Under the Moonlight with Penelope Willis

What can children teach us about happiness? In this gentle episode of Under the Moonlight, Penelope Willis explores the small everyday moments of joy that children seem to notice so naturally and many adults gradually forget. From puddles and feathers to shells, clouds and ladybirds, children have a remarkable ability to find wonder in ordinary moments. They live in the present, embrace curiosity,...

The Comfort of Gentle Words | Finding Reassurance in a Busy World What if the words we hear, and the words we speak to ourselves, have the power to comfort us more than we realise? In this gentle episode of Under the Moonlight, Penelope Willis reflects on the quiet comfort that kind words can bring during life's more overwhelming moments. Together, we'll explore why so many of us carry worries we...

Why do children become so attached to a favourite teddy, a special toy, a treasured pebble or a beloved bedtime story? In this gentle episode of Under the Moonlight, Penelope Willis explores the comfort of familiar things and why they matter so much to children. From treasured objects carried in little pockets to favourite stories read again and again, we'll reflect on the powerful role that famil...

In this gentle episode of Under the Moonlight, Penelope Willis explores the lasting impact of the words children hear as they grow. From positive affirmation and emotional safety to self-worth, behaviour, and the inner voice children begin to build, this episode reflects on how everyday language can shape a child’s confidence, resilience, and sense of being loved. Perfect for parents, grandparents...

Bedtime story for kids to fall asleep calming sleep story for children toddler bedtime routine story In this calming read aloud episode of Under the Moonlight Podcast, Penelope Willis gently shares her book, Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea, a soothing seaside bedtime story created to help little ones relax, unwind, and fall asleep peacefully. Set in the beautiful seaside town of Whitby and inspire...

Helping children regulate big emotions with calm, connection and gentle parenting strategies. In this gentle episode of Under the Moonlight Podcast, children’s author Penelope Willis explores the quiet but powerful role a calm adult can play in helping children regulate big feelings. Young children experience emotions intensely, but they don’t yet have the tools to calm themselves. Instead, they o...

Small Hearts, Big Changes In this heartfelt episode of Under The Moonlight Podcast with Penelope Willis, we explore how to help young children cope with change, manage big emotions and feel safe during life’s transitions. From starting nursery or school to family separation, house moves and emotional shifts at home, change can feel overwhelming for small hearts. In this episode, Penelope shares pr...

When Bedtime Feels Hard: Gentle, Practical Ways to Help Children Settle Bedtime can be one of the hardest parts of the day for parents. If your child struggles to fall asleep, wakes frequently, seeks extra closeness, or finds bedtime emotionally overwhelming, you are not alone. In this gentle, calming episode of Under the Moonlight with Penelope Willis, we explore why bedtime can feel so hard for...

When children grow up and leave home, parenting doesn’t end, it changes. In this gentle, supportive episode of the Under the Moonlight Podcast, children’s author Penelope Willis explores what it really means to live with an empty nest and a full heart. This episode is for parents whose homes feel quieter than they used to, and who are learning how to hold pride, love, and tenderness all at once as...

Oscar and the Whispering Cloud is a gentle, calming bedtime story read aloud in a soft, soothing voice, like a lullaby in story form. Perfect for listening together with your little one, this relaxing children’s bedtime story helps create a peaceful bedtime routine and a sense of safety and comfort at the end of the day. With slow, reassuring language and a dreamy, calming tone, it’s ideal for win...

After the excitement of Christmas, many young children seek extra closeness, feel more emotional, or struggle to settle back into routines. This can feel worrying for parents, especially if things felt settled before the holidays. In this gentle episode of Under the Moonlight Podcast, Penelope Willis explores why post-Christmas emotional wobbles are so common, what children are really communicatin...

In this gentle read aloud, children’s author Penelope Willis shares her calming bedtime story, Whenever You Miss Me, Look for the Moon, written especially for children, and grown-ups, who are missing someone they love. This soothing story follows Mouse and Squirrel, who live far apart but remain deeply connected by the moon they both see in the night sky. Created to offer comfort during times of s...

✨ UNDER THE MOONLIGHT PODCAST Christmas Cheer Edition By Penelope Willis Looking for calm, joy and a little Christmas magic during the busiest month of the year? This special Christmas Cheer Edition of the Under the Moonlight Podcast is filled with gentle, practical tips to help your little one feel happy, settled and connected all season long. In this festive, family-friendly episode, children’s...

In this calming Christmas episode of the Under the Moonlight Podcast, children’s author Penelope Willis reads aloud her much-loved picture book Oscar and the Star of Christmas Kindness. This gentle, heartwarming story follows young Oscar as he learns how simple acts of kindness can shine just as brightly as any Christmas star. The soothing narration and soft festive atmosphere make this episode pe...

The Ones We Miss, The Love We Keep is a gentle, comforting podcast by Penelope Willis for anyone carrying the quiet ache of missing someone they love. Each episode offers warm reflection, emotional support and calm guidance for navigating grief, long-distance family life, separation and the lingering ache of someone who isn’t here. With a soft, reassuring voice, Penelope speaks about love that con...

In this calming Moonlight Chat, children’s author and early-years educator Penelope Willis explores the real magic children remember — the warm, simple moments of connection that matter far more than presents or perfection. As Christmas approaches, many parents feel pressure to create the “perfect holiday,” but research and years of experience in early childhood show something beautifully reassuri...

In this calming Christmas Moonlight Podcast, Penelope Willis invites you into a peaceful moment before the festive rush. Where the Magic Begins is a soothing, reflective episode designed to help listeners slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the gentle magic of winter. Perfect for anyone searching for a relaxing Christmas podcast, emotional wellbeing support, mindfulness during the holida...

This Moonlight Chat from the Under the Moonlight Podcast offers a calm, grounding moment before the rush of a busy day or hectic season. In this soothing, gentle episode, children’s author Penelope Willis shares soft reflections on slowing down, easing stress, and finding pockets of peace when life feels overwhelming — especially in the build-up to Christmas and the winter months. Perfect for anyo...

As the evenings draw in and the world slows, this quiet reflection invites you to pause and remember the power of small kindnesses. In this gentle episode, Penelope Willis explores how darker nights can make us tender — how children, especially, look for warmth and reassurance when the days grow shorter. With soft storytelling and heartfelt insight, she shares simple ways to bring more kindness in...