
Original Stories
Hookhook's Map of Night Sounds
⏱ 3–5 min
A little bat was learning to fly at night alongside its family. But along the way, it got distracted chasing after tiny insects, having so much fun that it drifted away from the group without even noticing.
When the little bat stopped chasing insects, it found itself completely alone in an unfamiliar, pitch-dark part of the forest. It began to panic, trembling all over with fear.
The little bat tried to remember what its mother had taught it: to send out a call and listen for the echo to 'see' things in the dark. It took a deep breath, and nervously tried sending out a call all on its own for the very first time.
Slowly, bit by bit, the little bat used the echoes to find its way through the darkness. Along the way, it met a friendly firefly and a kind owl, who helped point it in the right direction.
At last, the little bat found its way back to its family, safe and sound, and everyone was overjoyed. It learned that even in its most frightened moment, it could always trust itself and the abilities it had practiced all along.
Even in the darkest, most frightening moments, we can always trust in our own abilities that we've practiced and trained for.
A little bat gets distracted chasing insects and strays from its family while learning to fly at night, and must find the courage to use echolocation on its own to find its way home in the dark.
Parents' guide
Children interested in nocturnal animals or learning what information to give when separated. Discuss trusted adults and staying in a safe place.
The bat is separated from family and may meet worrying sounds or shadows. Read in daytime if separation or darkness is difficult, and reveal that the bat gets home safely if needed.
Materials: paper, crayons
Do not train a child to roam in search of a caregiver. The core plan is to stop in a safe place and ask agreed staff or adults for help.
If a child shares a fear of separation, listen and review the family plan instead of promising it could never happen.
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