Hopes & Dreams

In this episode, three kids (Levi, Christine, and Ariel) reflect on the new things we have learned, the friendships we have formed, and the challenges we have faced in the past year — and what we are excited to learn and do in the year ahead. The children also discuss the concept of letting go of feelings and experiences that we don’t wish to carry with us into the new year.

The kids and host Todd travel on giant snowflakes to the Land of Qook-a-lackas where they meet Todd’s Qook-a-lacka friend Qweston, played by Jolly Abraham, and participate in the Qook-a-lacka tradition of Moon Day, where they help to “send off” the old moon and “welcome” the new moon.

The original song, “Under the New Moon” that Qweston sings in the Land is written by educator/composer Benjamin Weiner based on the children’s words during the episode and performed by Jolly Abraham.

Sound design and mixing is by Ahmed Ashour, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.

Guest Star: Jolly Abraham

Jolly Abraham worked as an actor for several years in New York City where she worked in theatre, TV, and film. She was a company member of a classical theatre company and performed on stages big and small — from Broadway to regional theatres across the United States.  She currently resides in Dublin, Ireland and has worked at The Abbey, Ireland’s national theatre; in TV; and, most recently, finished a supporting role in the film Anniversary opposite Kyle Chandler and directed by Jan Komasa. 

Original Song: Under the New Moon

“Under the New Moon” is an original song composed by Benjamin Weiner and performed by Jolly Abraham for the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast. It debuts in the episode “Hopes & Dreams,” in which three kids reflect on the new things we have learned, the friendships we have formed, and the challenges we have faced in the past year — and what we are excited to learn and do in the year ahead. 

Educator Resources

In the educator resources, you’ll find two fun activities to continue helping your children explore “hopes & dreams” after listening to the episode.

  1. My Year in Seasons
  2. Seeds of Hope