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Narrator
Hello and welcome back to Koala Moon, the podcast of original children's bedtime stories and meditations designed to make bedtime a dream. For tonight's story, we're reaching up high onto my bookshelf for a wonderful old fairy tale. Do you know Snow White and the Seven Dwarves? This story follows Snow White as she spends a day in the Enchanted Forest with Snoozy the Dwarf, spending a day, as he does, just relaxing and watching the world go by. 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 parents, if your little ones love learning as much as they love story time, I've got something special for you. ABC Mouse is the award winning and super fun learning adventure app made just for kids aged 2 to 8. It's packed with over 10,000 awesome activities across reading, maths, science, art, art and more. Your little explorer can dive into magical puzzles, colourful books, exciting games and catchy songs all created by expert teachers to help them learn at their own pace while having a blast. It's safe, ad free and designed to keep your child engaged without any interruptions. Whether you're enjoying some family time together in the evenings or looking for something educational to explore during the day, ABC Mouse is a brilliant screen time solution. You can try it out for free with a one month trial and after that it's just £14.99amonth until cancelled or choose an annual membership for just 45 a year until cancelled. Head to www.abcmouse.com koalamoon to get started today. You'll also find the link in our latest episode Show Notes to make it extra easy. Hey parents, Spring is in the air and we have an eggciting treat for you. From April 7th through the 21st, all new Coco Club members can enjoy 14 days of premium completely free. Just in time for the Easter holidays. That means your little ones can drift off to sleep night after night with ad free stories without you spending a single penny. And to celebrate Easter, we have some very special bedtime adventures coming up such as Coco and Kira's Cosy Easter and a brand new Coco Club exclusive Hector and Sunny and the Giant Golden Easter Egg. In this instalment, the doggy duo head to Storybook Land where they enter an egg hunt to win a golden egg laid by a magical goose. This offer is only available for a limited time, so don't miss out. Start your free trial in just two taps on Apple Podcasts or head to cococlub.supercast.com for Yoto and Spotify. The link is, as always, in the show notes, sweet dreams and Happy Easter.
Jessica Porter
Hey parents. My name is Jessica Porter and I'm the host of Sleep Magic, the Sleep Hypnosis podcast. As a hypnotherapist, I've helped many parents tackle their sleep troubles, whether it's letting go of bedtime worries or getting back to sleep after tiny bedroom intruders. I know finding peace amidst all that life brings can be tough, but since 2021 I've been delivering weekly episodes of Solution Focused Sleep Hypnosis, which have now helped with over 5 million restless nights. Sleep Magic has proven to help you relax really deeply, maybe more deeply than you have in years, with a mix of hypnosis techniques, meditations, and classic bedtime stories. Each week there's brand new episodes to help you unwind and fall asleep effortlessly. You can find me and Sleep Magic on all major podcast platforms. Just search Sleep Magic and hit follow so that you can find it easily when you go to bed. Relaxation is truly closer than you think. I'll see you there.
Narrator
This is Snow White and the Sleepy Dwarf Deep in the heart of the enchanted Forest, nestled among towering trees with with emerald leaves that shimmered in the sunlight, stood a quaint little cottage. Its thatched roof was softened by moss and its wooden beams twisted upward as though they had grown straight from the earth itself. A stone pathway lined with wildflowers in every hue led up to the curved wooden door where a small bluebird often perched, singing its morning greeting. Smoke curled from the chimney, carrying the scent of something warm and sweet, perhaps apple pie or a pot of rich vegetable stew bubbling over the fire. Inside, this was the home of Snow White and her unusual yet beloved roommates, the Seven Dwarfs. The mythical bearded creatures had welcomed her into their home years ago, and ever since she had been part of their little family. Life here was full of simple joys. Each morning Snow White would rise early, stretching beneath the soft woollen covers of her bed before stepping to the window to greet the morning sun. Birds would flit about the sill, chirping happily as if to say good morning, and sometimes a few bushy tailed squirrels would pause from their scampering to listen as she sang a gentle tune. She would dress quickly in her signature blue and yellow dress, tying a bright red ribbon in her ebony hair before making her way to the kitchen. The kitchen was the heart of their home, warm and welcoming, always filled with the scent of fresh bread, honey and woodland herbs. Snow White loved preparing breakfast for her little family, humming as she mixed batter, kneaded dough, or stirred a pot of porridge. The dwarves, still rubbing sleep from their eyes, would gather around the kitchen table, eager for their meal before heading off to the mines, where they'd sing songs and search for crystals and jewels. Each dwarf had his own charm. Dot was the wisest, leading the others with a steady hand, always with his glasses perched on his nose as he explained one thing or another. Crumbles, despite his name, cared for them all in his gruff way. And though he often mumbled and grunted about things, everyone knew his heart was as big as the forest. Chuckles Laughter filled the house, a booming, joyful sound that made even the shyest creatures smile. Hush was quiet and shy, but his rosy cheeks and sweet disposition made him endearing. Achoo, as always, had a handkerchief at the ready. His sneezes and powerful enough to shake the rafters. Dizzy. Well, dizzy was dizzy. Playful, expressive and full of mischief, often getting into little predicaments that made Snow White giggle. But one dwarf in particular had a special talent that set him apart. Snoozy. Snoozy was always snoozing, whether in the middle of breakfast, leaning against a tree in the forest, or even mid step while walking home from the mine. His heavy lidded eyes and slow, comfortable way of moving through life made him endearing. He yawned more than he spoke, stretched more than he walked, and could fall asleep anywhere, on a pile of leaves, against a tree stump, or even standing up. Snow White had long ago accepted that Snoozy was just Snoozy. And she found it charming how he embraced life at his own pace. Time passed, and Snow White found herself more and more caught up in grander matters out at the palace. Though she still cherished life in the cottage, she had been spending more time beyond the forest. Her prince had swept her into a world of royal responsibilities, attending councils, visiting towns and helping make the kingdom a better place. She had worked tirelessly on a new decree, the Equality act for Mythical Creatures, ensuring that fairies, talking animals and magical beings of all kinds had a voice. She had set up agreements between the woodland creatures so that food and resources were shared fairly. Foxes no longer stole from rabbit burrows and owls watched over the nests of smaller birds. She had introduced kindness as a guiding principle, and because of this, people had begun calling her the fairest of them all. Not for her beauty, but for her compassion. But all this work left her exhausted. One morning, after a particularly long week of meetings, letters, and royal responsibilities, the king himself insisted she take a long weekend off. She agreed, though at first she wasn't quite sure what to do with herself. She twiddled her thumbs for a little while and leafed through Castles and Ponies magazine before spotting Snoozy dozing under a tree. She realised who better to spend a long, lazy weekend with? Maybe, in order to really relax and make sure she recuperated all her energy, she needed to learn from the master. She ambled out to the garden and crouched next to his rocking chair under the old oak, lifting his hat from where it was drooping over his eyes. Snoozy, she said sweetly, I've been put on orders to relax. I think I need your help. Snoozy opened one eye, stretched, and gave a slow smile. Whale Snow. First things first. You gotta start with a lion. We'll start tomorrow at 11. Snow White smiled. Perfect, she said. And so the next morning, Snow White slept until the sun was high in the sky. When she finally awoke, she let out a deep breath, stretched luxuriously, and reached for her book, a story about a young girl who went to a ball in glass slippers. She propelled herself up against her pillows, took a sip of the tea that had been left on her bedside table by a thoughtful bluebird, and let herself get lost in the story. As she read, a small sparrow flitted to the windowsill, chirping curiously. Hello there, she murmured, and the bird tilted its head as if listening. At 11, she wandered into the kitchen to find Snoozy at the stove, flipping golden pancakes and cooking eggs over the crackling fire. For you's important if you wanna really relax, he said with a sleepy grin. The kitchen smelled divine, the scent of butter and maple syrup filling the air. Snow White sat down, savouring every single bite, and for the first time in a long while, she wasn't in a hurry to finish her meal. After breakfast, they took a slow, meandering walk through the forest. Now, the trick to a proper stroll is don't go anywhere in particular, snoozy explained, yawning as he trudged along. Just follow your nose, your eyes, and your ears. Snow White did just that. She followed a pair of mice scurrying towards a picnic, only to discover a lovely glade filled with tiny, colourful mushrooms. She let the scent of honeysuckle guide her to a patch of wildflowers where bees lazily floated from Bloom to bloom. She followed the sound of rustling leaves and found a family of squirrels nestled in a tree hollow, practising their singing, harmonising sweetly. Everything was green and lush and alive around her. Eventually, they reached the edge of a babbling brook. Snoozy unfolded two wooden deck chairs, placed them by the water, and poured cool lemonade from a pitcher. Now we sit, he announced. They sipped their drinks, watching dragonflies skim across the water. They talked about nothing in particular, how the clouds looked like castles, how the sun felt warm but not too hot, how it was nice to simply be. They pointed out pretty butterflies and shiny beetles wandering across the clearing and waved at birds that passed overhead. It was perfect. Eventually, Snoozy, true to his name, drifted into a nap. Snow White listened to the bubbling stream, the whisper of the wind through the trees. She had forgotten what silence felt like as the gentle babbling of the brook filled the air, Snoozy unfolded two wooden deck chairs beside the water, their frames creaking slightly as he settled into his seat with a satisfied sigh. Snow White, watching with amusement, followed suit, sinking into the chair and stretching out her legs. The warmth of the afternoon sun wrapped around them like a soft embrace, and the cool breeze carried the scent of wildflowers and pine. With a slow, deliberate movement, Snoozy reached into the wicker picnic basket he had brought along and pulled out a glass pitcher of freshly squeezed lemonade. Tiny beads of condensation formed along the glass, glistening in the sunlight. He handed Snow White a glass before pouring his own, taking a slow sip before exhaling contentedly. They sat in companionable silence for a while, the only sounds being the trickling of the brook, the rustling of the leaves, and the occasional chirp of a nearby bird. Snow White closed her eyes and relaxed. Then, out of nowhere, Snoozy muttered, you know, clouds tell stories. Snow White turned to him, amused. Oh. He gestured lazily to the sky. See that one there? Looks like a big old rabbit. Or maybe a dragon. Snow White squinted up at the sky. I see it, but I think it looks more like a castle. One with towers and little flags. Snoozy let out a slow chuckle. Guess it depends on what you're looking for. They continued, cloud watching, pointing out shapes and making up silly stories about them. One cloud was a ship sailing towards a great adventure, another a grumpy bear who had lost his honey pot. They laughed at each other's interpretations, completely at ease. Eventually, Snoozy's yawns grew longer, and before long, he was nodding off. Snow White watched as his head dipped forward, then back, before finally settling in a comfortable slouch. His hat tipped over his face, and soon soft snoring joined the sounds of the brook. Snow White smiled. She remained still, listening to the gentle hum of nature around her, the distant chatter of birds, the occasional splash of a fish jumping in the water, the wind weaving through the trees. She realised she hadn't truly listened to the quiet in so long. There was something soothing about just existing in the moment, without a plan, without urgency. After what felt like hours, but was likely only one, she gently shook Snoozy awake. Come on, let's head back before it gets too late. With a slow stretch and a mighty yawn, Snoozy rose and together they made their way back to the cottage, their steps unhurried. By late afternoon they arrived home, the comforting scent of a cosy fire drifting from the chimney. Inside, they decided on an activity that suited their unhurried pace a jigsaw puzzle. Snoozy plopped down at the wooden table, scratching his head as he looked at the box cover. Why'd we pick one with a thousand pieces? Because we have all the time in the world today, snow White answered with a grin. I started sorting the pieces, separating the edges from the middle ones. Snow White was methodical, organising by colour and pattern, while Snoozy simply grabbed a random piece and tried to make it fit somewhere not there. Snow White chuckled as he tried to force a sky piece into a tree section. Hmm, maybe the puzzle's wrong. Not me, he said. They worked in peaceful silence, interrupted occasionally by a triumphant aha whenever a piece found its place. They didn't finish the puzzle. But that wasn't the point. As the sun began to dip, the other dwarves bustled about, preparing to leave for a concert at a local tavern. Are you sure you don't want to come? Snow Chuckles asked, adjusting his bow tie. It'll be a lively night. Music, dancing, good food. Snow White shook her head. Not tonight, thank you. I have sleep to catch up on, grumbles muttered. Can't say I get it, but hey, each to their own. Snow White gave them all a hug, and then with a wave, the dwarves set off, leaving the cottage feeling wonderfully still and quiet. Dinner was a slow, thoughtful affair. They prepared a hearty vegetable stew, chopping carrots, onions and potatoes at a leisurely pace. Snow White found that even the simple act of stirring the pot was soothing, the swirling motion calming her mind. They let the stew simmer until the whole cottage smelt delicious. When it was finally ready. They ladled it into wooden bowls and ate by candlelight, savouring every bite. Good stew, snoozy mumbled between spoonfuls. It is, isn't it? Snow White agreed. She'd eaten banquets at the palace and had lunch meetings at restaurants all over the kingdom, but for some reason the homemade food always tasted the best. As the stew bowls were cleared away and the last of the warm bread was tucked back into its basket, Snow White let out a sigh of pure contentment. She hadn't hurried through the meal, hadn't worried about a single thing all day, and yet she felt more fulfilled than she had in a long time. Snoozy, stretching in his chair, gave her a slow, knowing grin. Fire's nice this time of night, he murmured, tilting his head toward the hearth. Good place for stories. Snow White smiled. That sounds perfect, she said. Together they padded into the living area, the flickering glow of the fire casting long golden shadows on the wooden walls. Snow White wrapped herself in a knitted blanket and nestled into the corner of the couch while Snoozy took his usual rocking chair, already half lost in another slow, dreamy stretch, he rocked gently, the chair creaking in rhythm with the crackling fire. For a while they sat in peaceful silence, watching the flames dance. Then, in a gentle voice, Snow White said, could you tell me a story, please, Snoozy? He blinked sleepily. Me? She nodded. He must know some good ones. Snoozy took a deep breath, rubbing his chin. Alright, let me think. Oh, there's this one about a bear who slept through an entire year. She giggled. A whole year? That's longer than winter. Yep, he said, stretching. And when he woke up, the whole world had changed. The trees were taller, the river ran a different way. Even the stars looked different. But you know what? What didn't matter. He just kept on being a bear. Took things slow. One day at a time. Snow White smiled. I like that. Snoozy blinked slowly, rubbing his chin as he thought for another story. Hmm. Ever hear bout the river of dreams? Snow White shook her head, intrigued. No. What is it? With a contented sigh, Snoozy settled further into his chair and began. They say it runs far, far away, past the tallest mountains and deepest valleys. But it ain't like any other river. See, this one's made of dreams. Every night when folks sleep, their dreams float right out of their heads and trickle down to the water, mixing together like colors on a painter's palette. And if you ever find it, if you ever stand by its shore and listen real close. You can hear em all the dreams of the world whispering to each other. Snow White was enchanted. That sounds beautiful. Snoozy nodded. Some say if you scoop up a handful of that water and hold it to your ear, you'll hear a dream meant just for you. Snow White thought about that for a long moment, the image of a glowing, whispering river filling her mind with wonderful dreams. Has anyone ever found it? She asked. Dunno, snoozy admitted, shrugging slightly. But maybe that's the point. Maybe it ain't about findin it. Maybe it's about knowing it's out there somewhere, just flowing along, carrying all of our dreams. And who knows, maybe even making em come true. Snow White smiled softly. She liked that idea. They sat quietly for a while after that, wrapped in the warmth of the fire. Outside, the wind rustled gently through the trees, and the occasional hoot of an owl echoed through the night. Eventually Snoozy, who had grown progressively more relaxed, let out a particularly deep yawn. Well, Princess, he murmured, his voice thick with sleep. S'pose is bout that time? Snow White nodded. She was beginning to feel it too, the pleasant heaviness of relaxation settling over her limbs, the quiet call of sleep tugging at her thoughts. She stood and stretched, then turned to Snoozy, who was already looking half asleep in his chair. Thank you, she said softly. For today. For reminding me how to slow down. Snoozy gave her a lazy smile. Anytime, Princess. With that, Snow White made her way to her bedroom, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. She took her time preparing for bed, savouring every step of her evening routine. She found a small candle on her nightstand and lit it, filling the air with the softest scent of lavender. She hummed to herself as she brushed her teeth. Next she filled the grand porcelain tub in her adjoining washroom, pouring in rose scented bath oils and watching as delicate bubbles formed on the surface. She dipped her hand into the warm water and sighed, then slipped in, letting the heat seep into her skin. When the water had cooled slightly, she stepped out, wrapping herself in a plush towel. She moved slowly before slipping into a pair of soft woolly pyjamas, the fabric warm and cosy, like a bear hug. She ran a comb gently through her dark hair and climbed into bed. As she snuggled into the mattress, pulling the blankets up to her chin, she reflected on the day. It had been slow, simple, and utterly delightful. She hadn't saved the kingdom, signed any important decrees, or even finished her puzzle, but she had laughed. She had listened. She had rested. And as she drifted off, she realised something important. Sometimes doing nothing at all was exactly what she needed. That night, she had the best sleep of her life. And she dreamt of the most beautiful things. And the next morning, when the birds began to chirp on her windowsill, well, then she felt ready to take on the world again.
Episode Title: Snow White & The Sleepy Dwarf 👸🏻🍎 Calm Kids Story For Sleep
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Hosted By: Abbe Opher
Produced By: Koala Kids & Starglow Media
In this enchanting episode of Koala Moon, host Abbe Opher brings to life a delightful retelling of a classic fairy tale with a calming twist. The story, "Snow White and the Sleepy Dwarf," is crafted to help children and families unwind before bedtime, emphasizing themes of relaxation, mindfulness, and the importance of taking time to slow down.
Setting the Scene ([04:43]) The narrative begins deep within an enchanted forest, introducing listeners to a charming cottage nestled among towering, emerald-leaved trees. The cottage, home to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, exudes warmth and tranquility, setting the perfect backdrop for a bedtime story.
Daily Life in the Cottage Snow White's daily routine is depicted with serene imagery:
Character Insights ([05:50]) Each dwarf is given a distinct personality:
Snow White's Royal Responsibilities ([10:15]) As the story unfolds, Snow White is depicted juggling her royal duties:
A Moment of Exhaustion ([15:40]) Despite her noble efforts, Snow White finds herself drained. Recognizing the need for rest, the king advises her to take a long weekend off—a suggestion that leads her to seek solace and relaxation.
Learning to Relax with Snoozy ([20:25]) Snow White turns to Snoozy the Dwarf for guidance on unwinding:
Morning of Relaxation ([21:30]): Snoozy prepares a leisurely breakfast, emphasizing the importance of savoring each bite without haste. A notable quote captures this moment:
"For you's important if you wanna really relax." - Snoozy ([21:45])
Stroll Through the Forest ([25:10]): They embark on a slow walk, guided by their senses rather than a destination. Snoozy imparts wisdom on mindful walking:
"The trick to a proper stroll is don't go anywhere in particular." - Snoozy ([27:30])
Embracing Nature's Beauty ([30:50]): Together, they immerse themselves in the forest's vibrant life, from listening to squirrels sing to watching dragonflies dance by a brook.
Shared Moments of Quietude ([35:00]) By the brook, Snoozy and Snow White sit in companionable silence, engaging in cloud watching and storytelling. Snoozy shares tales that highlight the beauty of a slow-paced life:
"You know, clouds tell stories." - Snoozy ([38:15])
"Every night when folks sleep, their dreams float right out of their heads and trickle down to the water." - Snoozy ([46:30])
Evening Routine and Reflection ([50:00]) As the day winds down, Snow White and Snoozy enjoy a peaceful dinner by candlelight, engaging in a tranquil activity of assembling a jigsaw puzzle. The shared experience emphasizes patience and the joy of working together without pressure.
Bedtime Insights ([55:30]) Before retiring for the night, Snoozy shares another story, reinforcing the episode's central theme:
"Sometimes doing nothing at all was exactly what she needed." - Narrator ([58:00])
Snow White embraces this revelation, leading to a restful night's sleep filled with beautiful dreams, symbolizing her newfound balance between duty and personal well-being.
The Importance of Relaxation: Even those with significant responsibilities need moments of rest and relaxation to maintain their well-being.
Mindfulness in Daily Activities: Engaging fully with simple tasks, like preparing a meal or taking a walk, can enhance one's quality of life.
Embracing a Slow Pace: Adopting a slower approach to life can lead to greater peace, contentment, and fulfillment.
The Power of Companionship: Sharing tranquil moments with loved ones fosters deeper connections and mutual understanding.
"Snow White & The Sleepy Dwarf" serves as a gentle reminder for both young listeners and their families about the value of slowing down and appreciating the present moment. Through the endearing characters and their serene adventures, the episode beautifully encapsulates the essence of a restful bedtime, making it a perfect addition to any family's nighttime routine.
Notable Quotes:
This episode of Koala Moon masterfully blends storytelling with relaxation techniques, making it an ideal listening choice for families seeking a peaceful transition into bedtime.