Barnaby the bear cub felt a big, wide yawn stretch his mouth open wide. The sun was beginning to dip down low in the sky, casting long, sleepy shadows across the forest floor. It was that time of day when little bear cubs start thinking about curling up for the night. But where was the *most* perfect, cozy spot to sleep tonight? Barnaby loved finding new places to nap.
He padded softly along a forest path, his little paws making quiet thuds on the soft earth. He passed a tall, sturdy oak tree. A busy little squirrel was tucking acorns away in a knothole. "Goodnight, Squeaky!" whispered Barnaby. The squirrel chittered back a friendly goodbye, its tail giving a quick wave. Barnaby kept walking, his nose twitching. He sniffed the cool evening air that smelled of pine needles and damp earth.
He saw a family of gentle deer nibbling grass near a sparkling little stream. They looked so peaceful and safe in the clearing. Barnaby smiled. This big forest felt so alive, but also very calm as the day settled down. He knew his mama bear was not far away, always watching out for him, but tonight he felt a little adventurous and wanted to pick his *own* special spot, just close enough to home.
He ambled deeper into the woods. He tried sniffing around some low berry bushes, but they were a little too prickly for a comfortable bed. He looked near a big, fallen log, but some busy ants were marching back and forth, working hard. "Too busy for sleeping," he mumbled to himself. He wanted somewhere quiet, soft, and just right.
Finally, after a little more searching, he came to a small, hidden alcove tucked under a rocky overhang. Soft green moss grew thickly on the ground, like a natural carpet. A few soft leaves had drifted in, making a kind of cozy blanket. It smelled clean and earthy, like a true forest home. "Ah," sighed Barnaby, feeling a sleepy tingle all the way to his toes. "This looks just right."
He carefully stepped inside the little alcove. He turned around two times, just like bears do before they settle down, making his spot extra comfy. Then he lay down on the soft moss and leaves, curling himself into a tight, warm ball. The sounds of the forest settling down for the night were gentle – the quiet whisper of the wind in the tall trees, the distant, peaceful hoot of an owl welcoming the night.
Barnaby felt completely safe and sound in his chosen spot. He thought about the big, friendly forest around him, full of all sorts of creatures, all getting ready for their own sleep too. It was a lovely, cozy feeling, knowing everyone was safe. His eyes felt heavy, heavier, heaviest.
He snuggled even deeper into the soft, mossy bed. The little alcove felt like his very own secret, safe haven in the big, wide forest. He took a deep, sleepy breath, feeling thankful for the quiet night. The forest was still now, wrapped in the soft, dark blanket of night. And Barnaby the bear cub was finally fast asleep, dreaming sweet dreams in his perfect, cozy den.