Barnaby Bear loved to play! He'd bounce and tumble and giggle until the stars peeked through the forest trees. But sometimes, Barnaby found it hard to settle down for bedtime.
His mama, a kind and gentle mama bear, would always help him. First, they'd brush his soft, brown fur. Then, they'd have a warm cup of honey milk. After that, Mama Bear would read Barnaby a story about brave little bunnies and clever foxes.
One night, Barnaby felt a bit grumpy. He didn't want to brush his fur, or drink his honey milk, or listen to a story. 'I'm not sleepy!' he grumbled.
Mama Bear hugged Barnaby gently. 'Sometimes, even sleepy bears feel a little grumpy,' she whispered. 'But there are things we can do to help ourselves feel better.'
She showed Barnaby how to take three deep, slow breaths. Inhale… exhale… inhale… exhale… inhale… exhale. Barnaby felt his body relax.
Then, Mama Bear suggested they count the twinkling stars outside his window. One… two… three… Barnaby soon forgot his grumpiness as he focused on the sparkly lights.
Next, Mama Bear softly sang a lullaby about fluffy clouds and sleepy moonbeams. Barnaby's eyelids grew heavy.
Soon, Barnaby was snuggled under his soft blanket, drifting off to sleep. He dreamt of bouncing amongst the fluffy clouds, giggling with the sleepy moonbeams. He woke up feeling happy and refreshed.
From that day on, Barnaby understood that even if he felt grumpy at bedtime, there were calming things he could do to help himself feel sleepy and ready for sweet dreams. And he knew that having a bedtime routine made going to sleep much easier and more fun!