Deep in the quiet forest, lived a little bear named Barnaby. Barnaby loved running and playing all day long. He loved climbing trees and splashing in puddles. But when the sun went down and the moon came up, Barnaby sometimes felt a little bit wiggly instead of sleepy.
Tonight was one of those nights. Barnaby snuggled under his soft blanket, but his legs wanted to kick! His paws wanted to pat! He closed his eyes, but he could still see the fun he had today. Sleep felt very, very far away.
Barnaby sighed a little sigh. He sat up in his cozy bed. Mama Bear heard his soft sigh and came into his room. Her voice was gentle and warm, like a cup of honey tea.
"What's wrong, little one?" she asked softly.
"Oh, Mama," said Barnaby, "I'm just not sleepy! My body feels wide awake!"
Mama Bear smiled kindly. She knew just the thing. "Sometimes, when our bodies are wide awake, our minds need something quiet and peaceful," she said. "How about a bedtime kahani?"
Barnaby didn't know exactly what a 'kahani' was, but he knew Mama Bear's stories were always cozy and calming. "Yes please, Mama," he whispered.
Mama Bear sat on the edge of his bed. She pulled the soft blanket up to his chin. Then, in a voice as smooth as a calm river, she began a story.
She told a story about fluffy white clouds drifting very, very slowly across a big blue sky. She told about gentle leaves floating down from the trees, landing softly on the quiet ground. She told about the stars twinkling, making the night feel safe and peaceful.
Barnaby listened. He wasn't kicking or patting anymore. He just listened to Mama Bear's quiet voice and the gentle words. He imagined the slow clouds and the soft leaves. He felt his wiggles start to settle down.
His eyes felt heavy. The soft blanket felt extra cozy. Mama Bear's voice was like a gentle lullaby. Barnaby snuggled deeper into his bed.
He took a slow, soft breath. The fluffy clouds drifted slower and slower in his mind. The gentle leaves fell softer and softer. The stars twinkled a sleepy tune.
Soon, Barnaby's eyes closed all the way. His body felt calm and heavy and ready for sleep. Mama Bear finished her quiet kahani. Little Bear Barnaby was fast asleep, dreaming peaceful dreams, all thanks to a lovely bedtime story.