Leo the Lion Cub was getting ready for bed. But tonight wasn't just *any* bedtime. Tonight, Leo was sleeping on a train! Not a real train to a faraway place, but a special sleepy-time train that went straight to Dreamland. Mama Lion helped Leo pack his favorite blanket, a little stuffed star named Twinkle, and a book of cloud shapes.
“All aboard!” called the friendly conductor, a fluffy sheep named Woolly. Leo climbed onto the train, which was made of soft, comfy cushions. The windows glowed with gentle, twinkling lights. Other sleepy animals were already settling in – a little bunny, a sleepy bear cub, and a quiet hedgehog.
Woolly the conductor smiled. “This train has a very special route, Leo. It goes past the Whispering Woods, over the Pillow Mountains, and through the Lavender Fields. Each stop helps you relax a little more.”
The train began to chugga chugga choo choo, very slowly. As it passed the Whispering Woods, Leo listened to the trees softly rustling, telling secrets to the night. Woolly handed out warm milk with a tiny drop of honey. Leo sipped his milk, feeling his eyelids getting heavier.
Next, the train climbed over the Pillow Mountains. They weren’t made of rock, but of fluffy, white pillows! Leo imagined bouncing gently on them, feeling safe and cozy. He snuggled closer to Twinkle, his little star.
Then, the train chugged through the Lavender Fields. The air smelled sweet and calming. Purple lavender flowers waved gently as the train passed. Woolly read a story about fluffy clouds, pointing out shapes like dragons and smiling faces. Leo traced the shapes with his paw, feeling peaceful.
With each chugga chugga, Leo felt sleepier and sleepier. The lights on the train dimmed, and the rocking motion became even smoother. He yawned a big lion cub yawn. He remembered Mama Lion tucking him in, and how safe and loved he felt.
Finally, Woolly announced, “Next stop: Dreamland!” Leo closed his eyes, holding Twinkle tight. He could almost feel the train gliding into a land filled with wonderful dreams. He imagined himself playing with his friends, soaring through the sky, and building castles made of clouds.
The train slowed to a stop. Woolly whispered, “Sweet dreams, Leo.” Leo was already fast asleep, dreaming happy dreams on the sleepy-time train. And as you close *your* eyes, imagine you’re on that train too, chugga chugga choo choo, all the way to Dreamland. Sleep tight.