Little Lily the lamb loved her day, full of playing in the field, eating sweet grass, and skipping with her friends. But as the sun began to dip low, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges, she started to think about her very favourite time of all. It was her special bedtime routine, and the best part was waiting just around the corner.
First came bath time, splashy and warm, washing away all the day's dust. Then came putting on her clean, soft pajamas, fuzzy as her own snowy white wool. Lily wiggled her toes inside the cozy feet of her sleep sack, feeling snuggly already.
Next was brushing her teeth carefully, up and down, round and round, just like Mama Lamb showed her. Her little lamb teeth sparkling clean, ready for sleep. Everything felt calm and prepared for rest.
Then, it was time to hop into her little bed. Her blankets were like soft clouds, and her pillow was perfectly plump for her fluffy head. She pulled the covers right up to her chin and snuggled down deep, listening to the quiet sounds of the night beginning.
And then, the very best part she waited for every night! Mama Lamb or Papa Lamb would come in, not empty-hoofed, but holding a book! Not just any book picked at random, but her *bedtime story* book, chosen specially for sleepy time.
Lily would scoot over in her bed, making a perfect spot for Mama or Papa to sit right beside her. They would settle down, and the anticipation made Lily feel warm and happy. It was time for the story magic to begin.
They would open the book gently. Lily loved looking at the colourful pictures that went with the words. Sometimes the story was about a brave little squirrel, sometimes about a sleepy cloud drifting across the sky, and sometimes about a friendly hedgehog finding berries.
Mama or Papa's voice was soft and calm as they read each word. The gentle rhythm of the story sounded like a quiet song, making Lily feel peaceful and safe right there in her cozy bed. It was a sound she knew and loved, happening every single night.
As the story went on, Lily’s eyes would start to feel a little heavy. The pictures seemed a little blurry now around the edges, and the lovely words just hummed softly in her ears, like a gentle wave washing over her.
She’d tuck her little lamb paws under her chin and sigh a long, happy, sleepy sigh. This regular story time made her feel so warm inside, like she was wrapped up in a special, loving blanket just for her. It was a comforting end to her day, always there.
When the very last page was turned, Mama or Papa would close the book quietly and lean down to give her a soft kiss right on her forehead. "Sleep tight and have sweet dreams, my precious little lamb," they would whisper softly.
Lily closed her eyes completely. The story had filled her head with gentle, happy thoughts, chasing away any wiggles or worries. She felt safe, loved, and oh-so-very sleepy. Ready for wonderful lamby dreams to carry her through the night, all thanks to her perfectly regular bedtime story.