The Sleepy Farm Collection 🚜 🌙 | 2 Hour Compilation of 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 bedtime a dream. I'm Abbey and tonight's episode takes us on a calming journey down to the farm where a cosy collection of stories awaits.

[00:00:29] This extended two-hour compilation follows life on the farm as the animals settle in for the evening, sharing quiet adventures and meeting some familiar friends along the way, all designed to help you drift softly off to sleep. So, tuck yourself in, get nice and comfortable, and let's begin with The Sleepy Farm by Susanna McLaughlin.

[00:00:57] Before we begin, here's a quick ad break, then we'll start tonight's bedtime story. If you'd like to support our podcast, enjoy ad-free listening, and unlock all our premium stories, you can join the Cocoa Club. To join, follow the link in the show notes. Ready everyone? Follow me! All of your family favourites are available on Disney+. I love it! Share the stories you grew up with with your kids, like Bear and the Big Blue House, and Roly Poly Oly.

[00:01:26] That sounds like fun! Then, discover new stories together. The more the merrier! Like Sophia the First, Royal Magic, Bluey, and Spidey and his amazing friends. Get ready to Spidey Swing! On Disney+. All of these and more available this month. Disneyplus.com forward slash what's dash on. What exactly do you learn at a school for Royal Magic, Sophia? I can't wait to find out. Join Sophia! Welcome to Charmswell! Don't just stand there, we've got spells to learn!

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[00:03:02] It's an easy way to make evenings feel a little calmer one night at a time. You can start your free trial in just two taps on Apple Podcasts, or if you're listening on Spotify or Yoto, just tap the link in the show notes before the offer ends. This is The Sleepy Farm by Susanna McLaughlin.

[00:03:32] It was a crisp, starry evening at Puddlefoot Farm, so Farmer Nell pulled her scarf up around her ears before sliding each of her woolly-socked feet into a welly boot and stepping out into the fresh air. At her heel, as always, was Bonnie the sheepdog, her blue bandana slightly skew-whiff, showing off the white diamond tuft of fur on her chest.

[00:03:57] Farmer Nell was going to meet Farmer Clyde in the empty field on the far side of Puddlefoot Farm, which he was prepping for the arrival of some new visitors. It was about to be the new home of a whole pack of llamas and alpacas who were moving from a farm far away. They'd been travelling all day and would be arriving in a couple of hours when the moon reached its highest spot in the sky.

[00:04:22] There was just enough time left in the day for the two farmers to put the finishing touches on their new cosy barn. Nell strode across the farmyard, whispering goodnight to Doodledoo the cockerel, who was just hunkering down to sleep in the coop by the farmhouse door. He had to be upright and early after all to announce the new day.

[00:04:45] It wasn't just Doodledoo. Most of the animals were bedding down for the night, and a sleepy quiet had fallen over the fields, barns and gardens. Nell's boots crunched over the gravel as she headed to the track where Nightlight the tractor was waiting for her. The little glow in the dark tractor appeared to have drifted off into a snooze, engine rumbling gently as he snored.

[00:05:16] Nell cooed his name, and Nightlight awoke, blinking his headlights and lighting up the path ahead of him. Farmer Nell chuckled and climbed aboard. She patted the seat next to her, which Bonnie hopped up into, curling her tail tight around her body and looking out through the front window. Nightlight rumbled to life, and his huge wheels began to turn as they began to trundle down the dusty track.

[00:05:46] In the field to the left, a few little white clouds dotted the grass, but most of the sheep were curled up in the yellow glow of their cosy shed, curled up in the beds of golden hay. In the cowshed, big brown cows, black and white splodged cows and orange shaggy ones began to nestle down into their beds, miniature versions of themselves snuggling in at their sides.

[00:06:15] Farmer Nell reached over to pat Bonnie's head and scratched absentmindedly between the sheepdog's ears as the glowing tractor headed on through the fields of corn and cabbages towards the furthest reaches of Puddlefoot Farm. As usual, Nightlight would stop when they reached a fence and Nell would climb down, unlock the latch and let it swing open.

[00:06:42] Onwards, Nightlight would trundle, and then he'd stop again. Nell would swing the gate closed and climb back into her comfy seat behind the steering wheel so that onward they could go once more. Before long, they reached the yard with a ginormous dilapidated shed, which was to become the llamas and alpacas' new home. Seeing it, though, Bonnie gasped. The shed wasn't dilapidated anymore.

[00:07:12] It was splendid. Farmer Clyde had seen to that. He had been working on it for days, mending the thatching on the roof, patching up the wood-beamed walls, and painting them a shiny pillar box red. Now, he was oiling the hinges on the big double doors so they didn't squeak when he threw them open to welcome their new guests.

[00:07:37] Farmer Nell gave Farmer Clyde a big high five and congratulated him on all his hard work paying off. The barn looked wonderful, she told him. Simply wonderful. Farmer Clyde gave her a proud grin. Thank you, Nell, he said. But I'm glad to have you here for the finishing touches. We've got plenty to do before our new friends get here.

[00:08:05] Nell peeked inside the shed. He was right. It was still totally empty. Not to worry. She said. We'll have it as cosy as can be in no time. They'll be tired from their journey, Farmer Clyde said. So we should start by making them their beds. That was going to require hay. And a lot of it.

[00:08:33] So the two farmers climbed aboard Nightlight, the tractor, and headed out into the adjacent field. There, lit up by the moon, were big round bales, like little golden moons themselves, sitting peacefully in lines across the grassy field. Near the fence at the field. Near the fence at the field's entrance sat a big rectangular trailer.

[00:09:00] Farmer Clyde hopped off of Nightlight, the tractor, and waited at the fence, whilst Farmer Nell directed the tractor back to click into place and connect to the trailer. Farmer Clyde secured the equipment together. The other, grateful for Nightlight's cosy glow lighting up the mechanism. Then, Nell drove Nightlight out across the field to the first hay bale.

[00:09:24] It was huge, about as tall as Nell, and the two farmers both had to heave it onto the tractor together, counting to three and hauling it up and into the cab. Then, back they trundled to the animal shed. They used the mechanism on the trailer to tip its bed up and up until the hay bale rolled down it like a slide, landing on the grass.

[00:09:55] Then, they repeated the whole exercise, three times more, until there was a mountain of hay in front of the shed. Alpacas and llamas liked a lot of space, so there was a lot of ground that needed covering. Alpacas and llamas also liked things very clean, so Nell and Clyde each grabbed a broom and started sweeping, until the inside of the shed was spick and span.

[00:10:25] Then, they took shiny pitchforks and began spearing lumps of hay and spreading them across the shed. It was hard work, but satisfying and peaceful. Farmer Nell loved the rustle of the hay, and Clyde found great peace in watching how with every sweep of his fork, one less patch of floor was visible. And there was one more place for a sleepy animal to rest its hooves.

[00:10:55] When the whole shed was carpeted in yellow straw, Farmer Nell and Farmer Clyde rested on their pitchforks and admired their handiwork. Lit up by the golden lanterns that swung from the beams, the hay shone and glowed beautifully. The new arrivals would be very pleased. Now, something else alpacas and llamas liked was to be well-groomed.

[00:11:24] They grew a huge abundance of fur, which is why they're so incredibly cuddly. But that means they need a good haircut every now and again so they don't get too hot or turn into a cloud of fur and float away. That's why the farmers decided to create a grooming station in one corner of the shed.

[00:11:47] Clyde had already made a cabinet with a large mirror and lots of drawers to store shears, brushes, nail files and the like, and Nell had sanded the whole thing down and painted it a deep midnight blue. It had been sitting on a sheet of newspaper all day drying, and now was time to bring it in.

[00:12:11] They carried the cabinet to the perfect spot and placed it under a window so the lighting would be good. And they could make sure they sheared every last bit of fur and didn't leave any shaggy patches. Farmer Clyde hoped the alpacas wouldn't mind if he borrowed some of their shorn wool for his knitting. It was ever so warm and so fluffy. He made a mental note to ask them when the time came.

[00:12:41] Llamas and alpacas loved to explore, so they would spend most of their free time grazing in the fields, going for hikes across the farm and out in sleepy forest. But the farmers wanted to make sure they had things in the barn to play with in case of a rainy day. So they brought a big wicker box and filled it with fun things. Chew toys mostly, and a few balls to kick around too.

[00:13:11] Finally, farmer Nell climbed a ladder with Clyde standing below and holding it steady, and hung the special barn-friendly fairy lights they'd ordered from the postman. They wrapped the twinkling lights around the beams on the top of the shed, and then stuck glowing the dark stars in any empty spaces left. Climbing back down the ladder and looking up,

[00:13:39] Nell had the impression that she might be looking at the night sky itself, like the llamas and alpacas would have seen in their native mountains of Peru. Nell clapped her hands. It's perfect, she said. Clyde agreed. The two farmers loaded any stray tools or equipment back into the tractor and then paused. Do you hear that?

[00:14:08] Nell said. It was the quiet rumbling of a truck heading up the road towards them. Farmer Clyde grinned. I think I do, he said. Clyde and Nell opened the huge gate that led into the field to make room for the vehicle, and then watched as the two yellow headlights grew larger as their new friends drew ever nearer to their new home.

[00:14:39] With a sleepy series of beeps, the truck reversed into the field, and the driver, a good friend of theirs from a faraway farm called Farmer MacDonald, opened up the back door. Ten funny little faces peered curiously out at them. Some had curly hair in tufty poofs between their ears.

[00:15:05] Some long fringes that stopped at their long brown eyelashes. Some were cream and some were brown. Some were splodged with all kinds of patterns. Some were tall with long necks like giraffes. Some were shorter and sweet as can be. They all had little goofy smiles. The farmers welcomed their new friends,

[00:15:32] and as soon as Farmer MacDonald finished unfurling the ramp, there was a clacking of hooves, and the herd made their way down onto the field. A few of them started munching on the long green grass. They loved grazing, and one llama muttered secretly to another that this grass was the best she'd ever tasted. Farmer Nell and Clyde looked over the herd. There were six alpacas and four llamas.

[00:16:01] Not everyone would be able to tell the difference straight away, but the farmers were professionals. They knew that you could tell them apart because llamas are a little taller. They have longer faces and longer ears that are shaped like bananas, curving up to the sky. Alpacas' faces are a little more smooshed in, and they have little pointy ears that point straight up like arrows. The llama's fur was a little coarser too.

[00:16:32] Farmer Nell loved the llamas the best, so she headed over to a tall white one and held out a hand in offering. He blinked placidly, and Nell knew that meant she could come and stroke his neck gently. The llama leant into her hand and closed his eyes. She could tell he was sleepy. Farmer Clyde was more of an alpaca fan, so he approached one of the short, curly-haired little fellows

[00:17:02] and slowly, gently gave her a little pat. She nuzzled against him enthusiastically, with surprising force in her strong, swooping neck. The farmers led the herd over to their new shed and opened the doors. They swung open smoothly, with not a squeak nor a squeal. Farmer Clyde smiled proudly.

[00:17:28] The llamas paused as the golden light spilled out into the night from between the open doors. The field was silvery and dark, lit by stars and moonlight, but inside it glowed orange like a fireplace, like a beacon beckoning the herd in towards their beds. One by one, the animals clipped and clopped their way into their new home.

[00:17:58] They dispersed across the hay, choosing their sleeping places, settling down into the comfiest patches they could find. Farmer Nell went to nightlight the tractor and pulled from the back seat a big basket filled with red, shiny apples, a treat for the sleepy llamas. Farmer Clyde collected a stack of silver, shiny bowls from his pickup truck and a huge bottle of water.

[00:18:30] The two farmers were to go around the barn, introducing themselves to each new friend and giving them their water bowl and snack. The only thing was, though, each water bowl needed to be labelled, and so far, the animals hadn't been named. The farmers started in the far corner of the barn, where the large white male llama was resting. Nell sliced a big red apple

[00:18:59] and offered him the pieces. The llama yawned, then began to chomp, smiling as he tasted the sweetness of the fruit. Farmer Clyde laid down his water bowl and asked Nell what she thought they should call him. She looked into the llama's big, clever eyes and said she wanted to call him Wilbur, since he looked like a distinguished gentleman.

[00:19:28] Farmer Clyde wrote Wilbur on the side of the bowl with a marker pen and filled it with water. Next was a lady llama who was peachy coloured, with a cloud of perfect curls like bubbles cascading around her ears. This one looks like a lady I see at the hairdressers in the village, Nell said, so we should name her after her. This is Doris.

[00:19:58] Farmer Clyde wrote Doris on the bowl and filled it with water. Nell sliced an apple and fed it to Doris, who chewed happily. Next was an alpaca much smaller than the last two, who was dark brown and shaggy, with a sweet smile and bottom teeth that stuck out further than the top ones. I think we should call this one chewy, Clyde said, cos he looks like Chewbacca,

[00:20:28] you know, Star Wars. Nell giggled and offered Chewie his chunks of apple. Clyde wrote on the bowl and poured water into it. Two alpacas were on the next big mound of hay, a mummy and a baby. The mummy was toffee brown and the baby was white with brown splotches. The mummy was smiling peacefully at the farmers, but the baby was already asleep,

[00:20:58] curled into her side. Clyde. It was tiny, about the size of a labrador, and it had skinny little legs like stilts. Nell stroked the mummy's woolly neck. Well done, mama, she said. Baby's dreaming already. I think we should call the mummy coffee, Nell said to Clyde, because of her colour, and then her baby can be called cream. Get it?

[00:21:29] Clyde chuckled, writing the names on the bowls as Nell offered coffee her apple. The next animal was a llama who was tall and tufty, white and black and covered in spots like a dalmatian. Well, she has to be Dottie, Clyde said, stroking the friendly llama. Nice to meet you, Dottie. Dottie munched her apple sleepily

[00:21:57] before lowering her neck and sinking into the straw. Next, another llama with thick orange fur. I think this one looks like a marmalade, Nell suggested, and the two nodded resolutely. That sounded perfect. Onto the bowl it went and Marmalade slurped up his drink before he even blinked at the apple.

[00:22:27] Next to Marmalade was an alpaca with long, stringy white hair like a mop. When she munched, her hair swung side to side. How about tulip? Clyde suggested. Nell said that was very delicate and ladylike and would suit this alpaca perfectly. In the far corner, cuddled together were two alpacas, one black and one white.

[00:22:58] When Nell sliced an apple for the first, she shared it with her friend. And then, when she sliced one for the second, they shared that too. These two will be inseparable, I can tell, Nell said. Let's give them a pear name. Clyde ran through a few. Chalk and cheese? Sun and moon? Bacon and eggs. Nell giggled. How about

[00:23:27] Machu and Pichu? Clyde offered. Oh, I like that, Nell said. Machu and Pichu. Clyde gave them two bowls, but knowing they would share, wrote both names on both bowls. Nell stroked each sleepy alpaca. Then they moved over to the door of the stable, tiptoeing so as not to wake any of the animals that were already sleeping.

[00:23:56] They each leaned on the doorframe and peered in at their new friends. Doris was yawning and settling down to sleep. Chewy was already snoring. Coffee had wrapped her neck protectively around cream and they were both sleeping deeply. The last animals awake were breathing deep and blinking slowly,

[00:24:25] as if they, too, were only minutes away from dreamland. Welcome home, everyone, Farmer Nell whispered. We're so happy to have you here. Good night, my new friends, Farmer Clyde whispered. They pulled the doors to and Farmer Clyde strolled over to his truck and Nell headed to her glow-in-the-dark tractor.

[00:24:55] Night light rumbled to life and blinked on his headlights to take Farmer Nell back to the cosy cottage. Bonnie, the sheepdog who had been sleeping in the passenger seat, stirred awake and moved her chin to rest on Nell's lap. The stars shone gently across the fields of cauliflower and courgettes.

[00:25:21] The moon twinkled against the glass of the greenhouses where plump tomatoes slept and there was not a peep of sound to be heard. No lowing of cows or braying of donkeys, no bleating of sheep, meowing of cats or cockadoodling of cockerels. The farm was well and truly sleepy.

[00:25:53] Farmer Nell stepped out of nightlight and patted the tractor in thanks as he rumbled back to life and made his way to his own sleeping quarters for the night. She crossed the courtyard and stepped into the farmhouse where the warmth of the kitchen kissed her cheeks. She pulled off one welly boot, then two and put a pot of milk to warm on the stove,

[00:26:23] making enough for there to be a cup waiting for Farmer Clyde when he finished his last jobs and came in later. In went some chunks of chocolate and as the hot chocolate came together, Farmer Nell brushed out her hair and put on her softest pyjamas. Before long, she found herself with a belly full of hot chocolate

[00:26:51] with a clean face and clean teeth nestled in a pile of pillows under a heavy woolen blanket. Bonnie the sheepdog was sleeping at her side. She watched her for a moment, stroking her soft forehead and smiling to see her paws twitch as she herded sheep in her dreams.

[00:27:19] Farmer Nell looked out of the window at the starry sky and thought of all the animals sleeping under their own starry sky in the red barn out in the furthest field. She hoped they were comfortable. She knew that they would be. With thoughts of all that the next day would bring, of long walks across green fields,

[00:27:48] of the clip-clop of llama hooves and the soft fuzz of alpaca fur, Farmer Nell nestled into her bed and fell soundly asleep. This is Nightlight the Sleepy Tractor by Luke Prendergast.

[00:28:22] Nightlight the Tractor was ready for a good night's sleep. You see, he'd spent all week working harder than ever on Puddlefoot Farm. It was the busiest time of the year. From dawn till dusk, he'd been out on the fields, clearing the pathways through the fields of golden wheat, transporting buckets of apples to and from the juicing barn, helping plough the soft earth of waiting fields so that they could be sown

[00:28:50] with a fresh batch of seeds, and delivering stacks of hay bales to the stable yard so that the horses and cattle would have something to eat. It was happy work, for he had many friends on the farm, but it was tiring, and he was glad that at last he had reached his night off. Nightlight slept in a small hay barn, along with Chopper, the lawnmower, and Digger, the...

[00:29:19] well, um... the Digger. It was a cosy little space with a roof of wooden rafters where pigeons roosted, cooing their lullabies all night long, and a floor of well-worn straw that felt deliciously soft beneath his tyres. Now he wheeled slowly into the back corner, which was his particular patch of the hay barn, and began to carry out his bedtime routine.

[00:29:48] Just as humans have to wash their face and brush their teeth before going to bed to make sure that they keep their bodies clean and healthy, so, too, were there many things a young tractor had to do before switching off for the night. He picked the bits of mud and dried grass out of the treads of his tyres. He wiped clean his headlights and his taillights until they sparkled. He oiled his gears, and he scrubbed off

[00:30:17] any bits of dust or dirt that had accumulated on his bright green paintwork during the day's work. And when all this was done, Nightlight gave a big yawn, reversed into his sleeping bay, and closed his eyes. Ah, this was going to be such a wonderful sleep. A peaceful, well-deserved, wonderful sleep.

[00:30:45] Except, what was that scratching noise? And wasn't that the sound of something tapping on wood? And the door creaking open? And a throat being cleared. Nightlight peeked one eye open. Yep, just as he'd thought, he had a visitor. Good evening,

[00:31:16] Doodle-Doo, he said to the cockerel who was standing right in front of him. Is there anything I can help you with this evening? Doodle-Doo had iridescent feathers of orange and green and a proud red crown on his head. It was his job each and every morning to crow at the crack of dawn, to make sure that all of the inhabitants of Puddlefoot Farm

[00:31:46] knew that it was time to wake up. Yep, Doodle-Doo was a morning bird. So what, Nightlight couldn't help but wonder, was he doing here at night? Nighttime was for sleeping, not for waking. Especially on a tractor's night off. Doodle-Doo gave his throat another clear and poured at the ground with a foot

[00:32:16] rather sheepishly. Ah, sorry to disturb you, Nightlight, he said. It's just, I've been sent to get you. Farmer Nell needs a word. But I've just got into bed, Nightlight said. It's my night off and I was really looking forward to a cosy sleep. Is there any chance it can wait till the morning? Well,

[00:32:45] said Doodle-Doo with a little bit of trepidation, she says she needs to see you rather urgently. You see, something's happened. Something's happened? Nightlight repeated, becoming a little more alert. What's happened? I think it's best that Farmer Nell tell you, Doodle-Doo said. Oh, all right then, said Nightlight,

[00:33:14] rumbling his engines on once more and following Doodle-Doo out of the hay barn. Hopefully, whatever Farmer Nell wanted to talk about wouldn't take too long and he'd be back comfy in his lovely little home in no time at all. Nightlight and Doodle-Doo crossed the courtyard towards the main barn where most of the farm's activities were managed. It was like the control centre of a spaceship from which

[00:33:43] various creatures and workers exited like satellites to complete missions. That's how Nightlight liked to think of it. But tonight, something was different. Something strange was going on. At first, he couldn't tell what it was. But then he realised it was utterly, utterly dark. The barn was usually a beacon of light at this time

[00:34:13] of the evening. But he couldn't see it at all. It was shrouded in such darkness. He glanced over the valley to where Farmer Nell's house was, but he couldn't see that either. There were no illuminated windows at all and no lights from any of the buildings in the village beyond either. Farmer Nell was waiting outside the barn beside a small fire whose

[00:34:42] flickering flames cast a dancing light on a collection of farm animals who had gathered there with her. A cat, a handful of sheep and the sheepdog Bonnie. Everyone on the farm loved Farmer Nell. No one had a bad word to say about her. She had plump, rosy cheeks and bright red hair which she tied into a scraggly bun on top of her head

[00:35:12] and she was always wearing mud-splattered dungarees and dark green welly boots. She and her partner Farmer Clyde were so kind and so honest and so caring that all the animals and machines that lived on Puddlefoot Farm worked in harmony and without complaint to make sure the farm ran as smoothly as it possibly could. Farmer Nell smiled to see Nightlight

[00:35:41] and rose to give him a pat on the bonnet. Sorry to get you out of bed Nightlight she said but we desperately need your help. Then Farmer Nell explained that they'd had an unexpected power cut. The electricity was out across the whole area. The electricity company had sent out some people to address the problem but apparently it would not be fixed until the next day. And

[00:36:11] to top things off Farmer Nell said Tonight is the moon's night off Look and she pointed up to the sky where sure enough there was no moon to be seen not a thin sliver of moon not a full disk nothing the only light came from the handful of twinkling stars and the orange glow of the fire. Farmer Nell levelled her soft

[00:36:41] brown eyes back on his and that's why we need your help night light she said. Up until now he might have been wondering why it was that night light was called night light the fact was he was no ordinary tractor no he was a very special tractor indeed for though by day the paint on his body was a normal if lovely green colour

[00:37:11] by night something remarkable happened he glowed in the dark he just had to close his eyes and channel his energy and his body would begin to glow with the pale green luminescence shared by the glowing stars we stick on our bedroom walls and ceilings night light Farmer now said even though it's your night off would you mind helping us

[00:37:41] out there's such a lot to get done on the farm and your help would be greatly appreciated as much as night light was looking forward to his night off and as much as it was true that he was tired he knew that Farmer Nell would never have asked him to help unless it were absolutely necessary and night light loved Farmer Nell and Puddlefoot Farm

[00:38:10] so much that no amount of sleepiness would keep him from helping the farm when it needed it while he was awake he would help so night light shut his eyes concentrated all his energy and made himself glow in the dark when he opened his eyes again pale green light from his body mingled with the orange flames of the little fire

[00:38:40] just tell me what we need to do he said then simply because he couldn't help it he let out a big yawn though I'm afraid I might be yawning quite a lot he added for I'm terribly sleepy don't worry night light doodle do chirped up we'll keep you awake and if we all

[00:39:10] work together it won't take at all long there were two main jobs that evening that they had to do the first was spreading special cotton wool blankets over the grape vines because it was due to be a chilly night and the fruit had to be protected then after that they needed to collect the pears from the pear orchard there hadn't been time today to do that and if they left them overnight

[00:39:40] the ripe pears would fall off the branches and get ruined on the floor overnight and so everyone loaded nightlights container with the woolen blankets and then he doodle do and Bonnie set off across the fields the farm felt darker than it went together the darkness didn't feel scary at all it felt

[00:40:10] almost magical it made the handful of stars in the sky sparkle brighter than ever as though they were diamonds stuck to a deep indigo blanket and besides nightlight was there touching everything the grass the hedgerows the trunks of trees the shovel leaning against the old shed wall with the soft green light of his glow

[00:40:39] soon they reached the vineyard where grapevines grew in long rows they were such wonderful peculiar trees with dark knotted trunks that wound and stretched their way up wooden poles and along invisible wires and from their ancient looking limbs hung luscious bunches of plump grapes red and green which looked so juicy and

[00:41:09] delicious that Doodle-Doo plucked a couple from the nearest vine and swallowed one before giving one to Bonnie and to nightlight too hmm Bonnie said after she'd chewed and gulped down her grape they're almost there just a few more days and they'll be ripe enough for picking but tonight they need to be covered in a warm blanket so that they don't spoil

[00:41:40] Bonnie Bonnie who was used to going out into the fields late at night to make sure the sheep and their young lambs were all happy and healthy had very good night vision so she grabbed the end of one trail of woolen blanket in her teeth and ran off to the other end of the field to cover a far flung row of grape vines meanwhile night light and doodle do tended to the vines that were nearer them

[00:42:09] they unfolded another trail of woolen blanket and night light ran it over the top of the vines while doodle do followed behind tucking the blanket snug around the grapes making sure that none of the fruit was still exposed to the elements soon enough night light light's container was empty of woolen blanket their job was completed and the grapes were

[00:42:38] safely tucked in no matter how chilly it might get overnight they returned to the barn where farmer Nell thanked them for their hard work and they loaded up night light's container once more but

[00:43:23] sides by old stone walls with tangles of ivy hanging onto their crevices. And while the vines had been planted in long, neat rows, the pear trees grew here and there in no fixed order, their white bark and spreading branches and silvery fruit seeming like something otherworldly fetched out of a fairy tale.

[00:43:51] Looking round at all this delight, a yawn suddenly took Nightlight over. Oh dear, he said, I'm feeling awfully sleepy. Don't worry, Nightlight, the three sheep bleated. We have a rhyme we can whistle while we work. That will keep you from getting too tired.

[00:44:22] And so they all took a bucket and dispersed into the orchard, reaching up to pluck the plump pears from the branches and setting them lightly in the bucket so that they didn't bruise. And as they picked fruit, the sheep bleated a little rhyme. The stars are out and the pears are sweet.

[00:44:48] Let's keep going despite our tired feet. Sing a song. We can have a hoot. A nap. Once we've picked all the fruit. Soon they were all singing along with the sheep's cheerful song. And Nightlight had to admit it was rather a hoot. He didn't know how much time passed as they piled the silky pears into the buckets.

[00:45:18] But he no longer felt very sleepy while he sang. And before he knew it, all of the buckets were filled and sitting back in his container. All those pears were rather heavy. But Doodle-Doo and Bonnie and the sheep stuck by him as he trawled them back to the barn, where Farmer Nell gave him a grateful pat on his bonnet.

[00:45:47] And all the animals helped unload the pears. Hey, Doodle-Doo whispered to Nightlight. How about we take some of these pears round to the stables? I bet the horses will appreciate a little midnight feast. That sounded like a very fun idea indeed. So, while the others stacked the buckets in the light of the flickering fire,

[00:46:14] Doodle-Doo and Nightlight took a pile of pears around to the stable yard. The horses all hung their heads over their stable doors when they heard them coming, and crunched the pears appreciatively when Doodle-Doo passed them over. There was Barley, and Star, and Bobby, and Tiger.

[00:46:38] And finally, Nightlight's special favourites, Peaches and her young foal Spike, who lived in the stable next to her. But when they got to Spike's stable, they discovered the door was half open and the stable empty. Spike's not in here, Nightlight said to Peaches. Oh dear, Peaches sighed. She didn't sound worried in the slightest.

[00:47:07] He must have got his bolt open again and snuck out without me hearing. He's just at that age when he likes to creep out to the field to eat the long grass at night. Oh, that naughty little colt. I never can find him in the dark. Hey, Nightlight, she said, giving a little whinny. Would you mind going out to the paddocks to find him?

[00:47:35] You'll be able to see him with your glow in the dark. And you know he's much more likely to come back in if you ask him to than if I do. He never listens to his mother anymore. Nightlight gave a little laugh. Peaches was right. Nightlight was one of the only farmyarders that Spike listened to. He was going through that teenage period.

[00:48:03] No problem, he said to Peaches. I'll go find him. And so, once more, Nightlight trundled off across the dark fields where the daisies and the buttercups slept in their grassy beds. He passed through to the paddocks where the long grasses grew and called out Spike's name, but there was no answer.

[00:48:31] He rolled past the dense thicket at the edge of the field where a little foal might be able to secrete himself and called out again. But there was no answer. Finally, he went down to the end of the paddocks where the grass gave way to the tree line of an ancient woods. He called out Spike's name again. But, once again, there was no answer.

[00:49:01] Hmm, thought Nightlight to himself. Curiously, where could he be? Perhaps Spike's mother had been wrong. Perhaps the little colt hadn't come down to the paddocks but had gone somewhere else entirely. In which case, where was Nightlight meant to search? But that was when he heard it. The single snap of a twig.

[00:49:31] Then, a few seconds later, another twig snapped, just as if it had been trodden on by a foot or a hoof. It was coming from just to the left of him in the soft shadows of the woods. And if Nightlight wasn't mistaken, there was a small white flash like a star hidden among the trees.

[00:50:00] Nightlight turned towards the noise, switched on his headlights, and shone a spotlight straight ahead. Ah-ha! He said. Caught ya! No, Nightlight! Spike sighed. How did you know I was here? Out of the darkness stepped the bay foal.

[00:50:24] His coat a dark brown, his mane and tail black as the night. That's how he had managed to stay so hidden, blending in with the shadows in the woods. Except, that is, for the tiny patch of white right in the middle of Spike's forehead. His own unique star.

[00:50:50] You almost had me, Nightlight said. Except your clumsy colt hooves kept snapping twigs. No, Spike sighed again, looking down at his hooves as though they'd betrayed him. Next time I'll have to be more careful. Nightlight chuckled. How about there is no next time?

[00:51:18] You can't be running off in the middle of the night. You'll give everyone a worry. It worries people, Spike asked. What? A nightlight nodded. Yes, it certainly could. Oh, alright then, said Spike. I'll not do it again, Nightlight. Come on, let's head back up to the stables. But one second, let me grab another mouthful first.

[00:51:48] Spike tore up a sheath of long, tasty-looking grass, and the two of them passed back through the paddocks and fields. Spike chumped happily as he went. But when they got to the stable yard, they found it empty. Yep, all of the stable doors were wide open. Barley and Star and Bobby and Tiger and Peaches too, all of them were gone.

[00:52:17] How strange, said Nightlight. I wonder where everyone has gone. They went round to the barn, but that was empty too. No Doodle-Doo or Bonnie or Farmer Nell. None of the sheep or the chickens were there either. And the little fire that had been burning merrily before was a pile of wet ashes.

[00:52:46] It had been put out. Curiouser and Curiouser, Nightlight said. The two of them searched high and low, but couldn't find anyone anywhere. Until, at last, Nightlight peeked into the hay barn, his own hay barn, where he slept at night. Then, he couldn't believe his eyes.

[00:53:15] Hey, Spike, he whispered. Look at this. Spike came up beside him and peered into the hay barn. And his eyes went wide too. Here, everyone was, after all. Farmer Nell and Bonnie and Doodle-Doo, all of the horses and sheep and all the other animals,

[00:53:43] in a pile across the hay barn floor. They were all snuggled up close together with blankets over them. And they were all fast asleep. Nightlight shook his head. He was the sleepy tractor, and yet here all his friends were, fast asleep without him. Just then, Farmer Nell peeked an eye open.

[00:54:12] Hello, you two, she said. Glad you found Spike, Nightlight. We've all come in here to sleep since there's no electricity still. We thought it would be a lot cozier to all huddle up together tonight. What do you think? Nightlight didn't even need to answer.

[00:54:35] He went into his hay barn with Spike, who had already curled up by his mother's side, and closed his eyes as though he'd fallen asleep straight away. Nightlight pulled the hay barn shut behind him and rolled into the back corner where he liked to sleep. He'd already done his nighttime routine, oiling his gears and changing his wheels.

[00:55:05] And besides, he was far too sleepy now to do them again. The hay barn was so warm with all these bodies in it, all his friends having a big farmyard slumber party together, that he found himself yawning and stretching his body, and his eyes began to close.

[00:55:32] Hey, Nightlight, Farmer Nell whispered. Lights out. Oh, yes, he said. I almost forgot. Nightlight squeezed his eyes shut, concentrated all his energy, and when he opened them again, the green of his glow-in-the-dark glow had gone. The hay barn was in darkness,

[00:56:01] with just the sounds of all the farm creatures breathing, lost in sleep. Night, Farmer Nell, he said. Night, Nightlight, came the reply. And then, at last, Nightlight, the sleepy tractor, closed his eyes, took a deep breath,

[00:56:31] and let himself fall gently down into the land of sleep. And didn't he deserve it? Hadn't he worked hard? Even on this, his night off, he'd been out on the fields, covering vines and collecting pears, and fetching naughty colts from the paddock.

[00:56:57] He deserved a good long rest, a dream-filled sleep, the sweetness of oblivion, until the new day began, and Doodle-Doo made his morning call. This is The Sleepy Tractors

[00:57:26] by Alicia Ainsley. Here was the end of another peaceful day on Puddlefoot Farm, and Farmer Clyde was putting everything away before nightfall. He'd already checked on the animals, and ensured they had everything they needed, and were safely in their respective paddocks, pens, and barns for the night ahead. He'd locked all of the gates,

[00:57:56] and packed away all of the animals' toys. Now, there was just one thing left to do. Farmer Clyde stepped into the largest barn of them all, to tuck in his most prized possessions for bed, his tractors. Without his tractors helping him throughout the day, Farmer Clyde wouldn't be able to complete his important farm duties. Each tractor had its own set of special responsibilities,

[00:58:26] and all were equally dear in his heart. The tractors were all lined up around the sides of the barn, parked in their respective spots, leaving a huge open space in the centre. As the darkness of night began to cover the farm, and dim the light in the barn, a lone opening in the roof, allowed a direct view of the sky.

[00:58:56] As the moon started to turn its face to the world, streams of silver moonlight, began to flow through the opening, and down into the barn, illuminating the centre like a stage, little did Farmer Clyde know, this stage would soon be used to host a rather impressive show. As he always did,

[00:59:26] Farmer Clyde patted each giant machine on the front bonnet, and wished them goodnight. Goodnight, Rollaway, he whispered to his gleaming yellow tractor. Goodnight, June, he said to the green tractor next. Goodnight, Big Blue, he called up to the largest of them all, the blue tractor,

[00:59:52] that enabled him to pull the heaviest machinery across the farm. Goodnight, Dusty, he repeated to the combine harvester, before adding, I hope you've had a nice day off. You'll be needed again tomorrow, bright and early. Then, finally, Farmer Clyde stroked the plough in the corner, whispering, Goodnight, Reiki.

[01:00:22] Good job today. With his precious tractors and machines all safely tucked into bed, Farmer Clyde closed the barn door and returned to his house for a quiet evening in front of the fire. The moment the barn door was closed shut behind Farmer Clyde, something incredible happened. One by one,

[01:00:52] the tractors opened their eyes and came to life. Little did Farmer Clyde know, his tractors had minds of their own and when he wasn't looking, they could move and talk. Each of the tractors rolled forward into the centre of the barn, illuminated by the moon's rays and wished each other a good evening.

[01:01:22] Rollaway, the yellow tractor, June, the green tractor, Dusty, the combine harvester, Reiki, the plough and not forgetting big blue, all smiled at one another and yawned. What a day it had been. At the end of every day, the machinery liked to get together to discuss the day and share tales

[01:01:52] of the pleasant things they had done on the farm. Rollaway was a yellow tractor with a black bonnet, gathering him the name around the farm of the bumblebee. He had two large wheels at the back and two smaller wheels at the front with a powerful bucket-shaped loader attached to his front. Rollaway's main job on the farm was to collect and carry things

[01:02:22] that Farmer Clyde couldn't, from hay to dirt to sand. June was also a tractor, but her duties were different to Rollaway. She had four equally large wheels and often had other machinery attached to her back. She was especially strong and so she was used around the farm to pull heavy loads in trailers

[01:02:50] and drag machinery like Reiki the plough around the field so they could do their jobs. But neither Rollaway nor June were as large as Big Blue. He had humongous wheels, taller than a person and was bulkier and heavier than both other tractors combined. Big Blue had been Farmer Clyde's

[01:03:19] first tractor and he still held a sweet spot for the old machine. Big Blue was getting a little slower on the hills nowadays but he was still powerful. Farmer Clyde didn't have too many jobs big enough for Big Blue but every now and then he still liked to take his beloved old faithful tractor out for a treat.

[01:03:50] You wouldn't believe the sunrise I saw this morning Big Blue boasted in his low drawling voice. It seemed that tonight Big Blue would begin regaling the group with tales of the day and he started with a lovely one. Farmer Clyde had picked up Big Blue from the barn that morning at the

[01:04:20] crack of dawn. Not even the farm cockerel Jilly had awoken yet. The farm was perfectly silent. Farmer Clyde had climbed up into the driver's seat and driven Big Blue out into the yard through the open metal gates and into the field beyond. The sun was only just beginning

[01:04:49] to creep up beyond the rolling hills in the distance and the sky was a picturesque blend of blue, yellow and pink. We're going to watch the sunrise, you and I. Farmer Clyde had informed the aging tractor as he chugged along the bumpy road. For many years, Farmer Clyde

[01:05:19] and Big Blue had started their days together, watching the sunrise on the horizon. It was the farmer's favourite time of day. day. They were some of the only spare moments when the farmland was still and he had nothing he needed to do except relax and enjoy the show. Farmer Clyde parked Big

[01:05:48] Blue in the centre of the field and together they patiently waited and watched the sun rear its head over the hill, gradually casting light across the land. The cockerel sang in the background right on cue and Big Blue smiled as Farmer Clyde commented, Now that's one good sunrise.

[01:06:19] Big Blue had to agree. The round sun blazed with a tangerine glow and its outline was a haze of lilac purple. Big Blue's heart felt as warm as the sun in the sky as he watched it develop and grow until its whole circular shape could be seen over the tops of the hilly peaks.

[01:06:50] They sat together silently watching the sun until the sheep began bleating in the distance and the farmyard behind them started to spring to life. Their momentary peace together was fleeting but precious. The other machines listened intently to Big Blue's reminiscence of the morning

[01:07:19] and agreed that it sounded perfectly blissful. Big Blue's day may have started off calm and reposeful but Dusty the combine harvesters entire day had consisted of one big nap. What did you do all day Dusty? Reiki the plough questioned upon realising

[01:07:49] that Dusty had remained in the barn all day. Dusty replied, It was quite marvellous actually. I did my stretches and practised in preparation for tomorrow. If Farmer Clyde is taking me out in the morning as he said

[01:08:17] then I will have a lot to do and need my full strength for the work combine harvesters like Dusty had a very important job. It was up to them to harvest the crops and grains. Without a combine harvester to sort through the crops the farming would take much longer to do months longer

[01:08:47] in fact. Combine harvesters can do three tasks at once. Reaping, threshing and winnowing. Reaping is collecting the grains, threshing loosens the grains from their casing and winnowing separates the grain from the other plant material that isn't edible, separating the wheat from the chaff.

[01:09:17] Plus they can drive speedily through the fields. Dusty covered a lot of ground in one day when he was out harvesting. Thinking about the last time Dusty was out harvesting the field, Rollaway giggled at her memory. Do you remember how the horses watched you all day last time you were out? He recalled. I

[01:09:47] wonder if they'll watch tomorrow. Dusty smiled sheepishly and replied, I think the horses are still a little bitter that we took their jobs. June chipped in, but it's been over a hundred years since tractors took over from horses.

[01:10:18] We are stronger than they are. It makes sense that we would do most of the heavy lifting on the farm. I know, Big Blue added, and the horses only duty is to provide horse riding lessons for the local children and participate in races. That's way more fun.

[01:10:48] June said, horses have too much pride, she said. The conversation moved on, and next it was June's turn to describe what she had gotten up to on the farm today. Turning to Reiki the Plough, quietly sitting on the edge of their circle, June explained.

[01:11:19] We went out together today, didn't we Reiki? Farmer Clyde needed to sow some seeds for the new crops, so he drove me out into the fields with Reiki connected to my back. I pulled and Reiki ploughed the earth. Then Farmer Clyde scattered the seeds into the deep crevices left behind us. We must have

[01:11:48] scattered thousands of seeds. We are quite the team, Reiki the plough professed. Reiki tended to remain quiet around the other tractors. With the other machines standing so tall above her, she sometimes felt a little inferior in comparison to them. She wasn't strong like them and she

[01:12:18] couldn't move of her own accord. She had to be dragged. But if it weren't for Reiki and her ploughing abilities, then nothing would grow properly on the farm. Her long raked fingers dug furrows in the ground deep enough for seeds to be planted in. She also regularly turned over the soil to bring all the best nutrients to the surface.

[01:12:49] With her assistance, Farmer Clyde was able to plant crops such as wheat and barley, maize and oats, as well as vegetables like potatoes and onions. Once upon a time, ploughs like Reiki would have been but nowadays the tractors took that duty.

[01:13:20] Reiki used to be pulled by Big Blue but most of the time now she went out with June who was younger and faster. Instead Big Blue got to partake in more relaxing duties such as pulling trailers and taking sunrise drives with Farmer Clyde, all of a sudden an unexpected

[01:13:50] sound broke up the tractors conversation. Somebody was approaching the barn. The tractors quickly took back up their resting positions in their parking spots in case Farmer Clyde had returned. They listened as soft padding footsteps approached the barn door. They waited as the

[01:14:19] tall wooden door creaked open slightly and a figure slinked into the barn. As the figure stepped into the ray of moonlight illuminating the interior of the barn the tractors all chuckled as they relaxed. Bonnie the collie was the farm's night warden an expert sheepdog. Every evening she

[01:14:49] would patrol the farmyard to make sure that everyone was okay and that everything was in its place while Farmer Clyde slept. The shaggy black and white dog often liked to pay a visit to the machines too. Good evening everyone. Bonnie the collie greeted them in her gentle honey soft voice.

[01:15:19] Good evening Bonnie the tractors chimed rolling back out of their parking spots into the light. How is your night patrol going Bonnie Rakey the plough asked politely. Bonnie smiled and sat on her bottom obediently as she replied It's going very smoothly

[01:15:48] thank you. All of the animals are exactly where they're meant to be and I can barely hear a peep from any of the barns even the chickens. They must be particularly tired tonight. Bonnie asked how their days had been. She often spotted the tractors out and about around the farm. Everybody

[01:16:18] worked equally hard to ensure that the farm's operations ran smoothly. Big Blue answered Actually we have all been talking about the fun things we've done today. I saw a beautiful sunrise and June and Reiki sowed seeds for the next batch of crops.

[01:16:47] Meanwhile Dusty had a delightful day off although he will be back to work again tomorrow. Have you done anything enjoyable today Bonnie? I'm sure you have plenty of great adventures on the farm with all the animals. Bonnie grinned and replied that she had indeed

[01:17:17] had a fun day on the farm. In fact while she had been rounding up the sheep into the neighbouring field she had encountered quite a predicament. It had started as a normal day for Bonnie. She had woken up to a yummy breakfast before heading out with farmer Clyde for her morning round.

[01:17:46] everything was running smoothly and Bonnie had thought it would be an easy day. However when it came time to round up the sheep and move them into the other field things took an unexpected turn. As she counted up the flock she noticed that one sheep was missing. Bonnie

[01:18:15] ensured that the other sheep were safely beyond the wall in the next field before closing the gate behind her. Then she set out on a journey to track down the missing member of the flock. She had run over the hills for miles and miles calling out for the missing sheep. She ran so far that she

[01:18:45] ended up in one of the cow fields. Bonnie didn't spend much time with the cows on a regular basis at least not as much as she did with the sheep but the cows were friendly nonetheless. She carefully approached them knowing that some cows had recently been born into their field so they would feel extra protective of their youngest members.

[01:19:16] She approached a cow she knew well named Peggy and asked her if she had happened to see a lone sheep potter by recently. Peggy the cow had giggled and pointed Bonnie in the direction of their sleeping calves huddled up together under a nearby tree snoozing away in the shade beneath the midday sun.

[01:19:47] When Bonnie crept close to the sleeping calves she made an adorable discovery. Right in the middle of the huddled up calves was a lone ewe that's a female sheep curled up with them all keeping the sleeping babes cosy with her warm fuzzy wool Bonnie had been reluctant to

[01:20:17] disturb the babysitter sheep when she looked so comfortable but she did need to get her

[01:21:07] to be reunited with their missing member, and the runaway ewe entertained them all with her tale of sleeping calves who needed a little extra comfort from some sheep's wool. The tractors listened to Bonnie's charming story and smiled affectionately as she relayed the tale.

[01:21:33] It was certainly a wonderfully sweet thing to have experienced in her day. Bonnie's story reminded Rollaway, the yellow tractor, that he too had witnessed something pretty adorable today. He had almost forgotten about it.

[01:21:58] Speaking of sweet little animals, he began, I also saw something positively darling today. Today, Rollaway had the important duty of transporting bales of hay around the farmyard. The weather could sometimes grow cool, especially at night,

[01:22:27] and it was important to keep all the animals toasty and warm when the temperatures dropped. So, Rollaway carried the heavy loads of hay through the farmyard and distributed them between the separate barns. Most of the barns were empty in the daytime.

[01:22:53] However, today, one barn was quite the opposite. As Rollaway placed a hay bale down in the pig barn, he heard a commotion coming from one of the pens. He drove over to inspect what was going on and couldn't believe his eyes. Inside the pig pen,

[01:23:21] a mother pig had welcomed a brand new litter of tiny piglets into the world. The endearing baby pigs all raced around the pig pen while their mother watched them with love and admiration. They wibbled and wobbled on their tiny legs as they found their trotters

[01:23:46] and they called out in their squeaky voices with excitement. Rollaway couldn't help but stand and watch them for a while, captivated by their cuteness. Bonnie the collie gazed at Rollaway the tractor with her big brown eyes and whispered,

[01:24:15] Sounds amazing. I haven't seen the piglets yet. I'll have to try to see them tomorrow. I'm sure they're all tucked up in their beds right now, enjoying cuddles with their mummy. It seemed that a lot of baby animals had been born on the farm recently. There were the three baby calves in the cow herd,

[01:24:44] the piglets, and Big Blue claimed he had heard word that a new batch of chicks had been born to the chickens. Oh, I hope there are chicks, June gushed. They are my favourite. Dusty countered, Chicks are very cute. But to me, nothing makes my heart happier

[01:25:14] than seeing the newborn lambs hopping and skipping around the fields in the spring. Nothing quite compares to the magic of the lambing season. The tractors all dreamily reflected on their experiences of witnessing sweet new life develop on the farm. From the lively animals,

[01:25:44] to the growing crops and happy machinery, Farmer Clyde's farm was a very special place. After some time, Bonnie the collie left the barn to head to her own bed for the evening. Her cosy dog bed waited for her in front of Farmer Clyde's roaring fireplace,

[01:26:11] and her tired little legs longed for the sweet reprieve the comfy cushion granted her. Saying goodnight to the sheepdog, the tractors yawned one by one. Sleepiness had quietly snuck up on them as they had reflected on their day. June yawned.

[01:26:43] I think I might be ready for bed now, too. The sky looks almost midnight black, and I want to have my strength for tomorrow's farmyard activities. The tractors all gazed up at the opening in the barn roof and admired the bright, gleaming moon

[01:27:11] within the dark night sky. Right on cue, a barn owl floated in through the opening, spreading its wings wide as it gracefully landed on one of the barn's tall wooden beams. It nestled its wings into its sides and settled in to rest.

[01:27:40] Dusty, the combine harvester, chuckled and whispered, I think if even the night owls are settling into sleep, we probably should too. Dusty, Rollaway and June, Big Blue and Reiki the Plough all wished each other goodnight

[01:28:10] and rolled backwards into their respective parking spots. They snatched one last glance at the moon flowing into their barn overhead and closed their eyes peacefully. Their breathing slowed and their engines cooled.

[01:28:38] The sleepy tractors drifted off to sleep, listening to the soft whistling wind drifting through the barn and the gentle coos of the resting owl in the beams above.

[01:29:39] This is warm against the cold air. The machinery had all been parked away in their sheds to stay dry and safe from any further snow that may fall through the night. Farmer Clyde and his family were tucked up inside their house, curled up under blankets in front of the fire. They sipped cups of delicious hot chocolate and shared stories about their day,

[01:30:07] smiling and laughing together. Meanwhile, outside, Bonnie the sheepdog watched her footprints leave tracks in the snow as she wandered through the yard, performing her nightly rounds. Each evening, Bonnie walked around the farm, ensuring that all the animals were accounted for and that everything was in its place. It was thanks to Bonnie that everyone on the farm stayed happy and safe.

[01:30:36] Thanks to Bonnie's nightly rounds, in the morning, Farmer Clyde could easily pick up where he left off with the previous day's work. Bonnie the collie had already checked on the animals and counted them all up. Everyone was present and accounted for. So she began her final task of checking on the farm machinery. Once she'd checked that all the tractors and diggers were in their respective sheds,

[01:31:06] she could retreat to bed herself. Maybe she would join Farmer Clyde and his family in front of the cosy fireplace. It did look particularly toasty in the farmhouse. Bonnie slipped into the tractor shed and said goodnight to the tractors. They were all there, parked in their spots, ready for a good night's sleep. Then she moved next door to check on the diggers. As she approached the door

[01:31:36] to their large shed, she noticed that there were still fresh tracks in the snow leading up to the door. It must not have been too long ago that they'd returned from their work day, she thought. The shed door was slightly ajar, so Bonnie pushed her head through the opening and wandered inside. Due to the open door, the shed was cold. It was hardly an ideal setting for sleep on a snowy winter's night.

[01:32:07] Bonnie looked around the shed, but to her dismay, there were no diggers to be seen. Where had they all gone? Bonnie placed her nose to the ground and tried to pick up a scent. She sniffled at the floor and sneezed as dust filled her nose. She tried again, following any scent she could pick up around the shed, but all traces finished at the door. The snow outside

[01:32:36] provided the perfect blank canvas for smells. Fortunately, the snow provided a different kind of tracing technique. Bonnie looked at the fresh tracks in the snow and smiled. The diggers wouldn't be missing for long. All she had to do was follow their tracks. Four diggers usually slept in the shed, and on the ground there were four sets of tracks

[01:33:06] rolling through the snow, all veering off in different directions. Bonnie decided to start from the left and follow the first set of tracks through the snow. Her hunt for the missing diggers shouldn't take too long. She would find them and safely guide them back to their shed, close the door to keep the big room warm, and return to her own bed for the night.

[01:33:34] Bonnie followed the snowy tracks with an optimistic smile and made up a little tune to accompany her unexpected mission. She sang, I'm off to find the diggers wherever they may be. I wonder what they're up to and what they'll say to me. Perhaps they embarked on adventure, decided to stay out and play.

[01:34:01] Perhaps they're building some snowmen or just snoozing in the hay. Wherever they may be, they can't hide long from me. Bonnie said, Bonnie's confusion, the tracks led her to the door of the chicken coop. This can't be right, Bonnie thought. Why would a digger be inside the chicken coop? Despite her hesitation,

[01:34:30] Bonnie nudged the coop door open with a creak and peered inside. To her surprise and relief, sitting next to the roosting chicks was one of the missing diggers. The yellow digger lifted its head slightly and gazed back at the black and white sheepdog. Good evening, Bonnie, they said quietly. Why are you in here,

[01:34:59] sleepy digger? Bonnie whispered curiously. The digger smiled sleepily and replied, Do you see the lamps that are positioned over the chick nests? They radiate the most lovely, balmy light to keep the chicks warm while they're young. I fancied a bit of that warmth for myself. The shed is too cold right now.

[01:35:29] Bonnie realised that must be why all of the diggers were missing. They must have become too cold in the shed and gone off in search of warmer pastures for the night. But, if there was only one digger here in the chick hutch, then, where might all the others be? The yellow digger asked Bonnie, Is it alright if I stay in here for the night? I'll keep an eye on the chicks too.

[01:36:00] Bonnie smiled and assured them that it was perfectly fine for the digger to sleep in the chick hutch this evening. Observing the cosy, dim glow of the lamps, Bonnie felt like the digger had perhaps found the best place on the farm to rest tonight. She tiptoed away, leaving the digger and the chicks in the heated hutch. As she reached the door, Bonnie took a last look

[01:36:29] back at the peaceful yellow digger snuggled up with the chicks and smiled. She whispered softly, Goodnight, sleepy digger, before gently closing the door behind her. Stepping back out into the night air, Bonnie felt a wet splatter on the tip of her nose. She lifted her head to the sky and saw that it was snowing again.

[01:36:58] Her tracks leading up to the chick hutch were quickly disappearing beneath a layer of fresh snow, as were the diggers' tracks. Her plan, to follow all the tracks through the snow to find the remaining missing diggers, had been thwarted. It seemed Bonnie would have to rely on her other senses to track down the remaining diggers. As Bonnie crossed the farmyard, she spotted the farm cats making their way

[01:37:27] towards the cat flap in the side door of Farmer Clyde's house. Hello, Pudsy. Hello, Alice. Bonnie called out to greet the cats before they disappeared inside. The cats glanced back at Bonnie and replied, Good evening, Bonnie. We hope you won't be out too much longer. It is freezing out here with all this snow. Bonnie agreed.

[01:37:56] The ground was chilly against her paws, but she had something important to do before she could relax. She asked the cats, Have you seen any of the diggers anywhere? They aren't in their shed like normal. Pudsy and Alice shivered and shrugged. They hadn't seen any diggers anywhere since earlier this afternoon. Alice commented,

[01:38:23] If they had any good sense, they would have found somewhere warm to go for the night. Bonnie explained how she'd already found one digger inside the chick hutch, but the snow had covered the tracks of the other machines, so she was at a loss for where to look next. Pudsy chuckled as if it was obvious and suggested, Well, there you go. Isn't it obvious?

[01:38:52] Just think of the coziest places on the farm and check there. I bet you'll find those missing diggers in all the warmest places around. Bonnie had to admit it was a good theory, but where could she start? Pudsy and Alice shivered again and moved towards the cat flap. If you'll excuse us, Bonnie, we're going to go inside now.

[01:39:22] It's frightfully cold to stay out here any longer, Alice purred, shaking snow from her brown fur. Good luck, Pudsy added as he followed his feline friend inside the farmhouse. Bonnie felt a pang of jealousy as she watched them go, but she knew she wouldn't be able to relax until she had found all the diggers. So, she continued walking past

[01:39:52] the farm buildings towards the gate that entered the fields, singing her tune to stay positive. I'm off to find the diggers wherever they may be. I wonder what they're up to and what they'll say to me. Perhaps they embarked on adventure, decided to stay out and play. Perhaps they're building some snowmen or just snoozing in the hay. Wherever they may be,

[01:40:21] they can't hide long from me. Bonnie's feet carried her through the gate and out into the snow-covered field. Maybe from higher up the hill she'd be able to get a better look at the entire farm and be able to spot the diggers from up there. She paused under a tree and shook the dusting of fresh snow off her black and white fur. Despite her own warm fur covering her body,

[01:40:51] she was starting to feel the chill in the air as snow topped the land. She gazed out at the herd of sheep, all cosied up together on the hill like a fallen fluffy cloud and sighed. It must be nice to have lots of fuzzy friends to cuddle up with and keep toasty through the winter nights. As she looked at the herd of sheep,

[01:41:20] Bonnie's eyes tried to adjust to the darkness. Something seemed different about them. There appeared to be a large dark figure in the middle of their fluffy huddle. Bonnie approached to take a better look. The sheep were her main responsibility after all. She had to ensure they were alright. As she got closer, the outline

[01:41:50] of the shape became clearer. To her surprise, in the centre of the huddle of sheep, one of the missing diggers was happily resting. Bonnie tried not to disturb the snoring sheep in case they thought it was time for one of her usual round-ups. Bonnie whispered, Why are you sleeping here, sleepy digger? The dark green digger yawned and partially opened its eyes.

[01:42:21] I couldn't sleep in the shed. It was too chilly. So, I thought, where on the farm will it be warmest? And of course, I automatically thought of the sheep's warm, curly hair. Thankfully, they accepted me into their herd and gathered round me. I don't think I've ever been cosier. Bonnie chuckled. The digger did look pretty cosy.

[01:42:51] The green digger yawned again and its eyes fluttered shut. I hope the farmer won't mind my sleeping out here, it said. I promise I won't get rusty in the snow. Bonnie assumed that one night of sleeping outside wouldn't do the digger any harm, especially when so many fluffy friends surrounded it. Good night, sleepy digger,

[01:43:21] she whispered as she turned to pad back through the snow, across the field, towards the farm. As she walked, she gazed down the hill and admired the lights of the farmhouse glowing in the distance. The silver moon beamed in the sky and soft snow continued to delicately blow through the air. Bonnie's paws made

[01:43:51] a satisfying crunching sound with every step. If one digger had chosen to sleep outside, then maybe some others had too, although she couldn't think of anywhere else on the farm quite as cosy as the sheep field. Bonnie racked her brain to think of other places in the farmland that would make a nice, warm bed on a cold winter's night.

[01:44:20] The hay barn would be comfortable for anyone who managed to forge a bed out of the dry golden strands. Bonnie decided she would check there next. On her way down the snowy hill, she sang her tune. I'm off to find the diggers wherever they may be. I wonder what they're up to and what they'll say to me. Perhaps they embarked on adventure, decided to stay out and play.

[01:44:50] Perhaps they're building some snowmen or just snoozing in the hay. Wherever they may be, they can't hide long from me. Halfway down the hill, Bonnie suddenly heard the sound of snoring drifting on the breeze. It was a low, rumbling sound, similar to that of a machine hard at work. She followed the direction of the sound and her

[01:45:19] gaze fell upon the nearby cornfield. Could it be? Bonnie pondered as she changed course and trotted towards the cornfield. Corn rarely grew in the winter, but it had been a pleasantly mild autumn and so the tall crops had stood strong as winter approached. There was no golden corn to be seen on the frost dusted shoots, but the dense field

[01:45:49] of corn plants still stood tall and regal like an ice palace. As Bonnie got closer, the sound of snoring became louder. There was definitely somebody snoring in this cornfield. To Bonnie's left, she noticed an opening in the corn, where it looked like a giant had waded through. There had to be a digger over there.

[01:46:19] She crept up to the opening, expecting to see a snoring digger amongst the plants, but when she arrived, she saw nothing except bent plants pushed out of the way. However, she could still hear the sound of snoring. She glanced down at the ground, and to her amusement, she saw a tiny mouse coiled up in a makeshift nest made out of fallen cornstalks.

[01:46:48] The tiny mouse snored and cooed from its pleasant makeshift bed. Surely it wasn't the mouse's snoring she'd heard from all the way up the hill. It Bonnie's thoughts were interrupted by even louder snoring. This sound definitely did not belong to a sweet little mouse. Bonnie squinted into the

[01:47:18] cornfield, past the bent plant stalks and frosty leaves, and could faintly make out a pair of dim headlights. Careful not to disturb the nearby mouse, Bonnie crept closer and found a blue digger hiding in the cornfield, snoring loudly. Bonnie chuckled, Why are you sleeping here, sleepy digger? But the digger did not

[01:47:47] respond. It was fast asleep. Bonnie noticed that thanks to the height of the corn plants, they had created a dry canopy above the digger's head, protecting it from the falling snow. The thick expanse of corn plants acted as walls, making the inside of the field as pleasantly warm as the inside of a house. Plus, the sound of the corn

[01:48:17] field gently swaying in the breeze made the most relaxing sound. Bonnie could see why the blue digger had gone of the corn field and whispered with a smile. Then she glanced at the little sleeping mouse and added,

[01:48:51] Bonnie wearily returned to the farmyard. It had been a long walk up to the hill of sheep and an extra diversion to the cornfield. It was getting late and Bonnie was beginning to long for her own bed. But she knew she wouldn't be able to rest until everyone else on the farm was accounted for. There was just one missing digger left to find.

[01:49:21] She checked the hay barn in case they were in there but they were not. She peeped in the food store in case the digger had fancied a midnight snack but the food store was empty. She even looked in the cow barn and the pig pen in case the digger had thought it comfy with them for some reason but they hadn't.

[01:49:44] As a last resort, Bonnie returned to the digger's usual shed to see if they had returned after a venture but there was no one inside. Bonnie had no idea where else the last digger might be. A yawn slipped from her mouth and her eyes and body relaxed.

[01:50:12] Bonnie had been searching all evening for the missing diggers. Perhaps she should wait until morning to find the last one. If the other three had managed to find lovely, cosy beds, maybe she should trust that the fourth digger had managed to do the same wherever it may be. Bonnie took a final look around the farmyard and sighed.

[01:50:39] It was time she returned home to her pups anyway. Bonnie walked around the back of the farmhouse and spotted Farmer Clyde through the window. Two of his children had fallen asleep in front of the fire whilst the youngest rested on his wife's chest.

[01:51:02] The parents were each reading a book in silence by the firelight with their blankets pulled up tight to their shoulders. Fresh cups of hot chocolate sat on the coffee table with a plate of biscuits between them. The two farmyard cats, Pudsey and Alice, lazily reclined on the back of the sofa, purring happily.

[01:51:30] It was an idyllic scene. Usually, Bonnie would join the family inside the farmhouse and curl up in her bed beside the fireplace. But tonight, Bonnie passed by the back door and instead entered the garage. As she stepped inside, she was welcomed by a wall of heat and dim lighting, perfect for bedtime.

[01:52:00] At the front end of the garage lay a collection of plush dog beds where her newborn puppy slept. But, to Bonnie's surprise, there was nobody in them. Bonnie looked around with confusion. Had her puppies moved inside the farmhouse? Just as Bonnie was about to begin another search around the farmyard,

[01:52:26] she noticed there was something new in the garage, something that wasn't usually there. In the back corner of the garage sat the last missing digger. The small digger had tucked itself up nicely in the darkest corner of the garage and was peacefully sleeping. Bonnie thought maybe the digger would know where her puppies were.

[01:52:53] So she slowly approached the digger so as not to startle it. Once she was near, Bonnie paused with a gasp. She looked into the digger's bucket and her heart swelled. Curled up inside the digger's wide bucket were her eight newborn puppies.

[01:53:18] All of her babies were blissfully sleeping, snoring gently and sighing with contentment. Bonnie was so happy to have found the last missing digger and, more importantly, she was so happy to have found her puppies with it.

[01:53:43] She watched them all sleeping tranquilly and lay down by their side. Bonnie yawned and her body flopped against the floor. She finally felt like she could properly relax. She rested her head on her paws and sighed.

[01:54:08] She closed her eyes and listened to the beautiful sound of her puppies stirring and dreaming. Bonnie's breathing slowed. Her eyes felt heavy and her furry body melted into the ground. With every breath, she sank a little deeper into a slumber.

[01:54:34] Until, eventually, the room around her faded away. The sound of her puppies snoring faintly trickled into the background. Her body fell still and her mind became silent. The soft sound of snow tapped on the farmhouse roof.

[01:55:02] Farmer Clyde's cozy fireplace crackled and burned to an ember. And inside the garage, Bonnie the collie and her puppies slept peacefully in the safe presence of the last digger. Knowing that everyone on the farm was present and accounted for. The aura lay a little way. The man.