← Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast
Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast
Koko & Kira's Capybara Cousin 🐨🧳 Calming Kids Bedtime Story
00:37:54
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- [00:11]
Host
Hello and welcome back to Koala Moon, your podcast of original children's bedtime stories and meditations designed to make bedtime a dream. Well, I am super giddy tonight. My excitement is clearly contagious as Sunny, who's here with me, has been madly chasing around in circles after her own tail for about five minutes now. We've been keeping a secret for a little while and finally tonight we can reveal to you, our lovely loyal listeners, that we have a new writer at Sleep HQ and she's created a wonderful new addition to Koko and Kira's family. 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. Hey Koala Moon listeners. If your family loves imaginative adventures like the ones we share here, you'll absolutely love our friends over at the Stories Podcast. Every week they bring a new story to life, from retellings of classics like Snow White and Peter Rabbit to completely original tales you won't hear anywhere else. Safe for all ages and perfect for sparking little imaginations, Stories Podcast is a must listen for kids and grown ups alike. Whether you're looking for screen free fun at the weekend or something to help you wind down after school, just search stories wherever you get your podcasts and discover a new adventure together. Parents if your kids love magical, silly what if ideas like what if sharks had legs? Or what if I could talk to Donuts? They'll love the podcast what if Stories for kids. Every week, Mr. Eric takes real kids what if questions and turns them into hilarious magical stories packed with wizards, talking animals, robots, and a whole lot of heart. With over 300 episodes, it's the perfect way to spark creativity and unwind at the end of the day. And since each episode sneaks in thoughtful lessons about empathy, growth and imagination, it's a win for parents too. One episode that our Koala Moon listeners might love is episode 131, what if kids Could Sleep at School. It's a funny, light hearted tale perfect for before bed. Check out what if World on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. That's what if World Stories for Kids.
- [02:58]
Carissa
Hey parents, I'm Carissa, the host of Sleep Wave, a sleep meditation podcast from the creators of Koala Moon. We understand how much you appreciate the bedtime stories on Koala Moon for your little ones, but as a mother myself. I know that parents need their relaxation time too. With soothing meditations and nostalgic stories. Each episode of sleepwave is crafted to help busy minds slow down so you can wake up feeling well rested tomorrow. Each night I'll guide you to sleep with beautiful visualizations and calming journeys, which listeners describe as perfect for drifting off to. Not sure where to start with meditation? Try one of my favorite episodes, A Mental Vacation, where I'll lead you through using your imagination to experience the deep relaxation of a holiday without ever leaving your bedroom. You can discover sleepwave on all major podcast platforms. Simply search sleepwave Sleep Meditations and hit follow so you can easily find the show later tonight. Sweet dreams.
- [04:08]
Host
I can't wait to get started, but first let's try and dial down the excitement. Just a touch. Take some breaths. In and out with me. Breathe in. 2, 3, 4 and out. 2, 3, 4. In, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5 and out. 2, 3, four, five. Now stretch and sigh. That's better. Okay, we're soon going to join Koko and Kira as they welcome a visitor into their home. It's their cousin Cara, who they haven't seen for ages. They're so excited to catch up with her and hear all about what she's been up to in her home country of Peru. And luckily for them, she has lots she wants to share. And she's brought presents. Yay. This is Coco and Kira's capybara cousin. By Sarah Kate Howarth Deep in the heart of sleepy Forest, the last whispers of daylight trickled in through the treetops and an inky dusk began to settle amongst the undergrowth. The cool nighttime air gently folded itself around the tree trunks and the soft hooting of owls could be heard inside their cosy cabin. Kira and Koko sat up at the kitchen table. They'd taken their nighttime bath and changed into their pyjamas, and now they were having their supper, cradling mugs of warm milk in their paws and sharing a plate of freshly baked cookies. The cookies were topped with cinnamon and chocolate chips and they melted in your mouth like candy floss. Their mum came back through into the kitchen and paused against the stove. A smile sat waiting in the corner of her mouth, itching to spread out across her face. Children, I have some really wonderful news. Kira and Koko looked up expectantly, their eyes brightening with anticipation. I've just got off the phone with Aunt Tara. Your cousin Kara is coming to stay. Cousin Cara, the capybara piped Kira. Yes. Their mum smiled warmly. Isn't that marvellous Kira and Koko nodded happily. All the way from Peru. Their mum smiled. Yes, dears, Cara is coming all the way from Peru to spend a few weeks here with us. Isn't that lovely? Koko and Kira were delighted. They hadn't seen Cara in years. It would be so fun to have her come to stay. They thought of all the brilliant things they would get up to or the marvellous adventures they would have together in Sleepy Forest. Kira thought of how she could show Kara her favourite lagoon, where the water was blue as a sapphire and sparkled in the morning sunlight. She wondered if Kara liked to swim. Surely she did. Why, she lived right by the Amazon river, the largest river in the world. She wrapped her arms around her knees with delight and hugged herself tightly. Meanwhile, Koko was dreaming of taking Kara to the swamp. The swamp was, admittedly, a little strange and squishy at first, but Koko knew that Kara was very brave. After all, she was used to all the spectacular wildlife of the jungle. Coco couldn't wait for his new adventure partner to arrive. When is she coming? Asked Koko keenly. Yes, when, Piped Kira. She will arrive on Friday morning, first thing. Their mum collected the empty plate where only a dusting of crumbs and a sprinkle of cinnamon remained. Now, time for bed, you two. Koko and Kira smiled and made their way upstairs to brush their teeth before bed. The sooner they went to sleep, the better, because the sooner they went to sleep, the sooner Kara would arrive. The next few days went by in a haze as Kira and Koko prepared for their cousin's arrival. Their father brought the cock bed down from the attic and they positioned it in the spare bedroom right by the window, so that Kara would have a lovely view of Sleepy Forest when she woke up each morning. They made up her bed with yellow sheets the colour of buttercups, and their mother put a vase of sunflowers out on the bedside table. They'd heard from Aunt Tara that Kara's favourite colour was yellow, so they wanted to make sure their cabin was as welcoming and cheerful as could be for their cousin's visit. Soon it was Thursday evening. Kira and Koko were tucked up in their beds, whispering gently about Cara's forthcoming arrival. What do you think she will be like? Asked Kara. I think she will be bold and brave, whispered Koko, his eyelids fluttering sleepily. I think she will be playful and kind, murmured Kira, her yawn escaping her lips. I think she will be ever so adventurous, whispered Koko. Kira didn't reply. Kira, did you hear me? I think she will be ever so adventurous. Oh, yes, Coco, she replied through another enormous yawn. I think she will be too, Kira, mumbled. Koko. Yes, Coco? I'm ever so sleepy. Kira snuggled into her soft pillow and sighed. It was lovely and warm inside her bed, all snuggly and soft like a cosy cocoon. Me too, Coco. She smiled. Night, night. Night night, Kira. See in the morning. See in the morning, Coco. And with that, the pair drifted off to sleep, dreaming of tomorrow and all the fun it would bring. The morning sun shone bright over Sleepy Forest, and the dew clung to the grass like crystals shimmering in the sunlight. The sky was a brilliant blue, as blue as a kingfisher, and the leaves rustled expectantly. Kira and Koko's eyes flickered open. It was Friday at last, and that meant Kara the capybara was arriving today. At that very moment, Cara poked her little snout into the front porch and called out for her cousins. Kira. Koko. I'm here. And her voice rang out cheerily in the morning air. Koko and Kira leapt out of bed and rushed downstairs, their footsteps pattering on the staircase like a heavy shower of rain. They flung open the front door and there stood their cousin Cara, the capybara. Her fur was soft and sleek, the colour of hazelnut ice cream. Her velvety brown eyes shone with warmth like a pair of chocolate truffles melting in your palm, and her whiskers stood proudly away from her face. Upon seeing her two favourite cousins, she let out a soft peal of laughter, which caused her sweet little button nose to wrinkle up with joy. She padded towards them enthusiastically. She looked so much taller than the last time they'd seen her. Cara exclaimed, Coco, you're so grown up. Kara chuckled. Well, you both look a little older to me, too. Last time I saw Koko, he was tiny. Coco giggled. And now I'm big and tall, he said. Kara laughed. Anyhow, let's get inside. It's freezing out here. Koko and Kira looked at one another, puzzled. It was springtime in Sleepy Forest, and the air was balmy. Sunlight came cascading down between the branches overhead, and a light breeze made their leaves flutter like fairy wings. But Cara stood shivering noisily. You can't be serious, Cara. It's springtime. It's lovely and warm. Warm? I've never been this cold in Peru, not even the depths of winter. I feel like a frozen fish finger. Kira and Koko chuckled. Don't be silly, Cara. But their mum had now joined them downstairs and she looked a little concerned. Poor Cara. I guess it's a lot warmer in the rainforest than it is here in Sleepy Forest. Come on, let's get you inside and warmed up. We could even light the fire if you like. Coco and Kira's eyes widened. They were never normally allowed to light a fire in springtime. Their parents liked to save the fuel for when it was really needed to avoid wasting the firewood. But they did love to sit and watch the fire burn and crackle in winter, spotting shapes within as the flames frolicked like fiery spirits. Can we really light the fire, Mum? Yes, darling. You see, Kara comes from a different climate to us, so she will be feeling pretty chilly, even though it's quite warm weather for us. Kira's eyes brightened. She'd had a wonderful idea. If we light the fire, does that mean we can toast marshmallows later? Kira's mum laughed. I don't see why not. It's a special day after all. Now let's get inside. Coco and Kira helped Cara bring in her little suitcase and get settled at the kitchen table whilst their mother set to work in the kitchen. What would you like for breakfast, Cara? I bet you're hungry after all that travelling. Cara climbed up onto the wooden stool and rested her elbows on the tabletop. Mmm, she said. I normally eat banana porridge for my breakfast, but. She paused, her eyes glinting. Yes? Their mum prompted. Well, my mum was telling me that you like to eat eucalyptus here, and I've never tried it, you see. Kira and Koko's eyes widened. She'd never tried eucalyptus. How could someone go their whole life without trying something so utterly delicious? Their mum smiled warmly. Gosh, I'd forgotten how fond Tara is of my eucalyptus stew. I'll make some up for lunch if you like, Cara. Cara nodded fervently, a beaming smile spreading across her face. Yes, please, she responded. Id really like that? The mum nodded. Right, that settles it. Kira, you go and wake your father. Coco, you set the table for breakfast. Let's have some toast and honey for now. And a pot of ginger tea. That should warm you up a little bit, Cara. Kara smiled happily and the others set to work. Soon they were all sat snugly around the kitchen table, a fire roaring in the grate. Their plates were piled high with toast, and a pot of ginger tea sat brewing in the middle of the table, waiting to be poured. Yet despite the rosy glow of the fire, Kara still felt a little bit shivery and her teeth chattered softly. Kira and Koko's parents looked at each other worriedly. Maybe you should pop on a jumper, darling, their mum suggested. Their father nodded in agreement. You'll get used to our climb at no time, Cara, I'm sure. But it might be a good idea to layer up for now. It's ever so warm and humid in the jungle and this must feel very chilly compared to what you're used to. Kara nodded and slid down from her spot at the table. She padded over to her suitcase and opened it up. As it fell open, a series of brightly wrapped gifts sprung out from the case, wrapped up in colourful paper. Oh, said Cara. I'd forgotten. I've got gifts for everyone from Peru. Would you like them? Cara loaded up her arms with the shiny packages and made her way back to the table. Kira and Coco were overjoyed. Gifts all the way from Peru. How brilliant. That's ever so kind of you, Cara, their father said. But make sure you're wrapped up warm first. In her desire to hand out her gifts, she'd completely forgotten to grab a sweater. Kara giggled. Whoops, she said. You're right. She trotted back and pulled a thick woolen cardigan from her case before hopping back up to the table and looking at her cousins expectantly. Well, she said. Aren't you going to open them? Coco and Kira were enchanted. They couldn't believe their luck. Presents. And it wasn't even their birthday. Which one is which? They asked. Kara frowned for a second, her brow creasing in concentration, before a grin took over her face. I remember. She exclaimed. The blue ones for Coco and the purple ones for Kira. The siblings gazed at each other, amazed. How had she known their favourite colours? Their mum giggled sheepishly. She might have given Aunt Tara a little bit of help with that one. Go on, Cara urged them kindly. Unwrap them. Kira and Koko each took their gift from the table and held it for a moment in their paws. They pulled at the wrapping, sliding their paws in between the layers of paper, and uncovered the gifts within. How beautiful. A purple hat with little pink pom poms for Kira and a blue hat with little green pom poms for cocoa. Coco and Kira immediately pulled the bright woolen hats onto their heads, grinning from ear to ear. Kara turned to each of them and nodded approvingly. They look marvellous, she said. And you know I have one in my favourite colour too. In yellow. We can all be matching. Kira and Coco smiled to each other sneakily, thinking of the buttercup yellow bedsheets waiting for Cara. Upstairs, two presents sat waiting on the table. Kara looked at her aunt and uncle. Well, she coaxed. Aren't you going to open yours? The adults laughed as Kara handed them their gifts. And what glorious gifts they were for their father. A set of wooden panpipes, which Kara proudly told them had been handcrafted in the Andes, a huge mountain range in Peru. That's ever so generous, Kara, he said, raising them to his lips and letting out a beautiful note. Cara smiled, pleased with herself. For their mum. A bright bunch of flowers made entirely of fabric. My mother knitted them for you so they will last forever, cara explained. The shades were dazzling, pinks, oranges, blues and yellows. A real kaleidoscope of colours. How thoughtful. The mum chirped, holding them close to her heart and smiling. Thank you, Cara. It's ever so kind of you to think of us all and to bring these gifts such a long way. We wanted you to each have a little bit of Peru, you see. It was Mum's idea. Cara suddenly sounded a little sad and her eyes sparkled, not with excitement this time, but with tears. Cora, said Kira. What's the matter? Kara had seemed so happy and proud only a second ago, but now she looked utterly forlorn. Kara sniffed and shrugged her shoulders. Nothing, she muttered. Im ok. Coco put his arm around his cousin and she nestled her head on his shoulder. Are you sad, Kara? He asked. Kara shook her head bravely, but a tear escaped from the corner of her left eye and ran down her cheek and into her whiskers. It's OK if you're sad, Kara, Kira whispered. We all get sad sometimes. Would you like to wear my hat for a bit? Kara smiled a little bit at Kira's kind gesture, but shook her head again. No thank you, Kira. II don't feel sad. At least I don't think I do. I just feel. Kara paused. I just feel a bit. She paused again. Stuck. It wasn't a familiar feeling, you see. It was entirely new and it sat in her tummy uncomfortably, like an unripe piece of fruit. The family were all sitting there, waiting for Kara to finish her thought, their eyes wide with worry. Kara sighed, frustrated with herself. I just. I feel a bit. All of a sudden. Koko let out a breath. He knew what the matter was. It's the Presence, isn't it? Koko said softly, patting her on the back. They've made you think of home. Cara breathed a sigh of relief and nodded shyly. That was it. She felt homesick. She had such a wonderful time choosing all the presents and wrapping them up in beautiful paper with her mum. Now here she was on the other side of the world and everything felt a little, well, a little bit topsy turvy. She wasn't sad, not really. She just didn't feel altogether herself. And while she was still so very excited to be visiting Sleepy Forest, she couldn't help but wish her mum was visiting too. Kira and Koko's mum scooped Kara up in a warm embrace and softly stroked her forehead. It's all right, Kara. It's perfectly natural to miss your home. You've been ever so brave travelling across the world all by yourself. We're all very proud of you. Perhaps we could do something to make you feel a little more at home here in Sleepy Forest. Kara nodded and a tiny smile flickered softly across her snout. That would be nice, she supposed. I'd like that. Kira and Koko put their heads together and thought hard. What could they do to make Kara feel a little more at home? Is there anything your parents do when you feel a little sad? Kara asked their father. Kara frowned in thought, then nodded again. What is it? He questioned. Kara took a deep breath. Well, I do really love the sound of the panpipes. They make me feel like I'm home. Deep in the middle of the jungle. Their father smiled and picked up the elegant set of pipes from the table. He took a deep breath, pressed the pipes up to his lips and began to blow into the elegantly carved holes. All at once the little cabin was full to the brim with the most heavenly sound. The melody rose and fell like ocean waves and gently rolled its way around the cabin like a ship drifting to shore. The blissful sound grew as their father blew, swelling with a delicate richness until it seemed as if the music was enveloping them all into an enormous embrace. Kira and Koko closed their eyes and let the lilting tune carry them away to the depths of the jungle. They could almost hear the swish of the rainforest canopy overhead and feel the cool shadow it cast across their faces. Their shoulders dropped and they could feel themselves getting more and more relaxed as the soft sound of the pipes danced onwards. The sounds of the jungle pulsed softly around them like a heartbeat, gentle and alive. Their father paused for a breath and the music stopped. The siblings opened their eyes at once, the mystical spell broken. They blinked and looked across the table where Kara was sat, gazing at their father in adoration. A bright smile shone across her face and her eyes were sparkling once more, not with tears now, but with awe. Thank you, she breathed, full of wonder. That was so beautiful. I felt just at home. Their father smiled. You're so Very welcome, Cara. Whenever you feel a little glum, you just let me know and I can play you a tune. Right away, Cara. The capybara beamed. She looked down at the table, still crowded with tea and toast and butter and honey. She was suddenly extremely hungry. Koko and Kira's mum noticed the little capybara's nose twitching with the smell of toast. Let's dig in, shall we? She offered, and the family set to getting on with their breakfast, spreading butter and honey across hot slices of toast and crunching down on them cheerfully. Cara loved the ginger tea. She cradled her cup in her paws, happily drinking in the soft, spicy, sweet smell. Soon their plates were covered in crumbs and their cups held only a few droplets each. Coco and Kira looked at each other and smiled. Their time with Kara was only just beginning. Shall we show you your bedroom? Kara? Piped Kira, eager to get their cousin away from the kitchen table so they could start playing. Cara nodded happily. I'd like that. May we be excused? Chirped Kira and Koko in unison, and their parents smiled. Of course, said their father. You children go on up and show Kara where she will be sleeping. Kira and Koko hopped down from the table and led the way upstairs with with Kara following closely behind. They entered the spare bedroom and pointed out the yellow bed, all set up for their cousin's arrival. Kara let out a sigh of contentment. Yellow, she said. My favourite. Thank you, Kira. Thank you, Koko. She padded over to the bed and sat down on the soft yellow blanket. Ooo. She cooed, snuggling up into the covers. That's so cosy. And she gave a big yawn, her arms stretching up to the ceiling and her mouth hanging wide. Kira and Koko looked at each other nervously. They'd planned to show their cousin all the sights of Sleepy Forest, but now she seemed a little. Well, a little sleepy, truth be told. Kara slid in between the yellow sheets and pulled the duvet up to her chin. Kira tottered over. Cara, it's morning. You can't go to sleep. But Cara's eyes were flickering shut and a soft, satisfied smile lay on her snout where honey was still smeared in the corners from breakfast. I. Just a little. She yawned again. A little nap and I'll be ok. It didn't look as if they'd be going exploring anytime soon. The mother popped her head in the door, Kara's case in her hand. Her gaze fell onto the capybara, all snuggled up in bed, and she let out a soft chuckle. Oh dear, she giggled. It seems that Cara is a little worn out from all the travelling. Let's leave her to have a little snooze, children. She has definitely earned it. Kira and Koko sighed and nodded slowly. They'd just have to wait a little longer for their cousin to be ready for an adventure. Now they watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she fell into a deep and peaceful slumber, dreaming of the otherworldly sound of the panpipes and her home, the Ra.