Leo the lion cub didn't *love* bedtime. He’d much rather play! But tonight, Mama Lion had a special idea. “Leo,” she said with a twinkle in her eye, “tonight is a Sleepytime Quest! If you complete three little tasks, you’ll earn special Dream Rewards.”
Leo’s ears perked up. “Dream Rewards?” he asked. “What are those?” Mama Lion smiled. “Wonderful dreams, of course! But you have to *earn* them.”
The first task was to tidy his toys. Leo groaned a little, but he knew Mama was right. Scattered blocks and stuffed animals didn’t make for a peaceful den. He carefully put everything in its place, humming a little tune as he worked. “Task one complete!” he announced proudly.
Next, Mama Lion asked him to help his little sister, Luna, get ready for bed. Luna was having trouble brushing her teeth. Leo gently showed her how to make little circles, and soon Luna was giggling and brushing all by herself. “That was kind of you, Leo,” Mama Lion said. “Task two complete!”
The final task was the hardest: quiet time. Leo had to sit still and think of three happy things. He wiggled and squirmed at first. Thinking was hard work! But then he remembered playing with Luna, eating his favorite berries, and Mama Lion’s warm hugs. He smiled, feeling peaceful and calm.
“Task three complete!” Mama Lion declared. “You did it, Leo! Now, close your eyes and prepare for your Dream Rewards.”
Leo snuggled into his bed, feeling cozy and content. As he drifted off to sleep, he dreamt of soaring through the sky with Luna, picking the juiciest berries, and receiving the biggest, warmest hug from Mama Lion. The dreams were even more wonderful than he imagined!
He realized the Sleepytime Quest wasn’t about *getting* rewards, it was about making bedtime a peaceful and happy time. Tidy toys, a happy sister, and a calm mind… those were the best rewards of all. And as Leo slept soundly, Mama Lion smiled, knowing that a little responsibility, perseverance, and kindness could lead to the sweetest dreams.