Koala Moon: "Prickles' Cozy Hanukkah 🕯️🦔" – Episode Summary

Podcast: Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids
Host & Narrator: Abbe Opher as Koko
Special Guests: Mimi & Kiddo from Afternoons with Mimi
Release Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This gentle and heartwarming episode, a special collaboration between Koala Moon and Afternoons with Mimi, centers on Koko the Koala learning about and celebrating Hanukkah with his friend Prickles the hedgehog. The story emphasizes inclusion, curiosity about different cultures, and the magic of sharing traditions with friends. The episode seamlessly weaves facts about Hanukkah into a cozy narrative, making it both educational and comforting for young listeners.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

Setting the Scene: Holiday Excitement at Sleepy Forest Elementary

• [04:31] The story opens with Sleepy Forest Elementary beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
• Koko and friends share excitement over Christmas—tree decorations, sledging, and festive traditions.
• Prickles is introduced as a friend who doesn't celebrate Christmas, but Hanukkah.

Curiosity & Reaching Out: Koko Wants to Learn

• [07:06] Koko expresses his wish to understand Hanukkah better so Prickles feels included:

  "I want to make sure Prickles feels included. But I don't know anything about it. How can I learn more?" — Koko ([07:06])

• With Grandpa’s encouragement, Koko calls Mimi and Kiddo, experts in Jewish traditions.

Hanukkah Explained: Story Within a Story

• [09:00] Mimi and Kiddo warmly answer Koko's questions:
  • What is Hanukkah?

    "Hanukkah is so fun. We have latkes and all sorts of desserts and sing songs...we play dreidel." — Mimi ([09:11])

  • Kiddo gives a concise, child-friendly Hanukkah origin:

    "Hanukkah celebrates a great miracle...a small army of Jews called the Maccabees fought back...there was only enough oil to keep the special lamp lit for one day. Miraculously, that small bit of oil burned for eight whole days." — Kiddo ([09:58])

  • Traditions: Lighting a nine-branched menorah, foods fried in oil (latkes, jelly donuts/sufganiyot, and more), spinning the dreidel, singing songs.
  • Timing: Explains the Jewish calendar; in this year, Hanukkah overlaps with Christmas.

Gifts & Giving

• [13:13] Koko asks if he can give Prickles a present for Hanukkah:
  • Kiddo shares: “Gifts aren’t a traditional part of Hanukkah, but some families have adopted the custom...some focus on tzedakah—a kind of charity, helping those in need.”
  • Family tradition of giving: “Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read.” ([13:40])

Acceptance & Celebration Together

• [14:25] Koko asks Prickles about his Hanukkah plans; Prickles is touched and invites Koko to join his family celebration.

The Hanukkah Party at Prickles' Home

• [15:14-19:12] Koko is warmly welcomed into Prickles’ home to celebrate Hanukkah.
  • Lighting the menorah:

    “Koko thought [the blessings] sounded beautiful and listened carefully whilst watching the little flickering flame.” ([16:38])

  • Receiving gifts: Each gets a book and chocolate coins (gelt).
  • Singing:

    “They were going to teach him a Hanukkah song—Ocho Candelikas. The song isn’t in English, it’s in a language called Ladino, which is kind of like a Spanish Hebrew hybrid.” ([17:41])

  • Feasting: Koko tries latkes, tostones (fried plantains), and sufganiyot.

    “[Tostones] were one of the best things Koko had tasted. … Koko’s favorite was the soufganiot, the fluffy round fried doughnuts filled with sweet jam.” ([19:35])

  • Dreidel game: Playful, lively, and explained so listeners can follow at home. Prickles wins, and everyone cheers.

Winding Down: Sleepiness and Reflections

• [24:23-27:44] Koko is carried home by Grandpa, sleepy and happy.
• In his cozy bed, he reminisces:

  “He thought of softly glowing candles dancing in the reflection of a window. The grin on Prickles' face as he danced and sang Ocho Candelikas… the dreidel spinning around and around…” ([26:28-27:07])

• Koko feels grateful for friendship and new memories, drifting peacefully to sleep.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Koko’s heartfelt intention:

  “I want to make sure Prickles feels included. But I don’t know anything about it. How can I learn more?” ([07:06])

• Mimi on Hanukkah fun:

  “We have latkes and all sorts of desserts and sing songs. Sometimes Isaac and Theo and Ari come over and we play dreidel. Oh, I have to teach you how to sing Ocho Candelikas!” ([09:11])

• Kiddo explaining Hanukkah’s meaning:

  “Hanukkah celebrates a great miracle that happened a long time ago… Miraculously, that small bit of oil burned for eight whole days…” ([09:58])

• On inclusion and sharing:

  “It’s really cool that charity is part of the holiday. It’s good to think of others while celebrating.” — Koko ([13:40])

• Festive invitation:

  “Do you want to come and light the menorah with us?” — Prickles ([14:57])

• Joy of celebration:

  “Prickles smile lit up his face even brighter than the flickering candle did. Koko took his friend’s paw and gave it a happy squeeze.” ([16:38])

• New favorite treat:

  “[Tostones] were one of the best things Koko had tasted. ... Koko’s favourite was the soufganiot, the fluffy round fried doughnuts filled with sweet jam. He ate three of those.” ([19:35])

• Cozy conclusion:

  “How lucky I am to have such a good friend like Prickles.” — Koko ([25:07])

Important Timestamps

• [03:31] Guided relaxation/breathing—prepares listeners for the story
• [04:31] Story begins: School holidays, introducing traditions
• [06:12] Koko learns Prickles celebrates Hanukkah
• [07:06] Koko confides in Grandpa
• [08:32] Mimi and Kiddo join the conversation
• [09:00–13:40] Hanukkah explained: Story, traditions, food, gifts
• [14:25] Koko & Prickles discuss Hanukkah plans
• [15:14–19:35] Koko joins Prickles’ family for Hanukkah: rituals, songs, food
• [21:00–22:45] Dreidel game explained and played
• [23:50–27:44] Winding down: Koko goes home, reflects, and falls asleep

Tone and Style

The episode maintains Koala Moon’s signature soothing, reassuring bedtime tone, with gentle humor, vivid sensory descriptions, and a strong message of inclusion and curiosity about others’ traditions. Dialogue is child-centric, supportive, and guidance-oriented—a safe and welcoming introduction to Hanukkah for children and families of all backgrounds.

Summary for Parents and Caregivers

This episode is a beautiful showcase of how young friends can bridge traditions and share holiday joy. Through Koko’s gentle curiosity and Prickles’ willingness to share, listeners learn the basics of Hanukkah in a memorable, accessible way—celebrating both uniqueness and togetherness. The guided breathing at the start, sensory storytelling, and affirming bedtime sendoff make this both a calming bedtime aid and a mindful introduction to multicultural celebrations.