Koala Moon: "Kira & The Pooki Pandas"

Host/Narrator: Abbe Opher
Date: January 22, 2026
Story By: Luke Prendergast

Main Theme & Purpose

This gentle, imaginative bedtime story explores the meaning of "home," feelings around adoption and belonging, and the value of friendship. Kira, a panda adopted into a koala family, meets the newly arrived Pooki pandas—a family that shares her heritage. Through their meeting, the story reassures children that it's normal to have mixed feelings about belonging, and that love and connection can coexist with curiosity about one's origins.

Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Relaxation and Winding Down ([00:10]-[02:00])

• Abbe Opher invites children to settle in, stretch, and breathe, setting a calming tone for the story.
• The familiar setting of Sleepy Forest and the promise of adventure ease young listeners into a bedtime mood.

2. Kira’s Background and Mixed Feelings ([02:00]-[04:10])

• Kira the panda was adopted into a koala family and sometimes wonders what it would be like to live with pandas.
• Kira’s mum offers wise advice on complex feelings:
  • "It's okay...to feel two seemingly opposite things at the same time...all of us who live here in Sleepy Forest are complex creatures. We contain multitudes." — Kira’s Mum (03:10)
• Kira imagines inside herself “lots of other mini Kiras” who don’t always agree, but all are part of her.

3. News of the Pooki Pandas ([04:10]-[06:10])

• Kira’s dad announces that a family of panda bears—the Pookie pandas—have moved to Sleepy Forest.
  • Kira is nervous and looks to her brother Koko for support.
  • Koko reassures her:
    • "I think you should do it, Kira. It'll be fun to make some new friends, especially some panda ones. And I can come with you for moral support." — Koko (05:25)
• Kira agrees, feeling reassured by Koko's encouragement.

4. The Journey to the Pooki Pandas ([06:10]-[09:15])

• The koala family dresses up for the visit and takes a river taxi piloted by a mallard duck through new parts of the forest, described with rich imagery.
• Arrival at the bamboo grove section of Sleepy Forest, and comparison between their cabin and the Pooki's home.

5. Meeting the Pooki Pandas ([09:15]-[12:10])

• Friendly welcome from Priscilla, Pete, and Patty Pooky.
• Kira observes their similarities and feels both connected and a little distant at the same time.
• Sitting with the Pookie family, Kira feels even more grateful for her koala family.

6. Kids Bond on the Rope Swing ([12:10]-[17:40])

• Adult conversation lulls, so the kids—Patty, Kira, and Koko—go outside to play on a rope swing.
• Patty shares her sadness about missing her old home and how she used to travel by rope swings to see friends.
• Kira offers empathy and shares her own experience:
  • "When I first moved to Sleepy Forest, I missed my old home too...But it gets better. And it gets better really quickly. It doesn't ever go away fully...Both things can be true at the same time. We contain multitudes now." — Kira (16:00)
• Koko suggests building rope swings connecting their cabins, turning Patty's sadness into excitement.

7. Plans for Rope Swings & Growing Friendship ([17:40]-[19:45])

• Patty is cheered by the idea:
  • "Then this place would be just like my old home. Knowing that I've got two friends here makes me feel so much happier that we've moved." — Patty (18:30)
• Kira reflects with gratitude on Koko's kindness and how he welcomed her when she was new.

8. Bamboo Snacks and Hospitality ([19:45]-[22:00])

• They enjoy a bamboo-themed feast with bamboo biscuits, brownies, sandwiches, and tea.
• Kira’s mum and Priscilla discuss exchanging special treats for future visits.

9. Saying Goodbye and Reassurance from Koko ([22:00]-[25:00])

• As the family leaves, Koko clumsily but sincerely lets Kira know she can choose where to belong:
  • "If you want to go and live with the pandas where there's lots of bamboo snacks you like, you can, you know. You shouldn't worry about upsetting me." — Koko (23:40)
• Kira reassures Koko of her love and belonging:
  • "They're my friends, but you're my family. I was just thinking how happy and lucky I am to have you as a brother...I'm right where I belong." — Kira (24:20)
• Koko wonders about "mini Kiras," and Kira reaffirms:
  • "We contain multitudes, after all." — Kira (25:00)

10. Building the Rope Swing Trail ([25:00]-[27:40])

• Over two weeks, they create a swing path connecting both homes, making it easy to visit.
• Koko, Kira, and Patty bond through the shared project, now swinging swiftly from cabin to cabin.

11. Sleepovers and Newfound Belonging ([27:40]-[End])

• The friends enjoy sleepovers, reading bedtime stories and falling asleep together.
• Patty, now content, confides:
  • "Now Sleepy Forest feels just like home." — Patty (28:40)
• Kira wonders if home is the place or the people—and decides it might be both.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Complicated Feelings:
  • "It's okay...to feel two seemingly opposite things at the same time...all of us ... are complex creatures. We contain multitudes."
    — Kira’s Mum (03:10)
• Sibling Support:
  • "I think you should do it, Kira. It'll be fun to make some new friends, especially some panda ones. And I can come with you for moral support."
    — Koko (05:25)
• Empathy Across Experience:
  • "Both things can be true at the same time. We contain multitudes now."
    — Kira (16:00)
• Affirmation of Belonging:
  • "They're my friends, but you're my family...I'm right where I belong."
    — Kira (24:20)
• Creating Home:
  • "Now Sleepy Forest feels just like home."
    — Patty (28:40)
• Identity and Acceptance:
  • "Of all the Minikiras inside me, quite a few of them are koala shaped, you know."
    — Kira (24:40)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Relaxation/Intro: 00:10–02:00
• Kira’s Reflection on Adoption: 02:00–04:10
• Invitation to Meet the Pookies: 04:10–06:10
• Journey through the Forest: 06:10–09:15
• Meeting New Friends: 09:15–12:10
• Rope Swing Adventures/Feeling at Home: 12:10–19:45
• Snack Time: 19:45–22:00
• Farewell and Family Reassurance: 22:00–25:00
• Building Rope Swings: 25:00–27:40
• Sleepover & Comfort: 27:40–End (approx. 29:00)

Tone & Language

• Soothing, gentle, and nurturing.
• Encourages self-acceptance and empathy.
• Simple and clear language, perfect for calming children before sleep.

Summary

"Kira & The Pooki Pandas" weaves gentle adventure and emotional wisdom, centering on themes of belonging, change, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship. The story warmly validates complex feelings and celebrates the magic of both old ties and new connections, guiding young listeners peacefully into sleep.