Koko The Sleepy Koala Calming Bedtime Stories for Kids with Relaxing Music

Welcome back to Koala Moon this is Koko's bedtime story collection deep in the heart of faraway forest stood cosy cabin inside the cabin lived family of koalas the youngest member of the family was called Koko it was beautiful day in Sleepy Forest and Koko was in the garden with his grandma they'd been gardening all morning and now it was time for rest they sat down beneath the big apple tree it was one of their favorite places in the garden Koko rested against the warm trunk of the tree and said love this tree grandma love sitting here when I'm reading one of my books or drawing picture and when I'm playing my ukulele and when I'm tired need nap just love it he grinned and love eating the apples when they're ready especially when Grandpa makes his special apple pie with them Yum his grandma laughed and said she loved all of those things about the apple tree too and often had nap beneath it Koko gazed up at the trees and asked his grandma if the apple tree had always been in their garden with smile grandma replied the tree wasn't here when we first moved to Sleepy Forest planted it few months after we'd arrived Koko sat up straighter what do you mean grandma she said do you know what those little seeds inside apples called Koko shook his head grandma said they are called pips and if you plant them in pots and then later on in the garden they will grow into trees but it takes long time and you have to give them lot of care and attention that's what did with this tree grew it from pip Koko looked confused but those pips are tiny and this tree is huge how long did it take for this tree to grow so big his grandma chuckled and said it had taken long long time Koko said with frown was thinking that could grow some trees for our neighbours so that they could have somewhere lovely to sit like us but don't want them to wait for long long time though is there any way can get the pips to grow more quickly grandma not unless you have some magic pips grandma replied with smile little grin lighted on Koko's face grandma do you remember when met magical animal called Nessie who came from place called Scotland Grandma nodded Koko continued when Nessie and went on our adventure together we met bear of the forest called Tiny Terry he was magic and he helped us on our adventure do you think tiny Terry might have some magic pips before his grandma could reply voice from within nearby bush called out piers do have some magic pips have plenty of them little bear wearing dark brown jumper and pale green trousers jumped out of the bush there was wooden walking stick in his paw which had leaves on the end of it it was tiny Terry special bear of the forest the little bear wave to Koko and then introduced himself to Koko's grandma Koko's grandma invited him to stay and asked if he would like something to eat or drink no thank you Perry replied was on my way to friend's house when heard you talking about magic pips recognized your voice Koko and wondered if you'd like my help again Koko said he would love that and thanked the kind bear for stopping by Koko explained about the apple tree and how he would love other animals in the forest to have special tree too Tiny Terry smiled at Koko and said that's very thoughtful gesture and yes can certainly help you with that if you don't mind stepping to the side will use my magic walking stick to create some enchanted apple pips Koko and his grandma stood up and moved over to the side Tiny Terry blew on the leaves at the end of his walking stick soft sound came from the leaves like flute playing leaves on the apple tree rustled and out of nowhere dozens and dozens of pips appeared in the air they danced on the breeze and drifted towards the ground Tiny Terry continued playing his walking stick and pots that were half filled with soil appeared around the bottom of the tree the pips dropped into the pots and nestled deep into the soil the little bear played different tune and the pips began to magically grow until they became strong saplings each one had couple of leaves on the end of it Tiny Terry stopped playing the walking stick and lowered it he said Koko these saplings are ready to be planted and once they're in the ground they will grow into trees within minutes Koko stared at the saplings wow that's amazing thank you so much tiny Terry will they all grow into apple trees like ours the bear's eyes twinkled with joy and he said that depends on who you give the sapling to there's lot of magic in those plants and if someone would prefer different kind of tree then all they have to do is wish for it better be getting along I'm sure we'll meet again sometime bye for now he gave them cheery wave and jumped back into the bush the leaves on the bush rustled for few moments and then became silent Koko called out tiny Terry are you still there there was no answer so Koko assumed the magical bear must have traveled to another world Koko's grandma was amazed at how quickly the pips had grown into saplings and asked Koko who he was going to give them to I'm not sure yet walk through the forest and ask our neighbours if they'd like one Koko said I'll get my wheelbarrow to put them in there are too many to carry all at once he ran into the garden shed and came out few moments later pushing his wheelbarrow his grandma helped him to put the pots into his wheelbarrow when all the pots were in Koko said goodbye and set out through the forest he pushed the wheelbarrow along the forest path and smiled at the pots he wondered what kind of trees some of them might grow into Koko soon came to Mrs Badger's house she was an elderly Badger who sometimes looked after Koko if his parents and grandparents went out for the evening she was sitting in deck chair in her garden with book on her lap she loved reading and when she looked after Koko she would always read him story from one of her favorite books Mrs Badger saw Koko and wave to him hello there Koko where are you going with that wheelbarrow she chuckled have you set up gardening business do come into my garden and tell me what you've been up to since last saw you Koko put the wheelbarrow down and picked up one of the pots he went into the garden and over to Mrs Badger he told her all about tiny Terry and the magical pips he asked Mrs Badger if she would like one of the pots and explained that it would grow very quickly once it was planted Mrs Badger clasped her paws together in delight and said what kind gift thank you Koko do so love that apple tree of yours and would love one in my garden she chuckled again she was always chuckling it was one of the things Koko loved about her Mrs Badger said wistfully imagine if there was tree that grew books on its branches wouldn't that be something would never run out of books to read then Koko looked down at the pot then back at Mrs Badger he said this is magical sapling and tiny Terry said it would grow into any kind of tree that you wished for even one that grows books Mrs Badger asked Koko shrugged baby shall we give it go I'll plant it for you where would you like it Mrs Badger looked around her garden over there at the side of my house please there's plenty of room there Koko and Mrs Badger walked over to her chosen area Koko gave the pot thoughtful look and told Mrs Badger she should hold the pot for moment and wish for tree that grows books so that the sapling would know what to do he gave her the pot Mrs Badger held it firmly and gave her instructions to the sapling and added thank you Koko carefully planted the sapling he didn't know what was going to happen next and neither did Mrs Badger they took some steps back looked at the sapling and waited the sapling gave itself shake and then it began to grow it grew higher and higher until it was as big as Koko's apple tree but there weren't any apples on it there were plenty of bright green leaves and in between the leaves there were many many books library of books just waiting to be picked the pages of the books fluttered gently in the breeze and created soothing tune that echoed around the garden Mrs Badger was too astonished to speak she just stared and stared at the amazing tree then she stepped forward and plucked book from one of the branches as soon as the book was free another one immediately grew in its place Mrs Badger held the book carefully and turned the pages shaking her head at the wonder of it she looked at Koko and huge smile spread across her face Koko this is amazing thank you so much I've got more than enough books to read now let my friends and neighbours know about this tree and they can pick some books too you're welcome to take some as well she turned her attention back to the book she was holding and smiled at it Koko knew Mrs Badger wanted to read her new book so he said goodbye and went on his way the little koala continued pushing the wheelbarrow through the forest he couldn't wait to see what the other saplings would grow into very soon he heard peculiar noise it sounded like tapping sticks and clanging spoons he followed the sound and came across family of mice playing music on sticks and spoons in their little garden Koko stopped to chat with the mice he smiled and asked what they were playing the mother mouse said it's tune we made up we love making up melodies and then playing them on our spoons and sticks one of the young my said we would love to play real instruments but the ones in the shops are much too big for us Koko pointed to the magic saplings in his wheelbarrow and told the mice about tiny Terry and what he had said he also told them about Mrs Badger's tree of books Koko said to the mice perhaps you could wish for tree that grows musical instruments ones that are the perfect size for you would you like one of the saplings the mice tapped their sticks together and said they would love that Koko picked up one of the pots and held it towards the mice he soon realised there was problem the pot was much bigger than the mice and once it started growing it would tower above them and they wouldn't be able to pluck the musical instruments from the branches Koko sighed and said wish this was smaller sapling all of sudden the pot shrunk until it was no bigger than Koko's finger he smiled at it and thought there certainly was lot of magic in the plants he carefully gave the pot to the mice and told them to make wish upon it before planting it he said don't forget to take some steps back when you've planted it because it will grow very quickly the excited mice gathered around the pot and made their wish the mother mouse planted the sapling in the middle of their garden and told her children to step back the sapling began to grow immediately and became tree that was the perfect size for the mice branches sprouted out and on the end of them were musical instruments of all kinds flutes violins trumpets and set of drums and even small piano just like the tree the instruments were the perfect size for the mouse family the mice stared at the tree in amazement the mother mouse said to Koko thank you so much this is wonderful just wonderful there are more than enough instruments for us now we'll have lot of fun learning how to play them too shall ask some of my cousins and friends if they'd like to have some of these instruments there is plenty for everyone the young mice asked their mother if they could pick some of the instruments from the tree their mother nodded and then helped them to pluck the little instruments from the branches Koko knew the mice family were going to be busy with their new instruments so he said goodbye and went on his way the little koala continued pushing the wheelbarrow of magical plants through the forest he met family of bears next who lived in house made of grey stones they were playing games in their garden and when they saw Koko they waved and invited him to join them Koko said thank you but that he couldn't stay because he was delivering saplings he told the bears about tiny Terry Mrs Badger and the mouse family Koko asked if they would like to grow tree in their garden the bears were touched by Koko's kindness and said they would love that Koko gave them pot and asked what kind of tree they would like Mother Bear said she had been to Koko's house and would love an apple tree like his the father bear said yes like apples too but also like pears the rest of the family said they liked other fruit too including oranges mangoes and bananas the smallest bear said she loved strawberries most of all her mother gently said strawberries didn't grow on trees the little bear replied Koko said it's magical plant and if it's magic it might be able to grow strawberries too she looked at Koko with hope in her little eyes Koko had already seen what the plants could do he said why don't you try wishing for all those kinds of fruit on your tree and see what happens it's worth try he gave them pot and the bears asked the sapling for the kind of fruit they would like on the tree Father Bear planted the sapling the bear family took few steps back and waited it didn't take long for the tree to grow it's strong branches stretched out in all directions and contained variety of mouthwatering fruits including the same apples that were on Koko's tree the bear family stared at the tree of fruit in surprise and delight the smallest bear let out cheer and said look there are strawberries on it too lots and lots of them Mother Bear said there was more than enough fruit for their family and she would invite her neighbours and friends over to pick some too the bears thanked Koko for the magical tree and asked him to stay and enjoy the fruit with them Koko still had pots to deliver so he said no thank you he waved and went on his way as Koko continued on his journey through sleepy forest he delivered the magical saplings to many animals he told them about tiny Terry and how the bear had worked his magic on the plants Koko encouraged the animals to make wish before planting the saplings the animals of Sleepy Forest wished for many different kinds of trees and Koko watched in wonder as each new tree appeared fox wished for tree that produced flowers all year long even in the winter months the sapling grew into tree covered in beautiful blooms of many colours the trees sparkled in the sunlight and perfumed the air with its sweet fragrance the fox was overjoyed one of Koko's friends adrenaline the tortoise wished for tree that told jokes when the tree grew one of the leaves rustled in soft voice came from it the leaf told the funniest joke that adrenaline and Koko had ever heard and the friends rolled around the grass laughing and holding onto their tummies adrenaline said he would invite all their friends over to listen to the tree of jokes family of deer wished for tree that grew pizza and to their amazement the sapling sprouted into pizza tree with doughy crusts and toppings of every kind the deer gathered around the tree and pulled slices of pizza from its branches and munched on them the deer offered slice to Koko and the pizza smelled so delicious that he couldn't say no he took slice and bit into it it was utterly scrumptious some animals simply wished for an apple tree like Koko's and seeing the familiar tree appear in the animal's gardens filled Koko's heart with love he knew the animals would love the apple tree as much as he loved his Koko delivered the rest of the magical saplings to the delighted animals of Sleepy Forest he noticed how each animal kindly said they would share the treats on their new trees with their neighbours and friends when Koko had given away all of the pots he turned the empty wheelbarrow around and headed back home his grandma was still in the garden when he arrived home he told her he had delivered all the pots and said everyone was delighted with their magical trees his grandma pointed to the wheelbarrow and said there's one pot left who is that one for Koko looked at it it wasn't there minute ago his grandma smiled perhaps this one is for you what tree would you like to wish for Koko thought about the wonderful trees his neighbours and friends had wished for they were all amazing trees but he had something else in mind he told his grandma what his idea was and she thought it was great one and something the family would love she said you plant the tree and I'll gather the family to watch it grow think that area next to the porch will be perfect for it Koko agreed his grandma went inside the cabin and Koko took the last pot over to the grassy area next to the porch he gazed at the magical sapling and told it what kind of tree he would like Koko planted the sapling into the warm ground and stood to one side his family joined him and watched as the sapling quickly grew into big tree the leaves on the tree were silver and they tinkled softly in the breeze the tune they created was calm and soothing it filled the air with peace and tranquility Koko yawned the soft tune was making him feel sleepy Koko's mom asked what kind of tree it was the tired koala smiled at his family and said it's lullaby tree it will sing soothing song to help you fall asleep at night or if you want to take nap it will sing to you then too you can ask it to stop anytime you want to or to play more melodies he yawned again so did his family his grandma said well it seems to be working this tree is perfect for us sleepy koalas and it will be lovely to listen to it on an evening love how the sun is shining on the silver leaves and making them sparkle Koko nodded and said when it's dark the lullaby leaves will turn into star shaped ones his grandma looked towards the sky and said it would be dark soon she suggested the family sit on the porch with blankets around them and listen to the lullaby tree everyone agreed and soon the koalas were snuggled up together on comfy seats with warm blankets around them the sky grew darker and stars glimmered into view the silver leaves on the lullaby tree turned into twinkling star shaped ones and made the tree look even more enchanting the soft melody coming from the tree flows over the tired koalas their sleepy yawns mingled with the soft notes of lilting lullaby Koko was snuggled up next to his grandma the lovely lullaby was making him so very very tired kind hearted little koala closed his eyes let out soft yawn and drifted gently into peaceful sleep the Lullaby Tree continued to play soothing melody until all the koalas were asleep its tranquil tune drifted through sleepy forest and all those who heard it gently fell asleep too Koko helps Kira get back to sleep by Luke Brendergast deep in the heart of faraway forest stood cosy wooden cabin inside the cabin lived family of koalas one evening the whole family sat at the dinner table in their little wooden cabin eating delicious meal of eucalyptus stew Kira however was rather fidgety she simply couldn't keep still she kept hopping up and down on her seat then wiggling her bum and wiggling her little toes what's going on with you this evening Kira their mom asked her gently I've never seen you this restless before is something wrong no mum Kira replied there's nothing wrong at all quite the country in fact there's something very right her mom raised an inquisitive eyebrow then Kira explained that the next day her year at Sleepy Forest Elementary School were going on school trip to the other side of the forest where there was high ropes course there were ladders on trees and wooden bridges in the canopies and zip wires that brought you back down to the forest floor is panda bears dream she squealed almost tipping off her chair and it was also the reason she was so restless she was too full up with excitement to sit still she simply couldn't wait for tomorrow to come Koko and Kira's mom laughed sweet chuckling laugh wow I'm very excited for you too Kira but you're going to have to settle down and eat your food and get good night's sleep you're going to need to be well fed and well rested for all that tree climbing tomorrow as per usual her mother who was very wise koala indeed was right Kira did need to make sure she had plenty of energy for her school trip so she did her best to keep her excitement under control and she finished off every last mouthful of her eucalyptus stew she even asked for seconds when they had finished their dinner Koko let out big yawn and because yawns can be terribly catching like that Kira let out big yawn too wow so Koko you might actually be tired Kira come on let's go and get ready for bed while you're yawning already hopefully you'll be able to sleep the whole night through Koko and Kira went to their room they changed into their pajamas Koko wore blue pajama shirt and some blue shorts because blue was his favorite color and Kira's favorite color was purple so she put on big purple T-shirt and pulled the purple bow out of her hair they went to the bathroom and brush their teeth making sure they brush for whole minute on the top and whole minute on the bottom they pulled faces at each other in the bathroom mirror to keep themselves occupied all kinds of monstrous faces until soon enough the time was up they spat their toothpaste into the sink and wiped away the bits that had dribbled down onto their chins when they went back through to the bedroom their mom had already been in to pull the curtains closed soft silvery moonlight peaked in through the corners of the window and they could hear the magical whisperings of the forest trees outside Koko and Kira climbed into their beds Koko let out another big yawn and so did Kira my my said Kira must be tired night night Koko night night Kira Koko replied and with that they turned over and fell asleep one minute passed and another minute and another one slipped by outside breeze stirred through the trees and Kara poor poor Kara they wide awake in her bed she had woken up after only few minutes of sleep her stomach once again full of excitement about the following day she turned over in her bed first this way then that way trying her best to find comfortable position that would send her straight back into the land of dreams but try as she might she could not eventually Kira's twisting and turning roused Koko from his sleep he turned over and looked at her across the room and said dear Kira can't you sleep Kira let out sigh I'm afraid can't Koko she said fell asleep for few minutes there but then woke up full of excitement and now can't get myself back to sleep well Koko whispered the best thing to help you fall asleep is to concentrate on your breathing your breath carries the special magic of sleep on it so if you pull it gently all the way down into your belly it helps settle all your excitement and lets you drift off to sleep do you want to try it Kira why don't we try some deep breathing together Kira said that sounded like good idea indeed so Koko told her to take deep breath all the way down into the warm bottom of her tummy and then he told her to let the breath out slowly they breathed in and they breathed out you have to feel the breath go all the way down to the tips of your fingers and the tips of your toes Kira Koko told her Kira did as Koko said she took deep breath in and felt it tingle all the way down to the tips of her fingers and the tips of her toes then she let it slowly out she felt her body relax as though it were carried on big fluffy cushion has that helped Koko whispered definitely feel more relaxed Kira told him but haven't been able to fall asleep what do you think should do well we'll have to try something different Koko said do you want to know what do whenever can't sleep yes please reply to Kira count sheep he said count sheep ask Kira what does that mean it's method for falling back asleep Koko explained you close your eyes and in your head you imagine sheep grazing in beautiful grassy field in the middle of the field is fence low white fence and one by one the sheep run along and hop over the fence one after another an endless dream of sheep and you count them as you go the theory is that counting sheep is so monotonous that you'll fall back asleep again without even knowing it would you like to give it try Kira said that it was certainly worth ago close your eyes then said Koko and do what just said count the sheep Kira closed her eyes and just like her big brother had told her to she pictured beautiful green meadow with lots of sheep grazing on it the sheep was so big and fluffy that they looked like big puffs of cloud sitting on the grass munching away then she pictured white fence in the field and then one by one she nudged the sheep in her imagination to start jumping the fence first 1 then 2 then 3 5 and six she counted twenty sheep and then thirty sheep she counted fifty sheep and then one hundred sheep by the time she got to 217 sheep Kira decided that as fun as it was this counting sheep method was not successfully sending her off to sleep Koko she whispered counted 217 sheep the field is pretty busy with sheep now but still can't fall asleep okay Koko replied let's try something else then he slipped out of his bed and turned on their night light which was in the shape of little pig then he perched on the side of Kira's bed do you think cup of hot chocolate might help you fall back to sleep he asked Kiera nodded think it might okay then said Koko I'll go make you one now won't be long thank you Koko Hera said Koko went out of their bedroom and climbed the ladder down into the lower section of their cozy little Log Cabin everyone else had gone to bed now and the kitchen was only lit up by watery moonlight coming in through the windows he poured some milk into saucepan and very carefully placed the saucepan in the hot oven so that the milk could warm when it was ready he put on oven mitts and took the saucepan out he poured the warm milk out into Keira's favourite mug the purple one of course and then he added few scoops of the most delicious hot chocolate powder ever which came from papa Praline's chocolate factory just on the other side of Sleepy Forest he stirred the chocolate powder into the warm milk until all the clumpy bits had dissolved and the milk had turned lovely thick brown color Koko took deep breath in through his nose that smell delicious if he did say so himself careful not to let any of the drinks slosh and spill over the sides Koko picked up the mug of hot chocolate and climbed back up the ladder he went back into his bedroom and perched on the edge of Kira's bed again here you go Kira he whispered softly here's your hot chocolate Kira sat up in her bed and took the purple mug from her brother she gave the hot chocolate sip that's delicious Koko she said thank you very much it's so warm and soothing in my tummy I'm sure this will help send me back off to sleep she took another sip of the hot chocolate then she said hey Koko do you think you could sing nighttime lullaby on your ukulele think that would help me to get to sleep too of course can Koko said because there was very little he loved doing so much as playing his ukulele he picked it up from the side and gave it little strum just to check that it was in tune he cast about the room searching for inspiration on what lullaby to sing for Kira his eyes drifted over their beds across the walls and out of the window where he saw that the sky was now spangled with lots of little stars that gave him just the idea Koko strummed his ukulele and began to sing one of his favorite lullabies ever Twinkle Twinkle Little Star how wonder what you are up above the world so high like dime Twinkle Twinkle Little Star how wonder what you are as Koko ended his lullaby he looked at his sister and saw that her eyes were closed her duvet was rising and falling steadily from her breath and look of peaceful contentment had settled over her face it seemed that she had fallen into deep slumber so Koko carried on strumming his ukulele gently letting the spangly chords echo around their little cabin room like waves lapping on the shore bearing Kira ever deeper into sleep when he was sure that his sister had drifted completely off Koko stopped his drumming he rested his ukulele on his knee he looked at Kira fondly Kira opened one eye dear Kira Koko side you're still not asleep Kira shook her head loved your ukulele playing she told him it was so peaceful it made me feel all warm inside and felt like was drifting away up into the sky and for while thought was floating out there with all the twinklely stars but well still can't sleep I'm still too excited Koko put his ukulele back down on the side and stroked his chin thoughtfully me moment we'll have to think of something even better then Koko scratched his head for more ideas of what could help send his little sister off to sleep he let his eyes ramble across the room litter as it was with the pink glow of the pig night light his eyes drifted over the wall over the sprigs of bamboo that grew in the corner of the cabin and at last alighted upon the bookshelf Koko had an idea hey Kira he said how about read you bedtime story hopefully that will take your mind off your excitement and transport you to whole other magical world then hopefully you'll be able to fall asleep from beneath her duvet Kira smiled and nodded that sounds like an excellent idea Koko she said could you read me story pretty please so Koko got up from the edge of Kira's bed and walked over to the bookshelf their dad had built the shelf and fixed it upon the wall years ago and it contained many wonderful volumes of books there were adventure books and mystery books there were fantasy books and books for rainy day but there was one particular volume that Koko knew he needed right at the end of the shelf stood big dusty book bound in leather with its well used ancient pages yellowed and crisp on the spine in gold lettering were written the words Bedtime Stories Koko pulled the book off the shelf and carried it back across the room he sat on the edge of Kiera's bed once more and lay the book on his lap it felt heavy he flipped the book over and it fell open on story Kira Koko whispered this one looks like the perfect story it isn't one we've heard before it's called The Sleepy Star the sleepy star Kira repeated that does sound like good story she nestled down further into her duvet and nuzzled her head into the softness of her pillow let's read that one and so Koko began to read the words of the story the Sleepy Star it went like this once upon time there was star who whenever nighttime fell got very sleepy indeed now this doesn't sound like such bad thing to us creatures who live on the earth who fall asleep when darkness sets in but it was something of problem for the star that's because since the beginning of history it's the stars job to be awake at night and twinkling and then when daylight comes that's when the stars get to close their eyes and rest but this little star she got tired at night and so when all the other stars were out twinkling and shining she'd yawn and drift off and her eyes would close and then her light would go out when this happened the other stars would wake her up come on they would say you have to stay awake it's night time and we need your twinkling and then the little star would peel open her eyes and concentrate on being awake and that would work for little while but sooner or later and it was always sooner she would drift off back to sleep and her light would go out the other stars did everything they could to try to solve the problem they took turns at prodding the little star to try to keep her awake but that just resulted in little star becoming tired and grouchy no one likes to be prodded like that they even tried telling her stories all night to keep her entertained but the stories didn't work the sleepy little star would just fall asleep right in the middle of them finally they investigated whether she was getting enough sleep during the daytime so that she had enough energy to twinkle at night and what they discovered was that she was often awake during the daytime when she ought to be asleep they scratch their starry heads about this what topsy turvy little star that sleepy star was they just could not think of what to do about it one night while they were trying to keep the sleepy star awake the silver Moon sailed past them the moon was renowned far and wide for being one of the wisest beings to voyage across the skies and so the stars told the moon about the sleepy little stars predicament they explained that she slept at night and stayed awake in the day which was entirely the wrong way around for star could the wise moon think of any solution for their dilemma the moon stroked his silvery chin while he contemplated the problem it was tricky one indeed but the stories of the moon's wisdom were not unfounded and soon enough he came up with solution this sleepy star he said clearly doesn't like to twinkle at night and sleep during the day so instead of changing him why don't we all just accept him for who he is he's day twinkler not night twinkler so perhaps you should let him do just that or the stars scratch their heads once again they'd never considered just letting the sleepy star be the way the sleepy star was that was rather inspired idea from the moon they agreed smiles began to spread across the faces of all the stars including the sleepy star herself who rather like the idea of being allowed to twinkle at the time she preferred to twinkle that's wonderful solution the stars told the moon but there is just one problem and what might that problem be the moon ask the stars well piped up one star stars twinkle at night that's what the very name star means so if this sleepy star here isn't twinkling at night should we still call her star the moon agreed that this was very good point indeed perhaps in that case he suggested they ought to give the sleepy star new name good idea the stars agreed but then they frowned what name should we give her then the moon smiled at them best to ask her don't you think he said and so all the other stars turned to the sleepy star and they asked her what she would like her new name to be the sleepy star thought about this question for little while then she came up with an answer think would like to be called the sun the stars all nodded in agreement sun that was perfect name and so ever since then the sun has not shown at night but has kept the daytime sky lit bright with all of her brilliant twinkling when Koko had finished telling the story he closed the book wasn't that good story Kira he whispered Kira Kira Koko appeared at his little sister Kira it seemed had fallen asleep what miracle telling the bedtime story had worked its magic then Koko watched her for few moments watched the rise and fall of her breathing and twitching of her little panda nose as she drifted off into her dream world she was probably dreaming of swinging from trees zooming down ziplines through the sleepy forest canopy he waited minute or two to see if she would wake up again but she didn't and so very quietly indeed so as not to disturb her Koko slipped off the edge of her bed he returned the book of bedtime stories to the shelf where it belonged and slid under his own bed covers it was warm in there so soft and cozy just perfect for falling asleep Koko let out big yawn he was very tired indeed now all that work trying to help Kira fall asleep had really taken it out of him he lent over and turned off the pig night light and the room sank into darkness now there was just the silvery light of the moon slipping through the gaps in the curtains now there was just the tranquil noise of the crickets outside and the wind whispering through the trees and the steady grumbles of the trees the world was entirely at peace Koko closed his eyes he pictured green meadow in the evening full of fluffy clouds of sheep in the middle of the field there was little fence but before Koko could even count single sheep jumping over it he had fallen into deep and profoundly peaceful sleep in tonight's story we're joining Koko as he's settling down for bedtime in his cosy sleep cabin with his sister Kira all is quiet until quite out of the ordinary he hears distant noise coming from sleepy forest and he heads out to investigate what he finds is the thing of dreams and fantasy this is Koko and the Goodnight Circus the coziest bedtime story for kids Koko snuggled down further into his blankets and pulled his fluffy toy Dinosaur tighter into his arms he opened one eye and peaked over to where Kira was laid in her bed across the room the golden glow from the night light showed that she was already sleeping and sure enough Koko soon began to hear her quiet snuffly snores watching her made Koko begin to yawn gradually his heavy eyes began to close just as they did Koko heard noise an unusual far away noise unlike anything he'd heard before it was distant and muffled coming from somewhere within the forest Koko glanced at Kira but she was snoring even louder now and looked so very cozy he couldn't possibly bring himself to wake her instead he put on his soft flannel dressing gown tied the belt in bow and shuffled on his slippers before tiptoeing through the cabin and out into the moonlit forest the sounds were faint but with every step he took into the moonlit forest they got little louder and Koko knew he was headed in the right direction as always little golden fairy lights were strung between the trees and lantern Sean here and there lighting his path as the sounds grew louder Koko began to skip then hop then run along the forest path until he emerged to clearing filled by the biggest tent he'd ever seen the tent wasn't red and white striped like normal big top instead it was made of navy blue shiny silk embellished with golden suns and silver moons and stars huge sign made from twirling letters of twisted metal encrusted with silver gemstones red the Night Circus at the front of the tent piece of the canopy was pinned back to reveal golden curtain that swayed invitingly in the wind the next to the opening was ticket booth manned by giraffe in waistcoat beautiful dreamy song filled the air badger with glitter sprinkled all over his fur was walking on stilts with gold top hat and bunch of baby raccoons were dodging in and out of his long legs all of them giggling zebra in silver dress was blowing bubbles bigger than Koko had ever seen and letting them float up into the night sky somehow even making one bubble float within another Koko watched for while seeing how their shimmering surfaces turned between silver pink and green under the circus lights frog in bronze all in one was standing stuck still face painted bronze 2 so that he looked like statue Koko walked up the deep blue carpet that had been rolled out across the forest floor and up to the ticket desk the giraffe beamed down at him and handed him silver ticket that Sean light the inside of chocolate wrapper Koko checked his dressing gown pockets to see if he had any coins in there but his paws came out empty the giraffe grinned the price of admission is one wish he said it helps fill the air with magic just make your wish and you can go inside who knows it might even come true Koko screwed his eyes shut and made his wish wishing that Kira would win the upcoming spelling bee she'd been talking about all day when he opened his eyes again the curtain was being held open and he was being ushered to step on through to the night circus Koko rubbed his eyes with his bald paws not believing what he saw no matter how much he rubbed his eyes the sight stayed the same the night circus simply was this beautiful dancing colors and lights and shapes drew Koko deeper into the circus tent and he slumped into one of the comfy deck chairs circling the edge of the circular stage floor craning his neck back to look at the ceiling there monkeys were doing trapeze act swinging one another through the sky on rope swings flipping and making graceful movements with their arms and tails that made you think they were flying the fur was decorated with little gems that twinkled in the spotlights down on the floor in front of him great grey elephant was standing all four giant feet on silver ball spreading his large ears for balance rainbow coloured powder paints covered his sides and he wore soft blue velvet hat on his head not far to his side lion was doing gymnastics cartwheeling and twirling ribbons and dancing across the circle to the dreamy songs zebra was blowing up midnight blue balloons twisting them into the shapes of different animals and letting them float over to members of the crowd bear teetered this way and that on unicycle with big round silver nose pinned over his little brown one the hippo hula hooped throwing the hoops in the air and catching them and then juggling silver balls while she kept jiggling her hips and keeping the hoops spinning all of the show was soundtracked by the most beautiful music played by band of flamingos in the corner mice circled between flamingos feet spinning little pirouettes tiny little soft furred ballerinas twirling in time the whole display was enchanting and Koko found it hard to take his eyes away so he didn't instead he stayed in his seat and watched and watched and watched until he eventually grew tired and began to yawn he'd been slowly lulled by the gentle twinkling colors and magical sounds toward sleep Koko began to see some of the performers yawn too in between their acts that wouldn't do they were all sleepy the little koala thought it was time everyone settled down and had rest in the long hours before the sun came up so Koko got up stretched and went to talk to the closest performer the elephant good evening sir Koko said the elephant smiled and said good evening in return aren't you getting tired now Koko asked the elephant rumpled his eyebrows as if thinking and then said actually think am he thought some more actually definitely am the elephant closed his eyes and yawned the biggest yawn Koko had ever seen Koko smiled thought you might be he said you've done really good job of entertaining everyone all night but now think you need good night sleep the elephant grinned and looked around him think we all need good night sleep he said pointing at zebra who was covering her mouth with her hoof as she yawned how about this he said I'll go and get the blankets and you tell everybody it's bedtime Koko smiled sleepily he thought that was wonderful idea okay I'm on it he said good night elephant the elephant wished him goodnight and went to find the blankets Koko headed over to the lion hey Mr Lion he said like your mane and your big paws think your gymnastics are wonderful but it's late now aren't you tired of being topsy turvy think it might be bedtime the lion purred at the praise and said thank you to Koko before agreeing he didn't want to do any more cartwheels tonight it was time for bed you go brush your teeth and comb your mane Koko said I'll tell the others Goodnight Lion the lion grin the sleepy grin wished Koko good night and headed off towards the back of the tent next Koko went to the hippo giving her plenty of space so he didn't get hit by hula hoop hello Miss Hippo Boko said you've been wiggling those hula hoops for so long now he was super talented he chuckled it's extra cool when you throw the hoops in the air and catch them but you must be sleepy right think it's time for bed now Miss Hippo let her hula hoop twist round once twice three times more before letting it drop to the ground and raising her arms in ginormous stretch thank you little koala she said now you've said it she yawns again it does feel like bedtime Koko smiled and said she should go and wash off her face paint and put on her jammies the hippo happily did just that good night Hippo Koko said next Koko called to the zebras hey zebras he said you've done amazing tonight you make the guests feel so welcome you're all wonderful at your jobs but think your job is done now shall we go to sleep the zebras let their last balloons float up up up to rest on the roof of the tent and the closest one to Koko smiled think you're right Koko she said everyone's gone home to bed it's time for us to settle down too one by one they trotted backstage to put their pink striped pajamas on plat their tails and brush their teeth good night zebras said Koko then Koko went to talk to the bear hey little dude the bear said hey Mr Bear Koko replied are your legs tired the bear stepped off his unicycle and gave his legs wiggle they are he said sometimes I'm having so much fun don't even notice Koko grinned that's cool he said but you won't be able to cycle tomorrow if you don't rest Mr Bear said that he was right and gave Koko sleepy high five before heading through to have shower and put on his own cosy slippers Goodnight bear Koko said as the bear headed backstage he tucked his unicycle beneath its little cover and whispered Goodnight unicycle quiet enough so that no one could hear it Koko did though and giggled at the Sweet Bear the song that had been floating through the air drifted off when Koko clapped politely he headed over to where the Flamingo Band was and told them that maybe it was time to switch to lullabies and stop playing for the night he said the flamingos must need their rest they had been standing on one leg all day after all that's exhausting the flamingos agreed and put down their instruments roughly in the fur on Koko's head as they went by true to Koko's suggestion they were humming lullabies as they brushed their feathers and washed their beaks as the music calmed the little tiny mouse ballerinas slowed their twirling relaxing to the flats of their feet they took off their ballet shoes and tutus and headed backstage to their matchbox size dressing rooms where they changed into their soft cotton polka dot onesies ready to snuggle down Goodnight flamingos Koko said Goodnight mice finally the monkeys climbed down from the roof and Koko told them it was time for bed they ate their midnight banana snacks and went to scrub their teeth and clean their faces ready to fall asleep good night monkeys Koko called by this time the elephant had brought big pile of comfy cushions through to the ring and began laying them out with his trunk putting down blankets for each animal the lion had joined him carrying an arm full of stuffed toys placing one on each pillow the hippo had turned on the night light which projected stars onto the tense roof they slowly floated across the ceiling and then floated back again white against the dark blue of the canvas the zebras have laid out pillows on top of each cushion to make cozy beds for each animal the elephants was made of whole pile of cushions and pillows since he was so large the bear had passed out silky sleeping masks and the flamingos had pressed play on the lullabies that they always played when it was time to drift off one by one each animal climbed into their bed pulled up their blankets and snuggled their stuffed toys in clothes each had their own special one some look new like the Bears Dragon toy whose wings still shimmered and rustled little bit as it hadn't been hugged enough to go soft yet others looked ancient like the littlest zebras bunny whose whole body was floppy not just its ears monkey was clutching koala toy that looked little like Koko tucking it under her chin as she sucked her little thumb and cuddled up the little mice had little toys no bigger than Koko's little finger little tiny teddies and felt mice and dolls that could fit in thimble Koko took seat on the only spare comfy cushion and looked out at the cozy sea of circus performers how sleepy the scene was with all of these cuddly sleepy animals the night light was glowing softly the stars were glow and lullaby gently drifted from the music box in the corner which had been wound up and will play softly all night Koko recognised the song it was classical one that his grandpa played at bedtime which had something to do with the moon Clair Delune that was what it was called Koko straighten the blanket over one of the monkeys who was laid nearby tucking him in like burrito would you like me to tell you bedtime story Koko asked the group between yawns and settling sounds sleepy yeses sounded out through the tent okay Koko said he racked his brain for perfect story should it be the one about the dinosaurs in the castle or about the dragon who was always dancing he went through the storybook in his mind flicking through the pages until he came up with the perfect one it goes like this Koko said out in the jungle far far away animals of all kinds are stopping for the day it's time to stop running or swinging through trees it's time for your story so listen up please first there's the elephant the wisest of all as large as he is his friends are quite small the elephant and the mice are close as can be because friends can be friends however unlikely then there's the lion with his lush golden hair he's king of the jungle but he's kind and fair he listens to everyone and always does his best he knows that good leader looks after the rest next there's the hippo who's brave and strong she lives life following her own heart song she knows the best person you can be is you and you should be who you are whatever you do next come the zebras the stripey hooved gang the friendliest friends in all of the land they love one another just as they are because they know together they'll go extra far the bear is strong as strong as can be because he stands up for what he believes he'd stand up for you and he'd stand up for me because he believes everyone should live happily the flamingos are creative with the music they play they believe that whatever they think they can make and just like them you can be creative too just open your heart and don't worry just do the mice are the softest so quiet and so sweet and they could be missed as they twirl past your feet but although they're quiet they're loved just as much because each is as special as the loudest of us finally the monkeys they make us laugh they bring joy to the hippo the lion and giraffe we love how they're silly and how they play because isn't it nice to feel joy every day each animals different in so many ways but each has way to brighten our day every animals equal and can shine so bright so shine your light tomorrow but for now good night Koko looked out across the tent every animal was snoozing in their puddle of blankets they all look peaceful bellies rising and falling soft smiles on their faces Koko smiled too good night all Koko said no one responded everyone was deep asleep Koko's job here was done Koko yawned maybe he could go to sleep now too soft hoot filled the tent too gentle to wake any of the animals it seemed not everyone was asleep yet white feathered owl swooped down from the rafters and landed next to Koko hooting softly again in greeting good evening this is owl Koko yawned it's not bedtime for you what are you doing here the owl spread wing around Koko's shoulder and said wanted to tell you what kind koala you are making everyone cozy like that and thought you might be sleepy too it's your turn for bedtime story Koko smiled sleepily I'd like that he said the owl brought Koko blanket and pulled it over him with her beak Koko stroked her soft feathers as he snuggled into his cushion and settled into sleep the owl began reading to Koko in her soft voice this is how it went there is koala as small as can be whose heart is as warm as hot Kokoa treat he spreads happiness wherever he goes from school to his home to the night circus show the little koala so fuzzy warm and sweet with dressing gown on and slippers on his feet cares so well for others and makes them so calm with his kind kind words and his koala charm but it's time now the koala stops thinking of others and nestles down deep in his cozy covers it's time he gets sleepy and begins to count sheep there he goes now drifting straight off to sleep the owl smiled at Koko with his eyes closed and he drifted gently off she picked up the little koala in her large wings and put him on her feathery back she beat her wings as gently as she could and glided into the air towards the distant glow of his little wooden cabin Koko drifted in and out of sleep the visions of the starry sky as the owl flew him home the forest stretched out like green carpet beneath them and the warm breeze tickled Koko's cheeks the face on the moon smiled at the little koala and whispered to him good night so sleepy his words were barely audible Koko replied with good night too Koko's eyes was so heavy he could barely keep them open as he blinked few final slow sleepy blinks the moon disappeared and he began to snore the next time his eyes opened he was in his bed little snores of his panda bear sister filled the room once more looking lazily at the room around him Koko wondered whether the whole thing might just have been dream was the night circus real had he really been there he didn't even notice the soft silky owl feather clutched tightly in his paw as he tucked it against his cheek letting his eyes close again and dreams take over Koko visited the Night Circus yes indeed that's true but the circus was now sleeping and so are you Koko and Kira go stargazing by Luke Prendergast deep in the heart of far away forest stirred cosy wooden cabin inside the cabin lived family of koalas Koko his parents and grandparents and of course his little sister Kira the panda Koko and Kira went to Sleepy Forest Elementary School where they Learned about all kinds of things like mathematics and the history of the forest and at exactly which time of year the berries that grew on all the different trees would be at their most ripe plump and delicious and in the evenings after the sun had set and the sky above the forest had gone dark as ink sometimes Koko and Kira like to lie on their backs on the grassy patch outside the cabin looking up at the twinkling stars what do you think they are Kira would ask what you mean Koko would reply frowning little they're stars know they're stars silly Kira would reply with giggle but mean what they really are what stars are and then they'd look up at the stars contemplatively mulling over the question which seemed stranger and stranger when she thought about it maybe there fireflies that flew up there and got stuck Koko proposed or the eyes of some huge far off creature suggested Kira looking down at us and blinking or they could be burning balls of gas billions and billions of miles away said Koko but they both clutch their bellies and laughed at that that was such ludicrous idea one evening when they had finished feasting on delicious dinner of eucalyptus pie that their mum had made them Koko and Kira lay outside staring up at the stars when Koko was struck by an idea know how we can find out about the stars he said how Kira asked we have to go and ask us but of course Keira's eyes opened wide and she nodded caspert of course that was who they should go and ask Kasper the camel was one of the oldest and wisest creatures who'd ever lived in sleepy forest he had two humps on his back in which he said he could store water for many days and sandy coloured coat and sagging hairy bottom lip that jiggled whenever he was munching on grass which he often was he was also admittedly little bit grouchy but that was understandable since he'd been plotting around the forest for such long time his feet must be pretty sore Kaspert's great passion was studying the skies he called it celestial phenomena but those kinds of long words were often pretty tricky for Koko and Kira to wrap their heads around what he meant by celestial phenomena was the stars and planets and comets and asteroids and all the other bits and bobs that floated about up there in the great big above you see Cuthbert was terribly terribly clever his brain was like huge castle every room chock full of all sorts of interesting information once Casper did even help Koko out when the moon had passed in front of the sun and got stuck he'd explain to Koko that what he was seeing was solar eclipse but that something had gone wrong because the moon wasn't supposed to get stuck like that and then he'd helped Koko unstick it so Cusbert wasn't only clever he was pretty considerate camel too what's more Koko told Kira was that caspert must have almost finished the brand new observatory he'd been working on for some time the structure which he was calling the Sleepy Forest Stargazing Observatory was being built in large clearing in the middle of the forest he was kitting it out with the latest high tech telescope and he told me Koko said that once it was done we should go and check it out what do you think think we should definitely go check it out said Kira Koko and Kira went back inside the Log Cabin to tell their mum that they were off to visit Casper the camel what wonderful idea their mother said mind if join too and so the three of them went to put on their jackets for it was little chilly out that evening and before long they had all set off through the twilight sleepy forest all the other creatures were getting ready for bed they pass birds settling down in their nests high in the branches family of hedgehogs plumping up the soft dry leaves in their hollow at the foot of an oak tree and they waved goodnight to bread and butter the two ducks who lived in the reeds on Sleepy River the light was fading slowly and up through the trees Kira could see that the sky was darkening lilac colour but she couldn't see any stars when she voiced this concern her mum patted her on the head don't worry Kira she said the stars will come and sure enough as they turned around the trunk of particularly grand sycamore and towards the clearing where sleepy forest stargazing observatory loomed up Kiera noticed that the sky was now speckled with an infinite array of sparkling stars even though it was brand new the observatory look like an old building it was made of pale stone with columns at the front and big dome on top and at the ornate front doors stood cutter the camel looking pretty proud of himself caspert lifted hoof and waved them welcome hello caspert they said one by one and Koko added that he thought the sleepy forest star gazing observatory looked pretty cool indeed why thank you Koko said Cuspert it's taken me some time to build it stone by heavy stone but here we are it's done and I'm very glad that you've come for the grand unvathing with me he lifted his head and looked seriously up at the sky the stars are out in their millions tonight he said it will be quite some show are you ready you'll be the first sleepy foresters to try out the new stargazing observatory yes said Koko and Kira said we can't believe how lucky we are to be the first to try it out thanks Cuthbert Kokoa Kira and their mom followed Cuthbert through the great doors and into the observatory inside it was cool and softly glowing lamps flickered on the walls sending shadows dancing around the large circular room the dome rose up over their head and in the middle of the room was the strangest contraption Koko Akira had ever seen that doesn't look like telescope Kira said following her eyebrows skeptically at least she added careful to make sure she was being polite not like the ones they showed us in the textbooks at school replied Casper agreeably no in fact it won't look like anything you've seen anywhere young Kira no more putting your eye to lens and squinting to see the stars no no have been working on this invention for some time and it is the most new fangled high tech piece of machinery anyone in Sleepy Forest will ever have set their eyes upon no more looking up at the stars through telescope this my star gazing observatory will bring the stars down to you Casper back in the mover come and take look he said Kira followed Koko and her mom but she still wasn't quite convinced that this machine was high tech or newfangled whatever that might mean it looked as far as she was concerned bit like ginormous bed yes bed big black rather soft looking pad was spread out across the floor in the middle of the observatory floor with bunch of cushions that looked as though they were designed to rest your head on the weird bed was it above the bed rising all the way up to the top of the dome when layers and layers of glass glass so thin that from certain angles it disappeared entirely and you couldn't see it at all the only high tech part of the whole strange contraption that Kira could see were series of buttons and levers bunched together by the side of the black pad and yet as she approached the invention Kira began to notice or rather she began to feel that there was something truly magical about it there was zone of energy around it that made quiet excitement floods through her and flutter in her chest the sheets of glass it turned out weren't just plain glass at all each of them as she looked at them had their own particular quality swirling with colors as though pink or milky white or pale blue galaxies were caught on their surfaces how does it work Koko asked Cuspert well said the camel let me show you everyone lie down here looking up towards the sky Koko Kira and their mom did as they were instructed lying on their backs so that through the sheets of glass they could see the curved dome of the observatory ceiling Casper took his place too he asked if they were ready before pressing button with creek the dome ceiling unfurled revealing the brilliant sky behind it wow whispered Kira the sky above sleepy forest was pitch black and full of dazzling stars like someone had tipped jar of sprinkles over it they burned and blinked high above them the view was spectacular but it was the same view that Koko and Kira gazed up at when they lay on their backs outside their little Log Cabin hold on there one moment Casper said are we ready for the magic Koko and Kira held their breaths in their heads they were both repeating yes we are yes we are yes we are here we go prosper murmured and he pulled lever and then something truly miraculous happened to Koko and Kira it no longer felt as though they were lying in the new stargazing observatory in sleepy forest instead it felt as though they had floated up up up into the night sky and we're now soaring through space itself asteroids and meteors and comets flew past them the blazing stars zoom towards them closer and closer they came spilling their bright light all around and then all of sudden they were there the stars were floating all around them Crikey whispered Koko we wondered whether the stars were fireflies stuck up on the ceiling of the sky and we wondered if they were boards of burning gases millions of miles away but we never imagined this no Kira agreed never well well well said Cuss Word these kids are the constellations for all around them swirled creatures whose bodies were made out of stars Koko saw ram with curled horns go charging through the observatory followed by shoal of shimmering fish swan made out of starlight spread its silvery wings and crab clicked its claws together as it scuttled across the stone floor it really does bring the stars down to you whispered Kira looking around in awe why of course said Casper roughly just as said it would and he added what's more you can interact with them too go ahead give it go Kira had spotted brilliant star studied horse pouring the ground in the corner of the observatory carefully she got up from the floor and took few steps over to it feet felt very light indeed and with each step she floated few feet across the room as though she were no longer on solid earth but walking on the moon the horse was no normal horse but had pair of bright white wings sprouting out of its back it ruffled its feathers as Kira approached hello she said I'm Kira the panda bear and who may ask are you the winged horse gave her toothy smile am Pegasus he replied Guardian of the skies fly around at night flashing my stars making sure all the world is safe Kira asked Pegasus if she could touch him because she had never touched stary constellation before can do even better than that Pegasus replied hop on can take you for ride Kira looked around at her mom who gave her an encouraging nod and so holding on firmly to Pegasus's neck she swung herself up onto his back Pegasus's body was warm and silky it was the strangest feeling in the world sitting right on top of starlight looking down she could almost see the floor of the observatory through his body but she felt safe enough Ready Pegasus asked Ready Kira told him Pegasus spread his huge wings gave them flap and up they soared into the sky they flew out of the open dome of the observatory and up into the dense night hanging above sleepy forest Kiera gripped on tight and looked down below her at the trees waving their branches in the gentle breeze as though they were waving hello to her the forest stretched out forever and ever she had never seen her home from the sky before and marveled at how big and beautiful it was Pegasus flew her high up into the sky and did few somersaults in the air as they sailed back down towards the observatory Kira wondered whether any of the other creatures who lived in sleepy forest was looking up from their beds just then and wondering if they were seeing falling star thank you Pegasus Kira said once she jumped off his back the star horse gave her low bow and Kira gave him big hug of gratitude meanwhile on the other side of the star gazing observatory Koko had made his own starry friend while Kira had been flying through the night sky with Pegasus shimmering star spangled eagle had landed in the observatory and in its arms he carried strange looking stringed instrument like miniature harp that's Lyra Kasper the camel explain to him the musical eagle they say she strums her tunes for the whole universe to enjoy up there go ahead and say hello to her so Koko went up to the eagle and introduced himself hi there Koko the eagle said my name's Lyra Koko told Lyra that he liked the look of her musical instrument very much he had his own ukulele at home he told her which he liked to take to Sleepy Forest Elementary School to play with his classmates one day he'd like to be in his very own music band what kind of instrument is that exactly he asked her this said the eagle presenting the instrument with flourish of her wing is called liar that's how got my name Lyra get it Koko asked Lyra if she'd show him how to play the liar of course can she replied then she began to pluck the strings with delicate claw and strum them with sweeping wing the most beautiful sound of music filled the whole observatory it sounded to Koko like magical tinkling rain here Lyra said when she'd finished her tune you have go now really Koko asked her really with trembling hand Koko reached out for the liar which the eagle held out to him the liar seemed to be made of pure starlight and Koko was sure his paw would pass right through it but it didn't his fingers closed around the cool handle of the liar go on liar the eager encouraged him just like did it so Koko took his paw and strummed the liar's strings once swam from the vibrating strings now he plucked them with his claws or strummed them with his paws and the whole observatory was filled once again with that beautiful music wow Koko said I've played real guitar I've played air guitar but I've never ever played star guitar before while Koko played Kira and his mom had little boogie around the observatory even Cusper joined in with his own shimmying dance when he'd finished playing Koko handed the liar back to the Eagle thanks for letting me play he said Lyra nod it ahead and you let me know if you ever need an extra member for that band of yours spreading her glittering eagle wings she took off to the skies the four of them lay back down on the soft black pad and looked up through the layers of Misty glass the stars were still swirling about the sky falling down towards them said cuss word here come couple of my favorites mama bear and her baby cub just as he described after few moments great white bear her thick coat shimmering with stardust was prowling around the observatory around her feet played her little cub with two dark stars for eyes he jumped this way and that bouncing onto his mother's big paws and then jumping off at last though the little bear cub gave big yawn and curled up in the corner of the observatory his mother noticed that he'd got tired and she gave big yawn too then she went and lay beside her little star cub so that he could nuzzle close to her warm body and fall asleep listen Koko and Kira's mom whispered to Cuspert the baby bear is snoring gently it seems that even the stars have bedtimes and it looks like it's long past that little cubs and it looks like it's past Koko and Kira's bedtimes too replied Cuspert nodding his head towards the little koala and the little panda bear Koko and Kira's mom turned around and was surprised to see that her two children were now fast asleep curled up in Cuthbert Stargazing Observatory the chests were rising and falling gently the fur on their chins rippling where their sleepy breath was coming raggedly out of their noses in his sleep Koko rolled over and slipped little paw into Kira's so that he could hold it their mother's heart was filled up by swell of love and pride for her children should get them home to bed she whispered to Casper but do you mind if we stay in the observatory little longer enjoy watching the stars it makes me feel very much at peace Cuthbert of course said she was more than welcome to stay as long as she liked so the two of them lay staring up at the stars which swirled and swayed up above them they saw Pegasus gliding through the atmosphere they heard the sound of the eagle's liar echoing through the heavens they stared up into the great expanse of sky while around them four bears slept soundly Koko the koala Kira the panda and the starry mama bear and her baby cup they stayed watching the stars until Koko's mother herself began to yawn she said her good nights to Casper and lifted her children into her arms then she carried them back through the quiet forest LED back to her Log Cabin by the light of the stars this is Koko Goes Rock Pooling by Luke Prendergast this evening we're going to meet our old koala friend Koko but we're not meeting him at his home the little old cabin where he lives with the rest of his family no today we're going to meet Koko at the edge of sleepy forest where the line of trees meets the ocean because this afternoon Koko pulled on his welly boots and his bright blue anarak pan slung his backpack over his back and set off for the beach can you hear the sound of the waves the hush and rush of the tide like the sound of the earth breathing that means that Koko is here somewhere there he is picking his way across the pebbles at the edge of the sea let's say hello to Koko hello Koko Koko walks across the beach hearing the shingle crunch satisfyingly beneath his bright yellow welli boots there is gentle breeze and on it you can smell the salt of the sea and on the fur of his face he can feel the little droplets of seawater that are carried on the breeze Koko's come to the beach today to go rock pooling in amongst the rocks at the edge of the water small pools that get filled by the seawater Koko has Learned from his teachers at Sleepy Elementary School that these rock pools become the perfect homes for all kinds of sea creatures animals and plants alike and that if you push on your wet weather gear and go and pier into the rock pools you may discover some quite wonderful things so this is exactly what Koko has done now Koko reaches the rock pools steps carefully onto the rocks for they are slippery with seawater and algae and peers down into the first pool the water sparkles like crystal catching the pale light of the early evening sun beneath the sparkling the water is deep and dark sometimes it looks blue sometimes it looks green other times it looks black as ink sometimes as the water shifts Koko can see silty sand and all kinds of pebbles white and black and gray and brown sitting at the bottom of the rock pool but no other creatures just yet Boko scrambles cautiously over the rocks until he has reached the second rock pool he peers down into the shimmering water and sees more pebbles at the bottom but still no creatures and so Koko scrambles to yet another rock pool and peers into the water this time he sees something it's sparkling yellow shape beneath the surface of the water before Koko can make out what it is the friendly face of pufferfish pokes up through the surface of the water hello says the puffer fish hello says Koko who is not so much startled as glad to see the friendly face of creature swimming about the rock pool who are you puffer fish tells him his name is Zen and Koko introduces himself hello Koko says the pufferfish blowing up his body full of air nice to meet you now can tell you little secret yes please poker replies love to hear secrets well the thing is says then I've been watching you for few minutes actually watched you peer into that pool over there and then into that pool over there and then finally into this pool here can ask you why did you move on from each rock pool so quickly well Koko explains moved on because couldn't find any little creatures in the pools size and nothing wisely thought that might be the case but let me tell you one more thing the trick with rock pooling is that you have to have some patience and you have to look very closely rock pool that on brief inspection might appear to be empty is actually very often with closer look and dash of curiosity teaming with all kinds of wonderful and interesting things can show you Koko is absolutely delighted at Zen the pufferfish's offer to show him the rock pools he nods his head happily and says yes please Zen the pufferfish gives couple of swishes of his tail and sails around the side of the pool Koko follows and when he reaches where Zen has come to rest the pufferfish tells him to look deep in the water Koko looks at the sparkling water at the rocks at the bottom and the way the tide pulls at the pool and then releases keep looking then encourages him don't look away look harder look deeper Koko tries to do as Zen advises and then to his great delight and surprise he does really begin to see things in the rock pool that he hadn't been able to see before first he sees that there are not only beautiful coloured pebbles at the bottom of the pool but tufts of swaying seaweed too the seaweed is dark and silky it belows in the water in the same way that the leaves on the trees in sleepy forest below in gentle wind that's it says then look even closer Koko looks even closer and then he sees that the seaweed contains many different wondrous colors sometimes the seaweed looks green other times it looks almost purple as it moves back and forth in the water it sparkles blue and red too display so iridescent it seems that the seaweed may well be an underwater rainbow wow whispers Koko you really can see many things if you look very closely that's right replies they're nodding his head do you want to find out what else you can see Koko says that he sure does and then Zen shakes his little tail and slips gracefully through little gap in the rock and into the next rock pool Koko himself scrambles back over the wet rocks thankful that the thick rubber treads on the bottom of his welly boots stop him from slipping bound straight into the water when he reaches the other rock pool Zen the pufferfish is already there smiling at him kindly take look Zen says Koko looks down into the gently rippling water beneath the surface like before he can see many small stones and pebbles white stones and red stones black stones and blue stones then his eyes are light on something else says Koko what's that thought it was pebble and then thought it was shell but looking again it looks like something different Koko points at the strange thing below the surface it looks like shell shiny brown and white in colour and ribboned with sharp seeming grooves that says send the puffer fish is an oyster an oyster Koko whispers what's that is it kind of rock Zen gives out tinkling little laugh no he tells Koko an oyster isn't the kind of rock at all in fact it's kind of animal an animal Koko can't quite believe his ears but as he stares at the oyster beneath the surface of the water he sees its shell opening up inside the shell though Koko doesn't know what it is yet Koko can see something bright and beautiful and sparkling perfect shiny white orb then he hears little voice hello Koko the voice says my name is oily the oyster it's nice to meet you oyster that it is nice to meet her too then he asks about the shining thing hidden beneath the oyster shell this asks oily and she opens her shell to show Koko the pale glowing orb this is my pearl pearl Koko says where did you find it says oily the oyster with small giggle didn't find it made it let me tell you the story only the oyster told Koko then that oysters make pearls when tiny grain of sand or little bit of grit makes its way accidentally through the gap in their shells this piece of grit or grain of sand is as dull and unremarkable as it sounds just tiny bit of dirt that you wouldn't blink twice at but quite unexpectedly this remarkable bit of grit is exactly what an oyster needs to make pearl when grain of sand made its way inside oily shell that's when she began to get to work over many many months oily began to wrap the little grain of sand in layer upon layer of special substance the same substance that her shell is made of it's like wrapping tiny ball in layers and layers of silk she explains and then after long long time and much hard work the little bit of grit is no longer mere piece of grit it is beautiful pearl that is wonderful story Koko tells her thank you for telling it to me and you would not have been able to make pearl without the piece of grit he asks no oily tells him would not and that is the truly important thing we oysters know how even something as dull and unremarkable as speck of dust can often be the start of something indescribably beautiful thought occurs to Koko just like the ducks on the sleepy river he says who grow up and turn into beautiful swans yes Ivy replies quite delighted exactly like that then the puffer fish asks Koko if he's ready to discover more delights in the next rock pool and Koko says that he definitely is he thanks oily the oyster once more for her wise and wonderful story before following Zen who slipped through to another rock pool what can you find in here Zen asks him Koko perches on shelf of the dark rock and peers into the water the pool he think seems empty apart from the normal pebbles at the bottom the sound of the sea tide fills Koko's ears it reminds him of the sound his mom's nails make on his back when she's scratching an itch for him and Koko likes the idea very much that it is the sea's job to scratch the land's back and then quite curiously just as he's having this thought he notices things in the rock pool that he hadn't noticed before he sees the shells of some limpids sucking hard on the surface of the rocks he sees seaweed drifting back and forth like long fronds of hair he sees bright red and enemies waving their frilly red tendrils through the water water and he notices that crab has been hiding in the crevice of rock the crab creeps out from his hiding place clicking his claws and greeting hello says Koko why good evening says the crab clicking his claws again Koko ask the crab where he's hiding the crab explains that he slips into the nooks and crannies in the rock and hides there very motionless waiting for little more source of food to pass by then as they do he can reach out and take them in his cookie little claws often he says that's the best way to do things bide your time have patience and wait for the perfect opportunities to come to you Koko nods and says he understands it's just like waiting at the bottom of the tree for juicy fruit to fall rather than trying to climb up and pluck the ones that aren't ready yet sorry to disturb you Mr Crab Koko says you go back to your lurking and with quick goodbye the crab slips back into his rock crevice have one more friend want you to meet Koko then the puffer fish tells him Koko crawls over the rock to meet him at the other side of the rock pool where he's delighted to discover bright orange starfish lying against the rock the starfish blinks her bright big eyes at Koko and waves with one of her five arms hello friend of Zen she says my name is Stella it's very good to meet you Koko says that it's very good to meet her too and he tells her that Zen has been showing him all of the wonderful creatures and discoveries that are to be found in the rock pools yes sigh Stella the starfish the more you look amongst the rock pools the more you'll find they truly are never ending gift but would you like to know one of my favourite things about these rock pools yes please Koko replies okay sister but in order to see it you have to be just like me you have to lie down on the rock on your back Koko does Stella says he turns over and lies with his back on the rock then he looks up and he can't believe his eyes up above him the sky stretches out like dark blue cloth the sun has set evening has come to the sea at the edge of sleepy forest almost without his noticing it and that dark blue cloth of the sky is dotted with thousands if not millions of stars it is as though someone has taken needle and embroidered the sky with gold and silver threads they sparkle and shimmer whole galaxy of twinkling stars this is why you can always find me dying on this rock Stella tells them because from here you can look up to the sky and fill your eyes up with stars maybe that's why they call me starfish too not only because look like star with my five arms but because feel so connected to them too love to look up at them when they come out at night and sometimes you know when lie here long time and listen very closely can hear them singing to me all those stars it's like chorus coming down from the sky and sometimes even sing back to them would you like to sing to the stars with me Koko and Zen the pufferfish say they would love to sing to the stars and so following Stella's lead they sing soothing lullaby up to the sky and when they're finished in the silence that comes after their song Koko swears that he can hear it shimmering bar off ethereal sound the sound of the stars singing back and Stella the starfish and Zen the pufferfish all gaze up at the sky listening to the sound of the stars lullaby then Koko gives big yawn he hasn't realized how tired he is time for bed he tells Zen and Stella he thanks Stella for showing him the star song and he thanks Zen for guiding him around the rock pool can't wait to come back he says and he means it then Koko makes his way back through sleepy forest back to the cabin where his warm bed will be waiting what an afternoon he has had there have been so many things that he's discovered at the rock pool the seaweed billowing beneath the surface oily the oyster and her story about how pearls are formed around grains of meager sand Stella the starfish and her Sky full of stars and of course Koko's new pal Zen the pufferfish what day it's been when Koko gets back to his cabin he is very tired he brushes his teeth puts on his pajamas outside he hears the wind in the trees the sound of the leaves whispering to each other he smiles to himself as he falls asleep and then at last he drifts into deep and peaceful sleep full of dreams of magical stars singing their celestial lullabies we're drifting towards dreams now the happiest loveliest dreams you've ever dreamt we calm and cozy your breathing is relaxed then you can feel that lovely weight of the blanket keeping you safe and warm aren't you comfy you are so warm and cozy so sleepy as you drift into dreams count all the things you're grateful for let yourself fill up with all of the little moments that made you smile today see the faces of the people that made you laugh think of the things that challenged you think of the things you Learned and the practice that meant you'll be little bit better tomorrow than you were today think about how warm and cozy and sleepy you are here in your bed what day you had wonderful things lie ahead for you too you will have wonderful adventures tomorrow and the next day and the one after that the whole world is waiting for you but there's no rush there's nothing more to do today all that's left for today is rest the cozy sleep the most beautiful of dreams awaiting for you now that's why you're drifting off gently into dreamland so keep breathing slowly let yourself get toasty warm let your eyelids stay heavy know that you are safe remember that you are smart you are brave you are kind and you are loved think it yourself am smart am brave am kind am loved you are dream when tomorrow comes you'll face it with smile because you are smart brave kind and loved because you are you uniquely wonderfully you what kind of dream are you drifting towards tonight you can dream however you want because your imagination is as wide as the universe what will you find in tonight's dream maybe you'll see your favorite characters is that Hector and Sonny over there maybe you'll visit the moon where there's mice eating cheese in the craters maybe you'll walk through Sleepy Forest where Koko the koala is strumming his pink ukulele on the banks of Sleepy River that your imagination take you away your dreams are all yours and you deserve the sweetest dreams of all because you are brave you are kind and you are loved you are brave you are kind and you are loved uniquely you you are dream and it's time to sleep tucked up in your bed breathe slowly and melt into your bed isn't it warm and soft and cozy it's time to rest take deep breaths in and out and let yourself relax as you say goodbye to the day let your whole body go floppy drift deeper into sleep with every breath and say good night remember tomorrow will be good day because you have big heart you are good friend you believe in yourself you know there's nothing better to be than yourself it's okay to get things wrong it's okay to ask for help you can do whatever you set your mind to be proud to be different be proud of your achievements be proud of yourself you are good learner you are good listener you are good example to others you are valued you are loved you are sleepy so drift off now little one let the dreams take over as you sleep let your dreams take you to magical lands and far away places remember there's no room for worries in your dreams just magic it's magic place where anything can happen anything you want it's place of positivity and light let positivity soak into you and fill you up imagine it as golden light travelling from the tips of your toes to the top of your head imagine that wherever the light touches you fills with happiness imagine that the light makes you feel calm you're wrapped in warm cozy glow within your soft toasty blanket isn't that nice you are safe tucked up tight so sleep soundly or through the night sweet dreams little one I'll see you soon the perfect selection to help kids relax and fall asleep Koko's bedtime stories can be left playing with no risk of ads or wake UPS shall we begin