Koko Goes To Koalaland 🎢 🎡 Magical 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. Hey, welcome into the Koko Clubhouse tonight, a lovely, lovely big group of you. First off we've got John who's in Baltimore, Maryland. Then we've got Esme, the first of the UK contingent. Perhaps it's Esme, I'm not sure, you're in Eli.

[00:00:39] There's also Owen from Massachusetts. And then we're welcoming in Finn, who is Seven from Livingston in Scotland. Then we've got Abby, great name, from Shrewsbury in the UK. We have Theo in Minneapolis in the US. And also Rowan, who is in Elkridge, Maryland, USA.

[00:00:59] Thank you so much, all of you and your families, for joining up for the year, for supporting the show, for just giving us the extra boost we need. We love what we do, but we couldn't do it without your support. So we hope you enjoy all your extra bonus content as a big thank you from us. OK, hands up then, who is going to a theme park this summer? I'm wondering if the roller coasters are your favourite, or the spinning teacups perhaps, or the watery rides.

[00:01:28] I love the log flumes and the splashy rides way more than the big dippers. And it seems I'm not alone, as poor little Prickles the hedgehog is having a really hard time feeling as excited as Coco about going up so high on the roller coaster. Theme parks are full of new experiences, there's no doubt about it. And Prickles is discovering that sometimes you just have to be braver than you think is possible.

[00:01:56] Shall we join them as they go to the grand opening of Koala Land? It's the Koala Kingdom's very first theme park. OK, let's go. Although, first of all, maybe settle back into your mattress. Relax your bodies. Perhaps sigh as you lie back and then breathe in. And out. Again. In. And sigh it out.

[00:02:26] Try and make your out breath a little bit longer each time. That will just help you to get in the snoozy mood. OK, I'm going to begin Coco Goes to Koala Land by Luke Prendergast. Some stories take centre stage. Some are discovered brick by brick. From purple butterflies to guitar-shaped petals.

[00:02:51] Every LEGO Edition's Olivia Rodrigo set is filled with Easter eggs inspired by Olivia's world. So rock out like your favourite superstar. Find a story in every piece with the complete LEGO Edition's Olivia Rodrigo collection.

[00:03:04] One afternoon, Mr. Beacon, the puffin who looked after the lunar lighthouse on the cliffs of Harmony Cove, arrived in sleepy forest with intriguing news. While keeping watch over the sea, he'd spotted something unexpected on a distant island.

[00:03:32] Peering through his binoculars, he'd seen huge metal structures rising from the shoreline. It looks like something is being built out there, he told the creatures gathered in the sleepy forest town hall. But I've no idea what it could be. The residents were fascinated and asked Mr. Beacon to keep watch and report back with any new discoveries.

[00:03:59] Every few days, he returned with another update. A giant mountain had appeared, complete with a sparkling waterfall. Then came more curious structures, followed by a huge green dinosaur, a gleaming rocket ship, and what looked like an enormous pizza. Nobody could work out what it all meant. Then, one afternoon, Mr. Beacon arrived with his biggest discovery yet.

[00:04:30] There's a sign, he announced. What does it say? someone asked. Koala Land. The town hall fell silent. Koala Land, they repeated. Mr. Beacon shrugged. It's a mystery to me. The mystery wasn't solved until purple invitations arrived at every home across the koala kingdom.

[00:04:58] One fluttered through the letterbox of Koala's cozy cabin, and he eagerly picked it up. You are cordially invited, he read, to the grand opening of Koala Land tomorrow evening. Prepare for dazzling attractions, dizzying rides, and the most delightful evening of your lives.

[00:05:25] Koala Land is the koala kingdom's very first pop-up theme park. Who knows how long we'll be around? Trust us, you don't want to miss out. The final words disappeared beneath Coco's excited squeal as he tossed the invitation into the air. Koala Land is a theme park, he cried, racing over to his mum.

[00:05:53] A theme park? Oh, please, can I go? His mum smiled. Is your homework all done? Almost, Coco admitted. And is your room tidy? Coco squinted slightly as the vision of his bedroom floor, littered with worn clothes and his upended toy box, swam into his mind.

[00:06:20] Very secretly, he crossed his fingers behind his back. Oh, yes, he said. Well, his mum nodded. As long as your homework is done and your room is tidy, I don't see why not. Coco threw his paws in the air. Hooray! Who are you going to take along with you? His mum asked. I'm going to ask my best pal Prickles, he told her.

[00:06:48] And then he scuttled upstairs to tidy his room. Late the next afternoon, Coco and Prickles set out from their cabin in the woods with a backpack full of snacks. A dark golden light filtered through the treetops, and up above them there was not a single cloud and the pale purple sky. Coco rubbed his paws together.

[00:07:13] Oh, it's the perfect evening for going to a theme park, he said. I'm so excited. Beside him, Prickles swallowed thickly. If I'm honest, he said, I'm nervous. Coco glanced at him. Nervous? Prickles nodded. I'm a bit scared of rides, he admitted.

[00:07:42] Coco slung an arm around his friend's shoulders, being careful not to accidentally prick himself on one of the hedgehog's spiky spines. Don't you worry, Prickles, he said. There's nothing to be scared of. I'll be there. We're going to have a lot of fun. Which made Prickles smile gratefully, even if he did still look a little bit nervous.

[00:08:09] They floated on a lily pad all the way down the sleepy river, until they reached the coast at Harmony Cove. The invitation directed them to come to the portion of the beach right at the foot of the cliff, where the lunar lighthouse stood, its lantern already lit in preparation for the approaching night.

[00:08:30] There was a large crowd of people already gathered on the cove, chatting merrily about the grand opening of Koala Land. Coco and Prickles joined an orderly queue that had formed and snaked in wide loops, and when they reached the front, they were met with a beaming fox in a purple uniform. Welcome to Koala Land, she said. We're so happy you could come.

[00:08:59] This is Koala Land? Prickles asked, frowning and gazing around at the sand and shingle. I thought this was Harmony Cove. Oh, said the fox. This is Harmony Cove. That is Koala Land. And she pointed out across the water at an island far off in the distance. Ah, sighed Prickles. That makes more sense.

[00:09:29] But wait a second. How do we get there? For an answer, the fox pointed behind her to where a whole host of little speedboats stood bobbing in the water. Each boat had a captain in a matching purple uniform and a red and white striped parachute attached to a harness in the back. You parasail, the fox said. Coco's eyes lit up.

[00:09:57] Cool, he whispered. Coco and Prickles climbed carefully into two neighboring speedboats, saying hello to the captains and listening to their brief safety instructions. Then they were helped into their harnesses, making sure the buckles were strapped securely, and their flight goggles were in place over their eyes. From across the edges of their two boats, they grinned and waved at each other. Ready?

[00:10:27] Called one of the captains. And in unison, Coco and Prickles told her that they were ready. All right, said the captain. Off we go. Coco. And two little speedboats revved into gear and started chugging forward in the direction of the distant island. Foaming streams of water expanded in arrows behind the boats.

[00:10:52] As the boats picked up speed, a gentle breeze rippled through Coco's fur and made his lips flap. Then it happened. The breeze became strong enough to fill his parachute. And the next moment, he found his paws lifting off the back of the boat as he gently rose up into the air. Beside him, Prickles was airborne too.

[00:11:20] Behind them, the shingle shore of Harmony Cove receded. And far beneath them spread the calm blue surface of the sea. From up here, the boats they were attached to by their long rope lines looked small as little toys from a toy box. We're flying, Coco! Prickles called out. And Coco nodded and laughed and flapped his arms like he was a bird.

[00:11:50] With their arms outstretched, they soared through the sky. Gradually, the koala land island got closer and closer. And Coco could see more clearly what the theme park had in store. There were large looping roller coasters, rides and food stalls. On one side of the island, just like Mr. Beacon had told everyone, stood a giant rocket ship.

[00:12:19] On the other stood a big green dinosaur. And at the rear, a mountain had been built with glowing red lava spilling out of its summit to make it look like a volcano. Coco shivered with excitement. Koala land might just look like the most awesome place he had ever seen. Soon, the wind-ruffling Coco's fur seemed to drop.

[00:12:45] He looked down and saw that the speedboats were slowing down. They were reaching the shore of Koala land island, where a little curved marina waited to receive the speedboats bearing the parasailing guests. Gently, gently, they drifted down through the air. Coco wiggled his toes as the deck of the boat came into view.

[00:13:11] And then, his paws touched the surface, and he landed back on the speedboat with a little bump. Have fun? Asked the captain. Coco nodded. So much fun, he said. You're about to have even more, the captain told him with a grin. She helped him out of his harness and took his flight goggles off his head.

[00:13:36] He thanked her, stepped off the deck onto the marina, and found himself standing next to Prickles. They had arrived. In front of them rose a broad archway with the word Koala land all lit up in flickering lights. Dozens of guests spilled through the barrier and into the theme park.

[00:14:00] Coco and Prickles exchanged a glittering look with each other, which meant only one thing. Let's go. They wandered under the archway and into the park. Let's head this way, Coco said, taking hold of Prickles' paw and leading him on a winding path to the left, where the huge rocket ship's metal body gleamed in the distance. But it wasn't the rocket ship he was aiming for.

[00:14:30] He had another ride in mind. A minute later, they stood looking up at the swooping and swirling tracks of a roller coaster. They watched as a train passed by, doing a loop-the-loop as passengers lifted their hands in the air and let out little whoops of excitement. Coco could already feel the blood in his veins bubbling. He couldn't wait to get on the ride.

[00:14:57] But beside him, Prickles was quivering, and it didn't appear to be with excitement. Oh, Coco, he stuttered. I don't think I can go on this ride. I'm too scared. Oh, it's okay, Prickles, Coco reassured him, placing a paw on his shoulder. There's nothing to be scared of. It's just a roller coaster.

[00:15:26] But now, Prickles was gnawing rather nervously on the nails of his paw. Coco felt a little wave of sympathy wash through him. Prickles really was afraid of rides. Well, it was normal to be afraid of things. Coco was afraid of things himself. He always got a little bit nervous whenever it was time for his mum to give him a haircut.

[00:15:52] And when he was younger, and even still sometimes now, he got scared when his dad turned on the vacuum cleaner. He'd even been frightened of his own hiccups the first time he'd had them. He didn't want to make Prickles feel bad, and he didn't want him to chew his nails off either. So he gave the trembling hedgehog's shoulder another squeeze and said, Let's try another ride. After all, there are so many here.

[00:16:23] And as they continued down the winding path, Prickles slipped Coco a brief, grateful smile. Instead, they went on the Ferris wheel first, a big golden circle, all covered in glowing light bulbs. Coco and Prickles sat in one of the swinging seats, pulling the leg rest down over them so they were nice and secure. Then up they rose in a sweeping arc,

[00:16:53] giving them a beautiful view across koala land. Prickles pointed out how the giant dinosaur on the other side of the park seemed to be waving at them. And Coco looked down at the water's edge and saw a pirate ship that disappeared beneath the surface for a minute, before bobbing back up again. Sheets of a glistening water rushing from its bow.

[00:17:20] Next, they tottered over towards the giant rocket ship, where they had to queue for about ten minutes. When they reached the front, they filed through the rocket's sliding door and into what felt like a very realistic cockpit. Screens and buttons and levers covered the walls, emitting little bleeps, and a moment later, the friendly voice of a robot sounded over the intercom.

[00:17:48] Welcome aboard. Welcome aboard. I am your captain, Astrobot. Please take your seats. Launch is in two minutes. Coco and Prickles clambered up onto some silvery seats beside a large window and buckled their belts. Through the window, they could see all of koala land stretching out before them. Astrobot came back over the intercom,

[00:18:16] informing everyone to prepare for liftoff. Then, there came a rumbling and a bumbling, the whole spaceship vibrating. And suddenly, out of the window, koala land disappeared far below them. The dinosaur, which had just been ginormous, shrunk to a tiny dot and then vanished altogether as thick clouds passed by the window.

[00:18:44] And then, dark blue sky. And then, whoa, whispered Prickles. He appeared to be lifting up out of his seat, as though he had suddenly become as light as a feather. Coco was floating too, held back by only his belt strap. No gravity, he whispered in disbelief. How had they done that?

[00:19:13] Look, Prickles said, pointing out the window. Below them, the earth spun like a blue and green tennis ball. And there was the koala moon. She was smiling at them with her soft golden face, and her gentle glow filtered through the rocket windows and danced on the walls. They did one weightless lap of the earth

[00:19:40] before the rocket descended back to the ground, landing with a gentle thud. The sliding doors hissed open, Coco and Prickles spilled out, and they stood at the exit, blinking at each other with amazement. Do you think we really left earth and came back? Coco said. It definitely feels like we did,

[00:20:09] replied Prickles. I guess we'll never know. Now they padded around koala land, feeling totally at home. They grabbed a slice from the giant pizza restaurant and a chocolate milkshake too. They went on the dinosaur teacups and were sunk underwater on the pirate ship. And as they were chuckling and discussing whether the strange underwater shadows they'd spotted had been mermaids

[00:20:38] or just some funny fish, they found themselves quite unexpectedly standing at the entrance to the roller coaster. A train rattled past, filled with grinning passengers. Coco experienced a small pang. He wished that he could go on it. But if Prickles was scared, that was okay. It wouldn't make him feel bad. He snuck a surreptitious look at his friend,

[00:21:07] expecting to see a nervous expression on his face, his legs crossed and squeezing. But instead, Prickles was staring up at the coaster with a smile spreading over his cheeks. Coco, he said. Let's ride it. Oh, Prickles, replied Coco. Don't worry. We don't have to go on it. But Prickles shook his head.

[00:21:35] No, I want to, he said. I think I'm ready. Coco's eyes went wide and bright. Really? Prickles nodded once, firmly. Yes, let's go. They set off, snaking their way down the winding pathways of the queue. Luckily, there weren't many people waiting in line for the roller coaster anymore,

[00:22:03] so Coco and Prickles could get right on. They took the front seats of the train, climbing up into them, and thanking the black bear who came around, lowering their safety guards and making sure they were secure. Coco reached out his paw. Prickles took it. They squeezed each other. Ready, Coco said. Prickles nodded.

[00:22:32] And Prickles? Coco added. Yes, Coco? If you're scared, it's okay. Prickles grinned at him. Right back at you, he said. The roller coaster left the station and began to rise up a slope. The tracks clicked and chugged beneath them. Across the ocean, they could see the coast of Harmony Cove

[00:23:01] with the little blinking light of the lunar lighthouse, where Mr. Beacon would certainly be keeping watch. They moved slowly around a curve and paused before a drop. Then, keeping hold of each other's paws, they raised their spare arms in the air and gave each other a quick squeeze. And then it was like they were flying,

[00:23:29] sweeping down towards the ground, then up again, just as though they had wings. Wind rippled through their fur, and beside him, Coco heard Prickles laughing with delight. Oh, what a sound that was. How Coco loved hearing his friend having fun. Their eyes filled up with sky and then grassy ground, sky once more,

[00:23:59] and grassy ground, before the car began to slow down and they rolled back into the station again. That's it? Prickles said, glancing around. I could have gone on for twice as long. Coco laughed. For someone who claimed he was terrified of rides, he said, you sure seem to like them now. Well, Coco,

[00:24:26] said Prickles with a cheeky twinkle in his eye. I don't know what to tell you. I guess all I can say is I'm a changed hedgehog. Koala Land will do that to you. They spilled out of the ride and went to the little cabin where photographs of all the passengers on the roller coaster were shown on screens. They scanned the wall for their own and then Coco pointed.

[00:24:55] There they were at the top of the train. Prickles had a grin of pure pleasure on his face. In fact, of the two of them, Coco looked the more scared. The picture was so funny that they just had to have it and each of them got it on a fridge magnet. This is gonna stand pride of place on my fridge forever, Prickles said with his chest puffed up. No matter what, my mum says.

[00:25:25] The sky above them now was an ocean of black, decorated with sequined stars and the great glow of the koala moon. As they strolled slowly through the theme park, Prickles let out a yawn. And before he knew it, Coco was yawning too. As it turned out, having a lot of fun could be pretty tiring.

[00:25:52] I wonder whether there's anywhere we can sit down, said Coco. Maybe have a little rest. Prickles pointed ahead of them. How about there? Koala Land had a habit of leading them to exactly what they needed. For they had found themselves at the far side of the park, in front of a large and ancient-looking temple.

[00:26:21] It was fronted with palm trees and had big stone steps leading up to it. From its open doors and windows leaked the gentle glow of candlelight. And at the bottom of the stairs was a sign that read, The Sleepy Tiki Temple. That sounds just perfect, Coco said. As they climbed the stone steps of the temple,

[00:26:50] they noticed that their legs were feeling heavy. They hoped there was somewhere to rest their feet inside. When they wandered in, they found, quite to their surprise, a chamber with a large pool of clear water. Nobody else was there, just them. But floating on the water were a series of large canoes lined up along a jetty.

[00:27:17] Each canoe was filled with soft cushions and cosy-looking blankets, which looked irresistibly inviting. I suppose we get into one of these, Prickle said. And as though in response, one of the canoes tipped back and forth. Yes, it seemed to say. Climb on in. And so in they climbed,

[00:27:45] settling their bums down on the beaded cushions and resting their heads against the wooden sides of the canoe. The canoe itself seemed to know once they were safe and comfy, for without requiring any encouragement, it loosened itself from the jetty and began to sail gently across the pool of water and into the channel of a stream.

[00:28:12] The stream took them through a curtained archway and into the temple's next chamber. At first, the chamber seemed pitch dark, then hundreds of tiny orange lights flickered into view. Fireflies, Coco whispered. Their golden glow shimmered across the temple walls and danced on the water

[00:28:39] as the little canoe drifted beneath them. The fireflies twirled overhead in gentle patterns, and Coco and Prickles lay back, watching their glowing dance. Soon, they floated into another chamber, where only a soft, comforting light glowed in the distance. The canoe rocked gently on the water

[00:29:06] as leaves rustled overhead and quiet music drifted through the air. Before long, both friends felt wonderfully sleepy. Prickles yawned, gave his spines a contented little shiver, and soon, a gentle snore told Coco he was fast asleep.

[00:29:31] Smiling, Coco tucked a silky blanket around himself and rested his head on a cushion. Outside, Koala Land was still full of excitement, but inside the temple, everything was peaceful and still. As his eyes closed, one last memory floated through his mind.

[00:29:58] He and Prickles soaring through the evening sky, the wind in their fur, with magical Koala Land waiting below. Coco smiled, twitched his toes as though preparing to land once more, and drifted peacefully off to sleep as the canoe carried them gently onward. đopert su forex love qu r