Carl the crocodile was a very busy crocodile. All day long, he splashed and played in the river with his friends. He chased butterflies, built mud castles, and even tried to learn how to skip stones (which wasn't very easy with short arms!). But when the sun began to set, Carl didn't know what to do. He wasn't sleepy at all!
His mama crocodile smiled. “Carl,” she said, “it’s time for your bedtime routine. That helps your body know it’s time to rest.” First, Carl and Mama Crocodile had a warm bath with bubbly seaweed soap. Carl giggled as the bubbles tickled his nose.
Next, they brushed Carl’s many, many teeth. Crocodiles have lots of teeth, you see! Then, Mama Crocodile read Carl a story about a little firefly who learned to shine brightly. Carl snuggled close, listening to the gentle rhythm of her voice.
But even after the story, Carl still felt a little wiggly. “I can’t sleep!” he whispered. Mama Crocodile gave him a soft, green leaf to hold. “Sometimes,” she explained, “holding something cozy can help you feel calm. And remember to take deep breaths, like this…” She showed him how to breathe in slowly and out slowly.
Carl tried it. He breathed in… and out… It *did* feel a little better! He closed his eyes and imagined the firefly shining, and the warm bubbles from his bath. His friend Finley the fish swam by the window and waved goodnight.
Carl realized that bedtime wasn’t scary at all. It was a special time with his mama, a time for cozy things and quiet breaths. He held his green leaf tightly, took one last deep breath, and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of splashing and playing in the river. He knew that tomorrow would be another fun day, but for now, it was time to rest.
Mama Crocodile smiled and kissed Carl’s head. “Sweet dreams, my little crocodile,” she whispered. And Carl slept soundly, all through the night.