Pat the Platypus and the Stormy Surprise

 Big feelings can come out of nowhere — even after the storm has passed.

Join Pat the Platypus and his PatchO Pal friends as they learn how to slow down, breathe deeply, and find their calm again.

With gentle rhymes, and a peaceful message, this heartwarming story helps young children understand how to manage overwhelming moments with simple, soothing breathwork.

🌟Perfect after big days, busy minds, or stormy moods.

🎧 Listen to / Download the Audiobook

Hit play to listen to the full calming PatchO Pal story, read aloud for little ears.

📖 Read Along Story

Snuggle up and read the full story with your little one below.

Pat the Platypus and the Stormy Surprise!

A heartwarming story about finding calm after feeling overwhelmed. By patcho.com.au.

In the heart of the bush, where the green leaves sway, Pat the Platypus, started his day.

The sun peeked out, the sky was blue, Till clouds rolled in, then THUNDER too! ⚡

The wind whooshed past, with a whistle and ROAR! And raindrops splashed onto the bush floor. 🌧️

The storm passed by, but not the frazzle. The PatchO Pals, still felt quite dazzled. 

Tilly the Treefrog, jumped here, and there! “My legs are jumping everywhere!”

Ari the Fairywren zipped past in a speedy flight!  “Everything Spinning! I don't feel right!"

Hazel the Microbat hid in a tree, “This stormy feeling, still won’t leave me...”

Chad stood still with a steady stare, “We’re all okay”. He said with care.

Then Opal the sugar glider glided down from up high, “What’s happening here??” She asked with a sigh.

Pat wanted to help, he said “Come, sit here, with me. Let’s take a deep breath — and calm, you’ll be”.

Pat took a breath — slow deep, and round. He sat by the pond, close to the ground.

“In through your nose, and out like the breeze. Soft as the wind, that rustles the trees".

Tilly blinked twice, then gave a big grin, “Ooh… I feel the calm kicking in!”

Ari’s wings fluttered, then folded in tight. “My feathers feel soft, I'm feeling more light!”

Chad gave a nod, “This works, it's true. When things feel loud, we breathe, right through”.

Hazel peeks out from under her wing, “Everyone’s calm! What an interesting thing”.

Opal wrapped her tail around her friend. “It’s nice to know that just breathing can mend!”.

Pat gave a chuckle “Storms pass, you’ll see — but calm is always here with me”.

“When days feel busy, fast or wild, we pause and breathe, just for a while". 

The pond was still, the sky so wide, the PatchO Pals felt peace inside. 😌

They played again, but softer this time, still full of giggles, still full of rhyme.

They remembered Pat’s way! So simple and true: One breath in and one breath through.

If your tummy feels tight, or things go too fast, your breath can help, till the storm has passed.

So if your day feels too twisty, busy, or loud, just take a deep breath, be calm, and stand proud. 🌟

The end.

💡A Note for Grown-Ups

Big feelings are part of growing up — and sometimes, they come fast. Breathwork is a simple but powerful tool that helps children slow down and feel calm.

In this story, Pat the Platypus shows children a simple breathing strategy they can use anytime things feel “too much.”

Deep, slow breaths help regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and bring the body back to a feeling of safety and control. Practicing breathing alongside your child can make it even more effective — and turn it into a reassuring practice you share together.

By guiding your child through slow, gentle breaths (like Pat the Platypus), you’re giving them a lifelong way to handle overwhelm, transitions, and emotional moments with confidence.

Breathe in together… and out together. One calm moment at a time.

🌈Love this story?

Pat’s not the only one with gentle wisdom to share.

Each of the PatchO Pals has their own heartwarming tale — giving young kids simple stories and tools to help with common challenges like feeling overwhelmed, losing focus, impatience and fomo, overcoming fears, sensory overload and disappointment when things change.

All stories are available for free as read-alongs, and you can unlock the audiobooks as you journey with the PatchO Pals —  by joining our email list, placing your first order, or exploring more with us.  

✨ Collect them all and build your own PatchO Storytime Audiobook Library! 

📚 PatchO Pal Stories & Audiobooks

📖 Pat the Platypus and the Stormy Surprise (this story)
🎧 Audiobook — Free to everyone.

📖 Ari the Superb Fairywren Finds His Focus
🎧 Audiobook— PatchO Family email list exclusive: Sign up bonus.

📖 Tilly the Treefrog and the Waiting Game
🎧 Audiobook — PatchO Family email list exclusive: Post-purchase bonus.

📖 Chad the Aussie Water Dragon and the Wobbly Bridge
🎧 Audiobook — PatchO Family email list exclusive:  Reviewer bonus.

📖 Hazel the Microbat and the Soothing Sounds  
🎧 Audiobook — PatchO Family email list exclusive: 1 month PatchO-versary bonus.

📖 Opal the Sugar Glider and the Rainy Day Picnic  
🎧 Audiobook — PatchO Family email list exclusive: Repeat purchase bonus.

💌Be sure to join our PatchO Family Email list (via the footer) to secure your audiobooks!

✍️Written by the PatchO Team
At PatchO, we’re a small Aussie team on a mission to inspire families to embrace life’s adventures — big and small.

Whether you’re navigating bedtime, busy mornings, or emotional ups and downs, we’re here to help make everyday rhythms feel calmer, more connected, and a little more magical — with the support of nature and our friendly PatchO Pals.

🧸 Want more gentle support for your family’s routines?
Explore our aromatherapy patches made to support big little feelings. Our Comfort Companions are thoughtfully designed to support connection, play, and meaningful moments together.