Barnaby was a giant. Not a scary giant, but a very, very big one! He lived in a cozy valley filled with tiny wildflowers and even tinier houses. Sometimes, Barnaby felt sad because everyone was so small. He worried he might accidentally step on someone or knock over a house just by waving hello.
He tried to hide, tiptoeing through the valley and whispering, “Excuse me!” whenever he saw a little person. But hiding wasn’t much fun. He missed chatting and playing. One sunny afternoon, he saw Lily, a little girl with bright red boots, trying to reach a bright yellow kite stuck in a tall apple tree.
Lily was stretching and stretching, but the kite was just too high. Barnaby wanted to help, but he was scared he’d break the tree! He took a deep breath and very, very gently reached up with one finger. He carefully nudged the kite free.
Lily looked up, her eyes wide. She wasn’t scared at all! “Wow!” she said. “Thank you, Mr. Giant! You saved my kite!” Barnaby smiled, a smile so big it felt like sunshine. He realized being big wasn’t so bad after all, especially when he could use his size to help others.
Soon, all the little people were asking Barnaby for help. He carefully moved a big rock that was blocking the stream, and he gently blew away some clouds that were hiding the sun. He learned to control his strength and be extra careful, and everyone learned that Barnaby was the gentlest giant in the world.
He and Lily became the best of friends. They would have picnics under the biggest apple tree, and Barnaby would tell Lily stories about the clouds. He wasn’t sad about being big anymore. He was happy to be Barnaby, the gentle giant who helped everyone in the valley.
As the stars began to twinkle, Barnaby tucked Lily into her tiny bed. He whispered, “Sweet dreams, little friend.” And as Lily drifted off to sleep, Barnaby knew that even a giant could be gentle, kind, and loved. Now close your eyes, little one, and dream sweet dreams too.