Koko and Grandad's Moonlit Memory Box 🐨 📦 Sleepy Bedtime Stories For Kids

[00:00:11] Hello, welcome back to Koala Moon, a podcast of original children's bedtime stories and meditations designed to make bedtimes a dream. We've had a flurry of new joiners lately, and so tonight we're saying a big hello to Lucas, William and Jacob from Ontario, Canada, to Zoe, who's nine years old from Coburg in Melbourne, Australia, to Daphne, who's six and Quinn, who's nine from Marblehead, Massachusetts.

[00:00:39] Welcome, welcome all of you to the Koko Club. It's the most inclusive, exclusive club in town. Doesn't matter if you're two or 92, you're welcome here and we just hope you love finding some more new favourites from the huge number of premium stories that are now available to you. Tonight we are back with Koko, and I think you'll agree after this story that he really is simply the most curious koala that's ever existed.

[00:01:06] He cannot learn enough about the world around him, and when he's given a machine to discover what's below the ground, you can imagine his excitement is off the scale. Do you know that machine? It's Grandpa's treasured old metal detector. And joined by Dad, Grandpa and Michelle the lost property turtle, Koko searches Harmony Cove for a mysterious treasure chest buried long ago.

[00:01:33] But what they uncover is far more special than gold or jewels, leading Koko on a heartwarming journey beneath the glow of the koala moon. Now, please jump into bed if you aren't there already, and just get thinking about relaxing. Relaxing your legs and your shoulders, your arms, your back and, well, everywhere really.

[00:01:59] Just breathe and relax. Breathe and relax. Perfect. I'm going to get started. This is Coco and Grandpa's Moonlit Memory Box by Annabelle Pitcher. Before we begin, here's a quick ad break, then we'll start tonight's bedtime story.

[00:02:21] 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. And when you're trying to avoid screen time that keeps kids sitting still, Next Playground offers something different.

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[00:03:54] Dusk was gathering above the treetops in Sleepy Forest, and the birds were looking for somewhere to roost. Coco watched them gather in great crowds, then fly this way and that, searching for the perfect tree in which to spend the night. They roost together for warmth and protection, he explained to Kira, who was standing at his side in the forest.

[00:04:20] Long, sleepy shadows surrounded them on all sides as the koala sun finally dipped out of sight, taking the last hint of daylight with her. It had been one of those long summer days that seemed as if it would never end, and Coco had felt charmed by his life in the koala kingdom. He had dashed about, wondering why certain wildflowers grew in the shade and others preferred the sunlight,

[00:04:50] and why dandelion fluff chose that particular moment to let go and dance on the breeze, and how tadpoles with squirmy tails turned into frogs with strong, hoppy legs. It had been a day of queries and curiosity, and now his attention was caught by the birds in the purple sky. I wonder where they're going, he said, as the birds travelled through the darkening sky,

[00:05:20] as if they were carrying the night on their black wings. Where do they go to sleep? I have no idea, Coco, Kira replied, sounding a little bored. She liked the birds, but she didn't feel a huge amount of curiosity about their bedtime habits. She was more concerned with getting into bed herself, snuggling up beneath her cosy covers with a bedtime story.

[00:05:49] Truth be told, she was exhausted. Coco had run her ragged for the past few hours, sprinting from one side of the forest, exclaiming in delight and posing questions that didn't really have an answer. Now, surely, it was time for sleep. The sun had set, and the air smelled of a day well lived. The ground had a baked sort of scent,

[00:06:17] as if it had spent the past few hours in one of Betty Badger's ovens, and had been taken out to cool. What do you think, Kira? Coco said. Do they roost in the same tree every night, or do they find a different tree each evening? Again, Coco, for the 71st time, I have absolutely no idea, Kira giggled.

[00:06:46] But I love that you're curious. It's a nice quality to have. Indeed it is. Grandpa said, emerging from cosy cabin, carrying a large metallic object in his hand. It shone purple in the haze of dusk, or perhaps it shone purple for some other supernatural reason. It certainly looked quite magical, glinting violet beneath the trees,

[00:07:14] as Grandpa approached them with a smile. The tuft of white fur on his head wafted in the breeze, and his half-moon glasses caught the light of the first stars and twinkled. And that is why it's time to give you this. He held out the mysterious object. Coco simply stared at it for a moment, wondering what it was.

[00:07:42] There was a long metal stick, about the size of one of Coco's arms. One end of the stick was attached to a large disc, and the other to an electronic box with old-fashioned buttons and switches. Whatever the object was, it was ancient but well-maintained. The electronic box still worked. It was beeping now, as Grandpa hovered the disc above Coco's furry toes.

[00:08:12] Move aside, Coco, he said. You're standing on something. Coco stared at his feet, feeling puzzled. The only thing he was standing on was a patch of grass, but he did as Grandpa asked. Grandpa bent down and rummaged around in the grass where Coco had been just moments before. A few seconds later, he was holding up a bright silver coin.

[00:08:42] He he, a metal detector, Coco laughed, finally understanding what he was seeing. He looked at the machine, desperate to have a turn. Not just any metal detector, Coco. Grandpa said, passing the coin to Kira, who marveled at its shiny face and twinkly edges. The family metal detector.

[00:09:09] It's been a koala heirloom for decades. Grandpa stroked the handle of the metal detector, his eyes soft and warm. It brought me and my old dad many hours of joy, and he and his father too. Coco gazed at the ancient metal detector in wonder. It's wonderful, he said.

[00:09:36] It's wonderful, and it's yours, Grandpa said, holding it out. It fitted Coco's paw perfectly. Mine? Coco replied, hardly able to believe his ears. Yours, yours, Grandpa smiled. This machine needs to be with someone curious. Someone who's always asking questions.

[00:10:06] That's Coco, all right, said Kira. He never stops asking questions. Coco held the metal detector a little tighter. The machine felt surprisingly comfortable in his paws. Not too heavy, not too light. As if it were made just for him. Thank you, he said, gazing at Grandpa, his golden face full of gratitude.

[00:10:36] I promise I'll take very good care of it. I know you will, Grandpa replied warmly. And I think today might be the perfect day to give it its very first proper outing. Just then, the door of cozy cabin creaked open, and Dad stepped outside, brushing crumbs off his fur as if he'd just enjoyed an early evening snack.

[00:11:05] He paused when he saw the metal detector in Coco's hands. Well now, he said, raising his eyebrows. I haven't seen that old thing for a good few years. Coco beamed. Grandpa says we're going to try it out. Dad glanced from the metal detector to Grandpa, amusement dancing in his eyes.

[00:11:33] And what about bedtime, I wonder? Grandpa cleared his throat, looking a little sheepish. Bedtime is important, of course, but couldn't we just go out at dusk like we used to when you were small? Metal detecting is even more magical in the moonlight. What do you say, for old time's sake? The amusement in Dad's eyes spread to his mouth,

[00:12:03] which twitched a little, then broke into a grin. Where are you thinking? Grandpa shrugged. Harmony Cove, of course. Dad threw back his head and laughed. Harmony Cove? At this time? Coco jumped up and down on the spot. Oh, yes, please, Dad, please.

[00:12:29] It is rather urgent, Grandpa went on. You see, many years ago, I buried a small treasure chest at Harmony Cove. I tucked away a few special things from my younger days. The trouble is, he said, scratching the white tuft of hair on top of his head, I can't quite remember what I put inside it. Dad chuckled softly.

[00:12:59] And that's urgent, is it? A treasure chest from many years ago that suddenly needs locating, right this very moment? Precisely, Grandpa replied with a smirk. Urgent business, I'm sure you agree. I'd very much like to find out what's in there. Coco watched as Dad looked up at the treetops, assessing the situation.

[00:13:30] The purple light of dusk lingered between the branches, as if time had paused for a moment just for them. Okay, he said at last. For old time's sake, or new time's sake for you, Coco. If we set off now, we might reach Harmony Cove before it gets really dark. Coco's heart gave a happy thump. Harmony Cove.

[00:14:00] It was one of the little koala's favourite places in the whole of the koala kingdom. A wide, sandy beach where the sea rolled in gently and the cliffs stood tall and protective, like kindly guardians watching over the shore. It was the perfect place to hunt for treasure, but first they needed supplies. As Mum put an exhausted Kira to bed,

[00:14:29] Coco, Dad and Grandpa gathered what they needed in a small canvas bag. Sandwiches wrapped in paper, a flask of warm cocoa, and a thick blanket in case the night air turned chilly. Then they set off down the winding forest path to Sleepy River. When they reached the riverbank, Coco looked for a boat that might take them to Harmony Cove.

[00:14:55] Instead, there was something rather more surprising. A giant turtle rested patiently in the shallows, his shell rising above the water. A sturdy wooden platform had been fastened to it with a safety railing and benches for at least twenty passengers. Painted neatly along the side of the platform were the words, Turtle taxi!

[00:15:24] Coco exclaimed, Cool! The enormous turtle let out a low rumbling sound, somewhere between a sigh and a greeting, and shifted his flippers in the water. Carefully, Coco, Dad and Grandpa climbed up onto the wooden platform, settling themselves on the bench. With a gentle push, the turtle eased away from the bank

[00:15:53] and began his slow, steady journey along Sleepy River. The water glimmered in the fading light, reflecting the purple of the sky. Ripples spread behind them as the turtle moved forward, unhurried and calm, as if he had all the time in the world. Coco sat at the front, leaning over the railing,

[00:16:22] watching the forest slide past. Dragonflies skimmed the surface of the water and a gentle breeze whispered through the trees. I wonder where dragonflies sleep, Coco said, his eyes following a bright blue one as it hovered by his side then darted away again. And how do they know when it's time to stop flying?

[00:16:50] Do they have a set bedtime? He tilted his head, watching the ripples spread out behind the turtle. And what about the river? He went on. Does it ever stop moving? Grandpa smiled, exchanging a knowing look with Dad. The curious little koala really was the rightful owner of the family heirloom.

[00:17:20] It's like a long memory, Grandpa replied, his voice calm and thoughtful as the water slipped past. Always moving, always carrying things with it. Little pieces of where it's been and everything it's seen. It just keeps going, passing its story along all the way to the sea.

[00:17:50] The sea, Coco repeated, and as if on cue the river widened, the trees thinned, the sky opened up as the sound of waves reached their ears. They had reached Harmony Cove. It looked spectacular in the silvery light of the koala moon. The beach shimmered and the white cliffs twinkled.

[00:18:20] Seagulls wheeled overhead, their calls echoing faintly as the tide rolled in and out, rhythmic and reassuring. The turtle taxi slowed to a stop by a creaking wooden jetty. Coco hopped down, clutching the metal detector, his eyes sweeping the wide open curve of the bay, as if clues to the treasure's chest's whereabouts

[00:18:50] might be written in the ripples of the sand. Where did you bury it? Coco asked, the moment Grandpa's paws hit the jetty. How did you choose the spot in the first place? Did it feel important or did you just decide at random? Dad shook his head as he climbed down too. You might want to give Grandpa a moment to think before you expect him to remember everything, Coco.

[00:19:19] It was a long time ago. A very long time ago, Grandpa replied, his hands on his hips as he surveyed the beach. Before we begin, there is someone we ought to see. Someone who's very good at finding things himself and returning them to their rightful owners, of course. Coco's face broke into a happy grin. Michelle,

[00:19:49] he cried. Hey, Grandpa, perhaps Michelle has your treasure chest. Someone might have found it. Grandpa's eyes twinkled. Well, there's only one way to find out, isn't there? Tucked neatly against the pale curve of the cliff was a small wooden building with warm light glowing in its circular windows. A hand-painted sign

[00:20:19] hung above the door. It read, Lost Property Office, and swayed gently in the evening breeze. The door opened before Coco had even had a chance to knock. Well now, said Michelle, his voice light and teasing. I thought I saw three unlikely-looking adventurers disturbing the peace. Not lost, are you, my friends? Not lost,

[00:20:49] no, Grandpa chuckled, but very much hoping to find something. Well, in that case, you've come to the right place, Michelle replied, with a friendly bow, the helpful little turtle welcomed them inside. The lost property office was just as Coco remembered it. Shelves lined with carefully labelled boxes, each holding something that had once been misplaced.

[00:21:19] Buckets and spades, keys and coins, watches, and other precious trinkets. They looked almost ghostly in the moonlight. a strange collection of half-remembered things. Coco was relieved that the treasure chest was not among them. It was far more exciting to think of finding it buried in the sand than on the shelf of an office. I've never come across

[00:21:47] a treasure chest before, Michelle said, once Grandpa had finished explaining the reason for their journey. But I'd love to help you find it and to see how that rather splendid metal detector works, Coco. It looks very useful indeed. Even if we don't find the treasure chest, I'm sure we'll locate other lost items. And with that, the four friends stepped out

[00:22:17] onto the wide, quiet beach, where moonbeams fell softly on the great expanse of silvery sand. Harmony Cove looked enormous and Coco suddenly felt rather small and insignificant. Ready? Grandpa asked. Coco wasn't, but he took a deep breath anyway. It made him feel a little better. Ready, he said.

[00:22:46] And with a determined paw, he switched on the metal detector. It beeped straight away, making him jump. What do I do now? He asked, sounding slightly panicked. What do I do now, Grandpa? Move it around, Grandpa replied. Long, slow arcs from side to side. That's it, Coco. Listen for the beeps. The faster they are, the nearer the object.

[00:23:17] Coco moved slowly, just as Grandpa had suggested, sweeping the disk across the sand. Beep. Beep, beep. Beep, beep, beep. Bingo, Dad said. I think you found something, Coco. Have a look. Heart beating in his chest, Coco crouched down and began to dig. After a moment, something silver

[00:23:47] caught the light of the koala moon. He lifted it carefully. A delicate metal comb, shaped like a seashell. He handed it to Dad, who tucked it gently in the canvas bag and smiled. A fine beginning, Coco, he said. Well done. They moved on. Beep. Beep, beep. Beep, beep, This time,

[00:24:17] a small spoon emerged, worn smooth with time. Beep, beep, beep. An old fish hook, curled and rusty. Beep, beep, beep. A metal button, simple and round. Each discovery felt like a small piece of a larger story, a tiny clue in a great mystery. The canvas bag grew heavier

[00:24:46] as they searched in silence, almost mesmerized by the steady rhythm and hypnotic arc of the metal detector. And then, suddenly, there came a different beep. A beep, beep, beep, beep, beep. The sound rang out loud and insistent. Coco froze, his heart giving a quick, hopeful thump. That,

[00:25:15] said Grandpa quietly, sounds promising. Coco dropped to his knees at once, digging with renewed energy. Dad joined him and then Grandpa, too, whose face looked more youthful than it had done in years, animated by boyish energy from his younger days. Keep going, Michelle said, watching all the excitement

[00:25:44] from a short distance. His expression rapped, I think you're on to something here. Before long, the edge of something solid appeared beneath the sand. Careful now, Grandpa murmured. It will be fragile. Together, they worked more slowly, brushing and clearing away the sand, until a small chest emerged,

[00:26:13] old and weathered, its metal corners softened by time. Coco sat back staring at it. Treasure chest, he said, almost in a whisper. Your treasure chest, Grandpa? My treasure chest, Grandpa replied, sounding awed. You found it, Coco.

[00:26:42] They carried the precious chest to a flat stretch of sand. Then Grandpa knelt beside it and lifted the latch. Coco leaned a little closer, keen to find out what was inside. The lid creaked open to reveal several rolls of tape. Coco blinked. What are they? Grandpa picked one up, holding it gently between his paws. His expression

[00:27:11] changed, not quite sadness, not quite joy, but something deeper, something that seemed to reach both backward and forward at once. Pieces of the past, he said, quietly. Of course, I remember now. It's a memory box because memories are my most precious treasure. These are

[00:27:40] videotapes, Coco, videos of my childhood, but how to play them. Michelle held up a flipper. As it happens, he said, I have just the thing. They returned to the lost property office where Michelle searched the store cupboard. In a cloud of dust and cobwebs, he brought out the ancient-looking projector, along with four rickety

[00:28:10] deck chairs and a small picnic table. Before long, the projector had been set up against the pale face of the cliff. The rock stood tall and smooth, like a great blank page waiting to be filled. The friends sat together on the chairs, a plate of sandwiches and four mugs of cocoa steaming on the table between them. Dad removed the blanket from the

[00:28:39] canvas bag and handed it to Coco, who cuddled up, cosy and content. Michelle threaded the first tape with careful precision. The machine hummed to life, its quiet whirr, steady and reassuring. A beam of light stretched across the sand and touched the cliff. And then, almost like magic, the past appeared.

[00:29:08] A young koala ran across the beach, his movements full of energy and laughter, his fur ruffled by the wind. Coco gasped. Grandpa? Grandpa smiled softly. That's me. The image flickered and danced, the memory alive against the stone. The young koala leapt over waves,

[00:29:38] built a sandcastle, chased seagulls along the shore. Coco watched completely still. You were just like me, he said. Grandpa nodded, looking wistful. Yes, Coco, I was just like you once. Another film began. This time, the young grandpa was digging in sand,

[00:30:08] just as Coco had done, the metal detector on his knees. Beside him stood an older koala, his own father, pointing and laughing as something small and shiny was uncovered. Coco sighed. How strange it was to see grandpa as a young koala, and how comfortingly familiar, too. He had done the

[00:30:37] same things and had lived the same days and had been on the same adventures as Coco. They were all connected by memories and love. Coco leaned against his father, the metal detector, resting quietly on his knees, feeling the joy of belonging to something much bigger than himself. For some reason,

[00:31:07] he thought of Sleepy River, always moving, always carrying things with it, little pieces of where it's been and everything it's seen. It just keeps going, Grandpa had said. It just keeps going, passing its story along all the way to the sea. It was a comforting thought. Coco smiled

[00:31:36] to himself as the koala moon shone more brightly in the jet black sky. Beneath his cosy blanket, he watched her silvery light spread across the water and touched the cliffs, almost like another projector, he muttered, a little sleepily now. Grandpa followed his gaze and chuckled. You're right,

[00:32:06] Coco. The koala moon has been telling stories far longer than we have. The final film flickered once, twice, then faded. The cliff was just a cliff once more. No one spoke for a while. They simply sat together listening to the tide, which moved in

[00:32:35] and out as if the sea itself was breathing. Coco felt a deep, peaceful stillness, which seemed to belong to the past as much as the present, as though he was sitting not only at the end of his own day, but at the end of Grandpa's long-ago ones, too. It felt as if the laughter on the cliffs

[00:33:04] had not quite faded, as if the young koala in the films still lingered in the air just out of reach. Coco snuggled deeper beneath the blanket, his eyes growing heavy as he stared up at the sky. I wonder how many stars there are, he murmured. Dad shook his head fondly and glanced at Grandpa.

[00:33:34] Still asking questions, he said, even at the very end of the day. Coco's eyes drifted down to the pale stretch of beach, and how many grains of sand? Grandpa rubbed a little between his paws, more than we could ever count. And

[00:34:04] how many koalas have sat right here, in this exact spot? Coco added, his voice barely more than a whisper. The metal detector lay across his knees, quiet now, it's searching done for the day. No one replied, no one needed to, because some things could be counted,

[00:34:34] and some things could be found, but others were simply there to be wondered about. and wonder Coco did, about everything and nothing, until he drifted off to sleep. were in the way. What? What? What?