Luna & The Little One Who Was Afraid Of The Dark

A warm and soothing bedtime story about Luna the little star, who helps a girl named Maya feel safe when her room is darker than usual and she feels afraid.

When Maya's nightlight burns out and the dark feels too big, Luna gently helps her discover that the dark is full of things she loves: her stuffed elephant still sitting on the shelf, the soft glow under the door, and the stars shining through the window. Through simple grounding techniques and a shift in perspective, Maya learns to feel held and calm, even in the dark.

This story is gentle, unhurried, and full of tools children can use on their own — any time nighttime feels scary.

Best for ages 3 to 7, bedtime routines, children afraid of the dark, transitioning away from nightlights, teaching kids to self-soothe and find safety in their surroundings, gentle grounding and body awareness for children, and children who need reassurance that they are not alone.

Transcript

Hello my sweet listener. Welcome to Storytime with Nana Jojo. I'm so happy you're here. I'm Nana Jojo, And I have a very special story to share with you today. But first, Let's get cozy. Grab your favorite stuffie. Find your soft blanket and snuggle in. Now let's take some slow, Deep breaths together. When we breathe slowly, Our bodies feel calm and safe. So take a big breath in through your nose. And breathe out with a happy sigh, Like this. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Let's do that again. Big breath in. And breathe out. Ah. One more time. Big breath in. And breathe out. Super duper job. Do you feel nice and cozy? Yay, I do too! Okay, My sweet little one, It's time for our story. This is another story about Luna, The little star. The kind and caring star who loves to help children from way up in the night sky. Are you ready? Okay, Let's begin. Once upon a time, High up in the night sky, There lived a little star named Luna. Every night, Luna shined her soft, Gentle light through bedroom windows, Helping children feel safe and warm as they drifted off to sleep. Luna loved her job. One quiet evening, Luna was twinkling in her spot high up in the sky when she noticed something below. She saw a little yellow house at the end of a street. And inside that house, In a bedroom with purple walls and a rug shaped like a little turtle. A girl named Maya was sitting up in her bed. Maya had her knees pulled up to her chest. Her nightlight had burned out that day, And her room was darker than usual. Maya did not like the dark. Luna floated a little closer to Maya's window. And she peeked inside. Oh Little One. Luna said softly. What's the matter? Maya looked up at the window and saw Luna's soft, Warm glow. Luna, She whispered, My nightlight broke today. And now my room is so dark. And I don't like it. It feels scary. I understand, Said Luna gently. The darkness can be scary. Tell me, What does the dark feel like to you? Maya thought about it. It feels big, She said. Like the dark is everywhere and I can't see what's in it. Luna nodded. She understood completely. Maya, Can I tell you a secret about the dark? Luna asks, Maya nodded yes. The dark is not empty, Luna said. The dark is full of something beautiful. The dark is full of stars. Maya looked toward her window. And sure enough. There was Luna, Glowing soft and gentle in the dark sky. I never thought about that. Maya said quietly. The dark is how we get to see stars, Luna said. Without the dark, My light wouldn't shine at all. Without the dark, There wouldn't be any starlight coming through your window right now. Maya looked at the little patch of light that Luna's glow made on her bedroom floor. It was small. But it was warm. And it was real. But Luna. . . Maya said. What about the corners of my room? I can't see them. I keep thinking something might be there. Luna smiled her gentle star smile. That is a very brave thing to say out loud, Luna told her. It takes courage to name what scares us. Can I show you something? " Luna asked. Okay, Said Maya. I want you to look at one of those corners, " Luna said softly. Just for a moment. Don't look away, Just look. Maya took a deep breath. And she looked at the corner by her bookshelf. It was dark. But as she looked. . . She could make out the shape of her bookshelf. And on top of the bookshelf. There was her stuffed elephant peanut with his little ears flopped to the side. Peanut, Maya said. I can see him. Yes, Luna said. Things you love are still there in the dark. They don't go away just because you can't see them perfectly. Maya felt something soften in her chest, Just a little. Maya, Luna said. Let's play a little game. Can you look around your room and find one more thing you recognize, Even in the dark? Maya looked slowly around her room. She could see the shape of her door. And the little strip of light coming from underneath it. That was the hallway light. Mama always left it on for her. The hallway light. Maya said. Yes, Said Luna. You are not alone in the dark, Maya. Light is all around you, Even when it's small. And even when you have to look for it. Maya nodded. And took a slow breath. And her shoulders drop down a little. Luna, She said. My tummy still feels a little funny and jumpy. That's okay, Luna said. Our bodies want to protect us. And sometimes they can get a little nervous, Even when we're perfectly safe. Let's help your body feel calm. Can you put both of your feet flat on your bed? Luna asked. Maya pressed her feet down into the mattress. Good. Feel how solid that is? Your bed is holding you. It's not going anywhere. Maya felt the firm yet soft mattress under her feet. Now put one hand on your heart, Luna said. Maya placed her hand on her chest over her heart. Can you feel it beating? Luna asked softly. Maya nodded. She could. Ba-bum. Ba-bum. Ba-bum. That's you, Luna said. That little heartbeat, That's you. And you are here, And you are safe. Buh-bum! Maya took another slow breath in. And then let it out. Luna. She said, Her voice getting softer. Will you stay with me? I'm always here, Luna said. Even when the clouds cover the sky and you can't see me, I'm still shining. I never go away. Maya settled down against her pillow. She could still see Luna's soft glow through the window. Maya looked at Peanut on the shelf. She could still see his little ears. And Maya could still see the strip of light under her door. The dark is full of the things I love. Maya said quietly. Yes, Luna whispered. The dark is full of the things you love. It always has, And it always will. Maya pulled her blanket up under her chin. Her breathing slowed. And And out. And And out. The dark was still there, But it didn't feel so big anymore. It felt like a soft, Quiet blanket, With a little star shining through the window, Watching over her. And Maya drifted off to sleep. She slept the kind of sleep that is warm and full of sweet dreams. And Luna continued to glow softly through the window, Watching over Maya all night long. The End. And so, My dear little listener, What did we learn from our story today? Well, We learned that the dark is not empty. The dark is full of stars. And we learned that the things we love are still there, Even when we can't see them perfectly. We learn that light is all around us, Even when it's small. And even when we need to look for it. And we learned that we can put our hands on our heart. And that helps us feel safe. And know that we are loved. As our story time comes to an end. Remember that you are never alone in the dark. And always remember that you are loved. You are special, And Nana Jojo loves you so very much. I'll be right here whenever you're ready for another story. If you're not quite ready for sleep, Have yourself the most wonderful rest of your day. And if it is time to sleep now, I'm wishing you the happiest, Sweetest dreams. Sleep tight, My little love. I'll see you again soon. Good night.