Koko & Kookai Hit The Slopes 🐨🎿 Rewind Kids Bedtime Story

[00:00:01] [SPEAKER_01] Hello and welcome back to Koala Moon, a podcast of original children's bedtime stories and meditations designed to make bedtime a dream. So welcome to the Koko Club to our brand new subscribers. That's Iris Overton, Alexi in London, Barney Martin and Zoe from Bainbridge Island, Washington.

[00:00:22] [SPEAKER_01] Thank you for joining us in the club, guys. We love having you and we hope you'll enjoy all the hours and hours of bonus episodes and ad-free listening. Tonight we're joining Koko and his little cousin Kukai as they head off skiing for the first time. I know! Lucky them! And they're not going to the local dry ski slope either. They are enjoying the real deal on the snowy ski slopes of New Zealand.

[00:00:51] [SPEAKER_01] Thanks to a spot of help from her encouraging older cousin, Kukai has the best day ever snowboarding down a mountain and she even meets a rather impressive local. So grab your snowboard, your skis and your goggles and let's go and join the adventurous koalas. Before we begin, a quick message for the grown-ups. If you'd like to support our podcast, enjoy ad-free listening,

[00:01:19] [SPEAKER_01] unlock four bonus stories per month and much, much more, you can join Koko Club. Subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show notes. But now here's a quick word from our sponsors.

[00:01:32] [SPEAKER_00] Hey parents, I'm Carissa, the host of Sleepwave, a sleep meditation podcast from the creators of Koala Moon. We understand how much you appreciate the bedtime stories on Koala Moon for your little ones. But as a mother myself, I know that parents need their relaxation time too. With soothing meditations and nostalgic stories, each episode of Sleepwave is crafted to help busy minds slow down, so you can wake up feeling well-rested tomorrow.

[00:02:01] [SPEAKER_00] Each night I'll guide you to sleep with beautiful visualizations and calming journeys, which listeners describe as perfect for drifting off to. Not sure where to start with meditation? Try one of my favorite episodes, A Mental Vacation, where I'll lead you through using your imagination to experience the deep relaxation of a holiday without ever leaving your bedroom. You can discover Sleepwave on all major podcast platforms.

[00:02:30] [SPEAKER_00] Simply search Sleepwave Sleep Meditations and hit follow so you can easily find the show later tonight. Sweet dreams.

[00:02:39] [SPEAKER_01] This is Coco and Kukai Hit the Slopes by Alicia Ainsley. It had been a long time since the koalas had enjoyed a big family holiday together. With everyone living all over the world, it could be hard to get everyone together in one place at the same time.

[00:03:05] [SPEAKER_01] But this winter season, everybody had made the effort to set some time aside to meet up for a fun-filled family vacation in the snowy mountains of New Zealand. Everyone was excited for the trip in their own different ways. Aunty Shirley was looking forward to doing a spot of hiking. Coco's parents and his sister Kira were particularly interested in exploring the towns at the bottom of the mountains,

[00:03:32] [SPEAKER_01] and Coco couldn't wait to grab his snowboard and hit the slopes. Meanwhile, Coco's young cousin, Kukai, had never been on holiday before, and she was simply looking forward to experiencing everything. She hoped that she would get to meet the local wildlife, admire the beautiful snowy mountains, and maybe make some new friends. But she especially wanted to try skiing for the first time.

[00:04:02] [SPEAKER_01] The whole family were staying together in a big wooden chalet in the town of Queenstown, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. On the first night they all arrived, they cooked a big, hearty dinner together, played some board games in front of the fireplace, and enjoyed catching up on what they'd all been up to since they last saw one another. They had so much to talk about, and it was a truly joyful reunion.

[00:04:31] [SPEAKER_01] When they awoke the next day, it was time for them all to enjoy their vacation in their own way. Coco's parents and sister headed into town, while Aunty Shirley joined a hiking tour on an expedition up into the mountains. Kukai's parents would be taking the littlest koalas to the ski slopes. They led her and her cousin Coco towards the foot of a mountain range called the Remarkables.

[00:05:00] [SPEAKER_01] They were called this due to how impressively high and craggy they were, and how perfect they were for skiing. The koalas hopped on the ski lift, and up they went into the mountains. First, they all went to the shop, where Coco picked up his snowboard, and young Kukai was fitted with her own first pair of skis.

[00:05:26] [SPEAKER_01] Then, Kukai was taken to enjoy her first ski lesson with an instructor on the nursery slopes. Despite Kukai's initial eagerness to learn how to ski, she couldn't help being distracted during her ski lesson. Every time she looked to the nearby snow-dusted slopes, she watched on as her older cousin Coco zoomed and skidded his way down the slopes.

[00:05:54] [SPEAKER_01] He superbly navigated his electric blue snowboard from side to side, winding his way through the snow at exciting speed until he reached the bottom of the slope and unclipped his feet from the board. There were lots of equally cool animals zooming down the mountain in skis, but Kukai was drawn to Coco's fancy skills. She wanted to be just like her older cousin.

[00:06:24] [SPEAKER_01] Once Kukai's ski lesson was over, she joined her parents and Coco in the cafe for some hot lunch. Coco carried his blue snowboard under one arm and his helmet under the other. He looked very cool in his snowsuit. Kukai wanted to look as cool as him. When they were all comfortably seated at the table devouring their lunches,

[00:06:51] [SPEAKER_01] Kukai turned to her older cousin and said sweetly, Coco, you looked really cool on the slopes. You're a very good snowboarder. It looks like a lot of fun. Coco smiled graciously and replied, It is a lot of fun. I love to go snowboarding whenever I can.

[00:07:19] [SPEAKER_01] Kukai asked Coco how long it had taken him to learn to snowboard and Coco admitted that he had been practicing for quite a while and he still had lots to learn. But he was getting better every time he practiced. Kukai pouted and looked at her skis propped up against the wall. I wish I could snowboard like you, she muttered wistfully.

[00:07:49] [SPEAKER_01] Coco cast a look at Kukai's mum and dad and they raised their eyebrows with amusement. Coco placed his hand on his little cousin's shoulder and suggested, Well, why don't I try to teach you some moves? I'm not the best snowboarder, but I can teach you the basics at least.

[00:08:15] [SPEAKER_01] Kukai's little face perked up and her mouth spread into a big smile. Oh, yes please, Coco, she cried, giddily. I would love that. So it was settled. Once their lunches were all finished, they headed to the ski shop to swap Kukai's skis for a hot pink snowboard and Kukai had never felt cooler.

[00:08:44] [SPEAKER_01] The snowboard was surprisingly heavy and Kukai dragged it through the snow with her little paws, leaving a trail in the snow behind her. Noticing her struggle, Coco offered to help her carry it and together they walked over to the ski lift queue to head back up the mountain. This time it would just be Coco and Kukai heading up the mountain.

[00:09:12] [SPEAKER_01] Kukai's parents were going to wait at the foot of the mountain with a hot cup of coffee and Coco was in charge of looking after Kukai for the afternoon. Coco promised that he would take good care of his cousin and the two little koalas waved goodbye to Kukai's parents as they were carried away up the mountain on the ski lift.

[00:09:37] [SPEAKER_01] Kukai looked down at the snowy ground far below her as her little furry legs dangled over the edge of her seat. Sitting in the ski lift felt a little bit like flying. They could see for miles and miles around from up on the ski lift and Kukai felt on top of the world. If every vacation was going to be like this,

[00:10:05] [SPEAKER_01] then she couldn't wait for all the other ones she had in store. Next to them on the ski lift were a friendly crocodile called Scales and a chatty kiwi called Tia. And the four of them all chatted away as they floated up towards the top of the mountain. Scales the crocodile was from Australia and said that he had been coming to New Zealand for ski holidays every year

[00:10:32] [SPEAKER_01] ever since he was a young hatchling trying on his first pair of skis. Tia the kiwi confessed that she didn't care much for skiing but she just liked to come up here to admire the breathtaking views with a hot chocolate. This is my first time learning to snowboard, Kukai admitted before adding, my cousin Coco here is going to teach me.

[00:10:59] [SPEAKER_01] The crocodile and kiwi were very pleased to hear that Coco was so kindly offering to help her and they wished Kukai the best of luck with her first day of snowboarding. Scales suggested, If you want a proper snowboarding lesson at any point, then you must train with Kara, the kia. She's lived in the mountains her whole life and is the best snowboarder around.

[00:11:29] [SPEAKER_01] Plus, she makes an excellent teacher. Coco and Kukai made note of Kara's name and thanked Scales for their advice. Their ski lift reached the top of the mountain and the safety bar sprung up allowing the four new friends to hop off and begin their afternoon. Good luck, Kukai! Scales and Tia wished kindly to the little pink koala before going their separate ways.

[00:11:59] [SPEAKER_01] Eagerly, Kukai turned to Coco and asked with a sweet, optimistic face, So where shall we start, Coco? Coco patted the bright pink helmet on her head and suggested that they start by finding her balance on her board. That was the core of everything. So they trudged through the snow to a flat area where they could practice in peace.

[00:12:29] [SPEAKER_01] Coco showed Kukai how he clipped his boots into his snowboard and stood up straight. Then he performed a few little hops on the board to check that his feet were secured in place and instructed Kukai to do the same thing. Kukai placed her tiny feet in position and wriggled them until they clipped into place. Then she tried to stand up tall but promptly toppled over.

[00:12:59] [SPEAKER_01] Standing up was tougher than she thought. She tried again but slower this time and managed to wobble her way to standing. Coco smiled and said, Now do a few little hops to make sure your feet are secure. Coco bent her knees and tried to lift off the ground but the board was quite heavy and she barely moved an inch.

[00:13:25] [SPEAKER_01] She attempted to hop again, a little stronger this time and the board lifted up into the air a little too high. Kukai stumbled to the ground yet again landing in the soft fluffy snow with a plop. Oh dear, she muttered. I'm not very good at this. Coco held out his hand to help her back up to her feet and reassured her.

[00:13:55] [SPEAKER_01] Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it, he said. It just takes practice. For the next hour, Coco patiently taught Kukai how to find her balance on her snowboard and how to push off and go from standing still. Keeping her balance while the board was moving was very hard at first but once she had tried it a few times and learnt to bend her knees and trust in herself,

[00:14:25] [SPEAKER_01] Kukai found it much easier and she fell over less and less. Eventually, Coco thought that Kukai was ready to move onto a small slope to practice getting used to moving on the snowboard. They started on a slope no bigger than a molehill to begin with. Then, once Kukai had successfully skated down that one, they moved onto a slope the height of a small slide.

[00:14:53] [SPEAKER_01] With each small increment in height, Kukai struggled at first to keep her balance on each new slope but quickly learned how to navigate the different inclines until she felt much more confident. In next to no time, she felt more stable and strong in her legs and was flying down the slopes with ease. She felt on top of the world and like the coolest koala around.

[00:15:24] [SPEAKER_01] Coco was a great teacher. Coco led Kukai to the top of another slope that was quite a bit taller but he felt confident that she was ready to push herself that bit further. Kukai was so excited to finally have a go on one of the proper ski slopes. Before they set off, Coco suggested,

[00:15:50] [SPEAKER_01] Watch me and observe closely how I move my body to glide down the hill. Coco set off on his snowboard down the small snow slope and Kukai watched as closely as she could. Coco smoothly skidded over the snow, subtly leaning his body from side to side to change his course of direction.

[00:16:17] [SPEAKER_01] He created big, wide S-shapes across the snow to slow himself down and soon he was down at the bottom of the slope waiting for Kukai. He hadn't lost his balance once. He had made it look so easy. Kukai heard Coco call up the small slope to her. Now it's your turn.

[00:16:45] [SPEAKER_01] Keep your feet planted firmly on your snowboard and breathe. Kukai hopped her board to the edge of the small slope, took a deep breath and set off. As she started to skate across the slippery snow, she wobbled a little at first and she felt like she was moving too fast.

[00:17:11] [SPEAKER_01] But then she remembered how Coco had lent his body, ever so slightly, from side to side, to create the wide S-shapes across the snow. She took a calming breath and leant to her right side. Amazingly, her snowboard started to move to the left and her pace began to slow down. Next, she switched her body weight to the left side

[00:17:40] [SPEAKER_01] and watched as the snowboard beneath her feet turned and headed towards the right side of the slope. Kukai giggled with relief. She was doing it. She was snowboarding, just like Coco. She changed direction several times, drawing big S-shapes in the snow until she reached the bottom of the slope and came to a halt.

[00:18:07] [SPEAKER_01] Coco instantly started applauding her and Kukai grinned with pride. Wow, Kukai! Coco beamed. You did that perfectly! I told you you would get the hang of it! Kukai was very pleased with herself and she wanted to do it again. She begged Coco, Can we move onto a bigger slope now?

[00:18:36] [SPEAKER_01] Coco chuckled and replied, I think we should keep practicing on this small slope for a bit longer first. We don't want to get carried away and move too fast. Kukai understood. And they both unclipped their snowboards from their feet, carried them in their hands and hiked back up the slope in their snow boots.

[00:19:02] [SPEAKER_01] As they reached the top of the small slope once more, Kukai looked at Coco and smiled, saying, I hope that I become as good a snowboarder as you, Coco. Coco blushed and replied modestly, I'm not that good a snowboarder, but thank you. If you want to be a great snowboarder,

[00:19:31] [SPEAKER_01] then you want to be like that bird over there. He pointed his furry finger up high towards a tall slope nearby. The snowy hill was taller than any that Kukai had ever seen, and it was narrow and thin, with spindly trees lining the edges all the way down to the bottom.

[00:19:58] [SPEAKER_01] Setting off from the top of the slope was a brave bird on a snowboard. The birds snowboarded down the mountain at great speed to begin with, and Kukai almost thought the bird might take off and fly away. Then, just like Coco and Kukai had been practicing, the snowboarding bird started to skate from side to side,

[00:20:25] [SPEAKER_01] drawing big S-shapes in the snow to slow itself down a little. Then, out of nowhere, the bird lifted up off the ground to perform a spectacular flip in midair, before landing its snowboard expertly back on the ground to continue its route down the mountainside. Coco and Kukai's jaws fell open with awe,

[00:20:54] [SPEAKER_01] and they couldn't take their eyes off the magnificent bird's snowboarding skills. Eventually, the bird reached the bottom of the slope and skidded to a halt with a flourish of its wing. Everyone around started to clap for the bird's impressive show, and the bird took a little bow in gratitude. Kukai and Coco turned to look at each other with amazement. Kukai gasped.

[00:21:25] [SPEAKER_01] That was the coolest thing I have ever seen. Coco nodded his head and added, Me too! Coco and Kukai attempted to get back on track with their snowboarding lesson, but they couldn't stop thinking about the amazing performance that the bird had put on. Kukai wondered who they were.

[00:21:54] [SPEAKER_01] Kukai snowboarded down the small slope a few more times, growing more confident in her manoeuvring, and Coco gave her tips and pointers each time to get better. After her third successful attempt, Kukai and Coco sat down for a break, and they heard an unfamiliar voice speak to them from behind. The voice said, Good work with your practicing.

[00:22:23] [SPEAKER_01] I can see that you're getting better each time and really applying what you're learning to perfect your technique. One day you'll be an excellent snowboarder if you keep that up. Kukai turned around to see who was talking to her, and gasped with surprise when she saw who it was. Standing behind them, with a silver snowboard under her wing,

[00:22:48] [SPEAKER_01] was the bird that had so spectacularly skated down the tall mountain. Kukai and Coco felt starstruck. Kukai managed to stutter out a small, Thank you! and the bird smiled. My name is Kara, the bird said, and Coco and Kukai gasped with acknowledgement. Coco replied, You're Kara the Kia?

[00:23:18] [SPEAKER_01] We've heard about you. I can see now why everyone says you're the best snowboarder around. You were amazing skating down that mountain. Kukai asked with amazement, How did you do that flip? Kara laughed humbly and replied, Ah, I learnt how to do that after years of practice.

[00:23:48] [SPEAKER_01] Plus, I have a bit of an advantage as my wings help me to perform acts in midair. Kara explained that kias live in the mountains, so they spend almost all their time skiing and snowboarding. And they love to have a bit of mischievous fun, so they spend plenty of time learning tricks and stunts too.

[00:24:15] [SPEAKER_01] Kukai listened to Kara with admiration. She'd never met anyone as cool as Kara. When Kukai was older, she wanted to grow up to be just like her. Just maybe without the wings. Kukai asked Kara what other tricks she could do. Kara thought for a moment and then replied, Let me show you.

[00:24:44] [SPEAKER_01] Kara placed her feet on her snowboard and used her strong wings to fly herself back up to the top of the tallest ski slope. Once at the top, Kara planted her snowboard on the ground and set off back down the long snowy slope. Kara performed all sorts of impressive tricks and stunts for Kukai and Koko's entertainment.

[00:25:12] [SPEAKER_01] She spun on the spot and snowboarded backwards for a while. She twirled in midair before landing back on the ground and propelled herself off a ledge, held her snowboard in her wings and spun in midair before landing gracefully into a final race towards the bottom of the mountain. It was an elaborate show. By the time Kara was done,

[00:25:43] [SPEAKER_01] Koko and Kukai felt breathless from just watching her. It was official. Kara the Kia was the best snowboarder in New Zealand. Kara strode over to Koko and Kukai, who were still sitting down totally starstruck after enjoying her performance. Wow, Kara, that was incredible!

[00:26:11] [SPEAKER_01] Koko exclaimed as she approached. You are the best snowboarder ever! Kukai added with admiration. Kara smiled and bowed her head graciously before replying, Well, if you ever would like a snowboarding lesson, I would be happy to offer you one.

[00:26:37] [SPEAKER_01] Kukai and Koko both nodded their heads eagerly and professed their interest. Kara offered to give them a lesson the next day, and Koko and Kukai could hardly contain their excitement. They were going to have a snowboarding lesson with the best snowboarder in New Zealand. They couldn't be happier.

[00:27:04] [SPEAKER_01] Kara instructed them both to meet her in the same spot on the mountain tomorrow for their lesson, before she bade them farewell and flew away to find a new slope to conquer. Koko and Kukai pulled themselves to their feet and sighed with satisfaction. What an amazing day it had turned out to be!

[00:27:30] [SPEAKER_01] The two koala cousins were starting to grow tired after all the excitement of the day, so they decided to head back down the mountain to the chalet. They dropped off their snowboards and helmets back at the shop, and headed home dreaming of drinking warm hot chocolates by the fire. When they arrived at the chalet, the whole family was sitting outside in the hot tub.

[00:27:59] [SPEAKER_01] The warm bubbles popped and sizzled in the tub, and the koala family laughed and talked beneath the starry sky.

[00:28:10] Kukai.

[00:28:11] [SPEAKER_01] Hello, Koko! Hello, Kukai! called out Aunty Shirley in a chirpy voice. Did you have a nice time skiing today? Kukai informed Aunty Shirley that they had actually been snowboarding, and they had had the most amazing time. In fact, they had enjoyed it so much that they were going back up the mountain to snowboard some more tomorrow.

[00:28:40] [SPEAKER_01] He gave his sister Kira a huge hug and said she would have to come too. Now it was her turn to learn to hit the slopes. The whole family were very impressed by Koko and Kukai's new hobby, and they suggested that maybe they all could join them up the mountain tomorrow. After all, it would be lovely to see the two koalas in action.

[00:29:09] [SPEAKER_01] Koko and Kukai looked at each other knowingly. When their family saw just how incredible Kara the Kia was at snowboarding, they wouldn't be paying attention to Koko and Kukai's skills much longer. The two koala cousins giggled between themselves and went to make themselves the hot chocolate. With their drinks in hand,

[00:29:36] [SPEAKER_01] they wandered back outside to join their family beneath the open night sky. The air was cool, but their mugs were warm. And with each sip of their drink, they felt cozier and snugglier. So snuggly, in fact, that they felt like they could drift off to sleep outside beneath the stars.

[00:30:07] [SPEAKER_01] Koko and Kukai listened to their family telling stories of their own exciting days exploring the area. It seemed like everyone had had a wonderful first day of their vacation, and Koko and Kukai had a strong feeling that they would feel the urge

[00:30:30] [SPEAKER_01] to venture up the snowy mountain for a spot of snowboarding a few times more. They were very sad and sad to the world. There were fewer people who were talking about the fear of the world,

[00:30:39] but they don't want to do it. Thank you.