Snow White & The Sleepy Dwarf 👸🏻🍎 Calm Kids Bedtime Stories

[00:00:10] Hello and welcome back to Koala Moon, a podcast of original children's bedtime stories and meditations designed to make bedtime a dream. For tonight's story we're reaching up high onto my bookshelf for a wonderful old fairy tale. Do you know Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?

[00:00:31] This story follows Snow White as she spends a day in the enchanted forest with Snoozy the Dwarf, spending a day as he does, just relaxing and watching the world go by. Before we begin, a quick message for the grown-ups. If you'd like to support our podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, unlock four bonus stories per month and much, much more, you can join Coco Club.

[00:00:57] Subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show notes. But now here's a quick word from our sponsors. Hey parents, spring is in the air and we have an exciting treat for you. From April the 7th through the 21st, all new Coco Club members can enjoy 14 days of premium completely free.

[00:01:19] Just in time for the Easter holidays. That means your little ones can drift off to sleep night after night without free stories, without you spending a single penny. And to celebrate Easter, we have some very special bedtime adventures coming up. Such as Coco and Kira's Cozy Easter, and a brand new Coco Club exclusive, Hector and Sonny and the giant golden Easter egg.

[00:01:45] In this instalment, the doggy duo head to Storybook Land, where they enter an egg hunt to win a golden egg laid by a magical goose. This offer is only available for a limited time, so don't miss out. Start your free trial in just two taps on Apple Podcasts, or head to cococlub.supercast.com for Yoto and Spotify. The link is, as always, in the show notes. Sweet dreams and happy Easter!

[00:02:16] Hey parents, I'm Carissa, the host of Sleep Wave, 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 Sleep Wave is crafted to help busy minds slow down, so you can wake up feeling well-rested tomorrow.

[00:02:45] 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 Sleep Wave on all major podcast platforms.

[00:03:15] Simply search Sleep Wave Sleep Meditations and hit follow so you can easily find the show later tonight. Sweet dreams. This is Snow White and the Sleepy Dwarf. Deep in the heart of the enchanted forest, nestled among towering trees, with emerald leaves that shimmered in the sunlight,

[00:03:44] stood a quaint little cottage. Its thatched roof was softened by moss, and its wooden beams twisted upward as though they had grown straight from the earth itself. A stone pathway lined with wildflowers in every hue led up to the curved wooden door, where a small bluebird often perched, singing its morning greeting. Smoke curled from the chimney,

[00:04:12] carrying the scent of something warm and sweet, perhaps apple pie, or a pot of rich vegetable stew bubbling over the fire inside. This was the home of Snow White and her unusual yet beloved roommates, the Seven Dwarfs. The mythical bearded creatures had welcomed her into their home years ago, and ever since she had been part of their little family.

[00:04:41] Life here was full of simple joys. Each morning, Snow White would rise early, stretching beneath the soft woollen covers of her bed. Before stepping to the window to greet the morning sun. Birds would flit about the sill, chirping happily, as if to say good morning. And sometimes a few bushy-tailed squirrels would pause from their scampering to listen as she sang a gentle tune.

[00:05:12] She would dress quickly in her signature blue and yellow dress, tying a bright red ribbon in her ebony hair, before making her way to the kitchen. The kitchen was the heart of their home, warm and welcoming, always filled with the scent of fresh bread, honey and woodland herbs. Snow White loved preparing breakfast for her little family, humming as she mixed batter,

[00:05:40] kneaded dough or stirred a pot of porridge. The dwarves, still rubbing sleep from their eyes, would gather around the kitchen table, eager for their meal, before heading off to the mines, where they'd sing songs and search for crystals and jewels. Each dwarf had his own charm. Dot was the wisest, leading the others with a steady hand, always with his glasses perched on his nose

[00:06:08] as he explained one thing or another. Grumbles, despite his name, cared for them all in his gruff way, and though he often mumbled and grunted about things, everyone knew his heart was as big as the forest. Chuckles' laughter filled the house, a booming, joyful sound that made even the shyest creatures smile. Hush was quiet and shy,

[00:06:36] but his rosy cheeks and sweet disposition made him endearing. Achoo, as always, had a handkerchief at the ready, his sneezes powerful enough to shake the rafters. Dizzy? Well, Dizzy was Dizzy. Playful, expressive, and full of mischief, often getting into little predicaments that made Snow White giggle. But one dwarf in particular

[00:07:04] had a special talent that set him apart. Snoozy. Snoozy was always snoozing, whether in the middle of breakfast, leaning against a tree in the forest, or even mid-step while walking home from the mine. His heavy-lidded eyes and slow, comfortable way of moving through life made him endearing. He yawned more than he spoke,

[00:07:33] stretched more than he walked, and could fall asleep anywhere, on a pile of leaves, against a tree stump, or even standing up. Snow White had long ago accepted that Snoozy was just Snoozy, and she found it charming how he embraced life at his own pace. Time passed, and Snow White found herself more and more caught up in grander matters,

[00:08:02] out at the palace. Though she still cherished life in the cottage, she had been spending more time beyond the forest. Her prince had swept her into a world of royal responsibilities, attending councils, visiting towns, and helping make the kingdom a better place. She'd worked tirelessly on a new decree, the Equality Act for Mythical Creatures, ensuring that fairies,

[00:08:31] talking animals, and magical beings of all kinds had a voice. She had set up agreements between the woodland creatures, so that food and resources were shared fairly. Foxes no longer stole from rabbit burrows, and owls watched over the nests of smaller birds. She had introduced kindness as a guiding principle, and because of this, people had begun calling her

[00:09:00] the fairest of them all, not for her beauty, but for her compassion. But all this work left her exhausted. One morning, after a particularly long week of meetings, letters, and royal responsibilities, the king himself insisted she take a long weekend off. She agreed, though at first she wasn't quite sure what to do with herself. She twiddled

[00:09:30] her thumbs for a little while, and leafed through Castles and Ponies magazine, before spotting Snoozy dozing under a tree. She realised, who better to spend a long, lazy weekend with? Maybe, in order to really relax and make sure she recuperated all her energy, she needed to learn from the master. She ambled out to the garden

[00:10:00] and crouched next to his rocking chair under the old oak, lifting his hat from where it was drooping over his eyes. Snoozy, she said sweetly. I've been put on orders to relax. I think I need your help. Snoozy opened one eye, stretched and gave a slow smile. Whale, snow,

[00:10:31] first things first, you gotta start with a lion. we'll start tomorrow at eleven. Snow White smiled. Perfect, she said. And so, the next morning, Snow White slept until the sun was high in the sky. When she finally awoke, she let out a deep breath, stretched luxuriously,

[00:11:00] and reached for her book, a story about a young girl who went to a ball in glass slippers. She propelled herself up against her pillows, took a sip of the tea that had been left on her bedside table by a thoughtful bluebird, and let herself get lost in the story. As she read, a small sparrow flitted to the windowsill, chirping curiously.

[00:11:29] Hello there, she murmured, and the bird tilted its head as if listening. At eleven, she wandered into the kitchen to find Snoozy at the stove, flipping golden pancakes and cooking eggs over the crackling fire. For you it's important if you wanna really relax, he said with a sleepy grin. The kitchen smelled divine,

[00:12:00] the scent of butter and maple syrup filling the air. Snow White sat down, savoring every single bite, and for the first time in a long while, she wasn't in a hurry to finish her meal. After breakfast, they took a slow, meandering walk through the forest. Now, the trick to a proper stroll is

[00:12:29] don't go anywhere in particular, Snoozy explained, yawning as he trudged along. Just follow your nose, your eyes and your ears. snow white did just that. She followed a pair of mice scurrying towards a picnic, only to

[00:12:58] discover a lovely glade filled with tiny colourful mushrooms. She let the scent of honeysuckle guide her to a patch of wildflowers, where bees lazily floated from bloom to bloom. She followed the sound of rustling leaves and found a family of squirrels nestled in a tree hollow, practising their singing, harmonising sweetly. Everything was green and lush

[00:13:28] and alive around her. Eventually they reached the edge of a babbling brook. Snoozy unfolded two wooden deck chairs, placed them by the water and poured cool lemonade from a pitcher. Now we sit, he announced. They sipped their drinks, watching dragonflies skim across the water. They talked about

[00:13:58] nothing in particular, how the clouds looked like castles, how the sun felt warm but not too hot, how it was nice to simply be. They pointed out pretty butterflies and shiny beetles wandering across the clearing and waved at birds that passed overhead. It was perfect. Eventually Snoozy, true to his name, drifted

[00:14:28] into a nap. Snow White listened to the bubbling stream, the whisper of the wind through the trees. She had forgotten what silence felt like. As the gentle babbling of the brook filled the air, Snoozy unfolded two wooden deck chairs beside the water, their frames creaking slightly as he settled into his seat with a satisfied sigh. Snow

[00:14:58] White, watching with amusement, followed suit, sinking into the chair and stretching out her wrapped around them like a soft embrace and the cool breeze carried the scent of wild flowers and pine. With a slow, deliberate movement, Snoozy reached into the wicker picnic basket he had brought

[00:15:28] along and poured out a glass pitcher of freshly squeezed lemonade. Tiny beads of condensation formed along the glass, glistening in the sunlight. He handed Snow White a glass before pouring his own, taking a slow sip before exhaling contentedly. They sat in companionable silence for a while, the only

[00:15:57] sounds being the trickling of the brook, the rustling of the leaves and the occasional chirp of a nearby bird. Snow White closed her eyes and relaxed. Then, out of nowhere, Snoozy muttered, You know, clouds tell stories. Snow White turned to him,

[00:16:27] amused. Oh? He gestured lazily to the sky. See that one there? looks like a big old rabbit or maybe a dragon. Snow White squinted up at the sky. I see it, but I think it looks more like a castle, one with towers and little

[00:16:56] flags. Snoozy let out a slow chuckle. Guess it depends on what you're looking for. They continued cloud watching, pointing out shapes and making up silly stories about them. One cloud was a ship sailing towards a great adventure, another a grumpy bear

[00:17:26] who had lost his honeypot. They laughed at each other's interpretations, completely at ease. Eventually, Snoozy's yawns grew longer and before long he was nodding off. Snow White watched as his head dipped forward, then back, before finally settling in a comfortable slouch. His hat tipped over

[00:17:55] his face and soon soft snoring joined the sounds of the brook. Snow White smiled. She remained still, listening to the gentle hum of nature around her, the distant chatter of birds, the occasional splash of a fish jumping in the water, the wind weaving through the trees.

[00:18:26] She realised she hadn't truly listened to the quiet in so long. there was something soothing about just existing in the moment without a plan, without urgency. After what felt like hours but was likely only one, she gently shook Snoozy awake. Come on, let's head back before

[00:18:56] it gets too late. with a slow stretch and a mighty yawn, Snoozy rose, and together they made their way back to the cottage, their steps unhurried. home, the comforting scent of a cosy fire drifting from the chimney. Inside, they decided on an

[00:19:25] activity that suited their unhurried pace, a jigsaw puzzle. Snoozy plopped down at the wooden table, scratching his head as he looked at the box cover. Why'd we pick one with a thousand pieces? Because we have all the time in the world today, Snow White answered with a grin. I started

[00:19:55] sorting the pieces, separating the edges from the middle ones. Snow White was methodical, organising by colour and pattern, while Snoozy simply grabbed a random piece and tried to make it fit somewhere. Not there, Snow White chuckled as he tried to force a sky piece into a tree section. Hmm,

[00:20:25] maybe the puzzle's wrong, not me, he said. They worked in peaceful silence, interrupted occasionally by a triumphant ah-ha whenever a piece found its place. They didn't finish the puzzle, but that wasn't the point. As the sun began to dip, the other dwarves bustled about, preparing to leave for a

[00:20:55] concert at a local tavern. Are you sure you don't want to come, Snow? Chuckles asked, adjusting his bowtie. It'll be a lively night, music, dancing, good food. Snow White shook her head. Not tonight, thank you. I have sleep to catch up on. Grumbles muttered, Can't say

[00:21:25] I get it, but hey, each to their own. Snow White gave them all a hug and then, with a wave, the dwarves set off, leaving the cottage feeling wonderfully still and quiet. Dinner was a slow, thoughtful affair. They prepared a hearty vegetable stew, chopping carrots, onions and potatoes at a leisurely pace. Snow White

[00:21:55] found that even the simple act of stirring the pot was soothing, the swirling motion calming her mind. They let the stew simmer until the whole cottage smelt delicious. When it was finally ready, they ladled it into wooden bowls and ate by candlelight, savouring every bite. Good stew, Snoozy

[00:22:24] mumbled between spoonfuls. It is, isn't it? Snow White agreed. She'd eaten banquets at the palace and had lunch meetings at restaurants all over the kingdom. But for some reason, the homemade food always tasted the best. As the stew bowls were cleared away and the last of the warm bread was tucked back into its

[00:22:54] basket, Snow White let out a sigh of pure contentment. She hadn't hurried through the meal, hadn't worried about a single thing all day and yet she felt more fulfilled than she had in a long time. Snoozy stretching in his chair gave her a slow knowing grin.

[00:23:24] Fire's nice this time of night he murmured tilting his head toward the hearth. Good place for stories Snow White smiled. That sounds perfect she said. Together they padded into the living area the flickering glow of the fire casting long golden shadows on the wooden

[00:23:54] walls. Snow White wrapped herself in a knitted blanket and nestled into the corner of the couch while Snoozy took his usual rocking chair already half lost in another slow dreamy stretch. He rocked gently the chair creaking in rhythm with the crackling fire. For a while

[00:24:24] they sat in peaceful silence watching the flames stance then in a gentle voice Snow White said Could you tell me a story please Snoozy? He blinked sleepily. Me? She nodded. He must know some good ones. Snoozy took a deep breath

[00:24:53] rubbing his chin. All right. Let me think. Oh, there's this one about a bear who slept through an entire year. She giggled. A whole year? That's longer than winter. Yep, he said stretching.

[00:25:23] And when he woke up, the whole world had changed. The trees were taller, the river ran a different way, even the stars looked different. But you know what didn't matter. He just kept on being a bear. took things slow,

[00:25:53] one day at a time. Snow White smiled. I like that. Snoozy blinked slowly, rubbing his chin as he thought for another story. Hmm, ever hear about the river of dreams? snow white shook her head intrigued. No,

[00:26:23] what is it? With a contented sigh, Snoozy settled further into his chair and began. They say it runs far, far away, past the tallest mountains and deepest valleys. But it ain't like any other river. See,

[00:26:54] this one's made of dreams. Every night when folks sleep, their dreams float right out of their heads and trickle down to the water, mixing together like colors on a painter's palette. And if you ever find it, if you ever stand by it sure

[00:27:22] and listen real close, you can hear them, all the dreams of the world whispering to each other. Snow white was enchanted. That sounds beautiful. fall. Snoozy nodded. Some say if you scoop up a handful of that water and

[00:27:52] hold it to your ear, you'll hear a dream meant just for you. Snow white thought about that for a long moment, the image of a glowing whispering river filling her mind with wonderful dreams. Has anyone never found it? she asked. Dunno,

[00:28:23] Snoozy admitted, shrugging slightly. But maybe that's the point. Maybe it ain't about finding it. Maybe it's about knowing it's out there somewhere, just flowing along, carrying all of our dreams and who knows, maybe even

[00:28:52] making them come true. Snow white smiled softly. She liked that idea. They sat quietly for a while after that, wrapped in the warmth of the fire. Outside, the wind rustled gently through the trees, and the occasional hoot of an owl echoed through the night.

[00:29:22] Eventually, Snoozy, who had grown progressively more relaxed, let out a particularly deep yawn. Well, princess, he murmured, his voice thick with sleep. Spose is about that, Snow white nodded. She was beginning to feel it, too.

[00:29:52] The pleasant heaviness of relaxation settling over her limbs, the quiet call of sleep tugging at her thoughts. She stood and stretched, then turned to Snoozy, who was already looking half asleep in his chair. Thank you, she said softly,

[00:30:22] for today, for reminding me how to slow down. Snoozy gave her a lazy smile. Anytime, princess. With that, Snow white made her way to her bedroom, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. baths. She took her time preparing for bed,

[00:30:52] savouring every step of her evening routine. She found a small candle on her nightstand and lit it, filling the air with the softest scent of lavender. She hummed to herself as she brushed her teeth. Next, she filled the grand porcelain tub in her adjoining washroom, pouring in rose-scented bath oils and watching

[00:31:22] as delicate bubbles formed on the surface. She dipped her hand into the warm water and sighed, then slipped in, letting the heat seep into her skin. When the water had cooled slightly, she stepped out, wrapping herself in a plush towel. She moved slowly before slipping

[00:31:51] into a pair of soft, woolly pyjamas, the fabric warm and cosy like a bear hug. She ran a comb gently through her dark hair and climbed into bed. As she snuggled into the mattress, pulling the blankets up to her chin, she reflected on the day. It had been slow,

[00:32:21] simple, and utterly delightful. she hadn't saved the kingdom, signed any important decrees, or even finished her puzzle. But she had laughed, she had listened, she had rested. And as she drifted off, she realised something important. Sometimes, doing nothing at

[00:32:50] all was exactly what she needed. That night, she had the best sleep of her life, and she dreamt of the most beautiful things. And the next morning, when the birds began to chirp on her windowsill, well, then, she felt ready to take on the world again.