← Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast
Koala Moon: Kids Bedtime Stories & Sleep Stories for Kids Podcast
The Bear Who Loved Bedtime Stories 🐻💜 Sleepy Story For Kids
00:38:09
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- [00:00]
Abby
Foreign hello and welcome back to Koala Moon, a podcast of original children's bedtime stories and meditations designed to make bedtime a dream. First up, we got a birthday shout out for Iris and Seren in Australia. Happy Birthday and thank you to Riley in New Jersey, Dougie and Ellie and Logan from Columbia, Maryland for signing up for the Coco Club. You're all brilliant. Thank you so much. We love having you listen up for some exciting things happening this summer. I'm not going to say too much now, but you Coco Clubbers are properly in for a treat. 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. Subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show notes, but now here's a quick word from our sponsors before we settle in for tonight's sleepy story. Here's something for the grown ups and for our little dreamers who love big adventures with Groupon. It's easier than ever to make magical memories together. If your little one has ever wished they could leap into a Koala Moon Adventure, like taking a ballet class with Koko and Kira or riding the monorail with Hector and Sunny, Groupon might just have the real world version waiting for you. From trampoline parks and pottery classes to petting zoos and planetarium visits, Groupon helps families discover amazing activities all at prices that make it easier to say yes to fun. So when the sun comes up and those curious feet are ready to explore, just open the Groupon app and see what surprises are nearby. I've taken a peek already and I'm super excited about what's coming up this summer. For a limited time only and exclusively for our Koala Moon listeners, you can use code MOON30 to get 30% off when checking out at Groupon before May 31st. That's code MOON30 for real life fun at fairytale prices. Groupon Adventure is just around the corner.
- [02:18]
Jim
Do you want to spend another summer stuck at home?
- [02:20]
Abby
Hey Jim, how's your back? Oh, you know. I hear ya.
- [02:24]
Jim
Leave the small talk behind because Disney and Pixar invite you on an out of this world adventure. Engaging hyperspace.
- [02:31]
Abby
This is awesome.
- [02:32]
Jim
On June 20th.
- [02:33]
Abby
Welcome to the community. Prepare to be conquered. But I just got here. Follow me. What is this place? These are the lava tunnels. I am not fireproof.
- [02:43]
Jim
Disney Pixar's Elliot in theaters June 20th. Tickets available now. Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested.
- [02:49]
Kelly
Heya sleepyheads. I'm Kelly, the host of Koala Shine, the perfect daytime adventure show for long car journeys, school runs and lazy Sunday mornings. I'm popping up here on Koala Moon because I've heard you want more Koala Kid stories and I'm here to deliver. Beep beep. Special delivery. Koala Shine is a tiny bit different from Koala Moon as it's designed for daytime listening. So after a great night's sleep with a story from Abby, you can have a big old stretch and tune into Koala Shine, joining your favorite characters on crazy adventures around the world with new episodes every Friday. We'll follow Hector and Sunny on a daytime safari, explore the big city with Munchie the Raccoon, and visit the circus with Super Soul. You'll also hear cool facts, jokes, and learn about the world we live in. Plus, there's a chance for your voices to be featured on the podcast too. Koalashine offers mindful fun entertainment on the move designed to spark curiosity. Search Koalashine now on your favorite podcast platform and be sure to hit follow so that finding your next adventure is easy peasy lemon squeezy. Hope to see you there, Koala Shine.
- [03:59]
Abby
Now back to tonight. I've got a big question in my mind about you lot. I'm wondering just how many of you listening out there are going to manage to stay awake until the end of this bedtime story About a bedtime story. It's going to be a double whammy, a super sleep inducing session that I just don't think any of you will get to hear the end of. So I'm just saying if you do drift off early, don't worry, you can listen back tomorrow. Now if you are at all like our main character tonight, Maple, and you love to come up with imaginative stories, you are always welcome to send them in in a voice note to us or write them down and we'll try hard to work your stories into one of our next episodes. Just use the link in the show notes to send us your message. Okay, now let's jump into bed if you're not there already and you know what to do, breathe out in a nice slow sigh and maybe move your body with some wriggles and squirms and generally just try and get all that energy out of your body from the day that you just had. Keep breathing steadily and gently. Let your eyes close as we're now going to fly away together to Sleepy Forest. This is the Bear who Loved Bedtime Stories by Sarah Kate Howarth High up in the Rocky Mountains, in the northernmost part of western Canada lived a family of grizzly bears. There was a mama bear called Griselda and a papa bear called Gristofer. And there were two little bears called Maple and Pine. They lived in a log cabin tucked into the mountainside with broad beams and wood panels and a front facing balcony where you could gaze out at the dramatic landscape and thick blankets of sparkling snow below. Around the back of the cabin stood a little outhouse where the family of bears stored all their winter sports things like skis, snowboards and sledges. They were a fairly outdoorsy family, united by a keen, adventurous spirit. Griselda and Gristopher had always been a courageous couple. They were known in the bear community as the speediest runners, the fiercest hunters, and the loudest growlers around the Rocky Mountains. And their daughters took after them. At least one of them certainly did. Pine was the elder of the two little bear cubs and a real daredevil. She liked exploring, climbing up great mountainsides and scrambling over rocks and roots. She loved taking a dip in the wide open lakes and even enjoyed white water rafting on the raging river rapids. She was brilliantly brave and always up for an adventure. Just like her parents, her little sister Maple was not quite so adventurous. She was a quiet, shy little bear cub, and she didn't much like the great outdoors. She liked watercolour painting, collecting wildflowers, and above all else, bedtime stories. Maple was the bear who loved bedtime stories, not just reading them, but writing and narrating them herself. Her stories were just magical, captivating tales of princesses and pirates, enthralling tales of dinosaurs and cowboys, spooky tales of vampires and witches, and enchanting tales of mythical creatures and powerful magic, Maple could tell the most spellbinding stories about, well, about anything at all. And whilst Maple might indeed have been a shy little bear cub, her stories transformed her into the most vivid of all narrators. She wove together the most exciting narratives, her stories telling of love, heartbreak, adventure and peril. And as she did so, she took center stage, her voice rising into a strong growl as it spun the most marvelous stories. Pine loved to listen to her sister stories, particularly just before bedtime. The two little bear cubs would snuggle up in their bunk beds, pulling the quilts up tight to their chin. And Pine would say the same thing each evening, her voice ringing out from the top bunk. Tell me a bedtime story, Maple. Maple would smile. For whilst her sister was an avid fan, indeed, she herself was even more fanatical. About stories. She was the queen of storytelling and she would tell stories all night long if Pine was only willing to listen. Alright, Pine, what would you like the story to be about tonight? Maple snuggled deeper into her blankets and stretched out luxuriously. Hmm. She pondered. I can't decide. All your stories are so wonderful, Maple. Maple chuckled, pleased with the compliment. Well, would you like to hear about the mermaid from the Lavender Lagoon? Ooo. Cooed Pine. I do love your stories about the beautiful chorus of mermaids. Or might you like to hear the one about a snowstorm that billowed its way across the Rocky Mountains so that the lakes froze over in pearly sheets and everyone could skate and glide across the ice to their heart's content? Pine's eyes brightened like two little lamplights. She shivered excitedly at Maple's frosty description. Oh goodness, that sounds very festive, Maple, she responded. How beautiful. I love ice skating. But Maple wasn't done yet. Or what about a love story? A tale of a star crossed couple who fall madly in love with one another but then get torn apart by a twist of fate. Pine's snout began to quiver and she trembled beneath her sheets. Oh, I don't much like that one, Maple. It sounds awfully sad. Maple wrinkled her nose. She didn't understand. Some stories were meant to be magical, some stories were meant to be scary, and some stories were meant to be sad. That's how it worked. She sighed, a little frustrated. The bedroom door swung open softly and the silhouette of Papa Bear appeared in the doorway. Now then, little ones, it's bedtime. I don't want you two staying up half the night telling stories. We'll be ever so tired in the morning and you both have Bear Brigade first thing. Oh, but please, Papa Bear. Pine cried. We love bedtime stories. Papa Bear smiled. If I'm not mistaken, Pine, you sounded rather unsure a moment ago. Weren't you just saying that? Maple's story sounded awfully sad? That's no use for bedtime, is it? Pine sat up in bed. Her head fell to the side and her lips pursed into a perfect pout as she crossed her arms tightly across her furry chest. We were just getting round to deciding, Pops. Maple wasn't meaning to tell me that one before bed, were you, Maple? That one wasn't a bedtime story, you see. It won't be a sad one that you tell, will it, Maple? Maple shook her head. Truth be told, she'd quite liked the heartbreak plot herself, and she was itching to finish off the story. But Pine did have a point. They wouldn't sleep very well if they were both crying into their bedsheets. Perhaps that was a story for a different time of day. No, don't worry, Papa Bear. I'll stick to a proper bedtime story. I promise. Pine smiled widely and cuddled her knees into her chest. See, Pops, bedtime stories are cosy and cheerful and comforting. They're like a great big cuddle. They're the perfect way to drift off to sleep. Mama Bear appeared behind their father in the door frame and placed a gentle paw on his shoulder. She whispered into his ear and he nodded, a dimple appearing in his left cheek. One bedtime story, kiddos. All right, one and one only. I know what you're like once you get going, Maypawp Maple sighed in relief. Thank goodness for that. What was bedtime without at least one story, after all? Pine pulled a cushion up behind her and propped herself up against the wall. You know what else is like a great big cuddle? She called down from the top bunk, a mischievous little smile dancing across her snout. Maple smiled. She had a fairly good idea what her elder sister was hinting at. You see, continued Pine. The only thing better than a bedtime story is Mama Bear and Papa Bear looked at one another and they smiled too. Let me guess, their popper replied. Does it begin with a hot? And might it end with a chocolate? Their mama chuckled, ruffling Pine on the head. Pine giggled. Oh, what a great idea, Mama Bear. I would love a hot chocolate to sip on while we all listen to Maple's bedtime story. Isn't that a great idea, Maple? How lovely. Maple nodded, drawing her knees up to her chin, a soft smile spreading across her snout like butter on a piece of toast. All right, kiddos. Four hot chocolates with cream and marshmallows coming right up. Papa Bear ducked out of the bedroom and padded off to the kitchen to prepare their special bedtime treat, and Mama Bear helped the girls down from their bunk beds and found a comfy spot on the floor. Mama Bear drew the curtains, shutting out the snowflakes twirling and dancing outside the window pane. Maple turned on the night light, which glowed like a golden bubble, casting its soft, twinkly light across their bedroom floor. The bear cubs draped blankets around their shoulders and sat cross legged, eagerly reaching for the warm mugs of hot chocolate their father placed into their paws. Yummy, piped Pine. This is the best hot chocolate I ever tasted in my life. It's so creamy, sweet and delicious. You have to try it, Maple. Maple closed her eyes and took A sip. A rich, velvety taste filled her mouth, crackling like a campfire against her taste buds. Her eyes gleamed as steam rose from her mug, making droplets on her nose. Wow, Papa, that really is delicious. Thank you. Papa Bear smiled and sat down on the floor with his family. Cradling his own mug in his paws, he clinked mugs with Mama Bear and winked to bedtime stories. He cheered and they all laughed and toasted each other before taking a sip of the tasty hot chocolate. Pillowy marshmallows began to melt into the surface of the chocolate, scattering pink and white clouds across the rich brown foam. Well, Maple, what will be tonight's bedtime story? Mama Bear leant forward and gazed at her youngest daughter with pride. Maple's brow crinkled and she fell silent, deep in thought. It had to be cosy. It had to be cheerful. It had to be comforting, just like the taste of hot chocolate against her tongue. She tapped her toes against the floor and thought hard. Pine smiled up at her parents. She couldn't wait for the story to start. Maple cleared her throat, took a deep breath, and began. Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful princess called Peony Bloom. Peony had long flaming locks of scarlet hair and the palest blue eyes. She lived in an emerald palace in a magical kingdom known as Evergreen. Pine sighed contentedly and snuggled into her father's side. Papa Bear pulled a fleecy blanket up around their knees, and Mama Bear nodded at Maple encouragingly. Peony was a wonderful ruler. She was fair and just, wise and strong. Everyone who lived in the magical kingdom of Evergreen loved Peony. They were so proud of their perfect princess. And Peony loved being a princess. She really did. She had a closet full of ball gowns, shelves stacked full of crystal slippers, and a whole collection of glittering tiaras, one in every colour. Violet and indigo, sapphire and amber, ruby and garnet, diamond and amethyst, obsidian and pearl. Pine's eyes grew wide like flying saucers and she leaned in closer to her father's warm fur. But despite all those riches, Peony Bloom had a problem. You see, he was ever so lonely, living all alone in that great big emerald palace. What Peony really wanted was not another tiara or a diamond necklace or a string of freshwater pearls. What Peony wanted was a friend. Mama Bear took another sip of her hot chocolate and gazed dreamily across at her husband. Maple really was the most terrific storyteller. And so Peony sent out a message across the land. Posters were fixed onto shop windows and leaflets were posted through doors. People whispered to one another in the streets, eager to pass on the word of their beloved princess. Princess Peony Bloom of the Emerald palace had launched a national search for a friend. Maple paused to take a quick gulp of hot chocolate. Her family were watching her as if they'd been hypnotised. Their mouths open, their eyes glazed. They were utterly spellbound by her bewitching bedtime story. She smiled to herself, a warm glow spilling into her chest like golden syrup. It was so rewarding to see how much people loved to listen to her stories. Soon thousands of young girls stood in a line which wound around the cobbled streets of the kingdom like a slinking snake, each young maiden desperate to become the princess's new friend and confidant. Peony Bloom looked out from her balcony and surveyed the droves of citizens who wanted to befriend her. She'd have thought that looking out over all those potential friends would have made her feel loved and comforted, but in truth, as she gazed out across an ocean of heads, some fair, some dark, some scarlet like hers, she felt lonelier than ever. She sighed to herself wearily and stepped back into her bedroom. Her trusty servant, Olive, saw her dejected posture and her eyes brimmed full of concern. What is it, Ms. Peony? What's the matter? I thought you'd be so happy to see all those people queuing up to be friends with you. Why, you're the most popular person in the entire kingdom. Peony smiled sadly. Thank you, Olive. But I can't help but feel like I'm only popular because I'm a princess and I live in this beautiful castle. Why else would all those girls be so desperate to be my friend? Why, they don't know anything about me. Olive smiled and shook her head. Peony just didn't see herself right. If you don't mind me saying, Ms. Peony, that is complete and utter nonsense. A giggle escaped the princess's lips and she snuck her hand over her mouth quickly. It wasn't polite to giggle and gossip with a servant, after all. But, Olive went on, unfazed, they don't want to be your friend because you're a princess, Ms. Peony. It's because you're you. You're fair and just, wise and strong. Why, any one of those girls would be the luckiest soul alive to count you as a friend. Peony blushed, a dappled pink spreading across her cheeks like rose petals. That's awfully kind, Olive. Well, alright, I guess it wouldn't hurt to meet a Few of them would it. Olive smiled and linked arms with the princess merrily. That's the spirit. Now let's go and find you a brand new friend. Maple paused to drink up the last remaining droplets of her hot chocolate, wiping her paw across her snout contentedly. Maple Pine's eyes looked as if they were about to leap out of her eye sockets. What? She asked, startled by Pine's insistent stare. The story. You can't stop there. You have to finish it for us. Maple smiled, placing her empty mug down carefully on the carpet, and went on with the story. Peony Bloom sat daintily on her throne in the luminous ballroom while each young lady came before the princess to try her luck as her new pal. Peony tried her very best to be friendly, but really, she'd never had a friend before, so she didn't quite know what to do. A beautiful young lady with thick blonde hair cut short into a bob curtsied before her. I'm Annabelle, she said. Pleased to meet you, Peony. Peony smiled shyly and nodded her head. Hello, Annabelle. Thank you for waiting in line. That's all right. I couldn't wait to see inside the Emerald Palace. It's so grand in here. Do you have many balls? Peony wavered. Um, not really. I don't like dancing much. I prefer the library. There's so many books in there and little cosy spots to curl up and read. Annabelle pulled a face. No offence, but reading's a bit boring. You should throw a ball instead. Balls are fun and way more sociable. You want to make friends, don't you? Peony nodded eagerly. Oh, yes. But you see, I think I would find a ball a little bit overwhelming. Annabelle stamped her foot. What use is it, then, being friends with a princess who doesn't even want to host a ball? Peony flushed bright red and her eyes filled with tears. Olive quickly ushered Annabelle out of the ballroom, thanking her for her time. Don't worry, Ms. Peony, she said. Balls aren't for everyone. Let's meet the next candidate, shall we? I'll bet she's just lovely. Peony nodded bravely and wiped the tears from her cheeks. All right, Olive, let's meet her. A sparky young girl dashed into the room, her dark hair flowing behind her in loose waves. Hey, Peony. Hello, Sadie. Nice to meet you. Peony smiled. Zadie seemed nice. Zaidie looked around. Nice place you have here. Where do you keep all your clothes? Peony was confused. My clothes? Zaidie sighed impatiently. Yes, you know, ball gowns, sashes, Slippers, lacy gloves, crown jewels, fur coats, that sort of thing. I was hoping I might be able to try some on. But this isn't a shopping spree, Zadie. I thought we could maybe get to know one another. Tell each other our favourite books or something like that. Zaidie yawned loudly. Boring, she sang. He had the most dazzling wardrobe in the entire kingdom. That's why I'm here. I'm desperate to check it out. Peony felt a strange little tickle in her chest, like a match striking against her heart. Im looking for a friend, not a fashion fanatic, she protested. Zaidie shrugged nonchalantly. No big deal. I've heard diamonds aren't going to be in next season anyhow. And with a jaunty wave, she skipped out of the ballroom. Olive rushed to Peony's side, her eyes like sparkling rock pools, brim full of tears. Oh, Olive, she sighed. It's no use. I'm never going to have a friend. These girls don't want to get to know the real me. They just see me for my tiaras and my jewels. I can't do it. I can't see any more applicants. Send them away, will you? Say the position is already filled? Olive rubbed her shoulder gently. There, there, Ms. Peony. You wait right there. I'll send them away and be back in a jiffy. Olive came running back in. All gone, Ms. Peony. No one left. Peony's face fell once more, crumpling and folding like a piece of scrap paper. Oh, I'm sorry, miss. Should I fetch them back? No, no, no. Don't worry, Olive. It's just. I guess that's that. There's no one left. I'll never have a friend. Olive pulled Peony into a soft embrace. You don't need friends like those, Ms. Peony. A friend isn't someone who just wants to come to your parties or borrow your dresses. A friend is someone who sees the real you and who loves you for it. A friend is someone who consoles you when you're sad and reminds you how wonderful you are. A friend is someone who holds your hand when you're lonely. A friend is someone who makes you feel safe. Wait. Peony sat back on her throne and looked up at the kind face in front of her. Olive blinked. You, she breathed. Me, Ms. Peony. What do you mean you, Olive? You're kind and loyal. You're always looking out for me. You're the perfect friend. Olive's eyes shone. Oh, my, Ms. Peony, that's awfully kind. But I can't be friends with the princess. I'm just a servant. Peony took Olive's hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. Don't be silly, Olive. You've always seen the real me. I thought I needed a friend, and yet here you were all along. I'm sorry it took me so long to notice. Please, no, miss. From now on, call me Peony. Your new friend. The two girls gazed at each other, eyes glinting, dimples dancing in the corners of their mouths. Maple took a deep breath. The room was utterly silent. What a thrilling story that had been to tell. She'd been completely swept up by the drama of it. Thank goodness. Peony realised that Olive was the one she could really trust. Olive was a wonderful friend for the shy young princess. She looked around at her family expectantly. She couldn't wait to see what they thought of the ending. But instead of being met with a multitude of questions about what had happened next, like she normally was, the bedroom stayed silent. Well, almost silent. Three little murmuring growls rose and fell from her family's chests. Maple couldn't believe it. Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Pine had fallen fast asleep. The three bears were snuggled up together under the fleecy blanket, deep in the soundest of slumbers. Maple smiled to herself proudly. After all, wasn't that the surest sign of an excellent bedtime story if everyone who listened had drifted off into the Land of Nod? She crept over to turn out the night light before crawling into her cosy bottom bunk. A whole galaxy of stars winked down at her from the ceiling, where Papa Bear had helped the two little bear cubs attach. Glow in the dark stickers. Maple sighed, pulling her duvet right up to her chin and burying her head into her soft, feathery pillow. It had been a magical evening. She thought back to Peony Bloom, her wardrobe of silk and satin gowns, the diamonds encased within each tiara, the sweeping staircases inside the Emerald palace, and the grand gold throne that shone in the luminous ballroom. And it was only a matter of moments before Maple, too, fell fast asleep. Sam sa.