Koko Learns About Eid 🐨🐻 Children's Bedtime Story

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[00:01:03] Hey parents, my name is Jessica Porter and I'm the host of Sleep Magic, the sleep hypnosis podcast. As a hypnotherapist, I've helped many parents tackle their sleep troubles, whether it's letting go of bedtime worries or getting back to sleep after tiny bedroom intruders.

[00:01:21] I know finding peace amidst all that life brings can be tough. But since 2021, I've been delivering weekly episodes of solution-focused sleep hypnosis, which have now helped with over 5 million restless nights. Sleep magic has proven to help you relax really deeply, maybe more deeply than you have in years.

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[00:02:13] Now in tonight's story, we are going to join our little koala and panda friends, Coco and Kira, as they learn all about Eid. Did you know that Eid's coming up soon? Do you celebrate maybe? One of Coco and Kira's classmates does. She's a little bear called Anaya. The idea for this story came from one of our lovely listeners, Anaya herself, who wanted to hear an Eid story with her name in it.

[00:02:42] And why not? Anaya, I hope you like how it's turned out. So it's time to get comfy and cosy and let's begin. This is Coco Learns About Eid by Susanna McGlochen.

[00:03:05] One bright spring morning, Coco pulled his school shoes on, shrugged his backpack onto his shoulder and headed into Sleepy Forest Elementary. As he and his little sister Kira wandered through the trees, weaving through the fresh daffodils that seemed to have sprung up overnight, they chatted about this and that and played the occasional games of catch and hide and seek. Coco loved their morning walks to school.

[00:03:34] Some other pupils caught the alligator school bus along Sleepy River or flew in if they had wings. But Coco thought there was nothing better than spending time with his best friend, his little sister, surrounded by the trees and plants he loved so much. Besides, it didn't take too long to walk to school. Before long, there Coco was at his desk, pencil in hand, gazing up at his teacher, Mrs Merryfeathers,

[00:04:03] a kind barn owl with unruly feathers and sparkling blue eyes. To his left was his friend, Prickles the hedgehog, and to his right was Camo the comedian. Kira was sat behind them with her friend, Polly the porcupine. Mrs Merryfeathers wished them all a good morning and they chimed back, Good morning, Mrs Merryfeathers, all at once.

[00:04:31] Mrs Merryfeathers said they had a special lesson today, as it was a time of year when some members of Sleepy Forest would be celebrating a holiday. She picked up a golden whiteboard marker and swirled in big letters the word Eid. She spun around and spread her wings.

[00:04:55] Today we're learning all about Eid, she announced with a beaky smile. There was an excited squeak from the back of the room, and everyone turned and grinned at the little brown bear, whose paw was up and waving excitedly. It was Anaya, a friendly little cub in a red jumper. Mrs Merryfeathers, with a charmed gleam in her eye, said,

[00:05:24] Yes, Anaya? to the sweet bear. I celebrate Eid, she said. My whole family does, cos we're Muslim. It's happening this weekend on Sunday and Monday. Ooh, I can't wait. Mrs Merryfeathers giggled and clapped her wings together. I can tell, she chuckled. You're practically fizzing with excitement.

[00:05:51] Would you like to come up and tell the class all about it? Anaya hopped out of her seat and came to the front of the classroom. She clasped her paws behind her back, took a deep breath and began talking. There are two Eids in the year, but the one we're celebrating this weekend is Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is the celebration of the end of Ramadan.

[00:06:21] I'll explain all that in a minute. It's on March 30th this time, but it changes every year, she said. It happens on the first couple of days of Shawal, which is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. This one is different to the regular calendar. It follows the patterns of the moon rather than the sun. That's why it doesn't line up as the same day every year.

[00:06:51] It depends what the moon is doing. And we can't start the celebrations until the first new moon rises in that month of Shawal. Coco liked the idea of looking at the moon to determine the date. He tended to be more drawn to the moon than the sun, mostly because he loved sleeping. And to him, the moon meant it was time to snooze.

[00:07:20] Anaya continued, swaying from one foot to the other as she spoke. Eid al-Fitr is the festival of the breaking of the fast. It marks the end of Ramadan, like I said. Ramadan is basically a super important month for Muslims, including my family.

[00:07:43] It is kind of like a big, long challenge, but in a good way. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. That means we eat before sunrise and then have no food and no drinks during the day. I know, I know. You're probably thinking, wait, not even water? Water?

[00:08:12] Nope, not even water. But then, when the sun goes down, we get to eat a yummy meal called iftar. And after a whole day of fasting, it tastes extra delicious. Now, you might be wondering, why do Muslims fast? Well, there are a few really important reasons.

[00:08:39] First, fasting is part of how Muslims worship. It helps Muslims feel grateful for what they have and focus on being kind and patient. Second, fasting reminds us that it's important to help anyone less fortunate than ourselves. It makes us want to help others even more. That's why Muslims give extra to charity during Ramadan.

[00:09:09] Third, Ramadan is a time to think and reflect, kind of like a reset button that comes every year. It's a time to try to be a better person, say more kind words and help others. And last, Ramadan is special because it celebrates the Quran, which is the holy book of Islam. Like how Christians have the Bible and Jewish people have the Torah, you know?

[00:09:39] Muslims believe that during Ramadan, the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. So, during this month, Muslims read it even more. But don't worry, not everyone has to fast if they can't. Some people are exempt, which means they don't have to do it. That includes little kids, pregnant or nursing moms, people who are sick and elderly people too.

[00:10:08] That's why I haven't been eating like usual in the lunchroom. I'm fasting. Not for as long as the grown-ups, but when I'm older, I will. My mum and dad and older brothers don't eat or drink at all whilst the sun's up. Then, when we eat our meals after dark, we get our families together and feast.

[00:10:32] And when the first moon of Shawal rises in the sky, that's when we hold the big celebration and end our fasting for the year. That's Eid al-Fitr. It's kind of like a giant party with family, friends, yummy food and presents. I can't wait.

[00:10:58] Anaya turned and beamed at Mrs. Merryfeathers, who thanked her for all of her help. Then she gave the class a little wave and skipped back to her seat at the back of the classroom. At break time, Coco caught Anaya in the rush to go and play and told her that he really liked her speech.

[00:11:20] He said that he loved learning about other people's traditions and he hoped she and her family had a wonderful Eid. Anaya squeezed Coco's paw and said thank you. Then she got a quizzical look on her face. Hey, she said. If you'd like to see it for yourself, do you want to join us for Iftar tonight?

[00:11:50] You'd be more than welcome. My family always says the more the merrier. Coco was taken aback by her kind offer. Are you sure? He said. It's a little late for me to fast. I already ate porridge this morning. And a cookie. Oh, had a pair. And an apple and four grapes.

[00:12:20] Anaya giggled. It's fine. You can come anyway, she said. Join us and try my mum's cooking. She's very good. Oh, and of course Kira can come too. With that, she scribbled her address on a scrap of paper and ran off into the playground, shouting over her shoulder, Come just before sunset. Coco was touched.

[00:12:49] He hardly knew Anaya and she was inviting him to her celebration. He could tell this was the start of a brand new friendship. That night, when the sun was beginning to set, Coco and Kira set off through Sleepy Forest, swinging each other's paw back and forth with every step. I'm looking forward to this iftar thing, Kira said.

[00:13:20] I love Anaya. She always makes me laugh in PE. And if her mum's cooking is as good as she says it is, we're in for a treat. Coco agreed. I wonder what's on the menu tonight, he said dreamily, his tummy grumbling. He thought it was very impressive that Anaya's family fasted like that.

[00:13:50] He could barely go ten minutes without thinking about his next snack. In fact, even now, he was thinking about the bamboo curry he had in a box in his backpack. His mum had given it to him to take, saying that it's best not to turn up to a banquet empty-poured.

[00:14:11] Before long, the little panda and koala arrived at a little wooden cabin, whose windows glowed with warm orange light. Over the door was hung a golden banner of letters that read Eid Mubarak. That means Happy Eid, Kira said. Mrs. Merryfeathers had taught them that earlier that day.

[00:14:39] They've decorated the cabin already. Ready for the big day, Kira smiled. Before they could knock, the door flew open and there stood Anaya, arms outstretched. Eid Mubarak, she boomed in an artificial-sounding voice. Then she giggled and pulled Coco and Kira into the cabin by their paws.

[00:15:08] Come on in, she said. The cabin was super cosy and wonderfully decorated, with pictures of the family on the walls and little signs that said things like, Home, sweet home. Coco and Kira took off their shoes and their coats and followed Anaya through to the dining room where her family were waiting.

[00:15:33] She introduced them to her mum and dad and three brothers. Her mum was a light brown bear wearing a patterned headscarf, and her dad was a jolly black bear with bushy eyebrows. They were both dressed beautifully in silky fabrics, and Coco and Kira could tell they'd made an effort.

[00:15:59] Kira was glad she'd put on her purple jeans and sparkly top, and Coco wished he'd put on a fancier top rather than his swifty concert t-shirt. But then, when Anaya's big brother pointed at it and said, Cool shirt, and gave him a high five, his worries went away. Anaya's auntie and uncle and two cousins were there too, and everyone greeted them with huge smiles.

[00:16:29] Anaya pointed out the window. Look, she said. The sun's about to disappear. Grub's up. The sky was painted with last streaks of orange as the sun sunk slowly beyond the horizon, and the stars began to emerge and twinkle. The family brought plates and platters through from the kitchen and laid them on the table.

[00:16:59] Anaya was beaming with pride as Coco and Kira's eyes widened at the beautiful spread laid out on the long wooden table. There were steaming bowls of fragrant rice, stews and sauces, golden samosas stacked high on a plate, juicy dates glistening under the warm candlelight,

[00:17:25] and a big pot of something delicious smelling that made Coco's tummy rumble even louder. Coco placed the bamboo curry on the table, and Anaya's dad did a big pantomime of smelling it and saying it was the most delicious smell he'd ever inhaled. He was larger than life and kept making Coco chuckle with his jokes.

[00:17:53] Whoa, this looks amazing, Coco whispered to Kira, who nodded enthusiastically. Before they began, the family said a prayer together, and then Anaya's mum picked up a plate of dates and poured glasses of water. We always start with dates and water, she explained.

[00:18:20] It's tradition, as that's what the Prophet Muhammad did. It helps wake up the stomach gently after fasting all day and rehydrates us if we're thirsty. Here, try one. Coco and Kira each took a date and popped them in their mouths. They were sweet and sticky, not like any fruit Coco had eaten before.

[00:18:50] It's delicious, Kira said, her voice muffled as her teeth stuck together with the sweet dates. Everyone laughed at her surprised expression. Now let's dig in, Anaya's dad announced, and everyone began filling their plates with delicious food. As they ate, Anaya's family chatted about their days.

[00:19:19] Anaya's brothers were always teasing each other and telling jokes, Anaya's dad said, Anaya's dad said,

[00:19:50] So, what do you do on Eid? Coco asked between bites of crispy samosa. Anaya wiped her paws and smiled. Oh, it's so much fun. We decorate the house and dress up in new clothes. We go to the mosque. And we spend time with our families and friends. We even exchange gifts.

[00:20:21] It sounds super fun, Kira said. After the delicious meal, Anaya's family brought out a tray filled with an array of mouth-watering desserts. There was golden syrup-soaked baklava, a pastry with lots of layers and delicious nutty filling.

[00:20:42] There was rich and creamy rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon and delicate date-filled mamool cookies, dusted with powdered sugar. Coco and Kira eagerly tried a bite of everything, washing it down with warm spiced milk. After dinner, as the three friends washed their hands in the sink,

[00:21:10] Anaya told them to get their paws extra clean as it was time to do henna. We always do henna in our house for Eid, Anaya explained. We love it. It's a fun tradition. Kira had seen henna before and knew that it was a special paste that was applied to the hands in beautiful swirling designs.

[00:21:36] When it dried, it would leave a lovely orangey-colored pattern, like art made directly on your skin, kind of like a temporary tattoo. Kira clapped her paws together in excitement. Everyone gathered in the lounge, and the girls flocked to the coffee table, where Anaya's mum had brought out a tray of henna cones.

[00:22:05] Everyone sat around in a circle, taking turns decorating each other's hands. Kira watched in amazement as Anaya's cousin skillfully drew swirling patterns on her palms. It tickles! Kira giggled as the cool henna paste spread across her skin.

[00:22:31] Anaya's mum was painting on Anaya's hands, and already she had designs up to her elbow. Obviously, Anaya's mum had had practice. When Anaya was done, Coco held out his paw hesitantly. Can I get one too? He asked. Anaya grinned. Of course, she said. Henna is for everyone.

[00:23:01] And so Coco soon had swirling flowers and vines wrapping up his forearms too. As the henna dried, Coco asked Anaya what she'd be getting for Eid. He quite wanted to get her a present, to say thank you for welcoming him and Kira into her home. I don't know yet, Anaya giggled,

[00:23:29] shooting a cheeky look at her dad. Her dad grinned. Kids, get something called Eid, he explained. It's money or presents from older relatives. Anaya nodded. Yeah, it's pretty cool, but the most important thing is spending time with loved ones and sharing what we have with those in need. That's why,

[00:23:58] before Eid, we give to charity. It's a big part of being Muslim. We need to make sure that everyone can celebrate, even if they don't have much. Coco nodded thoughtfully. That's really kind. I love how much you think about others.

[00:24:25] Anaya's mum came back into the room from the kitchen, holding two small velvet pouches. Coco and Kira, since you joined us tonight and won't be here on Sunday for the big event, we want to give you a little something now. She handed them each a small envelope. Coco opened his to find a crisp five-pound note inside.

[00:24:55] Kira's had the same. Whoa, is this Eidie? Kira gasped. Anaya nodded. Yep, a little gift to say Eid Mubarak. Coco and Kira beamed. Thank you so much. Anaya's uncle chuckled. Now you're officially

[00:25:24] part of our celebration. The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter and fun. Eventually, just as Coco and Kira began to yawn, there was a knock on the door. It was Grandpa, here to walk them home. He came in for a cup of tea and a natter. Then Coco and Kira put on their shoes

[00:25:54] and coats and got ready to go. After lots of hugs and thank yous, Coco and Kira waved goodbye and strolled with their grandpa back home through sleepy forest. The warm glow of Anaya's house fading into the trees behind them. As they walked, Kira squeezed Coco's paw.

[00:26:21] It was the best night ever. Coco smiled. Yeah, it was really special. I'm so glad Anaya invited us. They both looked up at the sky where the moon shone and shimmered above them. It's cool that every house

[00:26:50] and every family has their own traditions, Kira said. Like, we have hours, we eat chocolate at Easter and pancakes on Pancake Day and on Christmas Grandpa always sings White Christmas. Grandpa burst into a few bars of the song until Kira shushed him with a chuckle.

[00:27:19] It's very cool, Coco said. Traditions are important. They're part of our history and our culture and part of what makes us us. Right, Grandpa? Grandpa ruffled his furry head. Right, little smarty pants, he said. Before long they saw

[00:27:48] their own cabin in the distance. It looked warm and inviting. By the time they reached the front door, Kira had become so sleepy that Grandpa was now carrying her in his arms and Coco couldn't help but yawn when he thought about his cosy bed. With full bellies they headed straight upstairs pausing only to hug

[00:28:18] their family goodnight. They were even too tired for their usual bubble baths. They stood side by side in the bathroom brushing their teeth before washing their faces in warm water and drying off with the hairdryer. Coco felt his head flopping forwards as the hot air wrapped around him like a

[00:28:48] cosy blanket. They put on their pyjamas and tumbled into their beds. Soon they were tucked up under their thick, thick quilts. Kira had her comfort blanket Ninu wrapped around her paw and Coco had his plushy terry tucked under his chin. As the stars glittered outside the

[00:29:17] window the two siblings drifted off into a deep soothing sleep full of warmth and love from the magical evening they had spent with their good friend Anaya