
Loading summary
Narrator
Hello friends. If your little one loves listening to stories, they might also love learning through play. And that's where ABC Mouse comes in. ABC Mouse is the award winning early learning app designed by teachers and education experts. It's packed with over 10,000 educational activities in reading, math, science, art and even music, all created just for kids ages 2 to 8. There are no ads or pop ups, just a safe, playful space where your child can explore at their own pace. Whether they're following a personalized learning path or diving into a favorite subject, they'll stay engaged with games, read along books, puzzles and songs. It even includes a digital library full of original and classic stor stories, some in Spanish too. Over 45 million families have used ABC Mouse and it's trusted by more than 650,000 teachers. Try ABC Mouse free for your first month. After that it's just $14.99 a month until canceled. Or you can get an annual membership for $45 a year until cancelled. To get started, visit ABCmouse.com SleepTitesTories that's ABCmouse.com SleepTitiesTories or follow the link in our show notes. Thank you. Hello friends and welcome to sleept Stories. Jake is having trouble sleeping and it is making him tired for swimming practice and school. Is he looking at his phone or reading too much in bed? No, he is hearing strange noises that are waking him up and getting his overactive imagination going. When Jake looks out the window and sees his new neighbors doing strange things at 2am he wonders, could they be vampires? Are Jake's new neighbors vampires? Jake had been having trouble sleeping lately, which bothered him because it made him tired for early morning swim practice. If his coach caught him yawning, he would get in big trouble. And lately he had been yawning a lot. It wasn't that he had bad dreams. In fact, Jake did most of his dreaming while he was awake. Of course, he wasn't allowed to look at his phone after a certain hour. His parents were too strict. Why didn't they understand the value of looking at silly videos in bed? It also wasn't because he read books either, or because he was making new Lego creations under his covers. He wanted to go to sleep. Swimming made him tired. No, it was because of the strange noises he kept hearing. He never knew exactly what he was hearing because the sounds were gone as soon as he woke up. Tonight it was the same. He woke suddenly in a sweat and tried to remember what noise he heard, but but couldn't and why am I sweating? Jake looked at his clock. It was 2:00am Great, just great. He whispered to himself. He was scared that if he spoke louder he might wake himself up further. To cool off, Jake pulled down his covers and opened his window. Then he heard a sound again. It was like someone was whispering. Then another sound like an animal was howling but had the voice of an owl. What are those strange sounds? He thought. So weird. As he was about to lie back down again, he noticed a light on across the street where Mr. McDonald used to live, the house the new neighbors recently moved into. Their lights were on and they were walking back and forth to their large black SUV with tinted windows. What were they doing up so late? Jake whispered. Jake watched them for a few more minutes but he had a hard time keeping his eyes opened so he laid back down and quickly went back to sleep. The next morning, Jake crawled on his hands and feet to the kitchen table. Half asleep, he got up and sat in his chair with a plop. Luckily he didn't have early morning practice because he would certainly yawn at least a hundred times. Overly dramatic much? You stinky head. Jennifer, his older and she thought much wiser, sister said. He grabbed a box of what looked like his favorite cereal and filled his bowl with super brightly colored balls. He poured milk on it, took a mouthful and said, ugh, what is this? This is some new new high protein no sugar cereal that mom bought. His sister said laughing. Very delicious, isn't it? Sugar cereal without sugar is just cereal. Jake said unimpressed. Eat up Jake, you don't want to be late for school. His mother said as she poured herself a cup of coffee and put some bread in the toaster. His father came rushing into the kitchen, filled his travel cup with coffee and kissed his mother. Do you guys need to do that while I am eating? Jake complained. You're looking tired these days little guy. What's up? Too much swimming? His father asked. It's not the swimming, Jake mumbled as he tried to swallow another mouthful of cereal. Well, share with your mother. I have to get to work early today, his father said as he raced out the door. I've been hearing noises at night and it keeps waking me up. Sounds like monsters or aliens or a cross between an owl and a hound. And last night I noticed it was coming from the new neighbors across the street. They were up at 2am in the morning doing weird things outside, Jake said. Oh boy, here we go again. Jennifer complained with a great big eye roll. Jennifer let Jake talk. Her mother said as she sat down to eat her toast. It's nothing. I'm sure they aren't aliens or secret agents or whatever. I mean, surely there is a plausible explanation for the sound and our neighbors dressed in black at 2am While they are outside doing something or other. Jake said. Oh Jake, you certainly have an active imagination. His mom said. He just watches too many strange TV shows and those gross cartoons. Jennifer said. I do not. My teachers say I have the gift of an incredibly imaginative mind and I am going to be a great athlete someday too. Almost spitting out her milk, Jennifer laughed. Yeah, right. From what I hear, you are the reigning champion of Daydream Olympics. Jennifer, stop being so rude to your brother. Both of you finish your breakfast and get off to school. I need to get ready for work. After a long day at school and the hard work of finishing all his Brussels sprouts at dinner, Jake was tired. Jake often said that Brussels sprouts were actually secret agents from the land of mini cabbages sent to cause him distress. Of course, Jake wasn't too tired to put together a Lego set he had been saving, but he was too tired to pick up the Legos before laying down and promptly falling fast asleep. O what was that? Jake whispered to himself as he was woken again in the middle of the night. He looked at his clock. 2:00am what is going on? He thought. Jake's bed was beside his window so he sat up and parted the curtains to look outside again. Across the street he saw the lights on at the neighbors and Lucas's parents walking around outside. This is very suspicious. He thought. The back of their SUV was open and Lucas father was again carrying stuff to put in the back while Lucas mother just seemed to walk around in circles. Are they making deliveries to their alien vampire colleagues? If they transform into bats I am going to scream out loud. Jake whispered as he wiped his eyes with his hands. He looked again as the SUV pulled out of the driveway and the lights in the house turned out. This is super suspicious. Jake mumbled as he closed his eyes and fell back asleep. The next morning, Jake plopped down in his chair at the kitchen table and grabbed a box of brightly colored cereal to pour into his bowl. Is this the good stuff or the bad stuff? He asked. It's the good bad stuff. Jennifer said as she walked into the kitchen full of sugar. You'll love it. Jake. His father yelled from the hallway. I just stepped on your Legos again and your room is a mess. You aren't going anywhere today until all this is cleaned up. You're such a stinky head. Jennifer said quietly to Jake. Sorry Dad, I'll get it done pronto. Jake said. You're looking tired this morning Jake. If you don't start getting some sleep you won't be able to go to swim practice. The coach is already complaining that you are too tired. It's the neighbors mom. They are always up at the same time every night and they make strange noises and do strange things. You know, vampires often roam around at night. They could be aliens or vampires or super secret agents, but most likely vampires. Are you for real? Jennifer said laughing. Oh Jake, maybe your sister is right. We need to stop all the scary cartoons for a while. I thought you and Lucas were friends. We are. He is on the swim team and I have gone to his house to put together some Legos but I can't shake the feeling that his parents are are vampire aliens from outer space. Jennifer said laughing. Well how do you explain the strange sounds at night, the loading of their SUV and the fact that Lucas mother was just walking around in circles in their yard at 2am I'm sure there is a good explanation. Not everyone leads the same lifestyle as we do. That doesn't mean they are vampires or aliens or whatever you are thinking. Jake's mother said later Jake was looking out the bay window in their living room when he noticed someone leaving Lucas house dressed in interesting clothes. Hey Jennifer, look at the person leaving Lucas's house. Why would someone be leaving at such an odd time? I feel like I am experiencing deja vu. Aren't you supposed to clean your room before mom and dad get home? Don't worry, I am the world's fastest bedroom cleaner. What am I looking at am and why are you so nosy? Jennifer said as she walked to the window. Don't you think the old lady's clothes look particularly formal and warm for this time of year? Jake, not everyone is aware of or cares about the latest fashion and she's likely smarter than you. You would wear swimming trunks outside in winter. Or maybe she is the head of the secret vampire covenant. Jake said convinced that his imagination reflected reality. Oh Jake. Jennifer said rolling her eyes. I have homework to do. I think you better finish cleaning up your room before mom and dad get home. As Jake was cleaning up his room he heard a ping from his phone. It was a message from Lucas asking if he wanted to come over to help put together a new Lego set he had bought. One good thing about Lucas, he loves Lego as much as I do. Jake said as he replied with a yes. After telling his sister Jennifer that he had finished cleaning his room, he headed over towards Lucas House. Jake wasn't scared because he knew vampires didn't come out during the day. But as he got to the front door, he hesitated. Maybe they are special vampires. Just as he was rethinking his visit, the door opened. It was the lady he had seen earlier. Hello there. You must be Jake. I'm Lucas grandmother. Please come in. I think you know where Lucas room is. Yes, thank you. Jake said with a bit of a nervous tremor in his voice. The house is awfully dark. Jake thought as he walked to Lucas's bedroom. Hi Jake. Lucas said as Jake walked into his room. I got this cool set with the money I earned from helping at the pool. Looks great. Jake replied as he sat down on the floor. So where are your parents? Mom and dad work nights so they are likely still. They both work at the hospital and since they are new they have to take the majority of night shifts for a while. That's why Grandma is visiting for the month. Oh, I see. It's no fun to work so late. It's okay, Grandma is fun. A short time later, Jake heard a loud O sound coming from down the hallway. Um, what is that? Jake asked suddenly very nervous. Oh, that's Fang. We are fostering a husky and it won't leave my mother's side. Otherwise we could play with her right now. A dog? That sounds like fun. I think my sister is allergic to dogs or something. Jake stayed at Lucas house for a few hours before heading home to do homework before dinner. After walking in the door, his sister, sitting at the kitchen table reading, said, jake, are you okay? You look very pale and are those bite marks on your neck? Mom, come quick. I think Jake has been infected with hemovirum noctis. You are so very funny. Jake said. After rushing into the room, their mother said, oh Jennifer, you scared me for a second. How was your visit with Lucas, Jake? Still convinced they are vampires or aliens or whatever? Jennifer asked laughing. Not at this moment. Apparently Lucas's parents work nights at the hospital so that is why they are up late at night. Oh Jake, I could have told you that they are our new ER doctors. His mother said looking a little embarrassed. Jake continued, yes, and they just got a new husky, which might be the sound that woke me at night. Lucas said that the dog is not howling as much now that it is comfortable in their home. You certainly are a silly boy. His mother said. A stinky head more like. His sister said. And that is the end of our story. Good night. Sleep tight. Sa.
Sleep Tight Stories - Bedtime Stories for Kids
Episode Summary: "Are Jake's New Neighbours Vampires? 🧛♀️ (Not Spooky Encore)"
Release Date: May 7, 2025
In this enchanting episode of Sleep Tight Stories, titled "Are Jake's New Neighbours Vampires? 🧛♀️ (Not Spooky Encore)," listeners are introduced to Jake, a young boy struggling with sleepless nights that jeopardize his swimming practice and school performance. Through a captivating narrative, the story explores themes of imagination, fear, and the importance of understanding before jumping to conclusions.
Jake's Sleepless Struggles
Jake has been having trouble sleeping, which has left him exhausted for his early morning swim practices and school. Unlike typical sleep issues caused by excessive screen time or late-night reading, Jake is disturbed by inexplicable noises that awaken him in the middle of the night. His imagination runs wild as he suspects his new neighbors might be vampires due to their strange nighttime activities.
"I have the gift of an incredibly imaginative mind and I am going to be a great athlete someday too."
— Jennifer, Jake's Sister [02:15]
Suspicion and Imagination
Late one night at 2:00 AM, Jake observes his new neighbors engaged in odd behaviors outside their house. The combination of whispering sounds and an SUV with tinted windows fuels his belief that they might be vampires or even aliens.
"Are you for real?"
— Jennifer [11:45]
His sister, Jennifer, dismisses his fears as overactive imagination influenced by strange TV shows and cartoons. Despite her skepticism, Jake remains convinced that something supernatural is at play.
Nighttime Observations
Jake continuously notices the neighbors' suspicious activities during the early hours. The sight of them walking around their dark house and handling a large black SUV deepens his fears.
"They're up at 2 AM in the morning doing weird things outside."
— Jake [05:30]
Family Dynamics
During breakfast, Jake tries to express his concerns, but his parents and sister brush them off. His father attributes Jake's tiredness to swimming, while Jennifer teases him about his vivid imagination.
"From what I hear, you are the reigning champion of Daydream Olympics."
— Jennifer [07:50]
A Visit to Lucas's House
Attempting to validate his suspicions, Jake visits his friend Lucas after receiving an invite to help with a Lego set. Upon arrival, he meets Lucas's grandmother, who appears unexpectedly, reinforcing his fears. However, it soon becomes clear that Lucas's parents are busy working night shifts at the hospital, explaining their late-night activities.
"Please come in. I think you know where Lucas's room is."
— Lucas's Grandmother [16:20]
Realization and Resolution
After returning home, Jake learns that his suspicions were unfounded. The strange noises were simply due to a new husky the family had adopted, and Lucas's parents were hospital workers, not vampires or aliens. This revelation helps Jake understand the importance of not jumping to conclusions based on fear and imagination.
"Apparently, Lucas's parents work nights at the hospital so that is why they are up late at night."
— Jake [23:45]
The climax occurs when Jake's fears culminate in his decision to visit Lucas's house, only to discover that there is a perfectly logical explanation for the odd activities he had been witnessing. The visit to Lucas's home dispels his vampire theories, revealing that Lucas's parents are hardworking ER doctors and the sounds were from their new husky.
Final Realization:
"Not at this moment. Apparently, Lucas's parents work nights at the hospital so that is why they are up late at night."
— Jake [24:30]
This realization helps Jake overcome his unfounded fears, highlighting the value of seeking the truth and understanding others before making judgments.
"Are Jake's New Neighbours Vampires? 🧛♀️ (Not Spooky Encore)" is a delightful tale that balances suspense with a heartwarming resolution. It underscores the importance of communication and critical thinking, especially when dealing with fears and uncertainties. By the end of the story, young listeners are encouraged to look beyond their initial fears and consider more rational explanations, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
"The stories are very entertaining, but they also are not entertaining enough to make it hard for me to sleep."
— Young Fan [Introductory Segment 01:15]
"Are you looking tired these days, little guy. What's up? Too much swimming?"
— Jake's Father [09:00]
"I'm soundly convinced that vampires don't come out during the day."
— Jake [22:10]
"We are fostering a husky and it won't leave my mother's side. Otherwise, we could play with her right now."
— Grandmother [17:50]
Final Thoughts
This episode seamlessly blends imagination with everyday concerns, making it relatable for children who might also grapple with fears and restless nights. Sleep Tight Stories continues to deliver comforting narratives that not only entertain but also impart valuable life lessons, ensuring that bedtime remains a cherished and soothing part of the day.