← Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast
Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast
Koko Celebrates Midsummer 🐨🫎 Soothing Bedtime Story For Children
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Hello and welcome back to Koala Moon, a podcast of original children's bedtime stories and meditations designed to make bedtime a dream. We've got the maracas and the bongos out tonight in our party town because we are celebrating Savannah Gray's very special birthday on the 24th of June. Have a great one, Savannah. Also, we're welcoming a few new folk into our cosy Cocoa Club tonight. So hi. Saga King from Mount Barker, South Australia. And hello to siblings Olivia, Ella and Evie from White House Station, New Jersey. Thank you for signing up and enjoy listening to all your bonus stories or without any pesky ads from now on. Yippee. And it's a great night to join because we are meeting a brand new friend this evening. She's never been to Sleepy Forest before and her name is Eleonora. She's a little elk who invites Koko to celebrate a Swedish holiday called Midsummer. I'm guessing it must be coming up soon as the days are getting lighter and brighter than ever. Sarah, who wrote this one, she's just moved to Sweden herself and personally sent Eleanora to Sleepy Forest to meet Coco and friends. 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.
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It is estimated that over 4 million people have been abducted by alien lifeforms. But only one of them asked for it.
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This is Elio of Earth. If any aliens are listening, come and.
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Get me from Disney and Pixar.
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Yes, it's really happening.
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He'll go where no one has gone before.
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Welcome to the community Verse. What is this, please? These are the lava tunnels, Gordon. I am Not Fireproof.
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Disney and Pixar's Elio. Rated pg. Parental guidance suggested only in theaters Friday. Tickets available. Available now.
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Hello Koala Moon listeners. If you have babies and toddlers in your family, then this announcement is for you. I'd like to tell you about my other sleep show, Koala Tots. It's got all the magic of Koala Moon, but it's made especially for the littlest of listeners, babies and toddlers. Koala Tots is packed with soothing stories and calming rhymes. Perfect for helping babies and toddlers sleep like a dream. Not only are the stories incredibly relaxing, but they have easy to understand language and gentle repetition designed to help with baby's cognitive development as they drift off to sleep. There's even appearances from some of the Koala Moon Star favorites alongside the cutest episodes like how to Hug a Hedgehog and Nugget's Cozy Night. So search Koala Tots on your favorite podcast player and hit follow so you can find it easily night after night. Let's find out what she has to say once we've got into bed and we've got ready to listen. So you know what you have to do. Jump into bed if you're not there already and have a little wriggle, perhaps a quiet giggle. And don't forget to breathe out. In fact, let's try a sigh together. Breathe in and out. Now whoosh the air out properly. Breathe in and whoosh out. Wonderful. Once more, but quietly this time. In, out and out. Perfect. This is Coco Celebrates Midsummer By Sarah Kate Howarth it was a warm, sunny day at Sleepy Forest Elementary School, and sunbeams sparkled in through the window pane, pooling onto the classroom carpet like honey spilled from a jar. The pupils sat cross legged, gazing up at their teacher. Mrs. Merryfeathers, the warm natured owl, was smiling, a kindly wing draped around the shy shoulders of a new student. Now then, children, I want you all to say hello to Eleonora, the baby elk. Hello, Eleonora, the classmates chorused, leaning forward slightly to get a better look at their new chum. Many of them have never met an elk before, but she looked like a little silky moose. Eleonora is brand new to Sleepy Forest, so you must all do your very best to make her feel welcome. She's come ever such a long way. Why don't you tell the class where you've moved from, Eleonora? Eleonora smiled nervously and wrinkled her velvet nose. Her pointy ears stood high up on her delicate head, twitching this way and that as she glanced around the classroom. Her eyes gleamed a deep mahogany brown and her caramel coat was speckled with flecks of cream. As she stood in front of the blackboard, her knees trembled a little and she shifted about on her hooves. Hesitantly from the front row, Coco smiled up at Eleonora encouragingly. It sure was scary starting a brand new school where you didn't know anybody. He wanted to make sure she knew it would all be okay. Eleonora caught sight of Coco's warm gaze and immediately felt better. He looked friendly and kind. Her heart stopped fluttering like a flustered flamingo, and she took a deep breath of cool air. I've moved from Sweden, she announced. Ooh, breathed Prickles. The hedgehog. I've always wanted to go to Sweden. Do you like cinnamon buns, Eleonora? Eleonora looked over at the cheerful hedgehog sat next to Coco, a bemused expression on her face. Sure, she replied, shrugging her shoulders. They're ok, but I prefer cardamom ones. Really? They're much nicer. Prickles mouth puckered into the shape of a Polo mint. He'd never even heard of a cardamom bun. Eleanora was obviously very stylish indeed. Oh yes, me too, he mumbled, hoping he sounded convincing. Much nicer. Mrs. Merryfeathers smiled and gestured to her pupils to make room on the carpet for their new classmate. Coco and Prickles shuffled along and Eleonora sat down gracefully beside them, tucking her legs up beneath her body. She smiled at Koko with eyes as warm as hot chocolate. Koko blushed a little bit. Eleonora was very pretty indeed. He saw Prickles looking at him curiously and he quickly looked back at Mrs. Merryfeathers, his cheeks gleaming a tell tale red. At break time, Alice the alpaca rushed over to Eleonora, a million questions perched on the tip of her tongue. What's Sweden like, Eleonora? Is it awfully cold? Is it true that it goes dark at 3pm Eleonora shook her head as a crowd began to assemble around her. Only in winter. In summer it stays light practically all night long. Wow. Alice sighed dreamily. That means you could stay up super late if you wanted to. You've got lovely fur, Eleonora, breathed Daphne, the duckling. It's so shiny. Eleonora smiled and blushed, a ripple of pink curling around her cheeks. Thanks, she said. You have nice feathers. Daphne screwed up her face and honked. Good. Oh, don't be silly. She chortled. I'm a duckling. My feathers are all boring and grey at the moment, but you just wait till I'm grown up. I'm going to have the most fabulous feathers in all of Sleepy Forest. Daphne stretched out her wings and paraded around the playground like a princess, swishing her feathers this way and that. Her classmates cheered. Daphne was certainly not lacking in confidence. As they headed back into class for their final lesson of the day, Coco fell into step beside Eleonora. He caught her eye and she gazed down quickly at the tarmac, smiling. He opened his mouth but found his tongue was all dry. And what's more, he couldn't think of a single thing to say. He swallowed and gnawed on his bottom lip. Eleonora looked at him sneakily from underneath her long eyelashes. He had to say something. What are you doing after school? He croaked, his voice sounding oddly loud in the summer afternoon air. Eleonora giggled and shimmied her feet in the dust. Well, she said, its midsummer today, you see. Midsummer? What's that? Eleanor stopped in her tracks, her mouth falling open in surprise. Don't tell me you've never heard of Midsummer. She spluttered. Coco's cheeks grew ever more crimson and the tips of his ears prickled with heat. Er, well, no. He stammered apologetically. Sorry. Eleonora couldn't believe it. Not only was Midsummer an extremely important celebration in Sweden, but it was also her favourite day of the year. Goodness me. She exclaimed. Well then, you have to come to my house after school. We're having a traditional Midsummer celebration, you see. And back in Sweden I always used to invite a friend from school along. And now, well, I don't have any friends. Not yet anyway. Unless. She gazed at Coco hopefully, his face somersaulted into the biggest smile taking over his entire face. Ill be your friend. He grinned. That is, if you want me to be. Eleanor nodded, a smile settling across her delicate features. Then it's settled. You'll come to my house after school. She skipped her way back into the classroom merrily. Just as she got to the doorway, she paused, glancing back over her shoulder. Oh, Koko, I almost forgot. You know how to dance around a maypole, right? Koko froze. He wasn't the best dancer, it had to be said, and he'd never even heard of a maypole. But he was so eager to accept Eleonora's invitation he found himself nodding back fervently in response. Oh yes, he replied. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Eleonora clapped her hooves together in glee. Wonderful. She exclaimed, and she disappeared through the doorway. Koko's tummy began to feel all peculiar, as if he had swallowed a dragonfly. He was a little uneasy about the prospect of dancing in front of Eleanora. Kira always said he had two left feet, and he was a little nervous about breaking the news to his mum, who would be waiting at the school gates for him as usual. He normally wasn't allowed to just disappear off to his friends houses after school at the drop of a hat, but he couldn't miss out, not when he had the chance to experience a real midsummer party. From the way Eleanora spoke about it, he knew it would be just magical. And so he squashed the worries down to the bottom of his mind and ventured into the classroom full of Anticipation for what was to come. As the pupils tumbled out of the school gates, Eleonora took a hold of Coco's paw. Come on, she coaxed, her eyes gleaming with delight. Let's go find my family. Coco. Oh, yes. Well, the thing is. Coco faltered. He didn't want to disappoint his new friend. What is it? Eleonora stopped abruptly, her eyes full of concern. Her voice grew soft and plaintive. Don't you want to come anymore? Oh, I do, Coco protested. I really do. His cheeks grew warm. It's just I need to ask my mum if it's OK first. Eleonora threw back her head and laughed heartily. Oh, Coco, you silly billy. Of course you need to ask permission. Coco shuffled his feet, feeling a little foolish. Ok, good. I just thought you might think it was a bit babyish. Eleonora smiled kindly. Let's go find our parents and introduce them. I'm sure that will make your mum feel less worried. Koko beamed. That sounded like a wonderful plan. Ok, Eleonora. He chirped. His eyes scanned the crowd of parents waiting at the edge of the playground to collect their offspring. His eyes fell on his mother, who was standing talking to a couple Koko had never seen before. Two bunnies, one with fur the colour of fresh snowfall and one whose fur was a charcoal grey. There they are. Mum. Dad. Eleanora tore off across the playground, her hooves clattering as she whizzed over to the bunny rabbits, diving into their arms affectionately. Ah, Lenora. How was your first day at school? The snow white bunny asked, her whiskers fluttering as she smiled down at her daughter. Great. Look, here's my new friend Koko. Koko came shuffling over and smiled up at his own mother. Coco, these are our new neighbours who've just moved over from Sweden. Birgitt the bunny and Rasmus the rabbit. And I see you've already met Eleonora, the baby elk. Koko and Eleonora blinked at one another in disbelief. Not only were they classmates, they were neighbours. How lucky was that? Hello, Coco's mum. It's nice to meet you. I wondered if it might be OK if Koko came to play this afternoon and stayed for tea. You see, it's midsummer and we need extras for the maypole dance. Coco's mum looked down at her son quizzically. Coco blinked back up at her innocently. Please, Mum, if it's OK with you. His mother smiled, her cheeks puckering into dimples. If it's all right with Eleonora's parents, then it's all right with me, but I'll come and pick you up at 7pm sharp. It is a school night after all. The bunnies smiled and assured Koko's mum that it would be a pleasure to have Koko join their midsummer celebration. And so they made their way down the path and into the forest, the grown ups walking along together and chattering, and Coco and Eleonora skipping on ahead. As it turns out, Eleonora's house was just a few doors down from Koko's cosy cabin. It had walls the colour of magnolia blossom and a sloping red roof. Here we are, announced Birgitte cheerfully, swinging open the little wooden gate and revealing a front garden bursting with wildflowers in full bloom. Come on in, Koko. Koko looked up at his mother and she nodded encouragingly. I'll bring Kira along to pick you up later. Enjoy yourself, Coco. Who's Kira? Eleanora asked inquisitively. She's my baby sister, explained Coco, his voice growing warm and affectionate the way it always did when he spoke about his younger sibling. Eleonora smiled. You're so lucky, Koko. I've always wanted a sister. I can't wait to meet her. Koko's heart wriggled inside his chest full of contentment. Bye, Mum. He called, following Eleonora down the garden path amidst the brightly coloured dahlias and gigantic sunflowers that lined the way. Rasmus hopped up onto the front porch and smiled down at the children. Are you all ready for some midsummer magic? He teased, his eyes full of promises. Yes, they called. Birgi sprang forwards to join her husband and beckoned them in closer. First up, we need to dress the maple. Eleonora gave an excited little squeak. That means we need armfuls. And armfuls of foliage, wild ferns, leaves, branches, blossoms and flowers. You name it. Let's all take a basket and gather as much as we can carry from the forest floor. Birgitte handed Koko a little wicker basket with a blue bow on the front of it. He smiled his favourite colour. Meanwhile, Eleonora had scooped up hers with a ribbon the colour of satsuma's trailing from the handle. Is orange your favourite colour, Eleonora? Koko asked, following her down the path and out into the fringes of the forest. Eleonora nodded. Yep, it reminds me of the sunset. Koko smiled. What a lovely image. Amber, apricot and mandarin sunbeams settling on the horizon in a sizzling haze. But there was no time to lose to daydreaming. Eleonora was already casting an eager eye across the forest floor, scooping bilberry branches and bundles of blossom into her basket. Come on, Koko, she insisted, pressing wispy tufts of cotton grass into his palm. We need to gather the greenery. Koko nodded and began to extend an arm to a nearby bush awash with emerald leaves and delicate lilac flowers. But Eleonora shook her head solemnly. Oh, sorry, Koko. I forgot to tell you the most important rule. You must only gather from the forest floor. We don't want to take anything that's still growing, so no pinching anything that's still attached to its source, okay? Koko's paw wavered. The lilac flowers looked so tempting, shaking softly in the soft breath of the evening. But Eleonora was right. He shouldn't pick something that was still growing. And so, joining his friend, he began to scan the forest floor, and his eyes alighted on a beautiful garland of elderflower. Look, he whispered, holding the spindly branch up to the light so that golden sunlight splayed through the pale petals. Eleonora helped Koko stow the elderflower carefully in his basket. That's a great find, Koko. It will look so pretty on the maypole. Eleonora. Coco hesitated. Eleonora bent down to pick up some more cotton grass with her teeth. What is it, Coco? She asked through a mouthful of fluff. Um, well, I just wondered. What is a maypole? Eleonora began to cough and splutter, spitting out the cotton grass with an indignant hiccup. Coco, I forgot. This is your very first midsummer. Let's go back to the garden. I'll show you what a maypole is. Come on. Coco and Eleonora grabbed their baskets, which were now overflowing with greenery, and hurried back, weaving their way through the tree trunks until they were back at Eleonora's front gate. Eleonora, Coco, it's time. Birgit's voice rang out sweetly. Coming, answered Eleonora, prancing round the back of the house. Coco dutifully followed suit as they made their way across the neatly manicured lawn. Koko's breath caught in his mouth. The little back garden was overflowing with strawberry bushes. Little droplets of ruby red fruit hung like baubles on a Christmas tree, sparkling and gleaming amidst the green leaves. Eleonora caught Coco looking and laughed. We'll have some later, she whispered gleefully. They are perfectly ripe and so sweet, like sherbet. Birgit and Rasmus were standing by a tall pole with garlands and wreaths trailing down from the uppermost point. Eleonora gestured towards it proudly. The maypole. She announced, trotting over and gazing up at the magnificent structure. Now we add our greenery, Koko. It symbolizes new life and growth. And so Eleonora and Koko set to work attaching their findings onto the maypole, with a little help from her parents, of course. Soon the maypole was entirely covered with leaves, flowers, stems, vines, blossoms, berries, herbs, petals, twigs, branches, and other scraps of foliage. They stood back to observe their hard work, panting slightly from all the effort. It looked sensational. Is it time to dance now? Asked Koko nervously, his knees beginning to tremble a little. Eleonora laughed. Oh, no. We have to eat first. It's time for the midsummer picnic. Koko's belly rumbled in anticipation. He was more than a little peckish after all that foraging. What do you eat at a midsummer picnic? He asked, licking his lips giddily. Eleonora tugged on her friend's paw. Come see for yourself. She led Koko to a sunny little patch of lawn where a picnic rug lay spread over the soft grass, laden with a terrific feast. Slices of rye bread stacked high on elegant china plates, slices of fresh salmon sprinkled with dill, piles and piles of buttery potatoes, and dozens of the ripest strawberries freckled with little yellow seeds. What's that? Asked Coco, pointing at a plate of sparkling silver swirls. My favourite pickled herring. Eleonora helped herself to a great big serving, scooped onto a slice of seeded rye bread. The family settled down and chomped their way through the delicious dinner. Coco was a little nervous to try the pickled herring, but he ate his way through a mountain of strawberries, and Rasmus poured him a glass of refreshing homemade lemonade, which tickled his taste buds like a feather. Would you like to try a cardamom bun, Coco? Burgitte asked, wafting a fragrant tray of freshly baked buns under his nose. Koko reached out eagerly and bit into the golden swirl. Mmm, he said, savouring the sweet floral taste. Just wait till Prickles heard that. He tried one. Once they'd all finished eating and their tummies were full of delicious food, they lay back on the picnic rug and gazed at the summer sky. Overhead, clouds drifted like dandelions, and the soft summer breeze tickled their chins like fingertips. Rasmus picked up his guitar and began to strum a gentle melody. It was time for dancing. As Eleonora sprang to her feet, Koko gulped. I'M actually feeling a little bit full, he began as she pulled him by the paw towards the towering maypole. Don't be silly, Coco. You'll be fine. Follow me. The four of them gathered in a ring and joined hands. Then, led by Eleonora, they began to circle the maypole, first skipping to the left, then swishing to the right. Koko's eyes grew wide with concentration, but somewhat miraculously, his feet managed to keep in time. He was tipping and tapping his way along just like the others without missing a beat. You're a natural. Laughed Eleanora, twirling under his arm like a ballerina. He whirled around and around the marvellous maypole as the family sang a gentle, lilting folk song together. Welcome the summertime bringing new life. Welcome the strawberries bursting so ripe. Welcome the wild flowers bringing cheer. Welcome Midsummer every year. As the evening drew on, Rasmus continued to play melodies on the guitar, and Birgitte lit a cosy campfire to ward off the chill. As twilight fell upon Sleepy Forest, Eleonora gathered a long branch from the leftover piles of foliage and the two of them took it in turns to toast marshmallows in the glowing embers of the fire. Koko smiled shyly at his new friend. Eleonora. Yes? Thanks for inviting me to your midsummer celebration. I've had the most magical time. Eleanora beamed. You're welcome, Coco. You were the perfect dance partner. I'm so glad you could join us. She yawned, her eyelids flickering as the bonfire burned by their feet. All that dancing has gotten me worn out, she sighed, snuggling into her mum's fluffy fur. Her parents smiled down at their daughter. You've had a big day, Nora. Starting at a new school isn't an easy thing to do. Birgit the bunny stroked her daughter's brow lovingly. And you've managed to make a friend already, added Rasmus, the rabbit, smiling over at Koko. Koko nodded. Yes, he added enthusiastically. You have. I mean, I am. Eleonora slipped her hand into Coco's paw and squeezed it softly. I am too, she whispered gladly. Your friend, I mean. Hello. Just then, Koko's mother's friendly voice came drifting over the hedgerow like a butterfly. Koko. Another voice joined in the chorus, soft and sweet like syrup. Kira. Koko's face lit up with joy. The evening had flown by. He couldn't believe it was time to go home. Already he smiled as he watched Kira totter down the garden path, her eyes growing wide as she took in the scene. The majestic maypole, the swathes of wildflowers and the campfire crackling. Wow. She breathed, awestruck. Hello, Kira, eleonora murmured sleepily. I'm Eleonora. I just moved here from Sweden. Coco's told me all about you. You'll have to come and play next time, too. Kira's eyes sparkled with delight. I'd love to, she breathed. Come on, you two, their mother called. Its getting late and Eleonora looks ever so tired. It was true. Eleonora was tucked tightly into her mother's side, basking in the warmth of the fireside, her eyes drooping drowsily. Bye, Eleonora, said Coco. Thanks for having me, he added, nodding politely at Eleonora's parents. I loved the midsummer party. The maypole, the dancing, the picnic. He yawned dozily. Come on, sleepyhead. Time to get you all tucked up. Koko took a hold of Kira's paw, and they slowly made their way back up the garden path. Kira looked up at her big brother inquisitively. What's a maypole, Coco? Just you wait, Kira. Let's get into our pyjamas and brush our teeth. Then I'll tell you all about it once we're tucked up in bed. I promise. Meanwhile, the flames of the campfire grew tame and subdued. Moonlight spilled into the night sky, showering the maple with sparkling silver sheets and signaling the end of a magical midsummer evening. Sam sa.