Barnaby Bear was a little bit grumpy. It was almost bedtime, and he wanted to play! “But I don’t *want* to go to bed!” he grumbled to Mama Bear. Mama Bear smiled warmly. “Bedtime is special, Barnaby. It’s a time for cozy snuggles and sweet dreams, especially with family.”
Papa Bear was already getting ready. He puffed up the pillows on Barnaby’s little bed, making them soft and fluffy. Sister Bear, Rosie, was choosing a special storybook. It was a book about a little firefly who learned to shine brightly. Barnaby watched them, his grumbles starting to fade.
“What are *you* doing?” Barnaby asked Rosie. “Picking a story!” Rosie chirped. “Papa Bear will read it, and then we can all sing a sleepy song.” Barnaby liked sleepy songs. He especially liked singing them with his family.
Papa Bear tucked Barnaby in, and Mama Bear kissed his nose. “We love you very much, little one,” Mama Bear whispered. Barnaby snuggled close to his favorite teddy bear. Papa Bear began to read about the little firefly, and Barnaby listened carefully. The firefly wasn’t scared to shine, even when it was dark.
When the story was finished, Papa Bear turned off the light. Rosie and Mama Bear started to sing a gentle lullaby. Barnaby closed his eyes, feeling warm and safe. He realized bedtime wasn’t so bad after all, especially when he was with his family.
He thought about how much he loved his Mama Bear, his Papa Bear, and his sister, Rosie. They always made him feel loved and cozy. He snuggled deeper into his bed, a happy little bear cub.
“Goodnight, family,” Barnaby mumbled sleepily. “Goodnight, sweet Barnaby,” his family whispered back. And as Barnaby drifted off to sleep, he dreamed of shining fireflies and cozy family snuggles. He knew, even in his dreams, that his family would always be there for him.