Barnaby was a little bear who loved bedtime stories more than honey! Every night, when Mama Bear opened the big storybook, Barnaby bounced on his bed, ready to listen. But Barnaby had a very LOUD voice. When he got excited about the story, he would cheer loudly or ask questions in a booming voice.
Tonight, Mama Bear was reading about a brave little squirrel. "And then," read Mama Bear softly, "the squirrel tip-toed past the sleeping owl..." Barnaby suddenly shouted, "DID HE WAKE HIM UP?" His voice was so loud, a little moth fluttering near the lamplamp startled and flew away quickly.
Mama Bear smiled gently. "Barnaby, my little cub," she said softly, "Bedtime stories are like lullabies for your ears. They help your body feel calm and sleepy. But your loud voice is like a wake-up call! It makes it hard for our minds and bodies to settle down."
Barnaby looked puzzled. He didn't mean to be loud. He just loved the story so much! Mama Bear continued, "When we use a quiet, soft voice for bedtime, like a whispery cloud floating by, it helps everyone in the room feel safe and cozy and ready for sleep. It's like magic for sleepy heads!"
Barnaby decided to try. Mama Bear started the page again. "And then, the squirrel tip-toed past the sleeping owl..." This time, Barnaby took a deep breath and asked in the quietest voice he could manage, "Did he... zzzzz?" He even closed his eyes a little as he said it.
Mama Bear's smile grew wider. "That's it, Barnaby! That's the special bedtime story voice!" They continued the story, and Barnaby practiced keeping his voice soft and gentle. When the brave squirrel found his nuts, Barnaby only whispered, "Hooray!" It felt different, peaceful even.
By the time Mama Bear closed the book, Barnaby wasn't bouncing or shouting. He felt calm and warm, wrapped in his blanket. The soft story voice had worked its magic on him too. He snuggled down, already feeling sleepy. "Goodnight, my little bear," whispered Mama Bear.
Barnaby whispered back, "Goodnight, Mama. Your quiet voice is magic." And with a happy sigh, he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of brave squirrels and whispery clouds, knowing the special power of a gentle voice at bedtime.