Leo the lion cub was getting ready for bed. He lived in a cozy little cave in the heart of the jungle. But Leo wasn’t sleepy! He peeked out and saw all his jungle friends getting ready for their own bedtime routines. He wanted to play!
Mama Lion smiled. “It’s bedtime, little one. But if you’re feeling restless, perhaps you could see if anyone needs help getting *their* bedtime ready.” Leo’s ears perked up. Helping sounded like fun!
First, Leo found Penelope the parrot. Penelope was trying to fluff up her nest with soft leaves, but they kept blowing away! Leo gently used his paw to shield the leaves from the breeze while Penelope tucked them in. “Oh, thank you, Leo!” chirped Penelope. “That was very kind of you.”
Next, Leo saw Bartholomew the bear struggling to reach a juicy mango for his bedtime snack. It was high up on a branch! Leo, though small, stood on his tiptoes and carefully nudged the mango down with his nose. Bartholomew gave Leo a big bear hug. “You’re a brave little lion!” he rumbled.
Then, Leo spotted Esme the elephant trying to sing a lullaby to her baby, but she kept forgetting the words! Leo remembered the tune from Mama Lion’s songs and hummed it softly. Esme smiled and joined in, and soon the jungle was filled with a gentle, sleepy song.
As Leo helped his friends, he started to feel…sleepy. All that kindness and helping had made him feel warm and cozy inside. He yawned a big lion cub yawn.
He walked back to his cave, where Mama Lion was waiting. “Did you have a good time, Leo?” she asked. Leo snuggled close. “The best time, Mama! Helping my friends made me feel so happy…and sleepy!”
Mama Lion kissed Leo’s forehead. “Kindness is a wonderful thing, little one. It makes everyone’s bedtime a little sweeter.” Leo closed his eyes, dreaming of fluffy nests, juicy mangoes, and sleepy lullabies. He knew that even in a big jungle, the best adventures were the ones filled with kindness and helping others. Sweet dreams, little Leo.