Koala Moon: Koko's Bedtime Follow Along 🛏️ 💤 Before Bed Stories

Podcast: Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids
Host/Narrator: Abbe Opher
Episode Date: December 18, 2025
Episode Type: Interactive, guided bedtime routine and story

Overview

This cozy episode of Koala Moon invites children to join Koko the Koala in his own bedtime routine. Designed as a "follow-along" story, it softly guides listeners through each comforting step of winding down for the night—tidying up, bathing, brushing teeth, and finally, snuggling into bed for a story. Abbe Opher’s warm narration gently encourages participation at each stage while weaving in imaginative prompts, calming visualization, and soft mindfulness cues. The episode is perfect for helping kids transition peacefully to sleep, whether they follow Koko’s routine in real time or simply listen along.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Invitation to Join Koko

• [00:11] The episode opens with the host explaining that this "Before Bed Stories" installment is special, as listeners can join in Koko’s routine right alongside him.

• Abbe welcomes children to get into pyjamas, brush teeth, tidy up, and snuggle under covers as Koko does the same.

  “So if you’re getting your pyjamas on, brushing your teeth or snuggling under your covers, you can follow along and get ready for bed right beside Koko the Koala. Or if you’d rather just listen, that’s perfectly fine too.”
  — Narrator (Abbe Opher), 00:36

2. Tidy-Up & Mindful Breathing

• [02:22] Koko begins his bedtime by sipping hot chocolate and tidying away toys, setting a calm tone.

• The narrator ties the act of cleaning up to emotional well-being, suggesting kids imagine putting away their own busy thoughts for the night.

  “As you put away the mess in your house, you can tidy your thoughts away in your mind. Take a big breath in, big breath out. Imagine putting your busy thoughts back away into their places, ready for tomorrow.”
  — Narrator, 03:00

3. Bath Time Imagination

• Koko enjoys a soothing, rose-and-lavender-scented bubble bath.

• The gentle humor continues as Koko and his dad make bubble beards and hats, fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness.

• The episode prompts listeners to use their imagination and join in the fun of bath time or simply visualize it.

  “He tries to make them into a castle, but the bubbles look more like a cloud. Koko doesn’t mind. He loves clouds and sometimes he dreams about floating through the sky on a fluffy white cloud.”
  — Narrator, 04:10

  “Can you make a bubble beard in your bath?”
  — Narrator, 05:00

• Koko’s dad playfully admires his bubbly hat and beard in the mirror, strengthening family bonds.

  “His dad looks at himself in the mirror and says he looks very handsome indeed in his new hat and beard.”
  — Narrator, 05:24

4. Cozying Up: Pyjamas & Bedtime Prep

• After the bath, Koko gets wrapped in a soft towel, dries his fur with a hair dryer, and puts on freshly warmed pajamas.

• The sensory elements—warmth, the smell of sunshine, and favorite pajamas—invite children to pay attention to their own comfort.

  “Koko’s favourite pyjamas were on the radiator already, so they’re all nice and warm. They’d been out on a washing line that morning and smelled of sunshine and warm breezes.”
  — Narrator, 06:30

  “Which ones are you wearing tonight? Do you have dinosaur PJs or ones covered in diggers or unicorns? Put on your PJs. First one leg, then two, then one arm, then two, and there we are. You look fabulous and ready for dreamland.”
  — Narrator, 06:46

5. Toothbrushing Routine

• The episode integrates a fun, practical routine—brushing teeth for two minutes, with Koko’s dad singing a “toothbrushing rhyme.”

  “This takes two minutes, and to make sure he does them long enough, Koko’s dad sings his toothbrushing rhyme. It’s about to start. Toothbrush at the ready…"
  — Narrator, 07:07

6. Bedtime Snuggle & Story

• Koko climbs into bed, cuddles his plushie Terry, and snuggles under his covers, mirroring a comforting bedtime routine for listeners.

• Grandma Koala arrives and, after checking that Koko is warm enough, offers to read a bedtime story from Koko’s favorites.

  “He reaches for Terry and cuddles him against his chest. He smiles happily. He loves his bed.”
  — Narrator, 08:10

• Koko chooses the story about the magic school where “the children first arrive... and the magic begins.”

  “‘Please. The one where the children first arrive at the school and the magic begins.’ Grandma said she likes that one too.”
  — Narrator, 09:00

7. Drift Into Sleep: Mindful Breathing & Story Visualization

• Grandma’s gentle storytelling, accompanied by soft breathing cues, helps lull Koko (and the listener) toward sleep.

• Listeners are invited to join in slow, deep breaths.

  “He remembers about taking slow, deep breaths to help him relax more. The little koala begins to take some deep, relaxing breaths. In and out. In and out.”
  — Narrator, 09:43

• The episode fades out with Koko drifting into dreams as the magic school story and Grandma’s soothing voice continue.

  “A delightful drowsiness flows through his body from the top of his head down to the tips of his toes. His blanket is warm and snuggly. His bed is soft and cozy... The little koala falls into a deep, relaxing sleep and is soon lost in restful dreams.”
  — Narrator, 10:04

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On bedtime routines:

  “These aren’t just bedtime stories though. They are carefully crafted sleep stories for kids that help little ones relax, unwind and fall asleep with ease.”
  — Narrator (Abbe Opher)

• On tidying up mental clutter:

  “Imagine putting your busy thoughts back away into their places, ready for tomorrow.”
  — Narrator, 03:00

• On comforting rituals:

  “He loves his bed.”
  — Narrator, 08:10

• On family and imagination:

  “His dad looks at himself in the mirror and says he looks very handsome indeed in his new hat and beard.”
  — Narrator, 05:24

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:11 – Invitation to join in Koko’s bedtime routine
• 02:22 – Koko tidies, takes deep breaths, prepares for bed
• 03:50 – Koko’s bubble bath and imaginative play
• 06:30 – Pyjama time and sensory comfort
• 07:07 – Toothbrushing with song
• 08:10 – Snuggling into bed with plushie Terry
• 08:45 – Grandma Koala’s bedtime story choice
• 09:43 – Guided breathing and visualization into sleep
• 10:04 – Episode drifts to close as Koko falls into restful dreams

Final Thoughts

Koko’s Bedtime Follow Along is a gentle, interactive episode that seamlessly blends practical bedtime steps, soothing narration, and imaginative comfort. The story is perfect for easing children into a restful night, offering warmth, security, and soft encouragement to cherish family bedtime rituals. Koala Moon’s familiar characters and gentle “koala-verse” provide a trusted space for winding down, inviting young listeners and their families to relax and dream together.