Leo the Lion was getting ready for bed. The sun had said goodnight, painting the sky in soft oranges and purples. Leo yawned a big, sleepy yawn. “Time to get ready for dreamland!” he mumbled to himself. But Leo wasn’t quite sleepy yet. He wiggled his toes and stretched his paws.
Just then, Rosie the Rabbit hopped by. “What’s wrong, Leo?” she asked, twitching her nose. “I’m not sleepy,” Leo confessed. “I want to play!” Rosie smiled. “Playing is fun, but sleepy time is important too. We all need rest to grow big and strong.”
Rosie suggested a calming bedtime routine. First, they found Barnaby Bear, who was brushing his teeth with a twig and some minty berries. Barnaby showed Leo how to gently brush his own teeth (Leo’s were very big!). Then, they visited Penelope Penguin, who was taking a warm splash in a little puddle.
Penelope was reading a story about fluffy clouds. She read a page to Leo and Rosie, her voice soft and gentle. Leo started to feel his eyelids getting heavy. Next, they found Finley Fox, who was snuggling with his mama. Finley was humming a quiet tune.
Rosie, Leo, and Barnaby joined Finley and his mama, and they all hummed the tune together. It was a very peaceful sound. Leo closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He imagined himself floating on a fluffy cloud, just like in Penelope’s story.
“Now,” said Rosie, “let’s all think of our favorite things about today.” Barnaby thought about the sweet berries he ate. Penelope thought about splashing in the puddle. Finley thought about his mama’s warm hugs. Leo thought about playing with his friends.
Thinking about happy things made Leo feel even more relaxed. He snuggled close to Rosie and Barnaby. Soon, he was fast asleep, dreaming of adventures with all his forest friends. Rosie and Barnaby yawned too, and settled down for a peaceful night’s sleep. It’s always good to have friends to help you feel calm and sleepy.
The forest was quiet now, filled with the gentle snores of sleepy animals. And Leo knew, even in his dreams, that tomorrow would bring another day of fun and friendship. Sweet dreams, little one. Now it's *your* turn to close your eyes and dream sweet dreams too.