Leo the lion cub didn't *love* bedtime. He loved playing! But Mama Lion had a special idea. "Tonight, Leo," she said, "we're going on a bedtime quest!" Leo’s ears perked up. A quest sounded much more fun than just going to sleep.
Mama Lion explained the quest. First, Leo needed to brush his teeth – that earned him a sparkly blue star sticker. Then, he had to put on his pajamas – a bright yellow star sticker! Next, he needed to pick up his toys and put them in the toy chest – a shiny green star sticker!
Leo zoomed around, brushing his teeth with extra bubbles. He quickly wriggled into his cozy pajamas. Picking up toys wasn’t his *favorite*, but he remembered the green star sticker. He carefully put each toy in its place. "Done!" he roared happily.
Mama Lion smiled. "You completed the quest, Leo! Look!" She pointed to a special chart. Leo had earned all three star stickers. When a lion cub earns three star stickers, he gets a special bedtime reward!
Leo’s eyes widened. His reward wasn’t a new toy, or a special treat. It was… a longer bedtime story! Mama Lion snuggled close and began to read about a little cloud who learned to make beautiful shapes. Leo listened, feeling warm and sleepy.
As Mama Lion read, Leo realized the quest wasn’t about the stickers, or even the longer story. It was about feeling cozy and ready for sleep. Brushing his teeth, putting on pajamas, and tidying up made bedtime feel calm and peaceful.
When the story was finished, Leo yawned a big lion cub yawn. He snuggled even closer to Mama Lion. "I like bedtime quests," he mumbled sleepily. "Can we do one tomorrow?"
Mama Lion kissed his forehead. "Of course, sweet Leo. Every bedtime can be a little quest. Now close your eyes and dream of sparkly stars and fluffy clouds." Leo closed his eyes, happy and ready for a good night’s sleep, knowing that following his bedtime routine brought wonderful rewards.