Ferdinand was a very small firefly. He lived in a big, green meadow with lots of other fireflies. But Ferdinand was shy. Very, very shy. Every night, all the other fireflies would blink and glow, making the meadow sparkle. Ferdinand wanted to join them, but he worried his light wasn’t bright enough.
“What if my light is too dim?” he whispered to a sleepy bumblebee. The bumblebee, whose name was Barnaby, yawned and said, “Every light is special, Ferdinand. Even the smallest one can make a difference.” But Ferdinand still felt nervous. He hid behind a big daisy, watching the others.
Old Man Tiber, a wise turtle, slowly walked by. He saw Ferdinand hiding. “Why aren’t you shining, little one?” he asked kindly. Ferdinand explained he was afraid his light wasn’t good enough. Old Man Tiber smiled. “Your light is perfect just the way it is. It’s *your* light.”
Just then, Ferdinand heard a tiny cry. A little lost caterpillar was stuck on a tall blade of grass! It was too dark for the caterpillar to see where to go. The other fireflies were too far away to notice. Ferdinand knew he had to help.
Taking a deep breath, Ferdinand blinked his little light as brightly as he could. It wasn’t the biggest light, but it was enough! The caterpillar saw the glow and carefully crawled down the grass blade, following Ferdinand’s light to a safe, cozy leaf.
“Thank you, Ferdinand!” chirped the caterpillar. “You saved me!” Ferdinand felt a warm glow inside, even brighter than his light. He realized Barnaby and Old Man Tiber were right. His light *was* special, and it *did* make a difference.
From that night on, Ferdinand wasn’t shy anymore. He blinked and glowed with all the other fireflies, making the meadow sparkle even more. He learned that being brave and helping others made his light shine the brightest of all. And as he blinked, he knew it was a perfect night for sweet dreams.
Now close your eyes, little one, and let your own light shine bright as you drift off to sleep. Just like Ferdinand, you are special and wonderful. Sweet dreams!