Sleep Tight Stories – “Bernice and the Thanksgiving Treats 🐻” (Encore Story)

Episode Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Sleep Tight Media / Starglow Media

Episode Overview

This heartwarming bedtime story centers on Bernice, a lovable bear cub, as she navigates friendship, gratitude, and sharing during Thanksgiving time. Through her conversations with friends and family, Bernice learns about the diversity of giving thanks around the world, the importance of empathy, and the joy of sharing with others—messages designed to comfort and inspire children as they prepare to sleep.

Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

1. Bus Ride Home: Imagination, Screens, and Friendship

[01:48–05:33]

• Bernice and Ethan chat about their day on the school bus.
  • Bernice remarks on the “squishy” seats, prompting Ethan’s playful wish for reclining seats, TVs, and video games on the bus.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Haha. Everyone would want to take the bus then. And no one would want to get off.” — Bernice ([02:38])

  • They discuss family screen time rules, with Bernice sharing her mom limits screens but enjoys cat videos with her dad.
• Ethan shares about not being allowed pets and his grandma playing video games.
  • His grandma even has her “own colored controller.”
• Cold Weather and Treats:
  • Bernice enjoys fall because it means more hot chocolate.
  • They chat about Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie.

2. Thanksgiving Traditions and Cultural Diversity

[05:34–12:21]

• Ethan reveals his family’s Thanksgiving will be delayed because his mom is unwell; Bernice shares her family celebrates twice.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Wow. Don’t you get tired of turkey?” — Ethan ([06:32]) “But I never get tired of pumpkin pie.” — Bernice ([06:35])

• School Celebrations:
  • Bernice describes a school day filled with treats and learning about gratitude traditions from many cultures.
  • Notable Quote:

    “...because so many of us were born in different places that we get to talk about the many ways of giving thanks across cultures.” — Bernice ([08:09])

  • She references Indigenous traditions, Diwali, and Ghana's Homowo festival.
  • Her art teacher jokes about a “Papa Bear Cookie Festival.”

3. Homecoming: Baking, Sharing, and Family Warmth

[08:50–14:38]

• Bernice enters a home filled with the savory scent of baking.
  • Papa Bear is in the kitchen baking “all kinds of wonderful treats.”
  • Bernice’s cat, Cookie, joins her for affection and storytelling.
• The Value of Sharing:
  • Papa Bear explains the treats are for friends, neighbors, and “most to the people who don’t get to enjoy snacks like this very often.”
  • Notable Quote:

    “No, Little Bear. I baked all these treats because we are going to share them. Some will go to our friends, some to our neighbors, and most to the people who don't get to enjoy snacks like this very often.” — Papa Bear ([10:18])

  • Papa and Bernice enjoy pumpkin pie and warm vanilla milk.
• Reflections on Gratitude:
  • Bernice shares her school lessons on gratitude and cultural celebrations.
  • The family’s double Thanksgiving comes from “different places” and being “so fortunate.”

4. Empathy and Kindness — Reaching Out to Ethan

[14:39–19:05]

• Bernice notices Ethan didn’t have any treats to share because of his mom’s illness.
  • She and a classmate share treats with him at school.
  • Bernice asks Papa to send a pie for Ethan’s family.
  • Notable Quote:

    “That's very kind of you, Little Bear. I didn't know his mother wasn't feeling well. I'll call his grandmother and make sure they get a nice surprise this weekend.” — Papa Bear ([15:48])

  • Themes of empathy, proactive kindness, and community support are highlighted.

5. Bedtime Reflections on Giving and Feeling “Full”

[19:06–22:52]

• Bernice, winding down for the night, nestles in with her beloved toys and Cookie.
  • She shares her feelings with Cookie about Ethan, feeling “lighter” from helping, not just from eating treats.
  • Notable Quote:

    “I feel, I don't know, lighter. Like the good kind of full. Not from snacks, but from knowing I helped. Is that silly?” — Bernice ([20:45])

  • Cookie’s purrs reassure her.
  • More classmates are mentioned, showing the supportive class community.
• Soulful Closing:
  • Bernice requests a future story from her Papa about “Kai Kai and Boo Boo.”
  • Papa tucks her in with playful talk of “Pumpkin Pie Land,” where the clouds are whipped cream and the trees are chocolate.
  • Notable Closing Quote:

    “Are you ready to drift off to Pumpkin Pie Land?” — Papa Bear ([21:55])

  • The story ends with Bernice’s simple bedtime routine and loving exchange with Papa.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Papa’s Baking Motive ([10:18])

  “No, Little Bear. I baked all these treats because we are going to share them. Some will go to our friends, some to our neighbors, and most to the people who don't get to enjoy snacks like this very often.” — Papa Bear

• Cultures of Thanks ([08:09])

  “...because so many of us were born in different places that we get to talk about the many ways of giving thanks across cultures.” — Bernice

• Empathy in Action ([15:48])

  “That's very kind of you, Little Bear. I didn't know his mother wasn't feeling well. I'll call his grandmother and make sure they get a nice surprise this weekend.” — Papa Bear

• Full of Kindness ([20:45])

  “I feel, I don't know, lighter. Like the good kind of full. Not from snacks, but from knowing I helped. Is that silly?” — Bernice

• Pumpkin Pie Land Imagination ([21:55])

  “Are you ready to drift off to Pumpkin Pie Land?” — Papa Bear

Episode Flow & Structure

• Bus ride home: Playful conversation about screens, snacks, and family traditions.
• Home arrival: Cozy family interactions, baking, and lessons on sharing.
• Storytime with Papa Bear: Bernice recounts her day, cultural celebrations are discussed.
• Kind deed for Ethan: Bernice ensures Ethan’s family receives a Thanksgiving surprise.
• Bedtime: Bernice reflects on kindness, feels content and loved, imaginative talk with Papa Bear, and a gentle goodnight.

Final Thoughts

This episode blends classic Sleep Tight Stories warmth with seasonal themes of gratitude, community, and cross-cultural appreciation. The story delivers reassuring lessons in kindness and sharing, with playful narration, gentle humor, and soothing bedtime closure—making it perfect for young listeners ready to drift off to “Pumpkin Pie Land.”