
n this special episode of Sleep Tight Stories, meet Libby—a quiet girl who’s just moved to a new town—and Margherita, the mysterious orange cat who follows her home. This newly edited version of Margherita, The Cat Who Loved Pizza launches a cozy, funny, and heartwarming new series.
Loading summary
Narrator
Foreign and welcome to Sleep Tight Stories. Do you like cats? We do. How about a cat that will only eat pizza and maybe sneaks a slice or two when you're not looking? You're about to hear a special preview of Margarita, the Cat who Loved Pizza, the story of a quiet girl named Libby who's just moved to a new town, and the surprise friend who follows her home one afternoon with a very particular taste in food. This version is a little different from the one you may have already enjoyed, and if you'd like to hear more Margarita stories, all ad free, you can subscribe to SleepType Premium. Now onto our story have you moved to a new place before and felt lonely? Libby has moved to a new house in a new place, and she has to go to a new school the next day and she is nervous. Libby is very quiet and likes it when people come up and talk to her. But at the end of her first day, this has not happened and she is dreading what a long year it is going to be. As Libby is walking home, it feels like someone is following her, but every time she turns to look, she cannot see anyone. Who could it be? Margarita, the Cat who Loved Pizza. Libby sat on the floor of her new room, listening to music. The room was unfamiliar, just like everything else about this place. The walls were bare, the furniture sparse, and the sounds outside were different than what she was used to. It felt wrong. Too quiet, too lonely. Back home she would have heard the distant hum of traffic or her neighbor's dog barking. But here in this new town, far away from everything she knew, it was like the world had gone silent. They had moved just a week ago, and everyday sense had felt like an eternity. Libby missed her old neighborhood, her friends, and the comfort of knowing where everything was. But now nothing was familiar. Not her room, not the streets, not even the weather, which seemed colder than she remembered. Libby buried her face in her knees, letting the music drown out her thoughts. Music was her escape. With her headphones on, she could imagine herself back home, or better yet, somewhere completely different. In her mind, she was a superhero swooping in to save the day, or a famous adventurer exploring unknown lands. But today, no amount of imagining could shake the loneliness that gnawed at her. Tomorrow was her first day at a new school and she couldn't stop thinking about it. The idea of walking into a classroom full of strangers made her stomach turn. People would stare, whisper, and maybe even laugh. She wasn't good at making friends, and the thought of talking to new kids was enough to make her want to curl up under her blanket and stay there forever. Libby, are you unpacked yet? Her mother called from the hallway. Libby didn't respond. Libby. Her music was turned up loud, blocking out the world just the way she liked it. But her mother wasn't easily deterred. She waved a hand in front of Libby's face and finally Libby pulled off her headphones. Sorry, mom, what did you say? Her mother sighed. You haven't unpacked yet. You really should get your room in order so you're not scrambling to find things in the morning. I'll do it, but is there any chance we could still move back home? No, sweetie, I know this is hard, but try to think of it as a new adventure. Look at your room. It's fresh and clean, ready for you to make it your own. This is a new start for both of us, right? Libby muttered, not sounding convinced. I'm heading to the grocery store. Do you want to come with me? You know I don't like grocery stores, Mom. Too many people. Too much noise. Her mother nodded, a soft smile on her face. All right. I'll be back in an hour. Maybe when I get back I'll see some progress in here. Maybe, libby mumbled as she put her headphones back on. Libby's first day at her new school was exactly as she had feared. People stared at her like she had grown two heads, but no one said anything. Every whisper, every giggle from the corners of the classroom felt like it was about her. She kept her head down, barely making eye contact. Her mother always said you have to make the first move sometimes, but to Libby, the thought of approaching anyone was terrifying. As she walked home, Libby felt a lump growing in her throat. No one had said a word to her all day. She was convinced this new town was going to be a lonely place. Just as she turned the corner onto her street, she thought she heard soft footsteps behind her, but every time she looked back, there was nothing. A few moments later, she caught a flash of orange out of the corner of her eye. What was that? Before she could figure it out, something orange and furry darted out from behind a bush and attacked her leg gently. Startled, Libby looked down to see a scruffy orange cat rubbing up against her leg. Hey there, she said, bending down to pet it. Where did you come from? The cat's fur was matted and dirty and she looked thin when Libby stroked her. The cat purred quietly, looking up with sleepy, dull eyes. You don't have a home, do you? Libby asked softly. You look as lonely as I feel. Libby stood up, giving the cat one last scratch behind the ears. I have to go home now, but it was nice meeting you. She took a few steps toward her house, but she didn't get far. The cat followed her, its tail swishing as it trotted along. You're really following me home? Libby asked, amused. Okay, but just for a little while. She opened the front door and the cat darted in before she could change her mind. Libby, is that you? Her mother called from the kitchen. I hope you don't mind, but I ordered pizza for dinner. How was your first? What is that? Her mother's voice trailed off when she saw the orange cat now curled up on their couch. I think she's a stray, Mom. She followed me home and looks so sad and lonely. And you always tell me we should be kind to animals. Can we give her something to eat, please? Her mother looked at the scruffy orange cat, then at Libby's pleading eyes and sighed. All right, we'll give her something to eat, but just for tonight. Libby grinned, and after she took off her coat and shoes, she rushed to the kitchen to find something for the cat to eat. She tried milk first, but the cat wouldn't drink it. Her mother offered tuna, but again the orange cat turned her nose up. Libby tried giving the cat a leftover hamburger, but the orange cat would not eat it. Maybe she's sick, her mother said. We can take her to the vet tomorrow. Before Libby could reply, the doorbell rang. Their pizza had arrived. As her mother placed the box on the kitchen table and opened it, the smell of rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and fresh dough filled the room. Let's eat dinner first, and then we can decide how to help the cat, her mother suggested. As if on cue, the orange cat's ears perked up. She jumped off the couch and trotted into the kitchen, rubbing against Libby's legs and meowing expectantly. Mom, look. She likes pizza. Should I give her some? Her mother raised an eyebrow. Pizza for a cat? I don't know if that's a good idea. Libby tore off a small piece and set it on the floor. The cat gobbled it up in one bite. Well, that's a first, her mother said, laughing. I guess she likes pizza as much as you do. Can I give her a whole slice? Libby asked. I'm no expert, Libby, but I'm not sure pizza is the best food for a cat. Even our tomato and cheese favorite. She needs to eat, Mom. Her mother sighed, but smiled. I suppose so. She needs to eat something. Libby gave the orange cat a slice of pizza which she ate happily before returning to the couch to nap. Well, she seems full at least, libby said to her mom. That's one unusual cat, her mother said with a shake of her head. As her mom checked on her that night, she saw the orange cat lying with Libby in bed. Both were fast asleep. The next morning, Libby tried to give the orange cat milk again, but it wouldn't drink it. Her mother offered tuna again, but the cat still wouldn't touch it. I guess we'll have to try pizza, libby said, laughing as she warmed up a slice. Once again, the orange cat devoured the pizza and went to the couch to nap. Are you sure she's okay, Mom? Libby asked. It's like pizza is the only thing she'll eat. Her mother shook her head. She's certainly unique, but she seems happy enough. For the rest of the week, Libby and her mother tried every food they could think of. Tuna, chicken, cat food. But the orange cat refused everything except pizza. It became a routine. Whenever the pizza delivery arrived, the cat would be there, waiting for her slice. Each night, the cat would curl up in Libby's bed, purring softly as she fell asleep. Slowly, they became the best of friends. While you were at school, I took the cat to the vet, her mother said one afternoon. What did the vet say? She's perfectly healthy. No microchip, no collar. The vet said she'd let us know if anyone comes looking for a lost orange cat. But it looks like she's ours now. Libby's eyes lit up. Does that mean we get to keep her? Her mother smiled. Yes, Libby. It looks like Margarita is part of the family now. Margarita? Libby asked, grinning. I thought it was a fitting name for a cat who loves pizza. Libby laughed. Margarita, it's perfect. Good night. Sleep tight, Sa.
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Host/Author: Sleep Tight Media / Starglow Media
In this enchanting preview of "Margherita, The Cat Who Loved Pizza," listeners are introduced to Libby, a quiet young girl navigating the challenges of moving to a new town. Through a calming narrative, the story explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and unexpected bonds, all wrapped in a heartwarming tale perfect for bedtime.
[00:00] Narrator: The story begins with Libby moving to a new house, feeling the weight of starting fresh in an unfamiliar environment. Her apprehensions about the upcoming school year set the stage for her emotional journey.
Libby's Feelings of Loneliness:
Libby is depicted as a reserved child who struggles with making new friends. Her anxiety about her first day at a new school is palpable:
"The idea of walking into a classroom full of strangers made her stomach turn."
[Transcript Reference: Approx. 02:30]
Struggling with the New Environment:
The silence of the new town contrasts sharply with her previous lively neighborhood, exacerbating her sense of isolation:
"But here in this new town, far away from everything she knew, it was like the world had gone silent."
[Transcript Reference: Approx. 03:50]
As Libby grapples with her feelings, she senses an unseen presence following her home, heightening her sense of unease.
Encounter with the Orange Cat:
Just as her first day meets her worst fears, Libby spots an orange cat that mysteriously follows her:
"A scruffy orange cat rubbing up against her leg... 'You look as lonely as I feel.'"
[Transcript Reference: Approx. 09:45]
Deciding to Let Margarita In:
Despite initial reservations, Libby's compassion leads her to invite the cat, later named Margarita, into her home:
"She opened the front door and the cat darted in before she could change her mind."
[Transcript Reference: Approx. 11:20]
Margarita isn't your ordinary stray cat. Her unique love for pizza becomes the cornerstone of her budding friendship with Libby and her mother.
First Attempts to Feed Margarita:
Libby's efforts to feed the cat traditional foods fail, leading to an unexpected discovery:
"Maybe she's sick... We can take her to the vet tomorrow."
[Transcript Reference: Approx. 14:10]
The Pizza Revelation:
The arrival of a pizza delivery unveils Margarita's quirky preference:
"As if on cue, the orange cat's ears perked up... 'She likes pizza.'"
[Transcript Reference: Approx. 16:00]
This moment not only solves the feeding dilemma but also brings a sense of joy and amusement to Libby and her mother.
Establishing a Routine:
Pizza becomes a nightly ritual, reinforcing the special bond between the trio:
"It became a routine. Whenever the pizza delivery arrived, the cat would be there, waiting for her slice."
[Transcript Reference: Approx. 19:30]
As the week progresses, the relationship between Libby, her mother, and Margarita deepens, highlighting the themes of acceptance and the importance of companionship.
Vet's Confirmation:
Concerned about Margarita's well-being, Libby's mother takes her to the vet, who confirms the cat's health despite her unusual diet:
"She's perfectly healthy. No microchip, no collar... But it looks like she's ours now."
[Transcript Reference: Approx. 21:15]
Naming Margarita:
Embracing Margarita as part of the family, Libby’s mother bestows upon her a name that perfectly encapsulates her unique character:
"Margarita, it's perfect."
[Transcript Reference: Approx. 21:50]
"Margarita, The Cat Who Loved Pizza" is a delightful tale that weaves together the struggles of starting anew with the warmth of unexpected friendships. Through Libby's journey, listeners are reminded of the comforting presence that pets can bring, especially during times of change and uncertainty. The story closes on a serene note, with both Libby and Margarita finding solace in each other's company, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep for young listeners.
Libby's Mother on Moving Forward:
"You haven't unpacked yet. You really should get your room in order so you're not scrambling to find things in the morning."
[04:15]
Libby's Reluctance to Engage:
"You have to make the first move sometimes, but to Libby, the thought of approaching anyone was terrifying."
[07:50]
Libby's Compassion:
"You don't have a home, do you? You look as lonely as I feel."
[10:05]
Libby and the Pizza Connection:
"She likes pizza as much as you do. Can I give her a whole slice?"
[17:45]
Vet's Decision:
"She's perfectly healthy... it looks like she's ours now."
[21:15]
Naming the Cat:
"Margarita, it's perfect."
[21:50]
This episode of Sleep Tight Stories not only provides a soothing narrative for children but also imparts valuable lessons about empathy, adaptability, and the joy of unexpected friendships. "Margherita, The Cat Who Loved Pizza" is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most delightful surprises come in the most unexpected packages.
Subscribe to Sleep Tight Premium for an ad-free experience and access to bonus bedtime stories like "Margherita, The Cat Who Loved Pizza." Make bedtime magical and restful for you and your children.