In the quiet Whispering Woods, as the stars began to twinkle, Little Bunny Pip snuggled into his soft burrow. His eyes felt heavy, but there was a special warm feeling bubbling inside him, like tiny happy fireflies fluttering around his heart. What could this wonderful feeling be?
He hopped outside carefully to ask Wise Owl, who sat perched on a high branch, his big eyes watching the night. "Wise Owl," whispered Pip, "my heart feels so warm and full tonight. It makes me feel safe and happy. What is this feeling?"
Wise Owl blinked slowly. "Ah, Little Pip," he hooted gently. "That warm feeling is love. Love is like warm sunshine in your heart. It's the special connection we feel for the people and creatures we care about very much. It's a feeling that makes you want to be kind and close."
Just then, Squeaky the Squirrel zipped down a tree trunk. "Love?" he chirped. "Oh yes! Like when I share my biggest, juiciest acorns with my brother even when I'm very hungry! That's sharing love! It makes my brother happy, and that makes my heart feel warm too."
Pip nodded, thinking hard. "Mama Bunny gives me the best cuddles and tells me sweet things before sleep. She strokes my fur and says 'I love you, little Pip'. Is that love too?" he asked.
"Yes, Pip," said Wise Owl. "Being kind, giving hugs, saying nice words, helping someone when they need it – all these are ways we show love. When someone does those things for you, it shows their love, and it fills your heart with that lovely warmth."
Squirrel Squeaky added, "Listening when someone is sad or wants to tell you about their day is love! And drawing a picture for a friend just because you were thinking of them is love! Love is in all the good things we do for each other."
Little Bunny Pip felt the warm feeling grow even bigger, filling him from his fluffy tail to his twitching nose. He thought about Mama Bunny, and Wise Owl, and Squeaky, and all the ways they showed love to him and to each other. It felt so comforting.
They all felt the warm, cozy feeling of love surrounding them like a soft blanket. Knowing they had love in their hearts and shared it with others made the Whispering Woods feel like the safest, happiest place in the world. With that comforting thought, Little Bunny Pip yawned a big yawn, feeling the warmth of love tuck him in, and drifted off into sweet dreams under the twinkling stars.