The Three Sleepy Billy Goats 🐐🌻 Soothing Rewind Bedtime Story

[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.

[00:00:21] Tonight we have another reimagined classic tale for you that stars three friendly billy goats and a very cheerful troll.

[00:00:30] We'll discover how crossing a bridge leads to special shared moments between the new friends.

[00:00:36] Before we begin, a quick message for the grown-ups.

[00:00:41] 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.

[00:00:51] Subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show notes.

[00:00:55] But now here's a quick word from our sponsors.

[00:00:58] Hi Koala Moon listeners!

[00:01:00] We're excited to share that we've officially joined Starglow, the largest kids and family audio network.

[00:01:06] Starglow has an amazing lineup of shows for all ages, including Go Kid Go favourites like Snoop and Sniffy, Bobby Wonder and R.L. Stine's Story Club.

[00:01:17] Perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.

[00:01:21] You can explore all of Starglow's podcasts and audiobooks by simply typing Starglow into the search bar wherever you listen to your podcasts.

[00:01:29] And, as always, your favourite Koala Moon bedtime stories will still be right here to help you and your family sleep peacefully.

[00:01:38] Sweet dreams and happy listening.

[00:01:40] Hey parents!

[00:01:43] My name is Jessica Porter and I'm the host of Sleep Magic, the sleep hypnosis podcast.

[00:01:49] As a hypnotherapist, I've helped many parents tackle their sleep troubles.

[00:01:54] Whether it's letting go of bedtime worries or getting back to sleep after tiny bedroom intruders.

[00:02:00] I know finding peace amidst all that life brings can be tough.

[00:02:06] But since 2021, I've been delivering weekly episodes of solution-focused sleep hypnosis, which have now helped with over 5 million restless nights.

[00:02:17] Sleep magic has proven to help you relax really deeply.

[00:02:21] Maybe more deeply than you have in years.

[00:02:24] With a mix of hypnosis techniques, meditations, and classic bedtime stories, each week there's brand new episodes to help you unwind and fall asleep effortlessly.

[00:02:36] You can find me and Sleep Magic on all major podcast platforms.

[00:02:41] Just search Sleep Magic and hit follow so that you can find it easily when you go to bed.

[00:02:47] Relaxation is truly closer than you think.

[00:02:51] I'll see you there.

[00:02:54] Take a moment to get comfy and still in your bed.

[00:02:59] Close your eyes.

[00:03:01] And take some deep breaths as I begin to read you The Three Billy Goats by Gillian Rogerson.

[00:03:17] Once upon a time, there was a friendly troll who lived beneath a bridge in the middle of a forest.

[00:03:24] Many animals would cross his bridge.

[00:03:27] And being a chatty troll, he would talk to those travellers and ask where they were going.

[00:03:33] Many of them would reply,

[00:03:35] To the other side, because everyone knows that the grass is always greener on the other side.

[00:03:43] When he'd first heard those words, the troll had been bewildered because the grass looked just as green on both sides of the river.

[00:03:52] But the animal said it so often that he began to wonder if he should cross the bridge to the other side too and go looking for that greener grass.

[00:04:01] Perhaps there was even a better bridge over that way.

[00:04:05] He would often gaze into the distance with his thoughts on that far away land with its bountiful acres of beautiful grass.

[00:04:14] He imagined magnificent bridges arcing over gently flowing rivers.

[00:04:21] How would it feel to live under a different bridge?

[00:04:25] Would it be any better?

[00:04:27] One sunny morning, three Billy Goats strolled along the riverbank and came to a stop near his bridge.

[00:04:35] The troll welcomed them and asked if they'd like to cross his bridge.

[00:04:40] The biggest Billy Goat said,

[00:04:42] Where does it lead?

[00:04:45] I don't know, the troll replied.

[00:04:47] But I've been told the grass is greener over that way.

[00:04:52] The troll and the three Billy Goats looked at the grass beneath their feet.

[00:04:57] It was a rich shade of green.

[00:05:00] An early morning dew drop still twinkled in the light of the sun.

[00:05:05] The troll and the goats lifted their heads and looked across the river to the grass on the other side.

[00:05:13] It was the same shade of rich green.

[00:05:16] And there was also a scattering of dew drops nestling in the green covering.

[00:05:22] Seeing the confused looks on the goats faces, the troll let out a jolly chuckle and said,

[00:05:30] I know what you're thinking.

[00:05:32] The grass is just as green on that side.

[00:05:36] But travellers tell me all the time that the grass is greener over there, so it must be true.

[00:05:43] Would you like to go over my bridge and see for yourselves?

[00:05:48] The biggest Billy Goat gave the matter some serious thought.

[00:05:53] Then he stepped onto the wooden bridge and trip-trapped over it.

[00:05:59] When he reached the other side, he lowered his head and sniffed the grass.

[00:06:04] He nibbled a clump of it, chewing slowly and thoughtfully.

[00:06:11] When he'd finished eating, he'd trip-trapped all the way back over the bridge to join his brothers and the troll.

[00:06:20] The troll asked what he thought about the grass.

[00:06:24] Was it greener? Or fresher smelling?

[00:06:28] Did it taste sweeter?

[00:06:29] The biggest Billy Goat wasn't sure, so he asked his brothers to go over the bridge to inspect the grass.

[00:06:39] The middle Billy Goat, trip-trapped across followed closely by the smallest Billy Goat.

[00:06:46] They sniffed the grass, tasted the grass, and the little one even rolled around in it to get a good feel for its texture.

[00:06:56] Once their inspection had been completed, they returned to the troll and their older brother.

[00:07:04] They said they couldn't tell if the grass was better on the other side or not.

[00:07:09] The three Billy Goats turned their faces to the troll and asked if he could help them make a decision.

[00:07:17] Should they cross the bridge and go in search of that greener grass?

[00:07:22] Or stay where they were?

[00:07:26] The troll had never been asked for help before, but he did want the goats to make the decision that was right for them.

[00:07:34] As he thought about the matter, a question came to his mind.

[00:07:39] He asked the biggest Billy Goat what he would be leaving behind if he did go over the bridge in search of greener pastures.

[00:07:51] My home, the biggest Billy Goat said with a smile.

[00:07:56] My home is cosy and comfortable. I love living there.

[00:08:02] The middle Billy Goat said he would miss his garden, as it was the place where he felt most at peace.

[00:08:11] The youngest Billy Goat told the troll he would miss the fields around his home.

[00:08:18] He liked running through the tall grass and rolling down the hills and jumping in the puddles after a rain shower.

[00:08:26] The troll scratched his chin. He didn't know what to say to the goats.

[00:08:34] Would they be happier if they travelled over the bridge?

[00:08:38] And should he really be the one telling them what to do?

[00:08:43] The biggest Billy Goat could see the troll was having trouble making a decision and invited him to their home and to stay for a while.

[00:08:54] Perhaps that would help him decide what to say.

[00:08:59] The troll had never been invited to anyone's home before.

[00:09:03] It was a great honour and made him feel warm inside.

[00:09:09] He thanked the goats and said he would like that very much.

[00:09:15] The goats led the troll through fields and to a valley nestled at the foot of rolling hills.

[00:09:25] A cosy looking cottage looked out onto a large garden which was full of colourful flowers and tall fruit trees.

[00:09:36] The biggest Billy Goat invited the troll into the cottage and asked if he'd like anything to drink.

[00:09:44] The troll was partial to tea and asked the goat if he had any, but only if it wasn't any trouble.

[00:09:52] The goat said a cup of tea sounded perfect and soon made a couple of hot drinks for the troll and himself.

[00:10:03] With a cup in his hand, the troll was shown around the house.

[00:10:08] The living room was spacious with a handmade rug in front of the fire.

[00:10:13] The rocking chairs were placed around the rug.

[00:10:20] Along the side of the walls were thickly upholstered sofas, which looked very inviting and the ideal place to take an afternoon nap.

[00:10:32] Photographs of the smiling goats adorned the walls.

[00:10:36] Cushions and soft blankets lay on the chairs and sofas, adding to the cosy feel of the room.

[00:10:46] The troll said he felt like he could spend many happy hours there.

[00:10:53] The biggest Billy Goat nodded and said it was an extremely relaxing place to be.

[00:11:01] He took the troll into the kitchen next, where a batch of cookies were cooling on a baking tray.

[00:11:09] The delicious aroma made the troll's mouth water.

[00:11:15] Without any hesitation, the goat offered the troll a cookie.

[00:11:21] The troll took it with thanks.

[00:11:24] The cookie was still warm and it melted in his mouth.

[00:11:28] He washed it down with the refreshing tea.

[00:11:34] The Billy Goat showed the troll around the rest of the cottage.

[00:11:38] The troll looked with delight at the three bedrooms and their large windows, which gave spectacular views of the surrounding gardens and hills beyond.

[00:11:51] The cheerful bathroom was painted yellow and blue, and it had an enormous bathtub.

[00:11:59] It looked large enough even for the troll, and he pictured himself wallowing in warm waters full of bubbles.

[00:12:10] Let me show you my favourite room, the Billy Goat said with a smile.

[00:12:15] The troll is a lovely place to rest on an evening, and it gives the best view of the sunset.

[00:12:24] He took the troll into a sun-warmed conservatory at the back of the house, and asked him to take a seat on the sofa.

[00:12:35] The goat and troll leaned back on soft cushions, and gazed out through the large window at the view outside.

[00:12:47] The green-covered hills were dotted with patches of purple heather and clusters of daisies.

[00:12:56] Rabbits bounded joyfully along, stopping occasionally to nibble the grass.

[00:13:03] Trees in the garden swayed gently in the breeze.

[00:13:10] The Billy Goat let out a happy sigh of contentment.

[00:13:16] He said this is where the family gathered at the end of the day, and chatted about what they've been up to.

[00:13:27] And, as night drew nearer, they would watch the sunset, and the changing colours of the evening sky.

[00:13:38] The troll told the goat he had a beautiful home, and couldn't imagine there being a better one across the bridge.

[00:13:48] Do you think I should look anyway? The biggest Billy Goat asked.

[00:13:54] That's up to you.

[00:13:57] No one else can make that decision for you, certainly not me, the troll said gently.

[00:14:04] He felt the need to apologise.

[00:14:07] I'm sorry for thinking that I could. I hope I haven't wasted your time.

[00:14:14] The goat smiled.

[00:14:15] It's been a pleasure to have you here.

[00:14:19] I'm glad you like my home. I like it too.

[00:14:22] I'm very happy living here.

[00:14:25] You are welcome to come back any time.

[00:14:30] A feeling of warmth ran through the troll again.

[00:14:35] It made him smile.

[00:14:37] The two friends looked at the relaxing view whilst drinking their tea.

[00:14:44] After a while, the troll said,

[00:14:48] I'd better return to my bridge.

[00:14:51] Thank you for inviting me into your home.

[00:14:56] The biggest Billy Goat escorted him out of the cottage and told the troll to visit them again soon.

[00:15:06] As the troll walked away from the cosy home, the middle-sized Billy Goat met him and asked the troll to look at his garden.

[00:15:18] Perhaps there will be a better garden across the bridge, the goat said.

[00:15:23] What do you think?

[00:15:26] The troll knew it wasn't his decision to make, but asked the goat if he could show him around his garden.

[00:15:35] The goat's face lit up with delight.

[00:15:38] He trotted off and asked the troll to follow him.

[00:15:43] They soon arrived at an apple tree.

[00:15:46] The goat looked up through the branches, which were laden with rosy apples.

[00:15:54] With wonder in his voice, he said,

[00:15:58] I wasn't sure this tree and the others would grow at all.

[00:16:02] I planted some seeds years ago and left them to do their thing.

[00:16:07] I watered them often and talked to them sometimes.

[00:16:12] And when the first stems appeared, I put some supports behind them to make sure they wouldn't fall over.

[00:16:19] And look at it now.

[00:16:22] The apples are delicious.

[00:16:24] You must take some home with you.

[00:16:26] I've got some pear trees too.

[00:16:28] I'll collect some pears for you too.

[00:16:32] That's very kind of you.

[00:16:34] Thank you.

[00:16:35] The troll was touched by the thoughtfulness of the goat.

[00:16:40] The middle-sized goat led the troll through flower beds of red and pink roses and tall, swaying sunflowers.

[00:16:52] They walked by the side of a vegetable plot that was overflowing with cream-coloured cauliflowers,

[00:17:00] plump pea pods and cucumbers as big as the troll's arms.

[00:17:07] The goat's eyes twinkled with joy and love for his garden.

[00:17:13] And his enthusiasm filled the troll's heart with happiness.

[00:17:21] When they came to the end of their garden tour, the billy goat asked the troll if a better garden could be found on the other side of the bridge.

[00:17:33] What do you think?

[00:17:35] What do you think?

[00:17:35] The troll asked.

[00:17:37] The goat looked over the rows of vegetables and the beds of rainbow-coloured blooms.

[00:17:45] His attention rested on the fruit trees, which were abundant with apples and pears.

[00:17:53] His voice was full of love as he said,

[00:17:58] I don't need to go anywhere.

[00:18:01] This is where I belong.

[00:18:04] This is where I feel at peace.

[00:18:09] It's a beautiful garden and I can't imagine there's a better one anywhere else, the troll said.

[00:18:16] I could stay here for hours, but I'd better get back to my bridge.

[00:18:23] The goat said he would pack some fruit for the troll and a bunch or two of flowers, and maybe some vegetables, as the cauliflowers were particularly tasty that year.

[00:18:36] He added,

[00:18:38] You can come back anytime, as I'd love to show you how the garden changes throughout the year.

[00:18:46] The troll said he would like that very much, and thanked the goat.

[00:18:55] With a basket full of gifts, the troll walked away from the garden.

[00:19:02] He hadn't got very far when he was met by the smallest billy goat, who asked if he had time to play.

[00:19:11] He gave the troll a cute smile, which was hard to resist.

[00:19:17] It seemed the kind of day which was perfect for playing games.

[00:19:21] So the troll put the basket down and said yes to the little goat.

[00:19:28] The goat cheered before bounding through the grass and calling out to the troll to keep up.

[00:19:36] The troll had to jog a little, but he didn't mind as it felt good to be out in the sunshine.

[00:19:44] The smallest billy goat stopped at a large expanse of grass and told the troll they could run through it.

[00:19:53] But what animal would he like to be?

[00:19:57] The troll wasn't sure how to respond to that question, so he shrugged and said it was up to the goat.

[00:20:06] The smiling goat suggested they pretend to be frogs and hop through the grass.

[00:20:13] Or perhaps be like bunnies and jump over the small rocks.

[00:20:18] Or maybe they could open their arms and pretend to fly like birds.

[00:20:24] The troll thought they all sounded like good choices and suggested they do all of them.

[00:20:33] The day flew by as the troll got lost in joyful games with the billy goat, who was small in appearance,

[00:20:42] but his imagination was as vast as the clear blue sky above them.

[00:20:50] The other goats saw what fun the troll and the little goat were having, and they joined in with their games.

[00:20:58] The afternoon hours sped by.

[00:21:02] Any thoughts about the bridge and the greener grass on the other side were entirely forgotten.

[00:21:11] The day wore on, and the sun began to move lower in the sky.

[00:21:19] Noticing the lengthening shadows across the grass, the troll collected the basket and said he really must be getting back to his bridge.

[00:21:31] The goat said they would walk back with him to keep him company.

[00:21:37] Along the way, the biggest billy goat asked the troll if he'd ever thought about crossing the bridge to see what was on the other side.

[00:21:50] The troll admitted he had thought about it.

[00:21:54] But being with the goats had made him realise how much he liked his bridge.

[00:21:59] He loved slowing down beneath the bridge on the two travellers every day.

[00:22:06] And falling asleep to the gentle sound of the flowing river.

[00:22:12] When they arrived at the bridge, the troll said,

[00:22:17] Perhaps there is something better on the other side.

[00:22:21] And maybe the grass is greener over there.

[00:22:25] But I'm quite content where I am.

[00:22:31] The goats nodded in understanding.

[00:22:35] They bade the troll a good night, and said he must come and visit them very soon.

[00:22:41] The troll said he would.

[00:22:44] The troll watched them walk away and thought how lucky he was to have made some new friends that day.

[00:22:54] He put his hand on the familiar wooden rail of the bridge and smiled.

[00:23:00] It really was a lovely bridge.

[00:23:04] He liked it very much.

[00:23:07] He went underneath it and settled himself into his snug sleeping area.

[00:23:14] Through the gaps in the wood above him, he saw the bright light of the moon and the twinkling of the stars.

[00:23:24] There was nowhere else he'd rather be.

[00:23:30] He was happy and content.

[00:23:34] Right where he was.

[00:23:39] With a smile on his face, he closed his eyes and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

[00:23:47] peaceful and snug under his bridge.

[00:23:53] On the left you không igualdon't to be in the nearz.

[00:23:53] teenager.