Barnaby the little bunny hopped into his cozy burrow, yawning wide. He was ready for bed, but his tummy felt a little fluttery. He couldn't stop thinking about the yummy carrots he'd eaten.
Suddenly, a gentle voice rumbled close by. "Little bunny, why the worried look?" Barnaby looked up to see a large, friendly alligator, named Gus. Gus had shimmering scales the color of a sunset.
Gus had a special way of helping sleepy creatures. "Sometimes, our minds need a little help to quiet down before sleep," Gus said, his voice soft like the whispering leaves.
"I know you've had a very delicious carrot dinner, but try to relax your tummy by taking slow, deep breaths. One deep breath in, and one slow breath out. Now, another breath in... and out...
Barnaby took a deep breath in, feeling the air fill his lungs, and then slowly let it out, like a soft sigh. He did it again and again, feeling his tummy calm down, his heart beat slower. "Thank you, Gus," Barnaby whispered.
Gus smiled, his eyes twinkling. "The best way to prepare for a good night's sleep is with kind thoughts and a calm heart. Think about all the yummy carrots that grew in the sunshine, and how your mama took good care of you today."
Barnaby thought about the sun-warmed carrots and the gentle touch of his mother's nose as she cuddled him. His mind started to slow down, and his heart felt peaceful. He snuggled into his burrow, feeling safe and content.
"Now, close your eyes, little bunny," Gus said. "Imagine a warm, comfortable spot, and let all your worries drift away with the gentle night breeze. Dream sweetly." Barnaby closed his eyes and listened to the soft sounds of the night, the crickets chirping their sleepy tunes.
Barnaby drifted off, a smile on his face. He knew he had learned a special secret from Gus, the friendly alligator: How to relax and quiet his mind before a peaceful night of sleep. And he slept soundly, dreaming of carrots and gentle breezes.
In the morning, Barnaby woke up feeling refreshed and ready for another day filled with fun. He thanked Gus in his heart for helping him prepare for a good night's sleep.