Little Dino was a very sleepy dinosaur, but tonight, he just couldn't close his eyes. He wiggled his toes, he yawned a big yawn, but his eyes stayed wide open! "I can't sleep!" he whispered to his mama.
Mama Dino smiled. "Sometimes, little ones need a little help finding their sleepy place," she said. "Let's take a pretend journey! Close your eyes, and imagine we're floating on a big, soft leaf down a gentle river."
Little Dino closed his eyes, and he *could* imagine it! The leaf felt warm and cozy. He imagined little fish swimming beside them, waving hello. He imagined fluffy clouds shaped like dinosaur eggs drifting overhead.
"Now," said Mama Dino, "we're floating past a field of glowing flowers. They smell like warm milk and honey. Breathe in the sweet smell, Little Dino. That's a sleepy smell."
Little Dino took a deep breath. The flowers *did* smell wonderful! He felt his body getting heavier and softer. He imagined the flowers singing a quiet, humming song.
"And now," Mama Dino continued, "we're reaching a quiet cove. The water is still and sparkly. See the little fireflies blinking? They're sending sleepy wishes just to you."
Little Dino watched the fireflies blink. Each blink felt like a gentle hug. He felt so calm and peaceful. He wasn't worried about not sleeping anymore.
"It's okay to not fall asleep right away," Mama Dino whispered. "Sometimes, just resting and imagining is enough. Your sleepy time will come."
Little Dino snuggled close to his mama. He kept imagining the glowing flowers, the waving fish, and the blinking fireflies. He felt safe and loved.
And before he knew it, Little Dino's eyes fluttered closed, and he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of gentle rivers and sleepy wishes. He knew, even in his dreams, that Mama Dino was right there with him.