A Second Chance Ride on the Sleep Railroad: A Story for Kids

Summary

Summary of "A Second Chance Ride on the Sleep Railroad: A Story for Kids"

Introduction

In this enchanting episode of Little Stories for Tiny People: Anytime and Bedtime Stories for Kids, host Rhea Pechter narrates the delightful and imaginative tale titled "A Second Chance Ride on the Sleep Railroad." This story captivates listeners with its charming characters, engaging plot, and subtle life lessons, making it a perfect listen for both children and their families.

Setting the Scene

The story begins with Lambdin Sheep, the protagonist, attending an educational assembly at his school auditorium. The assembly is led by the esteemed Bert Sheep Willis, a legendary sheep survivalist renowned for his extensive knowledge of edible tubers and berries. As Lambdin settles next to an unfamiliar sheep, the stage is set for an unexpected adventure.

Introducing the Conflict

Shortly into Bert Sheep Willis's presentation, Lambdin notices that the unfamiliar sheep beside him is intensely focused on him rather than the survival tips being shared. This sheep reveals himself as an employee from the Sleep Group, the company behind the Sleep Railroad—a distinct service from the beloved Sleep Train that Lambdin frequently uses.

Key Interaction and Persuasion

The unfamiliar sheep attempts to persuade Lambdin to board the Sleep Railroad by offering a "50% off" discount (Rhea, 06:22). Lambdin, however, is preoccupied with attending a special dinner on the Sleep Train and initially declines the offer. This interaction introduces the central tension of the story: Lambdin's hesitation to switch his trusted Sleep Train for the newer Sleep Railroad.

Unexpected Developments

Despite Lambdin's refusal, an announcement over the auditorium's intercom calls him to the main office for an urgent phone call (Rhea, 07:35). Lambdin discovers that the Sleep Train is down due to technical difficulties and a boll weevil infestation, rendering all sleep vehicles out of commission for the night (Rhea, 10:07). This unforeseen setback forces Lambdin to reconsider his options, leaving him anxious about missing out on the special dinner.

The Sleep Railroad Beckons

That night, Lambdin attempts to use the Sleep Train button in his bedroom but finds it non-functional, leading him to reluctantly accept the invitation to board the Sleep Railroad (Rhea, 16:26). Using a 25% off coupon left by the mysterious sheep, Lambdin activates the Sleep Railroad knob, transporting him into a magical realm.

Aboard the Sleep Railroad

Once aboard, Lambdin observes the modern and sleek interior of the Sleep Railroad, though it bears a noticeable dent from recent troubles (Rhea, 18:25). He interacts with various passengers, including a miniature goat engrossed in a magazine and a gopher reading about antique lampshades. A friendly spider named Juniper B. Spider becomes an important character who explains that the dent was caused by a rhinoceros stampede, highlighting the challenges the Sleep Railroad has faced (Rhea, 22:26).

Monotonous Guest Speakers

The Sleep Railroad ride features a series of guest speakers selected by lottery, whose monotonous and irrelevant talks bore the passengers. Examples include Juniper B. Spider's speech on website traffic (Rhea, 24:06) and a weasel's disjointed poetry about furniture (Rhea, 26:15). These sessions contribute to a drowsy atmosphere, causing many passengers, including Lambdin, to struggle to stay awake.

A Turn for the Better

Amidst the tedium, Eliza F. Mole takes the lectern to discuss the subjunctive mood in grammar, a topic that unexpectedly captivates Lambdin, aligning with his upcoming grammar test (Rhea, 29:14). This moment serves as a turning point, making the ride more engaging and meaningful for Lambdin.

Resolution and Return

As the Sleep Railroad resolves its technical issues—thanks to a crack team of bug whisperers—the ride concludes peacefully. Lambdin awakens in his bedroom to find the Sleep Train button restored. He reflects on the alterations made to his story by the Sleep Group, who changed a caterpillar into a spider and adjusted the spider's speech topic from chrysalis selection to website selection. Despite initial frustrations, Lambdin appreciates the enhanced narrative and commits to reviewing future edits to maintain the integrity of his stories (Rhea, 32:50).

Notable Quotes

• Rhea Pechter (00:09): "Dear Rhea, don't panic, but we edited your story. Story? Wait, what? We changed one of the characters just a smidge."

• Lambdin Sheep (06:22): "No thanks," Lambdin said, thinking of the five course meal awaiting him.

• Juniper B. Spider (22:26): "Oh, that was rhinoceroses. Rhinoceri. Anyway, it was the rhinos."

• Lambdin Sheep (25:34): "For example, an old tree is a great website. An old tree usually has many insects, including flies, gnats, mosquitoes, beetles, flies."

• Rhea Pechter (27:31): "Lambdin watched as the moose rose from her seat, her face etched with irritation."

• Lambdin Sheep (29:14): "Grammar. I love grammar, and that is what I will discuss tonight."

Themes and Insights

The episode explores themes of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of being open to change. Lambdin's journey illustrates how unexpected challenges can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. Additionally, the story subtly emphasizes the value of preparation and finding interest in seemingly mundane subjects when they are presented meaningfully.

Conclusion

"A Second Chance Ride on the Sleep Railroad: A Story for Kids" is a heartwarming narrative that combines whimsical elements with relatable challenges. Through Lambdin Sheep's adventures, young listeners are encouraged to embrace change, stay resilient in the face of obstacles, and appreciate the importance of learning and growth. Rhea Pechter's storytelling ensures that the episode is both entertaining and educational, making it a treasured addition to the Little Stories for Tiny People series.

Transcript

[Lambdin Sheep]

Foreign.

[Rhea]

This is Rhea. Welcome to Little Stories for Tiny People. So I'm really excited because. Oh, hold on. Let me just see what this email is about. Dear Rhea, don't panic, but we edited your story. Story? Wait, what? We changed one of the characters just a smidge. We hope you love it. No, no, no, no, no. Okay, I am flipping through today's story. For those of you who are new to the show, welcome. That email was from the Spiders, who live in the uppermost corners of my recording studio. They email me from their tiny laptops and apparently they made unauthorized changes to my story. Let me see if I can figure out what they did. Okay, I don't see any changes. What did you do? Unfortunately, I don't have time to go through this line by line. I have to get a move on. Well, they did say just a smidge, so it can't be too bad, right? Right. Let's hear it. It's called A Second Chance Ride on the Sleep Railroad. Take it away, Presley.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Remember, there are no pictures. You have to imagine the pictures in your mind. You can imagine them however you want. Okay, here we go.

[Rhea]

When Lambdin sat down next to an unfamiliar sheep in the rapidly filling school auditorium to see an educational assembly put on by Bert Sheep Willis, the legendary sheep survivalist known for having an encyclopedic knowledge of edible tubers and berries, he didn't think much of it. Hello, Lambdon said with a friendly nod. Hi, said the sheep. Must be a new student, Lambden figured. But just a few minutes into Bert Sheep Willis presentation, the situation is you've fallen into an icy crevasse in the middle of Antarctica with nothing but the wool on your back and a utility knife. Step one, shear yourself. Step two, fashion a rope with your own wool. Step three, Lambdin had the sense of being stared at. He turned and saw that instead of focusing on Bert Sheep Willis advice for escaping an icy crevasse, the unfamiliar sheep was focused on him. Lambdan gave another friendly nod, sharper this time, and the unfamiliar sheep turned his eyes to the stage. Once you've successfully lassoed a passing sea lion. But soon enough, Lambdon got that creeping feeling again and turned to see the sheep staring at him even more intently than before. Um, hello.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Hi.

[Rhea]

I notice you keep looking at me. I don't go to school here, the sheep said. Okay. I'm not here to learn tricks from sheep.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Burt Willis.

[Rhea]

You mean Bert Sheep Willis. Yeah, that's what I meant. Lambdan glanced around, but every other sheep was riveted by Burt Sheep Willis who continued his dramatic show. Once you've hoisted yourself out of the crevasse, retrieve your hoof, made woolen rope. You'll need it in order to alright, who sent you? Lambdan said in a loud whisper. Some of the sheep seated around him turned to scowl.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Lambdan, Shh. We're getting to the good part.

[Rhea]

Sorry, lambdan said before turning back to the sheep beside him. Who sent you? Lambdon whispered, quieter this time.

[Lambdin Sheep]

The Sleep Group. Hmm.

[Rhea]

Lambdan had expected the sheep to say the Sleep Crew which operated his beloved nightly Sleep Train. He was surprised to meet an employee from the Sleep Group, the company that operated an entirely different locomotive, the Sleep Railroad. Lambden had had little contact with the Sleep Group beyond letters and messages, but looking at this unfamiliar sheep who was not exactly practiced at whatever he'd been hired to do, it made a sort of sense. Okay, well, the Sleep Railroad is fine, but I'm not planning on boarding it tonight. The Sleep Train is doing a special dinner. I'm all signed up, so thanks but no thanks. That was that. Lambden turned himself away from the sheep and back to the stage where Bert Sheep Willis had moved on from telling to showing he was in the process of shearing himself.

[Lambdin Sheep]

He's quick.

[Rhea]

Lambdon's mind wandered to the towering moose's message about that night's special event.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Tonight only a dreamy dinner on the Sleep Train. Join us for a five course meal featuring delectable dishes prepared by our team of expert culinary artists.

[Rhea]

Look, the sheep said, pulling Lambdin back to the present.

[Lambdin Sheep]

I get it. The Sleep Railroad had its troubles. We went through a difficult chapter. I can understand you not wanting to risk it, given everything that took place.

[Rhea]

Lamdan peered at the sheep. Difficult chapter?

[Lambdin Sheep]

Oh, you didn't hear about that?

[Rhea]

No.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Oh, nevermind that. For no reason whatsoever. Tonight we're running a special and we can offer you 50% off if you commit right now.

[Rhea]

No thanks, lambdan said, thinking of the five course meal awaiting him.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Ah, but if you wait until after.

[Rhea]

The phone call you're about to receive.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Letting you know the Sleep Train is down due to technical difficulties or some kind of infestation or something, the discount.

[Rhea]

Goes down to 25%. Lambden stared at the sheep, then chuckled. You're kidding, right? I don't have a phone. How would I even get a call?

[Lambdin Sheep]

50% off right now. 25% off after the phone call.

[Rhea]

It's a great deal.

[Lambdin Sheep]

50% off a sleep Railroad that has had absolutely no highly significant recent troubles. I mean none truly worth mentioning.

[Rhea]

The answer is no. Besides, there's no way for me to even receive a phone. Suddenly, a voice came over the intercom.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Students, may I have your attention, please.

[Rhea]

Everyone in the auditorium was startled, except Bert Sheep Willis. He was constitutionally incapable of being startled. Loomed in sheep.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Excuse me. Lambton Sheep, please report to the main office. Lambden Sheep, please report to the main office. There is a phone call for you and it is urgent. That is all.

[Rhea]

Lambden did not think he breathed for a full 10 seconds. He sat still with each and every sheep seated around him turning to ogle until it became more awkward to stay put than it would be to leave. When he stood to go, the unfamiliar sheep smiled and pressed a card into his hoof. 25% off sleep railroad official coupon.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Sorry. I did warn you, Lambdin. Come in.

[Rhea]

Principal Hoofsmith welcomed Lambdon into his office. Lambden had never been there before, and he noted it smelled like hoof shampoo. A telephone sat blinking on the principal's wooden desk.

[Lambdin Sheep]

You've a phone call. Whoever it is, says it is extremely urgent. I do hope everything is okay.

[Rhea]

Uh, thank you.

[Lambdin Sheep]

I'd be happy to give you privacy.

[Rhea]

Principal Hoofsmith said, squinting behind thick glasses. That would be great. The principal left, leaving Lambden alone with a telephone. Hello? He said, putting it to his ear.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Okay, that one's done.

[Rhea]

Oh, I told her. Oh, no, I don't know if I can reach him. Hmm. Excuse me. Hello?

[Lambdin Sheep]

Oh, hi, Lyle T. Tortoise.

[Rhea]

I am so glad I reached you, Lyle Tortoise. I'm not Lyle Tortoise. Landon's heart lifted. The phone call wasn't for him at all. This Lyle T. Tortoise character was in for some extremely urgent news. But not him. Not Lambdon.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Lambdin Sheep, I'm so sorry. I have a huge contact list and.

[Rhea]

I got a little mixed up there. Oh, hi.

[Lambdin Sheep]

So, I'm Gayle from the sleep crew.

[Rhea]

Lambdon's stomach dropped. He thought of the unfamiliar sheep's warning.

[Lambdin Sheep]

The sleep train is down due to technical difficulties or some kind of.

[Rhea]

Uh huh.

[Lambdin Sheep]

And unfortunately, no. We've been hit with some major technical difficulties as well as a boll weevil infestation in all of our sleep vehicles somehow. So they are all out of commission tonight due to the computer bugs and, well, the actual bugs. That's kind of funny. I didn't put that together until.

[Rhea]

So much talking. Too much talking. Lambdon's mind wandered. No dreamy dinner. No five course meal. Gale from the sleep crew carried on for what seemed like whole minutes before finally saying, lambden, we love to offer.

[Lambdin Sheep]

You a 7% discount on your next ride as a thank you for being such a loyal customer. How does that sound?

[Rhea]

That sounds bad, Gayle. That sounds real bad is what Lambden thought. Aloud, he said, that's fine. Thank you. Lambdon hung up the phone.

[Lambdin Sheep]

K Bye.

[Rhea]

Then, sitting in the principal's comfortable armchair, he hung his head and his eyes settled on the coupon still in his hoof. 25% off, huh? Back in class, the other sheep talked non stop about the assembly.

[Lambdin Sheep]

You believe Bert Sheep Willis actually lassoed Ms. Brightwell?

[Rhea]

He's a legend. Lambdon chuckled along with them, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn't stop thinking about how that sheep had known he would get a phone call from the Sleep crew. And what was all that about the Sleep Railroad's difficult chapter? In grammar class, Ms. Sugarloom lectured on verb tenses.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Now, in the case of something that began in the past but continues to impact the present, we use the present perfect tense. Such as, I have been weaving worsted wool on my loom since I was three days old. Which is actually true, children. My mother says I was weaving wool before I ate my first carrot.

[Rhea]

Lambdan struggled to keep his eyes open. I could just go to sleep in my own bed tonight, he thought, replaying this grammar lesson in my mind.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Ding, ding ding. That's the bell, children. Oh, and by the way, tomorrow is your test on the subjunctive mood. And if I were you, I would get to bed early tonight. Sleep is essential for proper grammatical usage, children.

[Rhea]

The walk home was uneventful. It was neither sunny nor cloudy, neither cold nor warm, just a whitish grey sky, temperate air, and a mild breeze ruffling Lambden's wool. The rest of the day was uneventful too. Lambdon finished his homework, played kickball outside with neighborhood friends, and had carrot stew with his family. It was all fine, but with every bite of his stew he was reminded of the five course meal he would not get to have on the sleep train. Later, Lambdan brushed his teeth for as long as possible. He was in no rush. He took his time buttoning his pajamas. Eventually there was nothing to do but go to bed. Lambdin clomped to his bed and peeled back his pillow, half expecting to find his sleep train button shimmering as usual, perhaps playing a pre recorded message from the towering moose.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Good evening, serious sleepers. Please disregard the phone calls you may have received earlier today. Both types of bugs have been whisked away by our crack team of certified bug whisperers. The Sleep Train is back up.

[Rhea]

But none of that happened. The Sleep Train button was a dark, muted gray with a little sash thrown over it that said closed for maintenance. Lambden pressed it. A hollow click, nothing more. Hmm. Next to the button was the Sleep Railroad knob, looking shinier than ever.

[Lambdin Sheep]

The Sleep Railroad had its troubles.

[Rhea]

We went through a difficult chapter. No, lambden said aloud. I'm just. I can get to sleep on my own. I'll think about grammar. It'll be easy. Lambdan flopped his pillow back in place and climbed into bed. His plan was going exceptionally well until the clock on his bedroom wall began ticking more loudly than usual. Then he heard a voice from beneath his pillow.

[Juniper B. Spider]

The Sleep Railroad is now boarding. Please make your way to the boarding area.

[Rhea]

It was the Moose. Not the towering moose. Her twin sister. The one who ran the Sleep Railroad. Lambda groaned.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Ugh.

[Rhea]

And tossed in his bed. Grammar. Think about grammar. Okay. Present perfect tense. My night has been ruined. Ugh. Thinking about grammar made Lambdon think about Miss Sugarloom, which made him think of what she'd said after the bell rang.

[Lambdin Sheep]

If I were you, I would get to bed early tonight. Sleep is essential for proper grammatical usage.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Children, step aboard, please. There you go. Hello.

[Rhea]

Lambdin sat up in bed. Who was he kidding? There was no way he'd get to bed early tonight.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Board now, please. Please. Board now.

[Rhea]

Scowling, Lamden peeled back his pillow. He reached out and stopped short. Can't forget my coupon. He found it on his bedside table and slipped it into his pajama pocket. He turned the Sleep Railroad knob. A puff of sparkling powder came bursting upwards from Lambdon's pillow. The world around him disappeared into a sparkly haze. It had been a while since Lambton accepted an invitation to the Sleep Railroad, and somehow he had completely forgotten about the water slide. He'd also forgotten about the hairdryers. Slightly disoriented, he staggered through a dark train tunnel, his pajamas now perfectly dry and his wool embarrassingly poofy.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Hello. Good evening. Step aboard, please. There you go.

[Rhea]

He rounded a familiar corner and saw the railroad. Modern, sleek, gleaming, parked up ahead. He smiled seeing it, but then frowned when he noticed a sizable dent in its side. Lambden thought of the sheep sent by the sleep group. We went through a difficult chapter.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Hmm. Hello.

[Rhea]

Good evening.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Step aboard, please. There you go.

[Rhea]

Lambdin watched as a line of yawning animals steadily boarded the railroad. He glanced back down the dark tunnel. His bedroom seemed far away. He joined the line.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Hello. Good evening. Step aboard.

[Rhea]

Lambdin shuffled up to the moose. He marveled as usual at the uncanny resemblance she bore to her twin sister.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Good evening. Step aboard, please.

[Rhea]

Um, excuse me. The moose looked startled to be addressed so directly.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Lamdon, hello. How pleasant of you to join us.

[Rhea]

I was wondering. The moose flinched. Apparently, wondering is not a good thing to do, Lambdin noted. How did the Sleep Railroad get that big dent in its side?

[Juniper B. Spider]

Lamden? We at the sleep group prefer to focus on the tracks that lie ahead of us. Now then, will you be boarding or will you be heading back to your bedroom?

[Rhea]

The animals behind Lamden grew restless.

[Lambdin Sheep]

What's this guy doing? Hey, we're tired here, buddy.

[Rhea]

I'm boarding, lambdon said, shrugging. What choice did he have? He fished his 25% off coupon from his pocket and passed it to the moose.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Your coupon has been applied. Step aboard, please.

[Rhea]

Lambdon felt better once he was in his seat. The interior of the railroad was just as he remembered it and revealed no signs of past troubles. He was seated next to a miniature goat who flipped through a magazine entitled Sleeping Habits of Successful Koalas. Hello, lamden said with a nod. The goat withdrew his head from the magazine and regarded Lamden. He gave a sharp nod, then returned to Reading. Many of the animals on the railroad were reading. There was a gopher seated nearby, his head in a book entitled pricing Antique Lampshades 101. There was a rabbit across the aisle perusing an article about candle making. I don't need to study anything boring, Lambdan thought. If I'm called up to give a boring speech, I can always just talk about woolen crafts. He glanced out the window. The railroad had traveled out of the tunnel, and the moon shone brightly in the night sky. Lambdan could see rolling hills and pine trees.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Hello.

[Rhea]

Lambdin turned to see a cheerful spider on the seat next to him. The spider was wearing bright green knee socks on her feet and a jaunty cap on her head. Oh, hi. Seeing how friendly this spider appeared, Lambdon had an idea. Hey, do you know anything about the Sleep Railroad's recent troubles?

[Lambdin Sheep]

Recent troubles?

[Rhea]

Maybe one that resulted in an enormous dent in the side of the railroad?

[Lambdin Sheep]

Oh, that was rhinoceroses. Rhinoceri. Anyway, it was the rhinos.

[Rhea]

The rhinos.

[Lambdin Sheep]

There was a stampede and but the.

[Rhea]

Spider was interrupted by a tall giraffe appearing in the aisle. Socks, neck pillows. Lambdan declined. As usual, neither socks nor neck pillows were a good substitute for a weighted blanket. The spider chose the socks and scurried inside one of them more than big enough to serve as a sleeping bag. She smiled up at Lambdin. So these rhinos, they caused that dent?

[Lambdin Sheep]

It was a difficult chapter.

[Rhea]

Uh huh.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Hello, passengers.

[Rhea]

The moose's voice came over the loudspeakers.

[Juniper B. Spider]

We have used our lottery system to select the first speaker of the evening. Will Juniper be Spider, please approach the lectern and begin.

[Rhea]

Oh. The spider exclaimed.

[Lambdin Sheep]

That's me. Wish me luck.

[Rhea]

Okay, good luck. Juniper rappelled down from her seat with the help of her thread, then skittered down the aisle to the lectern. Lambdin watched as the moose struggled to lower the microphone to accommodate her. Eventually, she placed Juniper directly on the microphone itself, then nodded and took a seat to the side.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Good evening. Tonight I will discuss important considerations when selecting a website.

[Rhea]

There were some murmurings throughout the cabin.

[Lambdin Sheep]

I don't know anything about this topic. It might be too interesting if you ask me. The most important, most influential, most central concern when selecting a website is getting a lot of traffic. You really definitely want and need to get as much traffic to your website as you possibly can.

[Rhea]

Upon hearing all the unnecessary words Juniper was using, the passengers relaxed into their seats.

[Lambdin Sheep]

For example, an old tree is a great website. An old tree usually has many insects, including flies, gnats, mosquitoes, beetles, flies. Oh, I already said that. If you choose an old tree as the site for your web, you'll get so much traffic you won't even know what to do with it. Okay, next you need really good.

[Rhea]

The passengers started closing their eyes. Lamdon was no exception. So many extra words.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Web design. Okay, web design is very important. Another thing you'll want is There came.

[Rhea]

A small chime and Juniper B. Spider did a tiny curtsy, then swung to the floor on her thread gift.

[Juniper B. Spider]

We have again used our lottery system to select a speaker. Will Arthur S. Weasel please approach the lectern and begin.

[Rhea]

Lambdan paid no attention as the slim Weasel slunk down the aisle. He was suddenly very tired. All the anticipation he'd felt that morning followed by the disappointment of learning the sleep train was down. Everything seemed to be catching up with him.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Tonight my speech is sure to bore. I'll be discussing chairs, tables and more. Furniture of all kinds. Seats and benches, shelves galore. So listen up, friends, to what is in store.

[Rhea]

All over the place. Passengers began popping their heads up from their neck pillows to get a look at this untalented poet.

[Lambdin Sheep]

My favorite piece of furniture is the humble stool. Who would not like it? Only a fool. The stool allows one to reach items high above. Truly, what about a stool is not to love? Wait, that sounds wrong. What's not to Love about a stool. Oh, now that doesn't rhyme.

[Rhea]

Lambdan watched as the moose rose from her seat, her face etched with irritation. Ahem. The moose pointed a hoof at the list of speech rules posted on the wall. Midway down the list, it read, absolutely no rhyming permitted. The weasel's eyes went wide. Then a smile crept onto his face.

[Lambdin Sheep]

No rhyming. That's no fun.

[Rhea]

Good night, folks.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Farewell. Looks like I'm done. Ding.

[Rhea]

The moose shooed the weasel down from the lectern. The passengers shifted in their seats, whispering and giggling.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Ahem. We have selected our final speed speaker for the evening. I do ask that all speakers adhere to the important speech rules in order to optimize the experiences of all passengers on the sleep railroad. And I will remind our passengers that we do not engage in applause for any speakers during the ride. Now then, will Eliza F. Mole please make her way to the lectern? Eliza F. Mole, please approach the lectern.

[Rhea]

A small mole appeared in the aisle. She wore enormous glasses and ambled up to the lectern with the aid of a tiny wooden cane.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Grammar. I love grammar, and that is what I will discuss tonight.

[Rhea]

Immediately, half the passengers began to snore. Lambdin, nestled in his seat, imagining being wrapped in his usual blanket, smiled so he'd get to go to sleep thinking of grammar.

[Lambdin Sheep]

After all, when I told my mother I was boarding the sleep railroad this evening, she suggested that I discuss flossing techniques instead. I am discussing a grammatical concept called the subjunctive mood. This is actually a funny joke because that I discuss flossing techniques is an example of the subjunctive mood. If I were not such a grammar enthusiast, I would not even know that that was another example right there.

[Rhea]

The passengers murmured quietly, pleased with this choice of topic. Yawns went up all over the place. Lambdan was both sleepy and delighted. He remembered then what Ms. Sugarloom had said at the end of class, tomorrow.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Is your test on the subjunctive mood.

[Rhea]

Subjunctive mood. What are the chances? Lamden thought as he closed his eyes.

[Lambdin Sheep]

Here are some more examples for your listening pleasure. If I were queen for a day, I would order my sister to stop humming. Should the moon ever wink at me, I would wink back without hesitation.

[Rhea]

A hush fell over the whole cabin, and the passengers fell asleep one by one. Lambdin's mind went hazy as he listened to the tiny mole at the microphone.

[Lambdin Sheep]

And if I were asleep right now, I would dream of grammatically correct sentences.

[Rhea]

That was it. That was the limit. Lamden's mind quieted.

[Juniper B. Spider]

All bugs have been banished from the Sleep Train. I repeat, all bugs, both digital and terrestrial, have been ousted from the Sleep Train and associated SL Sleep Vehicles. Thanks to our ever vigilant security team.

[Rhea]

Lambdan rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up in bed.

[Juniper B. Spider]

Our entire fleet of vehicles will be fully operational this evening. And we do look forward to welcoming you, our dear serious sleeper aboard. We ask that you leave all electronics and insects at home.

[Rhea]

Lamden smiled at the message emanating from beneath his pillow. He pulled it back to reveal the Sleep Train button positively gleaming in the morning light of his bedroom. Yes. He leapt out of bed and headed downstairs. He was ready for whatever the day might bring and extra ready for his grammar test on the subjunctive mood. I know what they changed. I know what you changed. You changed a caterpillar into a spider. Her speech was supposed to be about selecting a site for her chrysalis, not a website. But I have to admit, even though it is totally not okay to just edit my stories without asking the studio, Spider's version was better. Okay, I said it. It was kind of funny. Kind of. Just please, from now on submit your proposed edits via email and I will review them. See what I have to deal with. But I'm happy to do it so that I can keep sharing stories with all of you. Little Stories for Tiny People is written, performed and produced by me. Rhea Pechter, my in house Tech Director. Peter K. Runs my website and puts my stories in the Internet for all of you to enjoy. Thank you to Presley for the super important reminder message at the beginning and thank you to the many premium subscribers who supplied sound effects used in this story. Thank you to Theo, Annabelle, Jules, Max, Autumn, Lila, William, Lincoln, Nixon, Thomas Nova, Lenny, Holden, Sage, David, James, Sam, Luna, Amelia and Tallulah. And thank you as always for listening in.