Deep in a warm, sunny land, lived a little hippo named Harold. Harold loved the water. He loved splashing and dipping his big snout. But when the sun started to dip low and paint the sky in soft orange and pink, Harold knew it was getting close to bedtime.
Harold lived by a big, calm river. All day, he played with his friends, bobbing up and down like smooth grey rocks. But as the stars began to twinkle like tiny diamonds, his mom would call, 'Harold, it's time to get ready for bed!'
Getting ready for bed for a hippo is a little different from you. First, Harold liked one last slow dip in the cool river. He would sink down until just his eyes and ears were peeking out, watching the fireflies blink their little lights.
Then, very slowly and gently, Harold would wade out of the water. He didn't splash or run; he walked with soft, quiet steps. He would find his favorite spot on the riverbank, close to his mom and dad.
Harold loved his bedtime routine. It felt safe and cozy. After his dip, he would nuzzle his mom's side. Her big, warm body was like a soft pillow. He would listen to the quiet sounds of the night – the gentle rustle of leaves, the soft chirping of crickets.
Sometimes, a little frog would sing a quiet 'ribbit, ribbit' lullaby nearby. Harold would close his eyes and feel the warm earth beneath him. He felt happy and peaceful. The river sounds were like a soft shush, helping him feel sleepy.
Harold wasn't in a hurry anymore. The time for playing was over, and the time for resting had begun. He would wiggle his little hippo toes in the soft mud and let out a big, quiet sigh. Ahh, bedtime.
Soon, Harold's breathing would slow down. His big hippo eyes would stay closed. The stars would get brighter, and the moon would cast a gentle glow over the river. Harold the little hippo was fast asleep, dreaming sweet hippo dreams by the calm, flowing water, safe and sound until the morning sun peeked over the trees again.