Barnaby Bear loved bedtime. He loved brushing his teeth with bubbly toothpaste, snuggling into his cozy bed, and listening to Mama Bear read a story. Tonight's story was about playful squirrels gathering nuts.
But even after the last page was turned and Mama Bear kissed his forehead, Barnaby's eyes were wide open. His paws felt tappy, and his toes wanted to wiggle under the covers. "I'm not sleepy yet, Mama," he whispered into the quiet room.
Mama Bear smoothed his fur gently. "That happens sometimes, little one. Your body is ready for rest, but your mind is still thinking about those busy squirrels! Let's try a special sleepy story to help invite the calm."
She tucked him in a little tighter. "Close your eyes now, Barnaby," her voice was soft like moss. "Imagine you are lying not in your bed, but on the fluffiest, softest cloud you can dream of. It’s warm and perfectly shaped just for you."
"Feel how it supports you, like a big, gentle hug all around. Now, imagine your cloud begins to float, ever so slowly. It drifts away from the ground, up towards the quiet night sky. Shhh... feel the gentle movement."
"You float past sleepy silver stars. They aren't bright and busy; they just twinkle softly, like tiny, friendly lights saying 'Sleep well'. You drift past the moon, round and calm, watching over you."
"Your cloud is so peaceful. As you float, imagine any leftover wiggles just melting away into the cloud, making it even softer. Feel your paws relax, feel your nose relax, feel your whole body become heavy and calm."
"The air is quiet up here, just the gentle whisper of the breeze as your cloud drifts. It rocks you slowly, back and forth, back and forth. Like a gentle cradle in the sky."
Barnaby imagined the warm, soft cloud holding him. He pictured the sleepy stars winking slowly. He felt the gentle rocking. His tappy paws grew still. His wiggly toes relaxed. His eyelids felt heavy, like cozy curtains wanting to close.
"Just float on your cloud, my little bear," Mama Bear whispered. "Let it carry you gently towards dreamland, where happy, quiet dreams are waiting. Sleep is a kind friend, ready to help you rest."
Barnaby took a slow, deep breath and sighed it out. He felt peaceful and safe on his imaginary cloud. Floating, floating... drifting... until the cloud carried him all the way to sleep, where he dreamed of quiet stars and soft skies.