High up in the soft, fluffy clouds lived a giant named Barnaby. Now, Barnaby was very, very big. His feet were like small hills, and his sneezes were like gentle thunderstorms rumbling far away. But even though he was enormous, Barnaby had the kindest heart. He wasn't a stomp-around giant; he was a sit-and-watch-the-world-go-by kind of giant. His favorite time was when the sun started to dip down, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges.
As the colours deepened, little stars began to pop out, one by one, like tiny diamonds scattered on a dark blanket. Barnaby would find his comfiest cloud, curl up (which was still very big, of course!), and gaze at the twinkling lights. He loved how peaceful the night felt and how the stars seemed to wink just for him. From way up high, the world below looked so small and quiet.
One evening, while star-gazing, Barnaby heard a tiny, worried cheep-cheep sound floating up from below. He leaned down very, very carefully, like a big, soft mountain listening. He saw a little lost bird fluttering near the trees, not sure which way its cozy nest was. The bird looked so small and a little scared in the growing dark.
Barnaby wanted to help. With his big finger, he gently pointed a path towards where the little bird lived. "Go this way, little one," he rumbled softly, his voice like warm honey. The bird understood! It cheeped a thankful little thank you and happily flew back towards its home, guided by Barnaby's giant finger pointing the way. Barnaby felt warm and happy inside, knowing he had helped his little friend.
After helping the little bird, Barnaby felt a gentle sleepy feeling wash over him. The stars twinkled brighter now, like millions of tiny nightlights. He yawned a big, wide, cloud-shaking yawn. He snuggled down deeper into his soft cloud bed, pulling a fluffy cloud blanket up to his chin. He watched the friendly stars for just a little longer, feeling peaceful and content.
Barnaby closed his big, kind eyes, dreaming of soft clouds and happy stars and little birds safe in their nests. He was a big giant with a big heart, and he was ready for a long, quiet sleep. And soon, he was fast asleep, dreaming gentle giant dreams under the wide, starry sky.