Little Hedgehog and the Babysitter: A Story for Kids

Summary

Little Stories for Tiny People: Anytime and Bedtime Stories for Kids
Episode Summary: "Little Hedgehog and the Babysitter: A Story for Kids"
Host/Author: Rhea Pechter
Release Date: November 30, 2024

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Introduction

In this delightful episode of Little Stories for Tiny People, Rhea Pechter weaves an engaging tale titled "Little Hedgehog and the Babysitter." Geared towards children and their families, the story revolves around Little Hedgehog, her best friend Bebe, and their interactions with Philomena, a dragonfly eager to learn their ways, as well as their babysitter, Estelle—a character who initially appears trustworthy but harbors unexpected intentions. This summary captures the key elements, discussions, and the overarching narrative of the episode, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps to highlight pivotal moments.

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Characters

• Little Hedgehog: The protagonist, curious and creative, loves making songs and crafting.
• Bebe: Little Hedgehog's best friend, practical and resourceful, enjoys wilderness survival and storytelling.
• Mr. Hedgehog: Little Hedgehog’s father, responsible and caring, preparing to attend a conference.
• Philomena: A dragonfly eager to learn the ways of hedgehogs; later revealed to be Estelle, the babysitter.
• Estelle (Ms. Estelle): Initially introduced as the babysitter, later unmasked as a spider with ulterior motives.

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Plot Summary

Setting the Stage [00:09 - 02:35]

Rhea Pechter opens the story with a humorous nod to the spiders in her studio demanding a prominent spider character. This leads to the introduction of Little Hedgehog and Bebe preparing for their first tutoring session with Philomena, a dragonfly keen on learning the hedgehogs' ways.

• Notable Quote [00:09-00:34]:
  • Rhea Pechter: "The spiders who live in the uppermost corners of my tiny studio have been relentless lately. They want a story that doesn't just have have a spider in it. They want a prominent spider."

Planning the Tutoring Session [02:07 - 07:03]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe meticulously plan their lessons for Philomena, covering topics like greeting friends, bookshelf organization, and expressing exuberance. Their dedication is evident as they prepare detailed lesson plans.

• Notable Quote [05:13]:
  • Little Hedgehog: "Just knock on the door."

Introduction of the Babysitter [07:03 - 12:19]

Just as the hedgehogs finalize their plans, Mr. Hedgehog enters, revealing that their babysitter, Estelle, is arriving imminently. This unexpected timing creates a slight panic as they navigate accommodating both the tutoring session and the babysitter's arrival.

• Notable Quote [08:17]:
  • Bebe: "I expect excellent behavior from the two of you."

Ms. Estelle Arrives [09:40 - 12:19]

Ms. Estelle is introduced as an experienced and certified caregiver, impressing both the hedgehogs and their father with her qualifications, including juggling responsibilities and removing splinters. Her professionalism initially reassures the hedgehogs.

• Notable Quote [11:20]:
  • Bebe: "I love certifications."

Activities with Ms. Estelle [13:57 - 24:52]

Ms. Estelle conducts a structured series of activities, including a scavenger hunt, choir practice, and outdoor physical exertion, emphasizing discipline and good behavior. She rewards the hedgehogs with marsh mushroom mallows, which contain candied crickets—foreshadowing her true intentions.

• Notable Quote [20:49]:
  • Philomena (Estelle): "By the way, there is a candied cricket inside each one."

Revelation and Conflict [25:31 - 29:30]

As night progresses, the hedgehogs notice discrepancies in their babysitter's behavior. Philomena arrives, leading to a confrontation where Estelle attempts to weave a web to trap the dragonfly. Quick thinking allows Little Hedgehog and Bebe to escape, leaving Estelle to realize her trap has failed.

• Notable Quote [26:37]:
  • Philomena: "I figured I would acquire myself a snack."

Resolution and Forgiveness [29:30 - 30:30]

After the chaos, Estelle acknowledges her mistake, expressing regret for misunderstanding the hedgehogs' intentions. The episode concludes with Estelle accepting their apologies and the hedgehogs finding peace as they drift off to sleep, reaffirming the values of friendship and forgiveness.

• Notable Quote [29:46]:
  • Philomena: "Should have told me. Had I known, I would never have aimed to catch your protege in my web."

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Themes and Insights

1. Friendship and Trust: The bond between Little Hedgehog and Bebe highlights the importance of trust and collaboration when facing unexpected challenges.

2. Cleverness and Problem-Solving: The hedgehogs' ability to devise a plan to protect Philomena underscores the value of quick thinking and resourcefulness.

3. Understanding and Forgiveness: Estelle's eventual realization and acceptance of their apologies promote empathy and the importance of resolving conflicts amicably.

4. Responsibility and Preparation: The hedgehogs' meticulous planning for both tutoring and hosting a babysitter exemplifies preparedness and responsibility.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rhea Pechter [00:09]: "The spiders who live in the uppermost corners of my tiny studio have been relentless lately. They want a story that doesn't just have have a spider in it. They want a prominent spider."

• Bebe [11:20]: "I love certifications."

• Philomena (Estelle) [20:49]: "By the way, there is a candied cricket inside each one."

• Little Hedgehog [29:18]: "She's our protege."

• Philomena [29:46]: "Should have told me. Had I known, I would never have aimed to catch your protege in my web."

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Conclusion

"Little Hedgehog and the Babysitter" offers a captivating narrative that combines whimsy with lessons on trust, ingenuity, and forgiveness. Rhea Pechter masterfully crafts a story that engages both children and adults, providing entertainment while subtly imparting valuable life lessons. The inclusion of a spider character, as requested by the studio's persistent spiders, adds a unique twist, enriching the story's charm and depth.

For listeners seeking more enchanting tales, Little Stories for Tiny People continues to deliver imaginative stories perfect for any time, from car rides to bedtime. Explore more at www.littlestoriespremium.com.

Transcript

[Rhea Pechter]

This is Rhea. Welcome to Little Stories for Tiny People. I'll cut to the chase. The spiders who live in the uppermost corners of my tiny studio have been relentless lately. They want a story that doesn't just have have a spider in it. They want a prominent spider.

[Bebe]

They want a featured spider.

[Rhea Pechter]

And they won't stop hounding me about it. So this is it. Okay. This is my best effort. After this, you better leave me alone. Let's hear it. It's called Little Hedgehog and the Babysitter. Take it away, Ty.

[Philomena]

Remember, there are no pictures. You have to imagine the pictures in your mind. You can imagine them however you want. Okay, here we go.

[Rhea Pechter]

It was a cool night in the middle of fall, and the forest was filled with animals tucked away in their nests and their warrens and their tree houses and their RVs and their. Wait, no, no. Just their nests and their warrens. Oh, and their burrows. Many of the forest animals slept peacefully. Others slept fitfully, kept awake by snoring brothers or sleep talkers. But some of the forest animals were not asleep at all. Little Hedgehog and Bebe, her best friend of all time, were wide awake in Little Hedgehog's burrow.

[Little Hedgehog]

Bebe, I can't believe Philomena is going to knock on the burrow door in just a few short hours.

[Bebe]

We should review our lesson plan for the evening.

[Little Hedgehog]

Okay.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe retrieved a notepad she'd tucked in a corner of Little Hedgehog's bookshelf and ran her paw along the text she'd written.

[Bebe]

First, we will teach Philomena about greeting friends and acquaintances. Hello.

[Rhea Pechter]

Greetings, Little Hedgehog said, holding back a laugh.

[Little Hedgehog]

That's my Bebe voice.

[Bebe]

Bebe, I thought it was me talking.

[Rhea Pechter]

The friends giggled. At this point, you may be wondering, who is this Philomena character? And why does she need to be taught how to greet friends and acquaintances? To answer that, we'll have to go back in time. Three days. Little Hedgehog and Bebe scampered home through the forest after a long night of school. In science class, they'd watched an intriguing documentary about the lives of nomadic rhinoceroses, and they spent their walk home coming up with a song about it.

[Bebe]

Ranging, roving, ranging, roving. Rhinoceros rhinocerai. Rhinoceros rhinoceroi.

[Little Hedgehog]

I think our song might need work.

[Bebe]

Agreed.

[Rhea Pechter]

I love your song, remarked a tiny, unexpected voice in the dark.

[Philomena]

I wish I could come up with a song that marvelous.

[Rhea Pechter]

The two hedgehogs glanced around. They saw a crow in a nearby tree. They saw a sign tacked to the same tree that had a picture of a goose that said Lost Goose. If found, call Philip. And finally, in the faint light of the coming dawn, they saw a dragonfly zipping in slow circles in the forest air. They learned the dragonfly had a name. Philomena, I wish to learn your ways.

[Little Hedgehog]

Our ways?

[Bebe]

Our particular ways of life.

[Rhea Pechter]

Philomena nodded.

[Philomena]

I've been spying on. I mean innocently observing you both for weeks now. I yearn to live as you live, know what you know, and behave as you act. I mean behave. Wow.

[Bebe]

How flattering.

[Rhea Pechter]

Right then and there, Little Hedgehog and Bebe made an appointment with Philomena and added it to their planners. They watched Philomena add it to her own teensy planner. It was decided the Dragonfly would visit Little Hedgehog's burrow in three nights time.

[Bebe]

For her very first tutoring session.

[Rhea Pechter]

Here's the address, little Hedgehog said, handing Philomena a card with directions to her burrow.

[Little Hedgehog]

Just knock on the door.

[Bebe]

Remember to arrive precisely at 3.37am this will help you practice arriving extremely early to everything, which is one of my personal ways.

[Philomena]

I'll be there 3:37am on the dot.

[Rhea Pechter]

We can also go over bookshelf organization.

[Little Hedgehog]

And and sharing ideas in a confident manner, such as I have an idea I need to tell you immediately.

[Bebe]

Very good.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe said, scribbling a note.

[Little Hedgehog]

Oh, and also we have to teach her to express exuberance.

[Bebe]

Of course. Bebe added a bullet point to her.

[Rhea Pechter]

List with a single word beside it.

[Bebe]

Yay.

[Rhea Pechter]

Hey, Little Hedgehog. And Bebe swiveled around to see Mr. Hedgehog in the doorway of Little Hedgehog's room.

[Little Hedgehog]

Oh, hi dad. You scared me.

[Bebe]

Indeed, Mr. Hedgehog. We were completely absorbed in our task of preparing for our very first tutoring session of a dragonfly named Philomena.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog gave them a puzzled smile.

[Bebe]

So, the babysitter will be here in.

[Rhea Pechter]

Just a couple of minutes. And I wanted to go over what.

[Bebe]

We are alarmed, Mr. Hedgehog. This is completely and wholly unexpected. I told you guys about this.

[Little Hedgehog]

Yes, but dad, we thought the babysitter was coming next week. Bebe, how did we get this wrong? Didn't we jot it in our planners?

[Bebe]

We jotted it in our planners. I remember with crystal clarity. Like I said, she'll be here in a few minutes.

[Little Hedgehog]

Dad, do you think we can still host our very first tutoring session with Philomena at 3:37am Even if the babysitter's here?

[Bebe]

Philomeno wishes to learn our ways Mr. Hedgehog, a dragonfly, you said, wants to learn the ways of two hedgehogs.

[Little Hedgehog]

Makes total sense, dad.

[Bebe]

It makes comprehensive sense. Mr. Hedgehog.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog stared at the tiny hedgehogs.

[Bebe]

I guess that would be fine.

[Little Hedgehog]

Yay.

[Rhea Pechter]

With that topic moderately settled, Little Hedgehog and Bebe turned their attention to the fact that a babysitter would be arriving in mere moments.

[Little Hedgehog]

We missed out on so much anticipation. Baby.

[Bebe]

Anticipation often constitutes a substantial percentage of one's enjoyment of an event. All right. Well, you're welcome to anticipate the babysitter's.

[Rhea Pechter]

Arrival for the next. Mr. Hedgehog glanced at his watch. Two minutes.

[Bebe]

While you're doing that, I just want to remind you of a few things.

[Little Hedgehog]

Okie, dad.

[Bebe]

Understood. Mr. Hedgehog, I'll be gone for several hours at a conference. Correct. At a conference where you will be delivering the keynote speech and will undoubtedly receive a standing ovation. Not a keynote.

[Rhea Pechter]

And I will likely get polite applause while I'm gone.

[Bebe]

I expect excellent behavior from the two of you.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe, it was nice of your mom.

[Bebe]

To allow you to stay here to.

[Rhea Pechter]

Keep Little Hedgehog company, but if you two cause trouble, it will not happen again.

[Little Hedgehog]

Okay, dad.

[Bebe]

You will be able to report to my mother that my behavior was impeccable. Mr. Hedgehog. Good. Make sure you listen to the babysitter. She comes highly recommended from other parents at school.

[Little Hedgehog]

Can we build a campfire while you're gone, dad?

[Bebe]

And roast cricket kebabs? No.

[Little Hedgehog]

Can our babysitter take us bird jumping?

[Rhea Pechter]

I have a strong desire to leap off a bird.

[Bebe]

As do I. Or a flying squirrel. No.

[Little Hedgehog]

Can we call the babysitter? Ma dom? Babysitter?

[Bebe]

No.

[Little Hedgehog]

Dad, do you remember the last time we had a babysitter?

[Bebe]

Unfortunately, I do.

[Little Hedgehog]

She did not seem to enjoy our.

[Bebe]

Singing, or our dancing, or our.

[Rhea Pechter]

There were several knocks at the door.

[Little Hedgehog]

Eek.

[Bebe]

That must be the babysitter.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog went to the door with Little Hedgehog and Bebe trailing close behind. That's strange, Mr. Hedgehog said, peering into the dark night forest.

[Bebe]

There's no one there.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog closed the door. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a curious look.

[Philomena]

Baby.

[Little Hedgehog]

The babysitter is invisible.

[Bebe]

That is a plot twist I did not see coming.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog opened the door and again peered out. Then came a voice.

[Philomena]

Hello. I am Estelle, your babysitter, reporting for duty.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog followed the sound of the small voice to a very small creature. After welcoming Estelle into the burrow, Mr. Hedgehog spent several minutes pacing. He mentally reviewed the Recommendations he'd received from several of the parents of Little Hedgehog's classmates. Estelle is very good at juggling responsibilities and also mealworms.

[Bebe]

She keeps all her eyes on your child at all times.

[Philomena]

She taught my son to knit, which is difficult for a turtle. No fingers.

[Rhea Pechter]

It had apparently not been worth mentioning that Estelle was also a spider. It was clear from Little Hedgehog's and Bebe's delighted smiles that they were charmed by this turtle of events. Meantime, Mr. Hedgehog checked his watch and scratched his chin. Prickles with a paw.

[Philomena]

I assure you I am very experienced with caring for nocturnal mammals such as.

[Rhea Pechter]

Your daughter, Estelle said.

[Philomena]

I also speak 12 languages. Wow.

[Bebe]

Impressive.

[Philomena]

And I have certifications in prickle care.

[Little Hedgehog]

Certifications.

[Bebe]

I love certifications.

[Philomena]

Head check. Bedtime procedures. I love bedtime splinter removal.

[Little Hedgehog]

Hmm.

[Bebe]

I typically acquire a splinter at least fortnightly due to my general outdoorsyness and tourniquet application.

[Philomena]

I am quite capable of creating a custom silk tourniquet in under 90 seconds. I am happy to demonstrate this right now, if you.

[Rhea Pechter]

That won't be necessary, Little Hedgehog. And Bebe grinned. Prickle to prickle. Estelle smiled confidently. Mr. Hedgehog glanced at his watch.

[Little Hedgehog]

Dad, don't you need to get going?

[Bebe]

You do not want to be late for your conference.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Hedgehog nodded slowly. That's right. This will be fine. This'll be fine. The two Hedgehogs and the spider blinked up at Mr. Hedgehog.

[Bebe]

Girls, remember what I told you. Best behavior.

[Rhea Pechter]

Oh, and clean up that mess in your room, Little Hedgehog.

[Little Hedgehog]

Dad, that's not a mess.

[Bebe]

It is our paper garment factory, Mr. Hedgehog.

[Little Hedgehog]

We made paper outfits for Little Guy.

[Bebe]

Dad, he's going to look jaunty. Mr. Hedgehog. Clean it up.

[Rhea Pechter]

The two tiny hedgehogs nodded. Mr. Hedgehog gathered his things and made a quick exit before he could overthink it.

[Little Hedgehog]

Bye, dad.

[Bebe]

Good tidings, Mr. Hedgehog.

[Philomena]

Goodbye.

[Rhea Pechter]

As soon as the door swung shut, Ms. Estelle said, now that he is.

[Philomena]

Gone, you can have all the sugar beets you want. You may have a pillow fight. Sending tiny feathers into the air that we will never realistically be able to clean up. And in a stunning crescendo, we will leap off birds.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog And Bebe's eyes went wide with shock.

[Philomena]

That was a humorous joke. I would never risk my professional reputation for ephemeral glee.

[Bebe]

Oh, you really had us going there.

[Philomena]

We will be having a pleasant time together while following all of Mr. Hedgehog's rules and expectations.

[Bebe]

Okay, that is a relief.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Estelle withdrew a document binder from her knapsack and opened it to a page with a checklist. Bebe smiled. Next, she withdrew a tiny kitchen timer.

[Philomena]

Our first order of business is to get to know each other better. Tell me about yourselves.

[Rhea Pechter]

You've got 60 seconds, she said, setting the timer.

[Philomena]

You first.

[Little Hedgehog]

Me?

[Rhea Pechter]

Okay.

[Little Hedgehog]

What can I say?

[Philomena]

Really?

[Little Hedgehog]

I love to make up songs, do dance choreography, and make cricket cupcakes with persimmon frosting.

[Philomena]

And you?

[Bebe]

I enjoy wilderness survival list making and recounting intriguing tales about the rich history of my peculiar extended family members. Such as the story of my great great Aunt Edna, who once tumbled to the bottom of a well and remained there for 23 days until she was rescued by a kindly tortoise who happened to hear the mellifluous songs she played on a harp she'd fashioned from sticks and fishing line forgotten at the bottom of the well.

[Little Hedgehog]

Ding.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Estelle peered at Bebe and jotted a brief note on how very enigmatic.

[Philomena]

Now, what would you like to know about me?

[Little Hedgehog]

What are your favorite hobbies?

[Bebe]

What do you enjoy doing on your nights off?

[Philomena]

Mostly weaving.

[Bebe]

Oh, makes sense.

[Philomena]

And cooking.

[Little Hedgehog]

What do you enjoy cooking?

[Bebe]

What is your most favorite dish to prepare?

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Estelle thought for a moment. Little Hedgehog and Bebe grinned from prickle to prickle. Absolutely loving getting to know their brand new bab.

[Philomena]

Definitely dragonflies. That is my favorite dish. I simply cannot get enough of them.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe blinked. The smiles slowly faded from their faces.

[Bebe]

Did you say dragonflies?

[Philomena]

They are excellent in a stir fry.

[Bebe]

Oh, interesting.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a concerned look, then glanced at the clock on the wall. In just three hours time, a very specific dragonfly would be knocking at the burrow door.

[Little Hedgehog]

Um, Ms. Estelle?

[Philomena]

Yes?

[Little Hedgehog]

My dad wants us to clean my room. We could do that now.

[Bebe]

It is preferable to have a tidy environment.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Estelle glanced at her checklist.

[Philomena]

You may have two minutes. Then please return to the kitchen as I have an activity that I believe will interest you.

[Little Hedgehog]

Okay.

[Bebe]

Two minutes is the perfect length of time.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Estelle set the kitchen timer to two minutes and the two hedgehogs scampered down the hall. Once inside Little Hedgehog's bedroom, the two friends did clean up, but also they discussed the fact that their babysitter's favorite treat would soon be arriving at the burrow door. They spoke in a whisper so as not to wake Little Guy, Little Hedgehog's pet chameleon who snoozed nearby in his Leafy enclosure.

[Little Hedgehog]

Bebe, what are we going to do? We need a plan.

[Bebe]

Indeed.

[Little Hedgehog]

What if Ms. Estelle snacks in our protege?

[Bebe]

That would be regrettable.

[Little Hedgehog]

So regrettable.

[Bebe]

We need to prevent it from happening at all costs.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe thought for a moment.

[Bebe]

I have developed a plan. I believe it has a 97% chance of success.

[Little Hedgehog]

Okay.

[Rhea Pechter]

The two Hedgehogs swiftly got to work on the plan. Little Hedgehog wrote a note in lovely looping handwriting that said, beware, wily spider. Within tutoring session cancelled. Find us tomorrow evening to reschedule. Ta ta for now. She and Bebe then scampered quickly and quietly down the hall. Bebe eased open the front door and affixed the note to it, facing the forest so that Philomena would be fully warned when she arrived in a few hours time. Little Hedgehog and Bebe closed the door, dusted off their paws, smiled happily at a job well done, and scampered to the kitchen just as the timer rang out.

[Little Hedgehog]

Ding.

[Philomena]

Ding.

[Little Hedgehog]

Ding. I'm so glad that's completely taken care of, Bebe.

[Bebe]

Now we can focus on having a splendid evening with our babysitter.

[Little Hedgehog]

Bebe, do you think Ms. Estelle has a game for us to play?

[Bebe]

If so, I hope it is a game that involves a map or an atlas. Yes, I'm in a navigational mood this evening.

[Rhea Pechter]

The two friends giggled.

[Philomena]

It is a game of sorts, Ms.

[Rhea Pechter]

Estelle said, startling the two hedgehogs as.

[Bebe]

She gestured for them to take seats.

[Rhea Pechter]

At the wooden table. She was extremely small and had no ears to speak of, but she clearly had exceptional hearing. Little Hedgehog and Bebe took their seats and immediately saw before them two platters.

[Little Hedgehog]

Ooo.

[Rhea Pechter]

On each platter was one lovely, pillowy marsh mushroom mallow, A delicious treat enjoyed by hedgehogs, chinchillas, and the occasional wombat. The two tiny hedgehogs automatically leaned towards the platters, their eyes sparkling.

[Philomena]

Ah, not so fast. Allow me to explain the exercise.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe reluctantly leaned away from the treats.

[Philomena]

As you can see, we have here two marsh mushroom mallows. Personally, I cannot digest such things, but from my research, I know they are considered delectable by young mammals such as yourselves.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe nodded eagerly.

[Philomena]

You may go ahead and eat your marsh mushroom mallow now.

[Bebe]

Yay.

[Philomena]

Or you may wait until later. After our other activities and assuming you demonstrate good behavior, I will give each of you two marsh mushroom mallows. One right now or two later? Your choice.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Estelle clasped together several of her feet and smiled.

[Philomena]

By the way, there is A candied cricket inside each one. You may have 2 minutes and 30 seconds to make your decisions.

[Rhea Pechter]

There was a moment of silence as each hedgehog absorbed this information. Bebe, little Hedgehog said, somewhat fretfully. Yes, Little Hedgehog?

[Little Hedgehog]

I want to eat the marsh mushroom aloe immediately.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Estelle silently observed her two hedgehog charges, a hint of intrigue in her many eyes.

[Bebe]

That is understandable. But the joyful anticipation of waiting for two marsh mushroom mallows will make up for any sense of disappointment at not getting to eat one now.

[Little Hedgehog]

I do love anticipating things.

[Bebe]

Personally, I do not feel a strong urge to eat this marsh mushroom mallow set so tantalizingly before me.

[Rhea Pechter]

At this, Ms. Estelle would have raised an eyebrow if she'd had any to raise.

[Bebe]

Thanks to the wilderness expeditions I've taken with my mother, I have become desensitized to the temptations of sugary delicacies. When one is in a battle for survival, one cannot allow such frivolities to have a hold over you.

[Rhea Pechter]

I mean oneself, little hedgehog smiled.

[Bebe]

Mrs. Estelle leaned forward.

[Rhea Pechter]

For example, bebe went on.

[Bebe]

Two years ago, my mom and I backpacked into a desolate tundra known for its dangers and its elusive crickets. We lived in a makeshift burrow for weeks on end, surviving on rainwater collected in a catchment system made of fronds. A sweet dessert could not have been further from my mind, which was focused solely on fashioning snares and cricket nets.

[Little Hedgehog]

Your rainwater catchment system was made of friends, Bebe.

[Bebe]

Like affable frogs, fronds from hardy ferns.

[Little Hedgehog]

Hmm.

[Philomena]

That is an enchanting story. Have each of you made your ultimate decision? Will you eat one treat now or two later?

[Little Hedgehog]

We'll wait.

[Bebe]

We shall wait.

[Philomena]

Excellent news, both for our present circumstances as well as the odds of your future success in life. Let us move on to our next activity.

[Rhea Pechter]

In fact, Ms. Estelle came prepared with a series of activities. Little Hedgehog and Bebe were used to coming up with their own pastimes, most of which were ridiculous. But with Mrs. Estelle, the night's schedule was planned down to the minute. First, there was a scavenger hunt in which Little Hedgehog and Bebe had to follow clues to locate trinkets placed around the burrow.

[Little Hedgehog]

Bebe, when did Ms. Estelle find time to hide all these things?

[Bebe]

It is a mystery.

[Rhea Pechter]

Then she led them in a choir practice.

[Bebe]

Web, web, web, web of my dreams.

[Philomena]

Once again, now with feeling.

[Rhea Pechter]

Then she announced it was time for them to play outside.

[Philomena]

Outdoor physical exertion is Crucial for the health of small nocturnal mammals, according to my rigorous research.

[Rhea Pechter]

The two friends spent 20 wild minutes running around outside, leaping in tufts of grass.

[Bebe]

Wee.

[Rhea Pechter]

By the end of their gallivanting, they were both exhausted and hungry. Ms. Estelle led them inside to the kitchen.

[Philomena]

You've both done so well, prickly children. As promised, you may now have your two marsh mushroom mallow treats.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe smiled. Ms. Estelle arranged the treats on platters and pushed them towards her hedgehog charges.

[Little Hedgehog]

Thank you, Ms. Estelle.

[Bebe]

Thank you so much.

[Philomena]

You are welcome, children. Enjoy.

[Rhea Pechter]

She left them at the table where they eagerly dug in.

[Little Hedgehog]

These are so good, Bebe.

[Bebe]

Delicious. Yum.

[Little Hedgehog]

Oh, Bebe, look at the clock.

[Rhea Pechter]

It's 3:34am it is a good thing.

[Bebe]

We left that note on the front door for our dragonfly protege.

[Little Hedgehog]

Indeed, Bebe. Indeed.

[Philomena]

Bebe.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog said a moment later as she finished her snack. Yes, Little Hedgehog, Bebe said as she took her last bite.

[Little Hedgehog]

Where do you think Ms. Estelle went off to?

[Bebe]

Let us go find out.

[Rhea Pechter]

The two hedgehogs scampered out of the kitchen and into the hall.

[Little Hedgehog]

Bebe, do you feel that gentle midnight breeze?

[Bebe]

I do.

[Rhea Pechter]

Where could it be coming from? Bebe put a paw to the wind.

[Bebe]

Given the direction of the breeze, I believe it is originating from.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe frowned the front door. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged an alarmed look and ran towards the burrow door. It was wide open, which meant the beautiful paw written note they had affixed to it warning Philomena to stay away would not be visible. Through the open door, the hedgehogs saw the beautiful starry night sky. They saw the glowing crescent moon. They saw an owl perched in a tree. They also saw Ms. Estelle hard at work weaving a web in the door frame.

[Philomena]

Oh, hello, children.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Estelle said, turning to regard them from the middle of her web.

[Philomena]

I figured I would acquire myself a snack.

[Little Hedgehog]

Oh.

[Rhea Pechter]

Hmm.

[Little Hedgehog]

Bebe, are you thinking what I'm thinking?

[Bebe]

I believe I am.

[Rhea Pechter]

At that very moment, they heard a faint buzzing sound, then saw a familiar looking dragonfly approaching the open door. Philomena smiled serenely as she drew near, indicating she likely saw the two hedgehogs whose ways she wished to learn, but also indicating she likely did not see the expertly woven spiderweb shimmering in the moonlight. Ms. Estelle smiled with delight as she noticed her favorite type of treat heading straight for her trap. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a final significant look, nodded to one another, then turned towards the door leap. The hedgehogs leapt just as Philomena was about to cross the threshold of the doorway. With Ms. Estelle watching, blinking her many eyes in unhappy confusion, Little Hedgehog and Bebe sailed through the air, crashing through the spider's web. Little Hedgehog spun into a rather graceful roll and tumbled across the ground. Bebe, who did not have the rolling gene, hit the forest floor with a thud. Oof.

[Philomena]

Ah.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Estelle cried from the torn edge of her mangled web.

[Little Hedgehog]

Ah.

[Rhea Pechter]

Philomena. Shrieked a spider. She zipped back the way she'd come and disappeared into the night air. Find us to reschedule, Philomena, little Hedgehog called into the dark. We will jot it down in our planners, bibi added. Several minutes later, Little Hedgehog and Bibi were seated at the kitchen table, trying to explain what had just taken place to Ms. Estelle, who stood on the tabletop with several of her legs crossed and a pinched look on her face.

[Little Hedgehog]

Her name is Philomena.

[Bebe]

She wishes to learn our ways.

[Little Hedgehog]

She's our protege.

[Bebe]

We could not allow her to become irretrievably entangled in your web and potentially tossed in a stir fry.

[Little Hedgehog]

It would have been regrettable.

[Bebe]

Extremely regrettable.

[Rhea Pechter]

The friends went silent. There was a long, awkward moment. Then Ms. Estelle clasped two feet together in a steeple and said, children, you.

[Philomena]

Should have told me. Had I known, I would never have aimed to catch your protege in my web. As I said earlier, I would never risk my professional reputation for ephemeral glee.

[Little Hedgehog]

What a relief.

[Bebe]

We're utterly relieved and we are so sorry.

[Little Hedgehog]

Please accept our apologies for ruining your.

[Bebe]

Magnificent, skillfully constructed, dazzling, well formed web.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe stared at their tiny babysitter with wide eyes.

[Philomena]

Of course, I accept.

[Rhea Pechter]

Now, Ms. Estelle said, glancing at her.

[Philomena]

Checklist, I believe it is time for bed.

[Rhea Pechter]

In addition to being skilled at juggling responsibilities and mealworms, caring for prickles, speaking 12 languages, removing splinters, and stir frying dragonflies, Ms. Estelle was rather talented at playing the piano. She had somehow fit into her little knapsack in sleeping bags on the floor of Little Hedgehog's bedroom. The two friends fell asleep to their miniature babysitter's mellifluous music, their minds and hearts at peace, knowing their dragonfly protege was somewhere in the forest, safe and sound just as the sun crested the I hope you loved the story, and I will interpret the studio spider's silence as agreement that I've done my job. Little Stories for Tiny People is written, performed, and produced by me, Rhea Pechter. My in house Tech Director Peter K. Runs my website and puts my stories on the Internet for all of you to enjoy. Thank you to my Little Stories Premium subscribers who are making it possible for me to keep sharing my stories with children around the world. If you'd like to get more of the stories you love, access to Little Stories from For Sleep, an exclusive bedtime podcast and ad free listing. Join or gift a [e-mail] thank you to Ty for the super important reminder message at the beginning. And thank you to the many premium subscribers who supplied sound effects used in this story. Thank you to Maxwell, Lyra, Katerina, Luciana, Nia, Ila, Evi, Barrett, Eliza, Rekiya, Joel, Imogen, Izzy, Felix, Samuel, Marianne, and Felicia. And thank you, as always, for listening in.