Koko the koala was a very busy little koala! All day long, he zoomed around the eucalyptus trees, playing hide-and-seek with his friends. He munched on yummy leaves and giggled with delight. But when the sun began to set, Koko found it hard to slow down.
“Koko, it’s almost bedtime,” called Mama Koala gently. Koko wiggled his nose. “But I’m not tired!” he protested. “I want to play just one more game!” Mama Koala smiled. “We all feel that way sometimes, little one. But even busy koalas need a cozy bedtime routine to help them rest.
“What’s a routine?” Koko asked, tilting his head. “It’s a special set of things we do every night before sleep,” Mama Koala explained. “First, we have a warm eucalyptus leaf bath.” Koko splashed and played in the warm water, giggling as Mama Koala gently washed his fur.
“Next,” said Mama Koala, “we put on our softest pajamas.” Koko wriggled into his blue pajamas with little koala faces on them. They smelled like eucalyptus and sunshine! Then, Mama Koala read Koko a story about a sleepy little cloud drifting across the night sky.
Koko listened carefully, snuggling close to his mama. The story was so calming, and Mama Koala’s voice was soft and gentle. He started to feel his eyelids getting heavy. Mama Koala then gave Koko a gentle hug and a kiss on the nose.
“Now,” Mama Koala whispered, “let’s practice some quiet breaths. Breathe in… and breathe out… like you’re smelling a beautiful eucalyptus flower.” Koko took a deep breath in, and a slow breath out. He did it again, and again. Each breath felt more relaxing than the last.
Soon, Koko was yawning a big, sleepy yawn. He snuggled into his cozy nest, feeling safe and loved. “I *am* tired now,” he mumbled. “Thank you for the bedtime routine, Mama.”
“You’re welcome, my sweet Koko,” Mama Koala whispered, tucking him in. “Sweet dreams.” Koko closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of eucalyptus leaves and sleepy clouds. He knew that even busy koalas need a little calm and a cozy routine to have the sweetest dreams.