Leo the lion cub didn't *love* bedtime. He loved playing all day with his mama and papa, tumbling in the tall grass, and chasing butterflies. But when the sun started to set, Leo would wiggle and fuss. “I don’t want to sleep!” he’d roar, though it sounded more like a little squeak.
Mama Lion would smile. “Bedtime isn’t scary, Leo. It’s cozy! And it’s time for your special pajamas.” Leo’s pajamas weren’t just any pajamas. They were bright blue with little yellow stars all over them. Papa Lion had made them just for him.
Tonight, Leo didn’t want to put them on. “They feel…different,” he mumbled, wrinkling his nose. “I want to stay up and play!” Mama Lion gently helped Leo slip his paws into the pajama legs. “These pajamas are like a warm hug, Leo. They keep the bad dreams away and help you feel safe and snug.
Papa Lion added, “Remember when you scraped your knee? Your pajamas felt good then, didn’t they? They’re good for boo-boos *and* for sleepytime.” Leo remembered. His pajamas *did* feel better when his knee hurt. He snuggled into Papa Lion’s mane.
As Mama Lion buttoned up Leo’s pajamas, he started to feel…calmer. The soft fabric felt nice against his skin. He wiggled his toes. The stars seemed to twinkle just for him. “They *do* feel like a hug,” he whispered.
Mama Lion read Leo a story about a little firefly who learned to shine. Leo listened, feeling sleepier and sleepier. He hugged his favorite stuffed giraffe, Gigi, close. The blue pajamas felt extra cozy.
Before he knew it, Leo’s eyes were closing. He yawned a big lion cub yawn. “I love my pajamas,” he mumbled, already drifting off to sleep. “They help me feel safe.”
Papa Lion kissed Leo’s forehead. “Sweet dreams, little one.” Leo was fast asleep, dreaming of twinkling stars and warm hugs, all thanks to his cozy, special pajamas. And every night after that, Leo happily put on his pajamas, knowing they meant it was time for sweet dreams and a peaceful night’s sleep.