Arlo, Louie & Their Sleepy Forest Family 🏡 💤 Relaxing Bedtime Stories For Kids

[00:00:11] Hello and welcome back to Koala Moon, a podcast of original children's bedtime stories and meditations designed to make bedtimes a dream. Listen up kids because bread and butter, the ducks, just splash landed with the biggest list of shout outs I have ever seen. So to start, hi to longtime listener Willow. This is your third year of being a subscriber. Wow.

[00:00:36] And hi to sweet Vera, who is such a fan her grandma gave her this subscription. We're giving a big wave to Susie with a Z from Utah, USA. And then it's sisters Josephine and Genevieve in California. There's six year old Olivia Crossley and her mom Kendra Crossley, who are in San Diego. And also hi to Stella in Los Angeles, who is nine years old. That's a few of you in California right there.

[00:01:04] Finally, we're whizzing over to Perth in Australia to say hi and thanks to Imogen and Oscar. You are all fantastic families and we appreciate you supporting our show immensely. Sweet dreams to you all, always. Okay then, shall we find out what's going on in sleepy forest tonight? Arlo and Louis Fox are racing through the woods with their friends when the conversation turns to Father's Day.

[00:01:31] As everyone excitedly shares plans for gifts and celebrations, the Fox brothers begin thinking about the wonderful family and community around them. With Mother Fox's encouragement, Arlo and Louis come up with a special idea that soon brings the whole forest together beneath the glow of the koala moon. At its heart, this is a story celebrating families in all their forms.

[00:01:59] So as you snuggle down, close your eyes. And I just want you to bring to mind all your lovely friends, families, generally people in your community that you really treasure. And have a nice, lovely breath out. And deep breath in. As I begin, Arlo, Louis and their sleepy forest family by Annabelle Pitcher.

[00:02:28] Before we begin, here's a quick ad break. Then we'll start tonight's bedtime story. If you'd like to support our podcast, enjoy ad free listening and unlock all our premium stories, you can join the Coco Club. To join, follow the link in the show notes. Parents, summer can be such a magical time for kids. But even with camps booked and holidays planned, there are still plenty of hours in the day to fill.

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[00:03:51] Check out nextplayground.com, that's N-E-X playground dot com, to learn more. It was a slow golden afternoon in sleepy forest. The koala sun was still awake, but he was thinking about resting, spilling the last of his light through the trees.

[00:04:18] High in the branches, a bird chirped lazily to itself, while all around the forest, the soft buzz of insects drifted through the warm, drowsy air. It was utterly peaceful. But not for long. I'm going to win! cried Louie, darting around the corner. So fast his fluffy tail swished behind him like a streak of orange flames. No! I'm going to win!

[00:04:47] His brother Arlo shouted back. He burst out of a bush in a tumble of russet fur and flying leaves, sending them fluttering through the air. Behind the two foxes charged Zara and Alfie the bear cubs, and then Coco the koala trying very hard to keep up. Prickles the hedgehog came last. He jogged with great determination, announcing every few seconds,

[00:05:15] Make way! Make way! Extremely fast hedgehog coming through! The six friends zigzagged through bushes, leapt over roots and bounced off tree trunks as they raced through sleepy forest. Arlo cleared a fallen log, touching down on the other side with a small, satisfied flick of his tail.

[00:05:39] Louie attempted the same jump and landed in a pile of dry leaves with a loud whomp, vanishing completely. There was a brief silence, then Louie reappeared, trying to style it out. You move? Arlo asked with a smirk. Advanced technique, Louie said, sitting up with a leaf stuck to his nose.

[00:06:04] It's called leaf landing. Very complex. You fell over, Arlo laughed. I fell strategically, Louie corrected him. Zoe and Alfie finally caught up with the two fox brothers. Then Coco appeared, breathing hard. Wow! He panted. You lot are fast!

[00:06:33] Not as fast as me! Prickles said, waddling into view. Make way! Make way! One extremely fast hedgehog! About to collapse! Oops! He fell dramatically on the ground and lay there, spread-eagled among the dandelions. The clearing filled with merry laughter.

[00:06:58] The sunlight dipped a little lower, growing deeper and more golden, gilding the treetops. It shimmered across the friend's fur, turning Arlo and Louie's russet coats to fiery amber and wrapping Zara and Alfie in a soft honey glow. Even Prickles' rather plain brown bristles seemed to sparkle in the sleepy afternoon light. New race, Arlo said, straightening up.

[00:07:28] Strongest wins! That's not a race, Zara said, rolling her eyes. It's a competition. Competition then, Arlo said. And who cares what it's called? I'm still gonna win. And so the six friends began lifting things. Sticks, stones, logs, and one rather stubborn root that refused to be lifted at all.

[00:07:56] I can lift this, Alfie said, raising one end of a branch. I can lift more, Zara replied, finding a bigger one. Coco looked all around for something heavy. Finding nothing, he picked up a pebble. I lift with precision, he shrugged. That's tiny, Louie said.

[00:08:23] It's emotionally heavy, Coco replied, thinking on his feet. A panic pebble. Give over? Arlo chuckled. That doesn't count. The game tumbled into laughter again. And for a while, it was simply that. Noise, movement, and the joy of being together in the golden light.

[00:08:49] They were still lifting things and showing off when Prickles dropped his branch with a satisfied thud and puffed out his chest. My dad could probably lift that whole tree, he said, nodding at a nearby oak. Zara glanced at it and then at Alfie. Well, our dad could lift that tree and sing a lullaby at the same time, couldn't he, Alfie?

[00:09:17] A long one, Alfie agreed, with 19 verses. Well, my dad cooks, Coco said, not to be outdone. Really good food. And he knits. He once made a scarf with 11 different colours. Prickles thought for a moment.

[00:09:42] My dad tucks me in so tightly, I can't even move, he said. That sounds extremely tucked, Louie said. Oh, it is, Prickles replied. Whether I like it or not. Alfie folded his paws. Well, I reckon our dad is still the strongest.

[00:10:08] And, he said, jutting out his chin, we have the best present for him tomorrow. Mine is better, Coco sang. You don't even know what mine is, Alfie laughed. I don't need to, Coco replied. My gift is amazing. And I'm going to help mum bake a cake this evening. A chocolate one, dad's favourite.

[00:10:38] Prickles puffed out his sharp little spice. Well, I've made my dad the best card. And I will give him extra big cuddles before he tucks my arms up in bed. Everyone giggled. And for a while, Coco, Alfie and Zara compared cards, treats, songs and surprises. Each trying to outdo the last.

[00:11:04] None of them noticed Arlo and Louie standing quietly together side by side. Their orange tails flicked lightly in the grass as they tried to make sense of what they were hearing. Louie leaned closer to Arlo. Why are they all buying presents for their dads? He whispered. Arlo frowned.

[00:11:30] I have absolutely no idea. Louie looked around at the others, still chatting enthusiastically. It isn't Christmas and I can't imagine all their dads have a birthday on the same day. He cleared his throat. Finally, Coco, Prickles, Alfie and Zara fell quiet. Why are you buying your dad's presents?

[00:12:00] He asked. The others paused for a moment, surprised by the question. For tomorrow, of course, Zara said as if it were obvious. Father's Day, Alfie added as though this explained everything. Arlo and Louie simply stared. Father's what? Louie said. Day, Coco said helpfully. Father's Day.

[00:12:28] A celebration of our dads. There was a small silence. The kind that feels a bit like missing a step. The fox cubs' tummies dropped a little. Oh, Arlo said. I see. Louie added, though he didn't. The two fox cubs had never had a father to celebrate. They had always been perfectly content with Mother Fox.

[00:12:56] The conversation moved on, but more quietly now. The energy had shifted. The sun dipped lower, brushing the tops of the trees, and the sky began to soften into pinks and purples. Arlo and Louie were quiet. Not unhappy, exactly. Just thoughtful.

[00:13:20] By the time they got home, the sky had deepened into blue, and the first star had appeared above Sleepy Forest. Mother Fox was standing outside their cozy den, waiting for them. Well, she said warmly, my two little storm clouds, have you had fun? Louie and Arlo nodded, but said nothing. Mother Fox surveyed them closely.

[00:13:50] This was most unusual. And it was even more unusual how the two energetic cubs simply went inside the den without being asked, and sat down on the sofa. Very neatly. Very quietly. Very suspiciously, indeed. What on earth has happened to you two? Mother Fox asked, looking from one subdued cub to the other.

[00:14:19] There was silence, and then... It's Father's Day tomorrow, Louie said in a small voice. Ah, Mother Fox replied, her voice warm with understanding. Of course. Of course. He stared up at Mum, with two baffled amber eyes. What is Father's Day?

[00:14:47] Mother Fox settled down beside them, her fluffy tail wrapping around both cubs holding them tight. It's a day when many creatures celebrate their fathers, she said. They make cards, give gifts, eat special food, and spend time together. Arlo nodded slowly. All our friends were talking about it.

[00:15:17] Louie cuddled up to Mum. We didn't understand. Mother Fox's eyes softened. No, she said. It's not something we've ever celebrated. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate it if we want to. Both cubs gazed into their mother's wise, kind face. Families, she continued, come in all shapes and sizes.

[00:15:46] There are all sorts of combinations. What matters is the love you have, not how it looks. Arlo leaned into her. We felt a little bit left out. Mother Fox nodded. Big celebrations can do that sometimes. Then her expression brightened. But we could change that. How? How? Arlo asked.

[00:16:17] Mother Fox smiled. I think we should have a party. A party? Louie asked, perking up instantly. A party? Arlo echoed. A celebration, Mother Fox said. For everyone, for all the love that exists in different ways. There was a pause, then Louie leapt to his feet.

[00:16:44] That is the best idea ever. Ever, Arlo agreed. We'll invite everyone, Louie cried. Not literally everyone, Mother Fox began. But the two cubs had already disappeared out of the den. The forest had settled into the evening now. The koala moon climbing high into the sky.

[00:17:11] Its pale light stretching between the trees like soft silver ribbons. Fireflies had begun to flicker into life. Tiny glowing specks drifting through the air as if they, too, had somewhere to be but weren't in any particular hurry to get there. Arlo and Louie did not share this feeling. They were in a tremendous hurry, as always.

[00:17:41] Betty Badger first, Arlo said, already veering left. Shortcut, Louie replied, disappearing headfirst into a hedge. That is not a shortcut, Louie. Arlo laughed, yanking his brother out of the hedge. That is a disaster. They stuck to the path after that, twisting and turning through sleepy forest,

[00:18:08] their paws bounding through the moon-kissed grass. The warm, comforting smell of cakes and biscuits drifted toward them as they raced towards the bakery. Betty Badger was just tidying up for the evening when the two fox cubs skidded to a halt outside her door. Betty, Louie said as he entered the bakery. We have important news, Arlo added.

[00:18:38] Tremendously important news. Betty took off her yellow apron with two flour-dusted paws. Well, she said, sounding rather amused. This does sound very important indeed. Behind her, three badger cubs appeared, one after the other, popping up from behind the counter. Lavender, then chip, then ginger, all blinking with interest.

[00:19:06] We're having a party, Louie announced. Tonight, Arlo added. A big one, Louie continued. A very big one, Arlo confirmed. Betty raised an eyebrow. And why is that? she asked. It's a celebration, Arlo explained, trying to slow himself down just enough to make sense. For families, all kinds.

[00:19:35] For everyone, Louie said. Especially anyone who might feel a bit left out tomorrow. There was a quiet moment, then Lavender stepped forward. We don't have a dad either, she said. But we do have a wonderful mum. And she definitely needs celebrating. And she definitely needs celebrating. Betty laughed.

[00:20:04] As do you three, she said to her cubs, touching each of their soft cheeks in turn. We'd love to come, Louie and Arlo. Thank you. The cubs let out a loud cheer. We'll bring cakes, Ginger said. And buns, Chip added. And sandwiches, Lavender said, smiling in delight.

[00:20:31] Betty moved quickly, wrapping up trays and stacking baskets with practiced ease. It's not a party without party food, she said. Best party already, Louie whispered to Arlo. Definitely, Arlo agreed. Now, where shall we go next? Our friend Prickles, of course, Louie replied.

[00:20:58] And with that, the two fox cubs were off again, darting through the forest, weaving between tree trunks and leaping over roots. Soon they reached Prickles' underground burrow, a small, neat entrance that led to a cosy little home. Prickles, Arlo called. There was a rustle, then Prickles appeared, munching a bedtime snack.

[00:21:27] What are you two doing here? he asked. It's bedtime, isn't it? Family time more like, Louie replied. We're celebrating families. All kinds of families, Arlo added. Dads, of course, but mums and grandparents and aunties and uncles too. How about siblings? Prickles asked,

[00:21:57] eyeing the two fox cub brothers rather slyly as he brushed crumbs off his bristles. Are you going to celebrate each other? Louie and Arlo shared a horrified glance, then shook their heads. Nah, they said in unison, and then burst out laughing, for they were joking, of course. In that case, Prickles said, smiling at the two competitive cubs,

[00:22:26] count me in. Prickles agreed to bring some decorations, promising not to blow up the balloons before he set off in case he accidentally popped them en route. And then Arlo and Louie left for Coco's cosy cabin. It sat nestled between two large trees in a quiet woodland clearing, its windows glowing softly in the growing dusk.

[00:22:56] A small porch with wooden steps stretched across the front of the cabin, where two gently swinging benches rocked back and forth, perfect for watching the night sky. Smoke curled gently from the chimney, and the smell of something delicious drifted out to meet the two cubs.

[00:23:19] Coco, Louie called, his voice echoing gently between the trees. There was a pause, then the wooden door creaked open, and Coco appeared in the doorway, holding a wooden spoon, a smudge of something flowery on his cheek. He blinked at the two fox cubs who were panting slightly, their eyes bright.

[00:23:46] Hello, he said, sounding surprised but pleased to see his friends. From inside the cabin came the soft, steady hum of baking, and a warm voice calling, Who's there, Coco? It's Arlo and Louie, Coco replied. Well, don't leave them out there, the voice replied, and then a kindly face appeared in the doorway.

[00:24:14] It was Coco's mum, and she was smiling. Bring them in. Coco stepped aside, and the two cubs padded through the door. At once, the warmth of cosy cabin wrapped around them, and the lounge glowed with soft golden light. A pot simmered on the stove, sending up curls of rich, comforting steam,

[00:24:40] and on the table sat a half-finished chocolate cake, still warm, with a wooden spoon resting in a bowl of icing. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with jars and folded blankets, and in one corner a basket of neatly wound wool added a burst of colour. Kira stood at the stove, stirring slowly,

[00:25:06] while Coco's dad sat at the table, tying off the end of a piece of knitting. He looked up as Arlo and Louie came in. Well now, he said, smiling, what can we do for the two of you? As quickly as they could, Arlo and Louie told the koala family about the party, and how it would be a celebration of all types of families.

[00:25:35] What a wonderful idea, mum said, as she finished icing the cake. How did this come about? We were talking earlier, weren't we, Coco? Arlo replied. All about Dad's and Father's Day. And we realised, Louie added, that we've never really had the chance to celebrate it. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate what we do have.

[00:26:04] Arlo nodded. It made us think that families come in all shapes and sizes. Coco's dad smiled. You're quite right. Some are big, some are small, some are noisy, some are quiet. It doesn't matter. If there's love, there's family. For a moment, no one spoke.

[00:26:32] They simply looked at one another. Kira, Coco, his mum and dad, Arlo and Louie. And something quiet and warm passed between them. I feel it here, Coco said at last, tapping his chest lightly. With all of us. But it doesn't stop here, does it?

[00:26:59] It glanced towards the door, where stars twinkled in the darkening sky and the koala moon shone soft and reassuring. It sort of stretches out into the forest to everyone we know. It does, she murmured.

[00:27:27] Coco's mum lifted the cake tin. Then this should be for everyone, shouldn't it? We can bring it along and share it. Coco's dad grinned. Nothing would make me happier. And we should bring something to play as well, Kira added, reaching for a box tucked neatly on a shelf. A few games. Something everyone can join in with.

[00:27:56] Old or young. Big or small. Perfect, said Arlo and Louie together. After that, everything became a joyful blur. They moved through sleepy forest, calling out invitations as they went. They visited Zara and Alfie's cottage, before heading to the river to inform the ducks, bread and butter, who quacked with delight.

[00:28:25] They hurried past the slow Loris family, who smiled sleepily but warmly and promised to come along. They darted to the grotto, where Camo the chameleon lived. And he changed colour nine times, before shouting, Yes! Finally, they raced to the forest clearing, where Martha, Delilah and Ember the eagles lived.

[00:28:52] Their wooden house perched high in the boughs of the tallest tree. Arlo and Louie called up excitedly. And a moment later, the eagles' voices floated down through the leaves, warm and eager to join in. It felt as though the whole forest was waking up again, but in a softer way. A gathering way.

[00:29:21] A coming together way. Finally, breathless and bright-eyed, Arlo and Louie turned back towards home. When they finally rounded the corner to reach the clearing by their den, they stopped in their tracks and gasped. The party was all ready in full swing.

[00:29:47] Pretty twinkling lights had been strung between the trees, like delicate bridges made of stars. Blankets and cushions had been laid out across the soft moon-bathed ground. The baskets from Betty Badger's bakery had been opened, and guests were helping themselves to buns and biscuits. There were drinks and savoury snacks on picnic tables.

[00:30:16] Brightly coloured balloons floating above the clearing. And music drifting through the cool night air. In the centre of it all was a delicious chocolate cake, which Coco's dad was cutting into thick, gooey slices, ready to share among the guests. The plants. Arlo blinked.

[00:30:41] This is amazing, Louie finished. Look what we did, Arlo. Look what we made. They stepped forward into the party, slowly now, almost dazed with happiness. Everywhere they looked, there were smiles. And most importantly of all, no one was left out.

[00:31:11] Mother Fox appeared beside them. Well, she said softly. What do you think? Arlo leaned into her. It's perfect, he said. Louie nodded. The best party ever. For the best family ever, Mother Fox replied, wrapping her tail around them both.

[00:31:40] It isn't just the three of us, she said. It's all the people who care for you, and all the people you care for in return. Arlo stared around the glowing clearing, filled with happy voices and merry laughter. That's quite a big family, he said. It is, Mother Fox replied.

[00:32:10] Can I tempt you? Came a warm voice from somewhere behind them. Coco's dad appeared at their side, holding a plate piled high with chocolate cake. Arlo and Louie took a slice each, then settled side by side on the grass, paws already a little sticky, grinning as they took their first delicious bites.

[00:32:38] Nearby, Prickles was attempting to organise a balloon game, popping it a few times in the process, while Kira set out some board games. Everything felt easy. Everything felt full of love. Our family, Arlo muttered. Louie nodded, mouth still full.

[00:33:06] The family we made ourselves. The party continued long into the night. Eventually, the music grew quieter. The laughter gentler. And, one by one, the guests drifted home, their good nights soft and content. At last, it was just the three of them again.

[00:33:33] Arlo, Louie, and Mother Fox, in the deep quiet of the forest clearing. They let out a sigh of satisfaction at a job well done. Then, Mother Fox nudged the cubs towards their den. Arlo and Louie curled up together without a word. Their bodies heavy now, their eyes beginning to close.

[00:34:02] Their tails wrapped around them as they leaned into each other, comfortable and safe. You know, Mother Fox muttered, cuddling up beside them. We are very lucky. Arlo gave a small, sleepy nod. We are. Louie tucked himself closer, his voice already fading.

[00:34:34] We've got each other. And, everyone out there. Arlo murmured. One big family. The thought settled over the cubs like a warm blanket as their breathing slowed and they drifted into sleep.

[00:35:01] Outside the den, high above sleepy forest, the koala moon kept watch. Stars twinkled all around her, like a family, spread wide across the night sky.