waistcoat with the gleaming brass buttons to top it all off. An eye patch covered his right eye, which was meant to make him look menacing, but actually just made it quite difficult to see. I look the part, Atticus. I just can't act it. Atticus gazed at Petey sympathetically and settled down on the step next to his friend. What do you think is holding you back, Petey? He asked, tucking a friendly arm around his pal's shoulder. Petey sniffed. I. I just can't seem to get over my fear of the ocean came out his whispered confession, and his cheeks grew red with shame. I know it's silly. I just never learned when I was little, you see. And now everyone can swim really well and I'm still a beginner. I wish I hadn't skipped class. Atticus frowned. It was awful to see Pietie so upset. The fact was, he'd been a little afraid of the ocean himself back when he was a toddler on board the Star Chaser. The ocean had seemed so ginormous, and he'd felt so tiny in comparison, surrounded by endless shimmering blue and frothy foam. Until one day his parents, Captain Cliff and Captain Sloane had given him something that had helped marvellously. Something super special, something that made him feel safe and secure in the water, that he was able to relax and learn all the strokes without worrying about keeping afloat. I've got it, he breathed, pulling his friend up by the scruff of his neck. I know just the thing. Follow me. Peetie. Where are we going? Atticus said Peetie cautiously. As his friend scampered eagerly over the deck. Atticus paused and threw a secretive glance back at his friend. Below deck, he whispered in hushed tones, opening the trapdoor and slinking down the ladder beneath. Peetie's eyes shone with intrigue as he followed his classmate down into the belly of the ship. Meanwhile, the moon glinted overhead, a thin sliver of silver against the inky black sky. Petey followed Atticus through the winding, pokey corridors inside the Starchaser, the oak panelling of the interior glowing with the flickering candles and flaming lanterns. The lamplight tickled their faces, trickling down through their eyelashes and casting subtle shadows across their cheeks in periwinkle violet and indigo. Peetie's toes crept over the squeaky floorboards. He was anxious not to make a sound. The truth was, they were not meant to be roaming around after bedtime. They really should be tucked up inside their bunks like all the other young students on board the ship. He'd never venture so deep into the ship before. Atticus, on the other hand, had grown up here. He knew the ship from top to bottom, from mast to hull, and he knew all the secret passageways, too. Atticus was leading with such a determined stride it was impossible for Beattie not to follow. His fingertips brushed against something soft and he looked to his right. A magnificent tapestry hung beside them, embroidered with emerald thread, golden lace, scarlet fibres, and crystal yarn. Petey's heart swelled at the beauty of it. Atticus's fingertips also crept to the heavy fabric of the tapestry, and he paused, a secretive smile creeping onto his lips as he tugged it neatly to the side. Peetie inhaled, his eyes growing wide as he took in the secret door tucked directly behind the wall hanging. Atticus grinned. My parents secret storeroom, he whispered, sliding a rusty key from the nearby window ledge and slotting it into the ornate lock. With a scrape and a squeak, the key slowly turned and the door creaked open invitingly. Their footsteps gently echoed as they tiptoed into the room and Atticus pushed the door shut behind them. A gentle fire was burning in the fireplace, glowing spheres of crimson coal and crackling embers, making the room feel cosy and warm. Peetie's eyes darted around the secret cabin. Adjusting to the dim firelight. He gazed at the dizzying amount of stowaway items within. There were ancient maps, great sprawling sheets of wrinkled parchment curling into giant rolls. There were cases and trunks with bulky locks, no doubt crammed full of golden coins and metres of expensive fabric. Old, worn out furniture stood in terrific towering piles, spindly chairs, unstable bookcases and rickety tables. Jewels glittered amidst the gloom, strings of pearls, rubies, and diamonds alongside thick golden chains and precious gemstones. Cobwebs loomed in the upper corners, their silver threads laced between the dusty beams. It was a treasure trove indeed. Whilst Peetie stood transfixed at all the incredible items, Atticus began to rummage amidst the clutter. It has to be in here somewhere, he muttered, pushing aside an old chest of drawers stacked full with dusty copies of his favourite childhood books. Peetie blinked, coming out of his dreamlike trance. What are you looking for, Atticus? He wondered. Something that will help you become the brave pirate you truly are. Someone who's no longer afraid of the ocean. Someone who floats with great ease. Petey looked around the room despondently. It was awfully nice of Atticus to try and help cheer him up, but he didn't really see how any of the things in the secret store cupboard would help him to float. In fact, from the looks of all the hard back books and weighty pearly necklaces, this stuff was much more likely to cause him to sink. Aha. Atticus exhaled, disappearing behind a beautiful turquoise trunk and pushing it open with his palms, displacing a thick layer of dust. Petey blinked again. What's in there, Atticus? He murmured, padding over to join his friend, who was dangling his arm into the trunk, scrabbling to grab hold of something. Atticus pulled his arm back out triumphantly. There, clutched tightly in his fist, was a set of inflatable armbands. And not just any old armbands. Oh no, These were a beautiful shade of green, like fresh cut grass in the summer, with cheerful yellow rubber ducks printed on them. Atticus grinned widely, his face crinkling into a gigantic smile. My old armbands. He proclaimed, pressing them into Petey's arms. And now they belong to you. Peetie's brow puckered in confusion. Gee, that's very nice of you, Atticus. I love the pattern on them. But I'm a little confused. How will these help me to swim? Atticus shook his head. Silly me, he said. I forgot they look all silly and useless, deflated like that. They just need a little bit of air inside, that's all. Once they're all blown up, you can pop them on each of your arms and they keep you bobbing above the water. Its like becoming a duck yourself. Atticus took one of the rubber armbands and pressed it to his mouth. Taking a huge gasp of air, he began to blow into the valve with all his might. A gust of air filled the armband and it began slowly but surely to gather shape. It swelled as air coursed through the rubber, expanding against the sides until it was a perfect cylinder. There's one. He announced, helping Peetie to wriggle it onto his left arm. Now for the other. I'll have a go at blowing if you're all puffed out, peetie volunteered, picking up the other limp armband and taking a deep full breath. Soon he was standing with both armbands fastened around his upper arm, feeling rather like a hot air balloon, as if he might take off at any minute. Atticus took a step back and proudly surveyed his shipmate. You look great. He nodded approvingly. His eyes glittered in the waning firelight. He'd had an idea. Now, how's about we go and try them out? What do you think about a moonlight swim? Peetie gulped. Normally a moonlight swim would have been a nightmarish idea, but Atticus looked so hopeful. And he did feel a lot more buoyant with the rubber armband strapped around his arms. It had to be said. There's nothing to worry about, Atticus continued. The armbands will help you to float, which means you can concentrate on the actual swimming part for once. It'll take no time at all to learn with these on. I promise. I'll teach you. It'll be fun. Peetie was torn. Whilst a part of him would have loved to stay hidden within the secret cosy cabin, rummaging through the various trinkets and reading the ancient maps of faraway lands, he also knew that this could be his last real chance to become a pirate. Hadn't Atticus said he already looked the part? Perhaps this was the time to prove he had the spirit of a pirate as well. There was one thing that set pirates apart from everyone else, and that was bravery. And what was more brave than trying something that felt a little scary than learning something new? Ill do it, he confirmed, and his voice rang out boldly in the cabin over the cosy crackle of the fire. Now that's what I call pirate spirit. Atticus beamed and the two shipmates slipped out of the door, being careful to twist the key in the lock and restore the tapestry to its original position. No one would ever know they'd been inside. Up on the top deck, the ocean seemed peaceful and still, shimmering in the silver moonlight like a crinkly sheet of aluminium foil. Pietie started to worry, but Atticus sensed this and offered out his hand comfortingly. I'm right here with you, Peetie, he whispered encouragingly. You can do it. I know you're a pirate in your heart. Peetie nodded, took a deep breath, and leapt out into the ocean. As he scrunched his eyes shut and raised his arms above the water, preparing for the cold, he noticed something altogether new. He was floating. He looked up at Atticus, who was gazing proudly down at his friend from the deck. You're a natural, Peetie. See how easily you're floating. Petey leant back, allowing his spine to relax and a joyful wave of relief to flood through his body. With the two green armbands strapped to his limbs, he was beautifully supported by the water, his head bobbing way above the surface and his feet dangling below in the water without the need to kick continuously to stay upright. I'm. I'm doing it. I'm floating, he whispered in wonder. The gentle ocean current cradled him in loving arms, softly rocking him from side to side as the tide twirled beneath. Atticus grinned and slid into the water to join his friend. Sprinkles of ocean spray clung to his eyelashes and eyebrows as he emerged, the sound of the deep waters ringing in his ears and a deep sense of calm radiating from his chest. I love the ocean, he whispered to Peetie, his eyes reflecting pale traces of moonlight mirrored in the water's surface. Me too. Petey found himself replying. And it was true. With the armbands to keep him afloat and his friend to cheer him on, Peetie found himself truly at ease in the ocean, and soon he was beginning to push through the water in strong and streamlined strokes. A giggle escaped his mouth and bobbed along the water's surface like a skimming stone before dissolving into the quiet of night. Hoticus, he breathed. I'm doing it. I'm really doing it. I can swim. Peetie enjoyed a luxurious moonlight swimming lesson with Atticus, giving him thorough education in each and every stroke, from front rule to breaststroke to butterfly to doggy paddle. Soon he was coursing through the waves like a dolphin, his arms sweeping through the sapphire spray and his legs kicking with all the might of A mermaid. Peetie felt his limbs relax in the safe embrace of the ocean, and he smiled widely. How magical it felt to lean back in the ocean and hear the sound of the waves lapping around his ears, whispering secrets of seashells, shipwrecks, and water nymphs. How enchanting. Having mastered a whole range of new techniques, Atticus and Pitie climbed up the sturdy ladder and hauled themselves back up onto the deck, where they sprawled out lazily in a puddle of moonlight. Droplets of ocean water trickled off their noses, landing on the decking with a gentle splosh. They gazed above at the night sky, an immense stretch of indigo speckled with comets and constellations. They traced the path of a shooting star, winging its way across the night sky, scattering silver sparkles as it sailed overhead in a perfect arc. Atticus glanced at his friend proudly. Peetie, you are marvellous. You swam so well. Peetie blushed, his freckles disappearing as a soft rush of scarlet spread across his cheeks. Thanks, Atticus, he piped. It's all down to you, really. These armbands are amazing. Atticus smiled. I'm glad. It's how I learnt to swim too. Soon you won't even need them. You'll become so used to being in the water, you'll be able to float without even thinking about it. Peetie gazed up at his friend. If Atticus had also used the armbands to learn how to swim, it couldn't really be a bad thing. Atticus was a natural born pirate, after all. The only son of Captain Sloane and Captain Cliff. You. You're. You're sure it's not cheating? He stammered, his eyes showing signs of worry. Atticus pulled his friend into a boisterous hug. No way. He whispered. Messing with Petey's hair, which hung in wet curls around his ear, is certainly not cheating. The armbands just help you to float a little so that you can concentrate on your swimming technique. Peetie nodded and smiled. And remember, continued Atticus, it's completely normal to need a little extra help when you're learning something new. Everyone learns at their own pace. After all, we all have different talents. Peetie paused. Im just not sure what my special talent is, he whispered softly into the night sky. Polly can climb and Jeremy's the lookout. The twins can sail like no one else, and Tommy can steer the ship. Atticus smiled, placed his palms firmly on his friend's shoulders. You are a very special pirate, Pietie, he affirmed. You know why? Petey shook his head. Because you're brave, Atticus breathed, his voice alive with admiration. Petey shook his head sadly. I'm not brave, Atticus. Why, only an hour ago I was terrified of getting in the ocean. Exactly. Atticus proclaimed. And look at you now. You dove right into the water, even though it was scary for you. And you swam for almost an hour. He totally conquered your fears. Pitie's lips twisted upwards into the beginnings of a smile. You really think so? Atticus nodded firmly. You're the bravest of us all, Petey. And now that you have your armbands, you won't be so scared of the ocean. And that'll make everything on board the ship a little easier, too, won't it? Peetie nodded happily. With the bright green armbands wrapped around his sleeves, he really did feel like he could do anything. Thanks, Atticus. You're a brilliant friend. Atticus beamed. Don't mention it, Petey. His mouth opened into a ginormous yawn, and his eyelids began to flicker and twitch. I don't know about you, he began, but I'm feeling awfully sleepy. Petey nodded. His eyes were beginning to prickle with fatigue, and his breathing had slowed into a gentle rhythm. Me too, he whispered dozily. How's about we pop down into our cosy cabins and climb into our soft bed? We have another full day of lessons tomorrow, after all. With a farewell glance at the moon shining overhead like a gleaming medallion, Atticus and Pitie climbed down into the belly of the ship, closing the trapdoor behind them. Meanwhile, the moon continued to illuminate the Starchaser, the noblest ship in all the seven seas. The ocean surface continued to ripple under the delicate sea breeze, and the stars continued to sparkle overhead, winking and blinking against the night sky.