Deep in the Australian outback, where the eucalyptus trees smelled sweet and the sun was setting, lived a little koala named Kevin. Kevin loved to play all day, munching on leaves and climbing trees with his friends. But now, the sky was turning orange and pink, and it was almost bedtime.
Kevin wasn’t very good at calming down. He’d wiggle and giggle and try to stay awake! His mama would say, “Kevin, little one, it’s time to rest. The dingoes are starting to howl their sleepy songs.”
Tonight, Kevin’s best friend, Rosie the kangaroo, was having trouble sleeping too. She kept bouncing, even when her mama told her to lie still. “I just can’t stop!” she said with a little hop. “I’m too full of energy!”
Wise old Wally the wombat waddled over. Wally was known for being the calmest creature in the outback. “Perhaps,” he rumbled gently, “you both need a little help winding down. Let’s listen to the sounds of the bush.”
Wally led Kevin and Rosie to a quiet spot under a gum tree. They closed their eyes and listened. They heard the gentle rustle of leaves, the chirping of crickets, and the soft hoot of an owl. Wally explained that each sound was a little lullaby from the Australian bush.
“The crickets are singing a sleepy song,” Wally whispered. “The owl is wishing everyone sweet dreams.” Kevin and Rosie started to feel their bodies relax. Rosie’s bouncing slowed, and Kevin’s wiggling stopped.
Suddenly, they heard a little sniffle. It was Penelope the platypus! She was worried she wouldn’t fit in because she was different. She didn’t hop like Rosie or climb like Kevin. Wally smiled. “Penelope,” he said, “being different is wonderful! You are special just the way you are.”
He explained that everyone has their own way of getting ready for bed, and that’s okay. Penelope felt much better and snuggled close to Wally. Soon, all three friends were feeling sleepy and peaceful.
Kevin, Rosie, and Penelope thanked Wally for helping them calm down. They said goodnight to each other and promised to play again tomorrow. As they drifted off to sleep, they dreamed of eucalyptus leaves, bouncy hops, and cozy burrows.
Mama Koala tucked Kevin in tight. “Sleep well, little one,” she whispered. “And remember, even the busiest Aussies need their rest.” And as the stars twinkled above the outback, all the little animals slept soundly, dreaming sweet dreams until the sun rose again.