Barnaby Bear was a very busy little bear. He loved to play all day! He’d tumble with his friends, Rosie Rabbit and Finley Fox, building magnificent block towers and splashing in puddles. But now, the sun was setting, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges. Barnaby felt…wiggly. Not tired at all!
“I’m not sleepy!” Barnaby declared, bouncing on his little bed. Rosie Rabbit yawned a big, floppy yawn. “But Barnaby,” she said softly, “sleepytime is important. It helps us grow big and strong!” Finley Fox nodded. “And it lets us dream wonderful dreams!”
Barnaby still felt wiggly. Mama Bear smiled. “Let’s try a sleepytime routine, Barnaby. First, a warm bath with lavender bubbles.” Barnaby splashed and played, but the warm water *did* feel nice and relaxing. Then, Mama Bear read him a story about fluffy clouds and twinkling stars. Barnaby snuggled close.
“Now,” said Mama Bear, “let’s do some sleepy breaths. Breathe in…and breathe out…like you’re smelling a flower and blowing out a candle.” Barnaby tried it. In…and out… It felt calming. Rosie and Finley showed Barnaby how they liked to snuggle their favorite blankets.
Finley had a soft blue blanket, and Rosie had a patchwork quilt made by her grandma. Barnaby hugged his own teddy bear, Mr. Snuggles. He realized that being cozy and calm felt much better than being wiggly.
Slowly, Barnaby’s eyelids began to feel heavy. He yawned, a tiny little yawn at first, then a bigger one. He snuggled deeper into his bed, Mr. Snuggles tucked under his chin. Rosie and Finley waved goodnight.
“Goodnight, Barnaby,” they whispered. “Sweet dreams!” Barnaby mumbled, “Goodnight…friends.” He closed his eyes, breathing in and out, smelling the lavender and feeling the warmth of his blanket. He wasn’t a wiggly sleepyhead anymore. He was a peaceful, sleepy bear, ready for a night of sweet dreams. And soon, he was fast asleep.