Finley the crocodile was a very busy crocodile. All day long, he splashed in the river, played hide-and-seek with the fish, and helped his mama gather yummy water plants for dinner. But Finley didn’t like bedtime. He thought bedtime was boring!
“Bedtime is silly!” Finley would grumble. “I want to *play*!” Mama Crocodile would smile. “Even busy crocodiles need to rest, Finley. A good rest helps you grow big and strong, and have even *more* fun tomorrow.”
One evening, Finley saw his friend Beatrice the bird getting ready for bed. Beatrice wasn’t splashing or playing. She was carefully fluffing her nest with soft leaves and singing a quiet song. “What are you doing, Beatrice?” Finley asked.
“I’m making my nest cozy for bedtime,” Beatrice chirped. “It helps me feel safe and sleepy. Would you like some help making *your* bedtime cozy?” Finley had never thought about making bedtime cozy before. He usually just flopped down and tried to fall asleep, which was hard when he was still full of energy.
Beatrice helped Finley gather soft reeds and smooth stones for his little sandy spot near the riverbank. They arranged them just so, making a comfy nest. Then, Beatrice sang a gentle lullaby. Finley felt his eyelids getting heavy.
“This *is* nice,” Finley mumbled, snuggling into his cozy bed. Mama Crocodile came over and gave him a gentle nudge with her nose. “See, Finley? A little kindness and a little routine can make all the difference.”
Finley closed his eyes and thought about all the fun he had during the day. He thought about Beatrice’s kindness and his mama’s love. He felt warm and safe and very, very sleepy. He drifted off to dreamland, dreaming of splashing and playing and cozy bedtime nests.
From that night on, Finley always made time for a cozy bedtime routine. He knew that even a busy crocodile needs to rest, and that a little kindness from a friend can make bedtime the best time of all. Sweet dreams, Finley! And sweet dreams to you too.