← Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast
Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast
Hector, Sunny And The Magical Hot Air Balloon 🎈 ✨ Bedtime Stories For Kids
00:35:00
Loading summary
Transcript12 lines
- [00:00]
Narrator
Foreign.
- [00:11]
Host
Hello and welcome back to Koala Moo, a podcast of original children's bedtime stories and meditations designed to make bedtimes a dream. Hello. I hope you're all snuggled up and ready for your next bedtime story from my lovely friend Lauren. She was absolutely delighted to see all your wonderful comments. What a beautiful big koala moon welcome you gave her. I'm still right here, of course. But from time to time Lauren will pop in to share a story too. Tonight she's sharing a magical story all about Hector and Sunny, two best friends who find themselves on a surprising adventure beyond their village filled with wonder and a journey they'll never forget. And if you'd like more magical adventures, you can head over to Koala Shine and listen to Jupiter Banished from Magic, a brand new four part series where you'll follow Jake and Lily as they set off on a mysterious quest filled with a stolen spell book, clever doggy detectives, Hector and Sunny, and clues hidden along the way. Can they solve the mystery before their magic is lost forever, do you think? Well, now it's time to get extra cosy in your bed, snuggle up with your pillow and let your eyes grow heavy. Perhaps take a slow breath in and let it out and just let this lovely story carry you somewhere soft and peaceful. Sweet dreams.
- [01:40]
Sponsor/Ad Voice
Before we begin, a quick message for the grown ups. If you'd like to support our podcast Enjoy ad free listening. Unlock 4 bonus stories per month and much much you can join Coco Club. Subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show notes, but now here's a quick word from our sponsors.
- [02:01]
Narrator
Ready everyone?
- [02:01]
Kelly
Follow me.
- [02:03]
Disney Plus Promoter
All your family favorites are available on Disney.
- [02:06]
Sponsor/Ad Voice
I love it.
- [02:07]
Disney Plus Promoter
Share the stories you grew up with with your kids like Bear and the Big Blue House and Roly Polioli.
- [02:12]
Host
That sounds like fun.
- [02:14]
Disney Plus Promoter
Then discover new stories together. The more the merrier, like Sophia the First Royal Magic Bluey and Spidey and his amazing friends. Get ready to spread Spidey Swing on Disney. All of these and more available this month.
- [02:27]
Kelly
Disneyplus.com what's on hey koalakids, how's it going? You might be a little surprised to hear my voice instead of Abby's, but don't worry, I'm just popping in with some exciting news before you drift back to those cozy bedtime stories. If we haven't met yet, I'm Kelly from our daytime podcast Koala Shine, a podcast full of fun, adventure filled daytime stories you might remember I stopped by a little while ago to tell you about Our Hector and Sunny series. And since so many of you loved it, we've created another one just for you. Starting Saturday, May 9, I'll be sharing a brand new four part series, the Jupiter Banished from Magic. We'll be following Jake and Lily as they head off on a mysterious adventure. I can't give too much away, but there's a stolen spell book, some clever doggy detectives and lots of clues to uncover. Can the Jupiter twins solve the mystery in time or will they lose their magic forever? And who knows, maybe you can even help solve the mystery by listening out for the clues along the way. So head over to Koala Shine, make sure you're following and tune in every Saturday in May so you don't miss a single episode. We can't wait for you to join us. See you there.
- [03:42]
Narrator
Good evening, Koala Kids. I'm so happy to be back narrating for you here at Koala Moon. It really means so much to share these calm, cosy moments together at the end of the day. Tonight we're heading to the village of Lower Starry Skies, where we'll meet two best friends, Hector and Sunny. Abby has told me all about them and the wonderful adventures they get up to. And tonight they're about to stumble upon a very unexpected one. There's a mysterious rainbow ball and a journey that leads somewhere truly magical. So snuggle into your pillow, get nice and comfortable and let your eyes grow heavy. This is Hector and Sunny and the Magical Hot Air Balloon by Annabelle Pitcher. In the village of Lower Starry Skies, where the evenings were soft and the stars gathered low above the rooftops, lived two dogs who were the very best of friends. Their names, of course, were Hector and Sunny. Despite being great companions, the two dogs looked nothing like each other. Hector was a huge golden retriever with a splendid shiny coat that glowed the colour of sunlight even on cloudy days. Sunny was a confident cocker spaniel, the exact color of warm toffee. Her eyes were unusually bright blue, clear and almost glowing, like pieces of sky had been placed gently in her face. The two friends enjoyed many games, but what they loved most was adventures. I don't think there'll be one today, though. Hector yawned one afternoon as he sprawled out in his back garden. It's far too warm and snoozy. Nonsense, replied Sunny, bounding around the lawn, chasing after a butterfly. Adventures are hidden all over the place. You just need to know where to look. That was true, of course, but right at that moment, Hector couldn't be bothered to look anywhere. He was lying on a patch of warm grass where the late afternoon sunshine had gathered in a soft golden pool, and he was daydreaming about gravy. It was Hector's flower, favourite thing in the world, and he lay quite still for a few glorious minutes, imagining lapping it up. Eventually he let out another loud yawn. It must be time for tea, Sunny, he said. My tummy is feeling rather rumbly. There was no reply. Hector opened one eye. Sunny? Still nothing. Hector chuckled, pushing himself up from the warm grass and giving his golden coat a shake. He knew exactly what his mischievous friend was up to. Sunny loved to hide, especially when she was bored. Sunny, he sang softly. Sunny, I'm looking for you. With a happy wag, Hector padded across the grass, sniffing out Sunny's trail. It led him out of his back garden and along the pavement toward the park in the middle of lower starry skies. He entered the park, passing through a large wrought iron gate, then paused to sniff the ground. There it was again, stronger now, indicating that Sunny had turned right, tail wagging even faster. Hector followed the trail, which took him along a path that meandered through the trees. And then, quite suddenly, it stopped right beside a bush. It was a rather ordinary looking bush at first glance, round and leafy and slightly overgrown. But as Hector stood before it, something about it felt different. He tilted his head, examining it closely. Sunny, he said, a little more hesitant now. No reply but a rustle. Hector's ears perked up. Something was inside the bush. But was it Sunny? He stepped closer, eyes narrowing as he tried to catch the faintest hint of movement within the leaves. The bush rustled again, a little louder this time. Hector held very still. Sunny, he whispered. And then from behind him, from an entirely different bush altogether, there came a sudden burst of movement and a joyful bark. You found me. Cried an exuberant voice. Hector spun around to see Sunny bounding towards him, her long ears flying in the air. You found me, Hector, she said again, but it wasn't true. Hector frowned. But I didn't find you, Sunny. I didn't find you because I thought you were in there. He pointed at the original bush, which rustled again. The two dogs shared a meaningful glance. Together they stepped towards the bush, their movements slow and careful. The bush gave another small twitch as a glimmer of something bright appeared among the leaves. What is that? Hector asked, staring in wonder at the flashing colours. Only one way to find out, sunny whispered. And with that, the two friends began to part the branches to see what was causing the colours. It didn't take long to find out There. Nestled deep within the bush, was a shiny, shimmering ball unlike any the two dogs had ever seen. Its surface glowed with moving colours, reds melting into golds, blues drifting into greens like a rainbow that had somehow curled itself into a perfect shining sphere. Hector blinked. Well, he said quietly, that is most unusual. Sunny's blue eyes shone even brighter. I told you, Hector, she said, her voice quivering with excitement. I told you, didn't I? Adventures are hidden all over the place. You just need to know where to look. Very carefully, she reached forward and nudged the ball with her nose. It rolled out of the bush, then paused. Hector reached out a paw to tap it again, but the ball, quite unexpectedly, gave a small, lively bounce completely of its own accord, and then, with sudden playful energy, began to roll away. Sunny barked with delight and gave chase. Hector. Come on. Hector followed at once, his golden fur catching the light of the sun as he ran. The ball bounced across the grass and then over a small brook, then along the path. Each time it landed, it seemed to gather just a little more energy, just a little more purpose, as though it knew exactly where it was going. It rolled to a stop at a hedge, then, with one more playful bounce, disappeared straight through it. Sunny skidded to a halt. Hector stopped beside her. They recognised this place at once. Sunny, Hector whispered, staring at the gap in the branches. Isn't that. Yes, Sunny replied, her voice low and awed. The hedgerow portal. The one that leads to Sleepy Forest. Hector finished, gazing in wonder at the hole in the hedge where the air flickered like the heat rising off warm ground. Sunny took a small step forward. Come on, she said, her voice quivering with excitement. We've got a ball to find. And without hesitating, the courageous cocker spaniel leapt forward, straight through the shimmering gap in the leaves. Hector paused for a moment, thinking longingly of the bowl of gravy that would be waiting for him at home, then followed, hoping there might be a snack or two in Sleepy Forest on the other side. Everything was quiet. Not an empty quiet, but a deep quiet, gentle quiet which wrapped itself around Hector and Sunny like a comforting blanket. The trees were tall and graceful, their leaves shimmering softly in shades of silver green. Dusk filtered through them in slow drifting patterns, making everything feel dreamy. The ground beneath Hector and Sunny's paws was soft and mossy, springing gently with each step as they searched for the ball. It must be here somewhere, sunny said, turning on the spot, trying to make out a flicker of movement among the silent green stillness. But there was nothing. No bouncing no colour. No trace of the ball at all. Hector's ears dropped slightly. Its gone, he said as his tummy let out a large rumble. And I'm hungry. Well you're in luck. Sunny replied, sounding a little surprised as he gestured at something on the path ahead. Look at that. Hector followed Sunny's pointing paw, screwing up his eyes as he studied the rectangular shape which looked out of place on the forest floor. A basket? Not just any basket, Hector, a picnic basket, Sunny replied. But where did it come from? It wasn't there a moment ago. Who cares? Hector giggled, gazing in wonder at the large woven basket. It was made from thick golden willow with smooth leather corners and ropes tied carefully along its sides. It was bigger than most picnic baskets, but not in a way that felt strange. It was just roomy, as though it could hold plenty of delicious treats for a grand day out. Hector bounded towards the basket, then danced around it, inspecting it from all sides. What do you think is inside? He asked as Sunny sniffed at the corners. Sandwiches? Sausages? Sunny suggested. Gravy. Hector cried, unable to bear the suspense a moment longer. He reversed quickly, then took an almighty run up, leaping inside. Sunny followed, jumping inside his friend, and then they both peered around the basket, hoping to find food. But there was nothing. Nothing at all. This is a picnic basket, isn't it? Sunny asked. As if in reply, the basket lurched. Of course it's a picnic basket, Hector replied. But the basket gave a second unmistakable wobble. Hector. Sunny said in a low, astonished voice. I think. I think the basket is getting ready to take off. Hector shook his head firmly. No, Sunny, no. It can't be. That would be ridiculous. He replied. But just at that moment, the basket lifted up. It rose up and up. The forest floor disappeared from view. The trees fell away and the sky itself opened wide and glowing like an invitation that was impossible to resist. We're flying. Hector gasped. We're flying. Sunny. Above them, something vast began to unfold. Something they hadn't seen until this very moment. A great magnificent rainbow coloured balloon attached to the basket by thick strong ropes. A hot air balloon. Sunny cried as she clung to the rim of the basket, her long ears fluttering in the breeze. It's a hot air balloon, Hector. Hector planted his paws carefully beside her and looked up at the balloon which continued to unfold, stretching wider and rounder as it filled with warm air. Its colours shimmered in the fading light, deep ruby red, melting into sunset orange, then glowing gold, then drifting into soft greens, blues and violets. The colours did not sit still. They rippled and flowed across the fabric like a living rainbow. Hector threw back his head and filled his lungs with cool evening air. This, he said, letting out a large, happy sigh, ah, is the most remarkable way to travel. And our most remarkable adventure yet, sunny replied. And then the two dogs looked at each other and started to laugh. It was a warm, bubbly sound of pure joy. Below them, Sleepy Forest spread out like a great green blanket, stitched together with silver threads of moonlight. The tall trees, which had seemed so enormous on the ground, now looked tiny from above. Cottages shone among them, their windows glowing warm and golden as night began to settle in. Sunny leaned over the side of the basket, careful to hold on tightly. Hector, look. Isn't that Coco's house? Sure enough, cosy cabin appeared among the trees, a soft curl of smoke twisting out the chimney. Through the window, Hector and Sunny could just about make out the tiny figure of Coco the koala, padding across the wooden floor in his fluffy pyjamas, carrying a bedtime story beneath one arm. In the next window, his little sister Kira was brushing her teeth at the sink, standing on tiptoe and peering into the mirror. With great concentration, she paused to rinse, her round cheeks puffing out like little balloons. Hector and Sunny travelled onwards through the darkening night. Moonlight spilled from the heavens in long silver ribbons, and the stars blinked awake one by one, quiet and watchful above the treetops. Soon Sleepy Forest was replaced by snow. Pillowy peaks. Hector exclaimed. Look, Sunny. From their perch high in the hot air balloon, Hector and Sunny gazed down at the snowy land far below. Mountains stretched out in every direction, rising and folding into one another like a row of enormous pillows. Each peak was wrapped in thick, fluffy snow that sparkled gently in the fading light, as if someone had sprinkled a dusting of tiny stars across the tops above the mountains. The night sky began to glow with movement. Soft ribbons of colour unfurled across the darkness, twisting and waving like long silken scarves. The lights shimmered and danced so gracefully that neither dog spoke for a moment. They simply watched, their eyes wide with wonder. The sky is painting pictures, sunny whispered softly. Hector leaned carefully over the edge of the basket, his ears lifting with curiosity. A paper white arctic fox bounded across the landscape below, nearly invisible against the snow. It leapt high into the air, then disappeared, nose first into adrift, popping back out again a moment later, as if it was searching for something. Maybe he's trying to find a friend, too. Hector chuckled, recalling the very start of their adventure. How funny to think that all of this had begun with a game of hide and seek. As the balloon floated away, the mountains began to fade. The land below softened and changed, the sharp white peaks giving way to pale cliffs that hugged a long stretch of sandy shore. Harmony Cove. Sunny gasped. Isn't it beautiful, Hector? In the gentle glow of Koala Moon, the COVID looked calm and peaceful, as though it had been tucked carefully into the curve of the land for safekeeping. The sand stretched smooth and pale along the shoreline, and the ocean shimmered like polished silver beneath the moon as gentle waves rolled towards the beach, quiet and steady, as if the sea itself were breathing in its sleep. Each time a wave curled and broke, bright trails of blue light danced across the water. A small fish jumped from the sea and left a glowing ribbon behind it, as though it had drawn a line of starlight through the dark. Out in the bay, a tall ship rested peacefully on the twinkling water. Its dark sails rippled lazily in the warm sea breeze, and a golden star on its mast caught the moonlight, flashing now and then like a friendly signal across the waves. The ship rocked slowly from side to side, steady and unhurried, as though it too were settling down for the night. High above the COVID the great balloon drifted peacefully through the dark blue sky, its colours glowing faintly in the light of Koala Moon. Soft reds, warm oranges, gentle greens and cool blues shimmering together like light reflected on the water. The colours seemed brighter now, clearer in the silver glow, each shade flowing gently into the next. Hector rested his paws on the edge of the basket and slowly lifted his gaze upward. He stared at the glowing canopy for a long moment, something about the colours tugging at his thoughts. I've seen colours like that before, he murmured, his voice low and pensive. Sunny followed his gaze, watching the colours ripple across the balloon's surface. They are very pretty, she said. Like a rainbow that forgot to go to bed. Hector nodded, but his brow remained slightly furrowed. He kept staring, studying the colours carefully, a quiet feeling of recognition beginning to grow inside him. The ball, he whispered, and as if in response, the balloon gave a small, gentle dip. Down it floated, then slowly back up again, then down once more and slowly back up. Sunny's paws shifted slightly to keep her balance. Her tail gave a small wag of surprise. What's going on? She asked. Hector turned towards his friend, his brown eyes full of amazement. It's the ball, Sunny. The rainbow ball. He pointed at the glowing colours above their heads, the same colours they had chased across the grass, the same colours that had rolled and bounced and led them through the hedgerow portal into Sleepy Forest itself. The ball became the balloon. Sunny. For a moment, everything grew still. The night air hushed. The stars seemed to lean a little closer. Sunny's mouth opened as she looked up at the balloon, then back at Hector. The ball became the balloon, she repeated softly. Yes, hector replied, I'm certain of it. As the two dogs shared a look of awe, the balloon gave one last bounce, then began its descent down it floated, down and down, floating slowly, peacefully, through the moonlit sky toward the land below. It wasn't Harmony Cove. It wasn't even pillowy Peaks. Somehow, the balloon had returned to Sleepy Forest as if it had travelled the whole of Koala Kingdom in a few gentle bounces. Lower they floated, lower and lower, past the tops of the tall trees, through branches dusted with silver moonlight, until at last, with the softest whisper of movement, the basket touched the ground. The landing was so gentle, it felt like settling onto a pillow. The balloon hovered above them for a moment, then slowly, very slowly, began to shrink. The colours folded inward. The shining surface grew smaller, rounder, simpler, until with one final quiet shimmer, the balloon became a rainbow coloured ball. Once more. It gave a tiny bounce on the grass, then another soft bounce, then rolled gently away from the basket, moving across the moonlit clearing with slow, sleepy hops. Hector and Sunny padded after it, their paws making soft rustling sounds in the moss. The ball rolled towards the hedge that bordered Sleepy Forest, the very hedge that contained the secret portal where their adventure had first begun. The leaves rustled gently as the ball passed through the portal back into lower starry skies. Hector and Sunny followed, finding the ball quite still on the other side, shining in the moonlight. For a moment, the two dogs simply stood together, listening to the quiet of the night. Then Sunny stepped forward and gently picked up the rainbow ball in her mouth. Home time? Hector asked, and Sunny nodded. The two friends set off back through lower starry skies. The village was calm and sleepy, wrapped in a peaceful hush. Little cottages lined the narrow lanes, their windows glowing with warm golden light. Soft lamplight pooled onto the cobbled streets, and the air smelled faintly of toast, bedtime, cocoa and the last embers of evening fires. Not a sound stirred except the gentle click of their paws and the distant hoot of an owl keeping watch over the rooftops. Every now and again, the magic ball gave the tiniest sparkle, almost like a knowing wink. Finally, the two dogs reached their street, as reassuringly familiar as it always was. Sunny stopped and lowered the ball onto a patch of soft grass. The two friends looked at one another, both feeling tired and amazed after such a long and magical day. Good night, Hector, sunny said with a gentle wag of her tail. Good night, Sunny, hector replied. Sunny nudged the ball toward him, and Hector picked it up carefully. Then the two dogs parted ways, each heading towards their own cosy home beneath the light of Koala Moon. Hector's house sat at the far end of the lane, with a small wooden gate and a garden that smelled of lavender. He pushed the door open with his nose and padded inside, his tired paws sinking gratefully into the warm rug. The house was quiet and welcoming, just as it always was at the end of a long day. Waiting for him in the kitchen was the most wonderful sight of all, a large bowl filled to the brim with warm, glossy gravy. Steam curled gently upward, carrying the rich, savoury smell through the room. Hector's tail wagged with deep satisfaction. At last, he murmured happily. He tucked in at once, lapping the delicious gravy until his tummy felt warm and full and wonderfully content. Every lick made his eyelids grow a little heavier, and soon a cosy sleepiness spread through his paws and up to the tips of his golden ears. When the bowl was empty, Hector gave a satisfied sigh and carried the rainbow ball carefully to his bed. He turned in slow sleepy circles, fluffing the blanket just the way he liked it, then lowered himself down with a soft, happy groan. He placed the ball beside him, close enough to touch. Outside, the stars shimmered over lower starry skies, and Koala Moon cast a calm silver glow through the window. Hector curled his tail around his paws, his breathing slow and steady, the warmth of the gravy still lingering in his belly. With the rainbow ball resting at his side, he closed his eyes at last, ready for sleep and whatever gentle adventure tomorrow might bring. Sunny had been right. Adventures are hidden all over the place. You just need to know where to look. Sam. Sa.