November 1, 2024 • 38 mins
Drift to sleep with this fantastical episode where we tag along with Mr. Bunnikins Bunny and his family as they embark on a celestial escapade through the starry skies aboard an airship in hopes of meeting the mysterious Moon King. So snuggle up in your blankets and have sweet dreams.
The music in this episode is The Whirlwind by Anna Landstrom.
Don't forget to follow our sister podcast, Heavenly Bedtime!
Text a Story Suggestion (or just say hi!)
Need more Dreamful?
- For more info about the show, episodes, and ways to support; check out our website www.dreamfulstories.com
- Subscribe on Buzzsprout to get bonus episodes in the regular feed & a shout-out in an upcoming episode!
- Subscribe on Apple Podcasts for bonus episodes at apple.co/dreamful
- To get bonus episodes synced to your Spotify app & a shout-out in an upcoming episode, subscribe to dreamful.supercast.com
- You can also support us with ratings, kind words, & sharing this podcast with loved ones.
- Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/dreamfulpodcast & Instagram @dreamfulpodcast!
Dreamful is produced and hosted by Jordan Blair. Edited by Katie Sokolovska. Theme song by Joshua Snodgrass. Cover art by Jordan Blair. ©️ Dreamful LLC
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jordan (00:24):
Welcome to Dreamful Podcast Bedtime stories or
slumber.
It's already November and wehave just finished our spooky
episodes for October.
And if you don't like darkstories for bedtime, I recommend
Heavenly Bedtime.
Heavenly Bedtime is a sisterpodcast to Dreamful.
(00:48):
Every episode of HeavenlyBedtime is a relaxing Bible
story set to soothing music tohelp you calm your mind so you
can gently drift to sleep.
And, of course, it's created byeditor Katie, so we know that
it is very good.
Visit dreamfulstoriescom slashheavenlybedtime for more
information and follow HeavenlyBedtime on your favorite podcast
app to make her beautifullyproduced scripture readings part
(01:10):
of your nighttime routine.
Now many of you have beenrequesting more Beatrix Potter
stories and while looking forstories like Peter Rabbit and
Squirrel Nutkin, I stumbled uponan author that writes animal
fairy tales in a similar style,and her name is Edith B Davidson
.
I hope you enjoy the Bunnikin'sBunnies and the Moon King.
(01:34):
So snuggle up in your blanketsand have sweet dreams.
One day, mr Brunneken's bunnycame home feeling very much out
(02:30):
of sorts.
He had a headache, a toothacheand the shivery shivers all over
.
Mrs Bunny gave him some cayennepepper tea and then put him to
bed, well wrapped up in blanketswith a hot water bottle to keep
his toes warm.
Very funny, he looked with hislong hair sticking out of his
(02:53):
blue and white nightcap.
In the afternoon his friend MrGray Squirrel dropped in to see
him and said at once what youneed is a change of air, and I
know just the thing for you todo Come for a trip to the moon
with me in my new airship.
(03:14):
You'll have plenty of fresh airand not too much heat, unless
we happen to fall into the sun.
Oh no, no, cried Mrs Bunnikins.
Bunny almost in tears.
I simply cannot let MrBunnikins go sailing in the air.
He would surely fall out of theship or get lost in the clouds,
(03:38):
and I should never see himanymore.
But Mr Bunnikants liked theidea and at once set his heart
on going.
He talked so much about it thatat last Mrs Bunny consented if
(04:00):
she and the children might gotoo, so that they could all
follow the airship together, sothat they could all fall out of
the airship together, as MrGreyskull had told them that the
journey would be very cold.
Mr Bunnigan's bunny had a greattime buying ulsters and
overshoes, caps and mittens Mostof his lovely hats he decided
(04:22):
to leave at home as he wasafraid they might be blown away.
By the end of a week they wereall ready to start, bobtail and
Rosamund, ruddy and Chippyhaving scarcely slept for nights
(04:43):
from excitement.
The airship was most comfortablyarranged, with nice little
cabins in which to eat and sleep, and the sides were so high
that no one could possibly fallover the edge.
Mr Gray Squirrel had hiredCaptain Hawk to steer the
airship by day and Admiral Owlto keep a careful lookout at
(05:05):
night.
The children were rather afraidof Captain Hawk with his bright
eyes and sharp beak, but theyall loved to talk to old Admiral
Owl, although he was alwaysvery sleepy when the sun was
shining.
When the sun was shining, onefine morning away, they flew,
(05:32):
circling round and round, up andup, until the earth lay far
below.
Numbers of strange birds flewabout them and one big grey one
with long feathery ears and ahuge beak frightened Little
Rosamond dreadfully by perchingon the airship close beside her.
(05:55):
Day after day they sailed pastbeautiful stars and planets,
stars and planets, until onemorning they came to a very
large cluster of star islandswhich were thickly covered with
(06:15):
herds of snow-white cows.
Those cows belong to the kingof the moon, said Captain Hawk.
And they give so much milk thatthe islands are called the
Milky Way.
We are not far from the moonnow.
That same day, towards evening,they came to a great round
island entirely made of rocksand ice.
(06:36):
Let's not stop here, said MrBunnikin's bunny with a shiver.
It is so cold that I think thetip of my ear is frozen.
But this is the island of themoon, exclaimed Admiral Owl,
blinking his round eyes.
Oh how I wish that I had stayedhome, groaned poor Mr Bunnikins
(07:01):
, that I had stayed home ground,poor Mr Bunnikins.
Mrs Bunny did not want to comeanyhow, and now we shall all
freeze into icicles.
Oh dear, oh dear, never mind,said his kind little wife.
We will wrap up warmly andperhaps we shall have some
(07:29):
slaying.
Sure enough, when they landed,they found a nice sleigh drawn
by four reindeer, ready to carrythem to the hotel.
In spite, however, of wearingtwo ulsters fur-lined overshoes,
a big muff and a fur cap tieddown under his chin, mr
Bunnigan's, bunny's whiskers,which were all you could see of
(07:52):
him, fairly shook with the cold.
The hotel was all made of iceso that everybody outside
outside could see inside andeverybody inside could see
outside.
It was well heated and therewere warm carpets on the floors.
(08:14):
But Mr Bunnigan's would not becomforted.
He sat in a big armchair closeto the fire with his toe-toes
drawn up under him, shiveringand groaning.
They had a very strange supperof dried potato pie, dried apple
(08:38):
dumpling and dried lettuce andcarrot cake.
For as nothing grows on thecold island of the moon, and
carrot cake For as nothing growson the cold island of the moon,
everything to eat has to bebrought a long distance in
airships and it all dries up onthe way.
(09:00):
As Mr Bannigan's bunny was veryanxious to see the moon king and
his beautiful palace, they allstarted out the next morning to
visit him.
At first they were told thatthey could not see the king as
he slept all day and was verybusy all night.
But finally they were invitedto come to the palace that
(09:26):
evening at eight o'clock.
They spent the rest of the dayslaying and seeing the island.
The houses were all made of iceand there were no trees, no
flowers, not even a blade ofgrass.
The people were so huge thatthey terrified the children, and
(09:49):
Rosamund kept tight hold of herfather's paw.
No bunnies or squirrels hadever been seen in the moon
before and the people admiredthem very much.
One little giant girl criedtears as big as dollars because
she could not keep Rosamund fora plaything.
(10:10):
And when she picked her up inher big hands to pet her the
poor little bunny was frightenedalmost to death.
As soon as he had eaten hissupper, mr Bunnigan's bunny
hurried off to dress for theMoon King's party.
He tried one thing and thenanother until poor Mrs
(10:32):
Bunnigan's was quite tired outtrying to help him and thought
he would never be ready in time.
At last he decided to wear abeautiful blue velvet suit
embroidered in gold and a veryfine green and white hat, all
trimmed with ostrich feathers.
(10:53):
To keep himself warm he had avelvet cape lined with fur and
as a finishing touch he wore alittle gold sword.
Mrs Bunnikins advised him notto, as she was afraid it would
be in his way, but Mr Bunnikins'bunny insisted that a sword was
(11:20):
the proper thing to wear atcourt.
Was the proper thing to wear atcourt?
Bobtail and Ruddy Squirrel hadtied bright red bows on
themselves wherever they couldfind a place and Rosamund
shouted with laughter whenevershe looked at them.
(11:42):
The palace was made entirely ofblocks of ice, most beautifully
carved, the walls being linedwith silk so that nobody could
look in.
It was brilliantly lighted andon each of the broad steps stood
(12:05):
a giant soldier in scarlet andgold uniform.
Two big footmen led thebunnicans' bunnies and the grey
squirrels through one grand roomafter another until they came
to a great silver door, on whichone of the footmen knocked
twice with a silver wand.
As the door slowly opened, thebunnican's bunnies and the grey
(12:29):
squirrels were so dazzled by theflood of light that for a
moment they all covered theirfaces with their paws.
Then they looked up and saw themost wonderful room.
It was made of the purest whiteice, the floors being covered
(12:50):
with great white rugs and thewalls with silvery silk.
The furniture was of ivory andlaid with silver, and in every
corner stood a tall silver vasefull of moonflowers which
perfumed the air.
At one end of the great roomwas a silver throne on which was
(13:16):
seated a gigantic figure cladin a misty white garment, from
which the silvery moonbeamsstreamed out in every direction
so that the whole room wasfilled with a shimmering light.
In front of the king was a greatround window through which he
(13:38):
was intently gazing.
His head was quite bald, hischeeks were fat, he had a big
mouth and his eyes were verylarge and round.
As he turned with a pleasantsmile to greet the bunnikin's
bunnies and the grey squirrels,they were very much astonished
(14:00):
to recognize the man in the moonwhom they had so often seen
sitting high up in the sky.
Draw the cloud curtain, he saidto one of the footmen who at
once pulled a heavy grey curtainacross the great window.
Then, in a very gentle voicefor such a huge being, then, in
(14:26):
a very gentle voice for such ahuge being, he added Come
forward, my little people, I amvery glad to see you.
As they came forward, mr GraySquirrel made a polite bow and
(14:50):
Mrs Bunny and Mrs Squirrel madenice little curtsies.
But poor Mr Bunnigan's bunny, inthe middle of a most elegant
bow, got his legs so twisted upwith his sword that he turned a
complete somersault right intothe moon king's lap.
Never mind, said the king as hekindly helped him to his feet,
(15:16):
accidents will happen.
Have a piece of cheese.
On the broad arm of the king'sthrone was a plate full of green
cheese of which he took a largepiece himself after offering it
to the bunnies and squirrels.
Do you make your own cheese?
Asked Mrs Bunnigan's bunny asshe tasted it.
(15:37):
It is made for me on the MilkyWay, replied the moon king.
No cows have been allowed onthe Moon since a very rude one
jumped right over my head manyyears ago.
Just then there was a loudsqueal of terror from the other
end of the room.
(15:57):
Bobtail had found the queercheese so horrid that he simply
could not eat it.
He had wandered off, hoping tofind some dark corner in which
to hide it, and stumbled into amousetrap and had been caught by
the leg.
Dear, dear, said the king asthey all ran to help poor
(16:22):
Bobtail.
I am so sorry, but you see micelike cheese almost as much as I
do, and so I have to set trapseverywhere.
Now you shall have a peep frommy lookout window.
He continued taking Bobtail bythe paw.
Far, far below they could seethe great round earth looking
(16:48):
like a little ball.
But it made them all so dizzythat they did not look very long
.
Do you ever get sleepy, askedMrs Gray Squirrel.
Not very often, asked the MoonKing.
There are times when I canwatch with one eye, and then
(17:11):
I've taught the other eye to goto sleep.
I thought you had a dog, saidMr Bannigan's Bunny.
I did have a very fine yellowdog, but alas, I lost him long
ago and the king, with a sigh,wiped away a tear.
(17:32):
His name was Ebenezer, but wecalled him Sneezer for short
because he was so fond of mousepatties flavored with pepper,
which made him sneeze.
He was always chasing cats.
One day he heard one meow andjumping on the ledge of my great
(17:58):
window.
He slipped and fell out I don'tknow where.
Since then, however, so manyyellow dogs have been seen on
the island of Sirius that it isnow called the Dog Star, and I
believe that Sneezer landedthere While the king had been
(18:22):
talking.
The children had crept behindthe cloud curtain to try and see
the dog star.
Bobtail had leaned out so farthat he lost his balance and
would have surely gone to joinSneezer had not one of the
king's footmen grabbed him byhis short tail.
As it was now late, thebunnikin's bunnies and the grey
squirrels, after thanking theking for his kindness, said
(19:06):
goodbye and the cloud curtainbeing drawn back, the king of
the moon had gone to bed.
The bunnikins' bunnies and thegray squirrels went on board the
airship and sailed off towardthe island of Mars.
The children begged CaptainHawk to stop at the dog star and
see Sneezer, but neither MrBunnicans nor Mr Greyskull was
(19:31):
willing to, as they were bothvery much afraid of dogs.
After several days of cloud,fogs and contrary winds, they
arrived at the great island ofMars.
As they came near the shore,they were astonished to see two
(19:54):
squatty little men walking abouton their heads with their heels
in the air.
No sooner had Bobtail and RuddySquirrel landed than they
scampered off to look at thefunny men.
When they came near them,however, they were walking on
their feet.
They told Bobtail that theycould walk as easily on one end
(20:19):
as the other, and so by changingthey were never tired.
And so by changing they werenever tired.
When Mr Bunnigan's bunny askedthe way to the nearest town, the
little men offered to go withthem, as it was not far off.
The village looked very prettyas they approached, surrounded
(20:41):
by fruit trees and gardens offlowers, but the houses seemed
most peculiar.
The doors were at the top ofthe houses, the chimneys smoked
close to the ground and thepeople went into their homes by
an outside staircase.
One of the little men told MrGreysquirrel that all the houses
(21:06):
in Mars were built that way andhe had never seen any other
kind.
When they arrived at the hotel,they were escorted to the front
door by the landlord who hoppedup outside the staircase before
them on his head.
He popped up outside thestaircase before them on his
(21:26):
head.
They went into a big hall atthe top of the house, from which
the broad staircase leddownstairs to the upstairs room.
When the bunnikins' bunnies andthe grey squirrels saw their
bedrooms they did not know whatto do.
(21:46):
The chandeliers stood up fromthe floors and in the corners
were little stairways leading upto the ceilings on which all
the furniture was nicelyarranged.
Mrs Bunny wondered how sheshould ever keep the children
from falling out of bed, whileMr Bunnigan's bunny sat down on
(22:09):
a corner of the chandelier andheld his bewildered head between
his front paws.
If we stay here long, said he,I shall go crazy and you will
have to keep me in a cage.
I shall go crazy and you willhave to keep me in a cage.
Meanwhile the children wereracing up and down the little
(22:30):
stairways and trying the bedsand chairs on the ceiling.
It was quite easy for Ruddy andChippy Gray Squirrel to hang on
, but it was very difficult forBobtail and Rosamund Bunny, and
it ended by Bobtail suddenlyfalling right on top of his
father, who thought that thefurniture was coming down and
(22:53):
was scared out of his wits.
Bobtail was well scolded andafter that he and Rosamund were
forbidden to climb on theceiling.
The landlord was quite hurtthat they did not like his fine
rooms, but to please them he atlast promised to put some beds
(23:14):
on his ceiling, which theycalled a floor.
After a good dinner they wentout to walk and everywhere they
saw the most curious sights.
All the houses and shops werebuilt upside down and many of
(23:40):
the people walked that way.
They were good-natured, fatlittle people with big heads,
long black hair and small,bright eyes.
They wore very bright clothes,red, blue and yellow being their
favorite colors, and MrBunnigan's fine hat and
(24:03):
beautiful clothes were immenselyadmired.
In fact, the people crowded soclosely about the gray squirrels
(24:24):
and the bunnikins' bunnies andadmired them so much that at
last Mr Bunnikins woke up tofind Mr Bunnigan's bunny, in his
blue and white nightcap,standing by his bedside with a
lighted candle in his paw.
What is the matter, asked MrGray Squirrel sitting up in bed.
"'oh dear me', groaned poor MrBunnigan's bunny, "'i can't go
(24:50):
to sleep, for every time that Ido.
"'i dream that the furniture isfalling off the ceiling, "'or
that I am walking on my head.
"'would you be willing to leavethis awful place before
breakfast'.
"'yes indeed', replied Mr GraySquirrel, "'i am ready to go
(25:11):
whenever you are.
Besides, continued mrbunnigan's bunny, I think that
the people here are becomingmuch too fond of us, and if we
stay any longer, they may notlet us go away at all.
I am sure that I don't wish tospend the rest of my life
(25:31):
walking on my head in anupside-down house.
They woke up, mrs Bunny, mrsGray Squirrel and the children
as soon as it was light, and,creeping quietly up the big
staircase, they stole out of thehouse.
At each street corner MrBunnigan's bunny had a fresh
(25:55):
scare, but they met no one, andbefore the people were stirring
in the village, they were safelyon board the airship.
If you don't mind, I wouldrather not stop at any more
islands, said Mr Bunnikins.
In fact I think I should liketo go home.
(26:15):
Mr Greyskull was quite willing,so down they went, circling
round and round, lower and lower, until at the end of the second
day they were close to theearth.
(26:35):
What a sigh of relief MrBunnigan's bunny gave as he set
his foot once more on familiarground.
As they said goodbye, hethanked Mr Grayskull warmly and
assured him that he had had themost wonderful trip.
But as they walked towards homehe said to Mrs Bunnikins Well,
(27:03):
my dear, I've always thoughtthat I should like to be a bird
and fly in the air.
My dear, I've always thoughtthat I should like to be a bird
and fly in the air.
But now no-transcript.
Welcome to Dreamful Podcast Bedtime stories or
slumber.
It's already November and wehave just finished our spooky
episodes for October.
And if you don't like darkstories for bedtime, I recommend
Heavenly Bedtime.
Heavenly Bedtime is a sisterpodcast to Dreamful.
(00:48):
Every episode of HeavenlyBedtime is a relaxing Bible
story set to soothing music tohelp you calm your mind so you
can gently drift to sleep.
And, of course, it's created byeditor Katie, so we know that
it is very good.
Visit dreamfulstoriescom slashheavenlybedtime for more
information and follow HeavenlyBedtime on your favorite podcast
app to make her beautifullyproduced scripture readings part
(01:10):
of your nighttime routine.
Now many of you have beenrequesting more Beatrix Potter
stories and while looking forstories like Peter Rabbit and
Squirrel Nutkin, I stumbled uponan author that writes animal
fairy tales in a similar style,and her name is Edith B Davidson
.
I hope you enjoy the Bunnikin'sBunnies and the Moon King.
(01:34):
So snuggle up in your blanketsand have sweet dreams.
One day, mr Brunneken's bunnycame home feeling very much out
(02:30):
of sorts.
He had a headache, a toothacheand the shivery shivers all over
.
Mrs Bunny gave him some cayennepepper tea and then put him to
bed, well wrapped up in blanketswith a hot water bottle to keep
his toes warm.
Very funny, he looked with hislong hair sticking out of his
(02:53):
blue and white nightcap.
In the afternoon his friend MrGray Squirrel dropped in to see
him and said at once what youneed is a change of air, and I
know just the thing for you todo Come for a trip to the moon
with me in my new airship.
(03:14):
You'll have plenty of fresh airand not too much heat, unless
we happen to fall into the sun.
Oh no, no, cried Mrs Bunnikins.
Bunny almost in tears.
I simply cannot let MrBunnikins go sailing in the air.
He would surely fall out of theship or get lost in the clouds,
(03:38):
and I should never see himanymore.
But Mr Bunnikants liked theidea and at once set his heart
on going.
He talked so much about it thatat last Mrs Bunny consented if
(04:00):
she and the children might gotoo, so that they could all
follow the airship together, sothat they could all fall out of
the airship together, as MrGreyskull had told them that the
journey would be very cold.
Mr Bunnigan's bunny had a greattime buying ulsters and
overshoes, caps and mittens Mostof his lovely hats he decided
(04:22):
to leave at home as he wasafraid they might be blown away.
By the end of a week they wereall ready to start, bobtail and
Rosamund, ruddy and Chippyhaving scarcely slept for nights
(04:43):
from excitement.
The airship was most comfortablyarranged, with nice little
cabins in which to eat and sleep, and the sides were so high
that no one could possibly fallover the edge.
Mr Gray Squirrel had hiredCaptain Hawk to steer the
airship by day and Admiral Owlto keep a careful lookout at
(05:05):
night.
The children were rather afraidof Captain Hawk with his bright
eyes and sharp beak, but theyall loved to talk to old Admiral
Owl, although he was alwaysvery sleepy when the sun was
shining.
When the sun was shining, onefine morning away, they flew,
(05:32):
circling round and round, up andup, until the earth lay far
below.
Numbers of strange birds flewabout them and one big grey one
with long feathery ears and ahuge beak frightened Little
Rosamond dreadfully by perchingon the airship close beside her.
(05:55):
Day after day they sailed pastbeautiful stars and planets,
stars and planets, until onemorning they came to a very
large cluster of star islandswhich were thickly covered with
(06:15):
herds of snow-white cows.
Those cows belong to the kingof the moon, said Captain Hawk.
And they give so much milk thatthe islands are called the
Milky Way.
We are not far from the moonnow.
That same day, towards evening,they came to a great round
island entirely made of rocksand ice.
(06:36):
Let's not stop here, said MrBunnikin's bunny with a shiver.
It is so cold that I think thetip of my ear is frozen.
But this is the island of themoon, exclaimed Admiral Owl,
blinking his round eyes.
Oh how I wish that I had stayedhome, groaned poor Mr Bunnikins
(07:01):
, that I had stayed home ground,poor Mr Bunnikins.
Mrs Bunny did not want to comeanyhow, and now we shall all
freeze into icicles.
Oh dear, oh dear, never mind,said his kind little wife.
We will wrap up warmly andperhaps we shall have some
(07:29):
slaying.
Sure enough, when they landed,they found a nice sleigh drawn
by four reindeer, ready to carrythem to the hotel.
In spite, however, of wearingtwo ulsters fur-lined overshoes,
a big muff and a fur cap tieddown under his chin, mr
Bunnigan's, bunny's whiskers,which were all you could see of
(07:52):
him, fairly shook with the cold.
The hotel was all made of iceso that everybody outside
outside could see inside andeverybody inside could see
outside.
It was well heated and therewere warm carpets on the floors.
(08:14):
But Mr Bunnigan's would not becomforted.
He sat in a big armchair closeto the fire with his toe-toes
drawn up under him, shiveringand groaning.
They had a very strange supperof dried potato pie, dried apple
(08:38):
dumpling and dried lettuce andcarrot cake.
For as nothing grows on thecold island of the moon, and
carrot cake For as nothing growson the cold island of the moon,
everything to eat has to bebrought a long distance in
airships and it all dries up onthe way.
(09:00):
As Mr Bannigan's bunny was veryanxious to see the moon king and
his beautiful palace, they allstarted out the next morning to
visit him.
At first they were told thatthey could not see the king as
he slept all day and was verybusy all night.
But finally they were invitedto come to the palace that
(09:26):
evening at eight o'clock.
They spent the rest of the dayslaying and seeing the island.
The houses were all made of iceand there were no trees, no
flowers, not even a blade ofgrass.
The people were so huge thatthey terrified the children, and
(09:49):
Rosamund kept tight hold of herfather's paw.
No bunnies or squirrels hadever been seen in the moon
before and the people admiredthem very much.
One little giant girl criedtears as big as dollars because
she could not keep Rosamund fora plaything.
(10:10):
And when she picked her up inher big hands to pet her the
poor little bunny was frightenedalmost to death.
As soon as he had eaten hissupper, mr Bunnigan's bunny
hurried off to dress for theMoon King's party.
He tried one thing and thenanother until poor Mrs
(10:32):
Bunnigan's was quite tired outtrying to help him and thought
he would never be ready in time.
At last he decided to wear abeautiful blue velvet suit
embroidered in gold and a veryfine green and white hat, all
trimmed with ostrich feathers.
(10:53):
To keep himself warm he had avelvet cape lined with fur and
as a finishing touch he wore alittle gold sword.
Mrs Bunnikins advised him notto, as she was afraid it would
be in his way, but Mr Bunnikins'bunny insisted that a sword was
(11:20):
the proper thing to wear atcourt.
Was the proper thing to wear atcourt?
Bobtail and Ruddy Squirrel hadtied bright red bows on
themselves wherever they couldfind a place and Rosamund
shouted with laughter whenevershe looked at them.
(11:42):
The palace was made entirely ofblocks of ice, most beautifully
carved, the walls being linedwith silk so that nobody could
look in.
It was brilliantly lighted andon each of the broad steps stood
(12:05):
a giant soldier in scarlet andgold uniform.
Two big footmen led thebunnicans' bunnies and the grey
squirrels through one grand roomafter another until they came
to a great silver door, on whichone of the footmen knocked
twice with a silver wand.
As the door slowly opened, thebunnican's bunnies and the grey
(12:29):
squirrels were so dazzled by theflood of light that for a
moment they all covered theirfaces with their paws.
Then they looked up and saw themost wonderful room.
It was made of the purest whiteice, the floors being covered
(12:50):
with great white rugs and thewalls with silvery silk.
The furniture was of ivory andlaid with silver, and in every
corner stood a tall silver vasefull of moonflowers which
perfumed the air.
At one end of the great roomwas a silver throne on which was
(13:16):
seated a gigantic figure cladin a misty white garment, from
which the silvery moonbeamsstreamed out in every direction
so that the whole room wasfilled with a shimmering light.
In front of the king was a greatround window through which he
(13:38):
was intently gazing.
His head was quite bald, hischeeks were fat, he had a big
mouth and his eyes were verylarge and round.
As he turned with a pleasantsmile to greet the bunnikin's
bunnies and the grey squirrels,they were very much astonished
(14:00):
to recognize the man in the moonwhom they had so often seen
sitting high up in the sky.
Draw the cloud curtain, he saidto one of the footmen who at
once pulled a heavy grey curtainacross the great window.
Then, in a very gentle voicefor such a huge being, then, in
(14:26):
a very gentle voice for such ahuge being, he added Come
forward, my little people, I amvery glad to see you.
As they came forward, mr GraySquirrel made a polite bow and
(14:50):
Mrs Bunny and Mrs Squirrel madenice little curtsies.
But poor Mr Bunnigan's bunny, inthe middle of a most elegant
bow, got his legs so twisted upwith his sword that he turned a
complete somersault right intothe moon king's lap.
Never mind, said the king as hekindly helped him to his feet,
(15:16):
accidents will happen.
Have a piece of cheese.
On the broad arm of the king'sthrone was a plate full of green
cheese of which he took a largepiece himself after offering it
to the bunnies and squirrels.
Do you make your own cheese?
Asked Mrs Bunnigan's bunny asshe tasted it.
(15:37):
It is made for me on the MilkyWay, replied the moon king.
No cows have been allowed onthe Moon since a very rude one
jumped right over my head manyyears ago.
Just then there was a loudsqueal of terror from the other
end of the room.
(15:57):
Bobtail had found the queercheese so horrid that he simply
could not eat it.
He had wandered off, hoping tofind some dark corner in which
to hide it, and stumbled into amousetrap and had been caught by
the leg.
Dear, dear, said the king asthey all ran to help poor
(16:22):
Bobtail.
I am so sorry, but you see micelike cheese almost as much as I
do, and so I have to set trapseverywhere.
Now you shall have a peep frommy lookout window.
He continued taking Bobtail bythe paw.
Far, far below they could seethe great round earth looking
(16:48):
like a little ball.
But it made them all so dizzythat they did not look very long
.
Do you ever get sleepy, askedMrs Gray Squirrel.
Not very often, asked the MoonKing.
There are times when I canwatch with one eye, and then
(17:11):
I've taught the other eye to goto sleep.
I thought you had a dog, saidMr Bannigan's Bunny.
I did have a very fine yellowdog, but alas, I lost him long
ago and the king, with a sigh,wiped away a tear.
(17:32):
His name was Ebenezer, but wecalled him Sneezer for short
because he was so fond of mousepatties flavored with pepper,
which made him sneeze.
He was always chasing cats.
One day he heard one meow andjumping on the ledge of my great
(17:58):
window.
He slipped and fell out I don'tknow where.
Since then, however, so manyyellow dogs have been seen on
the island of Sirius that it isnow called the Dog Star, and I
believe that Sneezer landedthere While the king had been
(18:22):
talking.
The children had crept behindthe cloud curtain to try and see
the dog star.
Bobtail had leaned out so farthat he lost his balance and
would have surely gone to joinSneezer had not one of the
king's footmen grabbed him byhis short tail.
As it was now late, thebunnikin's bunnies and the grey
squirrels, after thanking theking for his kindness, said
(19:06):
goodbye and the cloud curtainbeing drawn back, the king of
the moon had gone to bed.
The bunnikins' bunnies and thegray squirrels went on board the
airship and sailed off towardthe island of Mars.
The children begged CaptainHawk to stop at the dog star and
see Sneezer, but neither MrBunnicans nor Mr Greyskull was
(19:31):
willing to, as they were bothvery much afraid of dogs.
After several days of cloud,fogs and contrary winds, they
arrived at the great island ofMars.
As they came near the shore,they were astonished to see two
(19:54):
squatty little men walking abouton their heads with their heels
in the air.
No sooner had Bobtail and RuddySquirrel landed than they
scampered off to look at thefunny men.
When they came near them,however, they were walking on
their feet.
They told Bobtail that theycould walk as easily on one end
(20:19):
as the other, and so by changingthey were never tired.
And so by changing they werenever tired.
When Mr Bunnigan's bunny askedthe way to the nearest town, the
little men offered to go withthem, as it was not far off.
The village looked very prettyas they approached, surrounded
(20:41):
by fruit trees and gardens offlowers, but the houses seemed
most peculiar.
The doors were at the top ofthe houses, the chimneys smoked
close to the ground and thepeople went into their homes by
an outside staircase.
One of the little men told MrGreysquirrel that all the houses
(21:06):
in Mars were built that way andhe had never seen any other
kind.
When they arrived at the hotel,they were escorted to the front
door by the landlord who hoppedup outside the staircase before
them on his head.
He popped up outside thestaircase before them on his
(21:26):
head.
They went into a big hall atthe top of the house, from which
the broad staircase leddownstairs to the upstairs room.
When the bunnikins' bunnies andthe grey squirrels saw their
bedrooms they did not know whatto do.
(21:46):
The chandeliers stood up fromthe floors and in the corners
were little stairways leading upto the ceilings on which all
the furniture was nicelyarranged.
Mrs Bunny wondered how sheshould ever keep the children
from falling out of bed, whileMr Bunnigan's bunny sat down on
(22:09):
a corner of the chandelier andheld his bewildered head between
his front paws.
If we stay here long, said he,I shall go crazy and you will
have to keep me in a cage.
I shall go crazy and you willhave to keep me in a cage.
Meanwhile the children wereracing up and down the little
(22:30):
stairways and trying the bedsand chairs on the ceiling.
It was quite easy for Ruddy andChippy Gray Squirrel to hang on
, but it was very difficult forBobtail and Rosamund Bunny, and
it ended by Bobtail suddenlyfalling right on top of his
father, who thought that thefurniture was coming down and
(22:53):
was scared out of his wits.
Bobtail was well scolded andafter that he and Rosamund were
forbidden to climb on theceiling.
The landlord was quite hurtthat they did not like his fine
rooms, but to please them he atlast promised to put some beds
(23:14):
on his ceiling, which theycalled a floor.
After a good dinner they wentout to walk and everywhere they
saw the most curious sights.
All the houses and shops werebuilt upside down and many of
(23:40):
the people walked that way.
They were good-natured, fatlittle people with big heads,
long black hair and small,bright eyes.
They wore very bright clothes,red, blue and yellow being their
favorite colors, and MrBunnigan's fine hat and
(24:03):
beautiful clothes were immenselyadmired.
In fact, the people crowded soclosely about the gray squirrels
(24:24):
and the bunnikins' bunnies andadmired them so much that at
last Mr Bunnikins woke up tofind Mr Bunnigan's bunny, in his
blue and white nightcap,standing by his bedside with a
lighted candle in his paw.
What is the matter, asked MrGray Squirrel sitting up in bed.
"'oh dear me', groaned poor MrBunnigan's bunny, "'i can't go
(24:50):
to sleep, for every time that Ido.
"'i dream that the furniture isfalling off the ceiling, "'or
that I am walking on my head.
"'would you be willing to leavethis awful place before
breakfast'.
"'yes indeed', replied Mr GraySquirrel, "'i am ready to go
(25:11):
whenever you are.
Besides, continued mrbunnigan's bunny, I think that
the people here are becomingmuch too fond of us, and if we
stay any longer, they may notlet us go away at all.
I am sure that I don't wish tospend the rest of my life
(25:31):
walking on my head in anupside-down house.
They woke up, mrs Bunny, mrsGray Squirrel and the children
as soon as it was light, and,creeping quietly up the big
staircase, they stole out of thehouse.
At each street corner MrBunnigan's bunny had a fresh
(25:55):
scare, but they met no one, andbefore the people were stirring
in the village, they were safelyon board the airship.
If you don't mind, I wouldrather not stop at any more
islands, said Mr Bunnikins.
In fact I think I should liketo go home.
(26:15):
Mr Greyskull was quite willing,so down they went, circling
round and round, lower and lower, until at the end of the second
day they were close to theearth.
(26:35):
What a sigh of relief MrBunnigan's bunny gave as he set
his foot once more on familiarground.
As they said goodbye, hethanked Mr Grayskull warmly and
assured him that he had had themost wonderful trip.
But as they walked towards homehe said to Mrs Bunnikins Well,
(27:03):
my dear, I've always thoughtthat I should like to be a bird
and fly in the air.
My dear, I've always thoughtthat I should like to be a bird
and fly in the air.
But now no-transcript.
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com