← Sleep Tight Stories - Bedtime Stories for Kids
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A Short Message for Grown Ups Looking for a fun way to keep the Bluey fans in your home busy with imaginative screen free play? The Bluey Supermarket Playset is here, standing over 15 inches tall and packed with surprises across three levels of fun. Inspired by the episode Kids, this set comes with exclusive Bluey and Bingo figures, including Bingo holding her lollipop. There's a real working escalator, a rooftop cafe, and even an intercom with 24 different sound effects your kids will love. With over 15 play pieces, shelves to explore, carts to fill, and stickers to decorate, your little ones can recreate favorite scenes or invent new ones of their own. It also works with all your other Bluey figures for even more imaginative adventures. The Bluey Supermarket playset is available at all major retailers. A Short Message for Grown Ups Parents I think we've all had those times when everyone in the family is off on their own personal devices. Wouldn't it be great if you could find an activity that everyone will agree on? Something that's both active and fun at the same time? Imagine that families everywhere are discovering Nex Playground, an active game system where your body powers the play. It's 100% motion driven gaming. No controllers or wearables needed. Just play naturally and the games are so great and immersive. Go flying in the world of how to train your dragon, dance with Barbie, pop bubbles in Gabby's Dollhouse, or master some moves with Kung Fu Panda right from your living room. Even better, Next Playground is kids safe. With no ads in app purchases or mature content, Next Playground is your feel good solution to these long summer days. Want to learn more? Visit nextplayground.com that's nexplayground.com to explore active family gaming today. Hello friends and welcome to sleept Stories. Each week we share a few shout outs and birthday wishes for listeners who who help support the show. It's a small way we say thank you and it always makes us smile. A big shout out to Marley, Grace and Waylon David from Ripton, Vermont. Mom, dad, Gigi, Papa, Uncle Peter, Natnat, Chad and Uncle Adam are so proud of you for your bravery and resilience through this big move. We're all so excited to see how you do in your new school. Happy belated 8th birthday to Connor on August 10th from Mom, Dad, Charlotte and Leo. We hope you have a great birthday and have so much fun with your friends at the Trampoline Park. To our fabulous little performer, dancer, keyboarder and singer Rae lynn from Scottsdale, Arizona who turned nine on August 8th we love you so much. Love Mommy, Daddy, Cora and ebony. Happy 7th birthday to Adalynn Claire. You are such a bright and loving girl and I love watching you grow every day. Love Mommy and grandma. Happy 5th birthday to our beautiful, dazzling, imaginative, adventurous Norah Joan. We love watching your imagination at work and can't wait to see what adventures it'll take you on. Sweet dreams always. Love Mommy and Daddy. Happy 5th birthday Desmond. We love you more than words can say and can't wait to see all the amazing adventures you'll have as a five year old. With all our love, Simone, mom and dad. Happy 6th birthday to Max from Arlington, Massachusetts. Keep smiling. Love mom, dad and Gracie the Cat. Happy Birthday to Iva Kate Roberts. We want to wish our little girl the happiest of birthdays. Mommy, Daddy and the Pops love you and happy 7th birthday to Silas R. From Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Mom and dad are so proud of the amazing person you're growing up to be. They love you. Happy Birthday to you all and thank you for supporting the show. If you'd like to support our podcast and enjoy ad free episodes, unlock bonus stories and so much more, you can join SleepType Premium. Subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show Notes. Now onto our story. Bernice is spending time with Bobby and Gertrude now that they have come back from camp. But the day is very hot so they all decide to go home earlier than planned. Papa Bear makes lemonade and tells Bernice he has some exciting news to share with her. Bernice has to take French this year. Bernice came in through the back door of their small house after a short bike ride, kicked off her sneakers and headed straight for the kitchen sink. She was super thirsty. Papa Bear came out of his office. You're home earlier than I expected, Little Bear. Everything okay? Bernice finished her glass of water with a big gulp. Gulp. Gulp. She wiped her forehead, still a little out of breath. Papa, she said, I know I look like I've been swimming because I'm all wet, but it's not water. It it's sweat. It is so hot outside. Bobby says it's probably as hot as the surface of the sun. Sometimes he exaggerates, but honestly, this time it feels really true. Papa Bear chuckled. Yes, it's really hot these days. I thought you were just going to Bobby's to play and run through the sprinkler to keep cool. Well, Papa, Bernice said, Bobby used the sprinkler for his latest experiment and I think he broke it or at least made it do something Weird. He wanted to see if it could power a toy. He made something with Lego pieces and spare parts. It had this water wheel thing and the sprinkler was supposed to push it around the yard. I think there was a malfunction. She took another quick sip of water. So instead Bobby, Gertrude, and I went for a bike ride. I drank all the water from my backpack bottle and still wanted more. Gertrude said it might be too hot for bikes, so we decided to come home early. Ah. Papa Bear nodded. When it's as hot as it's been this week, it's best to play earlier or later in the day. Or at least take it easy when the sun is strongest. I don't remember it being this hot last summer, Papa. No, papa Bear said. I checked today and I think it might be the hottest it's ever been. When I was your age, we didn't have air conditioners. The air was cool enough that you could just open a window and be comfortable. That was probably prehistoric times, right, Papa? Bernice teased. Because you and Mama are super old. Papa Bear chuckled. After a joke like that, I'm not sure if I should make you any fresh lemonade. You know I'm just joking. Bernice grinned. And I would love some of your lemonade. It's super yummy. Delicious. All right, papa Bear said with a smile. Why don't you splash your hands and face with some cold water, then have a seat. I'd like to hear all about your day, and I have some big news to share with you. I love big news, Papa. Especially if it involves cookies, ice cream, a science discovery, Mama winning a race, or my painting being accepted into the Museum of Modern Art. You start, papa Bear said, pulling out lemons and a pitcher. Ok, well, Bobby had a lot of fun at science camp, and I think they gave him a ribbon for having the best invention. I also think he got an award for not causing a science catastrophe, which is pretty amazing considering his reputation. Bernice grinned. I haven't seen Gertrude much this summer, so it was fun to hang out with her again. She liked camp, but she said she missed home and her friends. I guess that's part of growing up. Bernice leaned forward on the counter. Oh, Bobby's mom gave us water, juice, and even some watermelon. Watermelon is so yummy I could eat a whole one all by myself, bobby said. He actually did earlier this week. Papa Bear handed Bernice a tall glass of lemonade and sat down at the table. So, Bernice asked eagerly, what's the big news, Papa Is it super big or huge? Or gig enormous? Well, papa Bear said with a little smile. I think it's pretty big. We got your class list for next year and you'll have a brand new subject, one you've never taken before. I think it's going to be really fun. Bernice's eyes widened. Class? School already, Papa? It feels like summer just started and now you're telling me I have to go back. She shook her head. That doesn't seem fair. I mean, I love school and I miss my teachers, but I haven't finished everything I wanted to do this summer. I promised Ethan I'd read the books he lent me, and I've only had ice cream like 10 times. I still haven't tried that new flavor, Moonicorn. Bobby says it's even tastier than Wowie Cowie. And then there's science experiments and it's okay, Little Bear, papa Bear interrupted gently. Summer always feels short. You don't have to do everything. And maybe. He leaned in with a grin. Maybe I can convince Mama to go for ice cream tonight so you can finally try that Moonicorn flavor. Bernice brightened. Really? Really now your new subject for next year is French. Bernice blinked. French, Papa. A whole new language. That's like starting over from scratch. I already know science and math and English. But French? What if I can't learn it? And why French? Why not Spanish or Chinese or something? Don't worry, Little Bear. Learning something brand new can be exciting. Even now. I love trying new things. And you're a great student. You'll do just fine. Besides, French has some similarities to English, so you'll pick it up faster than you think. And as for other languages, well, your school only offers French. Bernice tilted her head. Did you study French in school, Papa? I did. Papa Bear nodded. And even when I was in university, Mama did too. Bernice grinned mischievously. Okay, then say something in French. Papa Bear sat up straighter, cleared his throat, and declared, je suis une pomme de terre. You just said you're a potato. Papa Bear chuckled. Yes, and that's the first important thing to learn in any language. Bernice giggled. If my French teacher asks what I can say in French, I'm totally going to tell her I'm a potato. Bernice took another long sip of her lemonade and leaned back in her chair. So, Papa, what's the second most important thing to learn in French? You already taught me to say I'm a potato. Hupa Bear pretended to think deeply. Hmm. Maybe how to ask for cookies. Bernice's eyes lit up. That's very important. How do you say it? Je voudre de biscuits, s' il vous plait, papa Bear said. Slowly. Bernice repeated it, her accent wobbly but enthusiastic. Je voudre day B be squits. Please. She grinned. There. Now I can survive in France. Papa Bear chuckled. Yes, you'd be perfectly fine as long as you only needed potatoes and cookies. They both laughed, and for a moment, the heat of the day didn't seem so bad. Papa Bear glanced at the clock. Well, Little Bear, I. I'd better get back to my office for a bit before I start dinner. I need to finish one last email. Bernice nodded. Okay, Papa, I think I'll get started on another of the books Ethan lent me. I've been saving the secret Cave adventure for a rainy day, but today will be good, too. That sounds perfect, papa Bear said, standing and giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Find yourself a cool spot and maybe a tall glass of water. And if you hear pots and pans clanging, that means dinner's getting close. Bernice smiled as she carried her lemonade into the living room, already imagining the first page of her new book. After getting more than halfway through Ethan's book and enjoying a bean salad for dinner, Bernice went upstairs to begin her bedtime routine. She took a cool bath, brushed her teeth, did some stretches, and put away the clean clothes that had been left for her. Then, after carefully arranging her bedtime friends just so, she crawled under the covers and called out, it's that time, Papa. And what time is that, Little Bear? Papa Bear called back from the kitchen. It's time for the yawning Olympics, and I think I'm going to win gold. A moment later, the whole house gave a gentle rumble as Papa Bear climbed the stairs. He peeked into Bernice's room and whispered, are you still awake? Yes, Papa, bernice said. I was just thinking about this new French class, and I think maybe I'm okay with it now. Oh, that's good to hear. What changed your mind? Well, bernice said, wiggling deeper into her covers, I remembered how you said it's fun to start something from the very beginning. And I guess if you and Mama could learn French, maybe I can, too. Plus, Bobby says he'll help me practice, even though he only knows how to say croissant. Papa Bear chuckled. I'm sure you'll both learn more than that, and you can still enjoy the rest of summer. Bike rides, swimming on hot days, reading Ethan's books while you get ready for the new school year. Yeah, Bernice said with a yawn. I'll still have time for fun. I think that sounds wonderful, papa Bear said with his own long, slow yawn. Hey, I think you're winning the yawning race, Papa. I might be this time, he said. Would you like a short story tonight or just go straight to sleep? Could you tell me a super, super, super short one? Maybe one about French or with French? Bernice asked, stifling. Another yawn. I can try. Are you comfy? Yes, Papa. And how about Twigga, Wolfy and Madeline? Are they comfy too? I think they are. Cookie seems a bit distracted by the birds in the garden this evening, papa Bear added. But I'm sure she'll sneak in and curl up with you soon. Yeah, she loves watching those birds. Papa Bear smiled. All right, then, give me a hug and a kiss and I'll tell you a short story. Maybe even with one or two French words in it. I love you, Papa. I love you too, little Bear. Once upon a time, in a world full of magic and fun, there lived a brave little bear named Boo Boo. She lived in a large castle at the edge of a mystical forest, and in this forest there were unicorns, fairies, gnomes, and all manner of insects, birds, and animals. It was a wonderful place. But this morning Booboo was pushing honeycakes around her plate instead of eating them, which was strange because honey cakes were her absolute favorite. Well, except for maybe chocolate. Something's bothering you, isn't it, Boo Boo? Asked the old castle cook, settling into the chair across from her with a cup of tea. Booboo sighed, so big her ears drooped. Today's the first day of mystical communications class. Professor Willow is going to teach us four forest speak the language for talking to every magical creature in the kingdom. That sounds wonderful, the cook said. But you don't look excited. That's because everyone else already knows some, Booboo mumbled. Bluebell's been humming with the garden sprites since she was tiny. And Kai. Kai? Well, dragons basically invented half the fire words. But me? I don't know a thing. What if I'm terrible? Before the cook could answer, there was a tap, tap, tap at the window. Kai. Kai's snout appeared, looking slightly green. I think I'm going to be sick, he groaned. I ate three whole chocolate trees because I was nervous. Three trees? Boo Boo giggled. That's like me eating an entire bakery. Bluebell trotted up, her horn catching the light. We're all nervous. I've Been practicing the Song of Seasons all morning, but I keep mixing up the winter notes with summer. The garden pixies are so confused, they're wearing mittens and sun hats at the same time. She lowered her voice. We're in this together, right? An hour later, they were in a classroom like no other. The walls were covered in whispering vines that swayed as if they were listening. And crystal chimes hung from the ceiling, singing soft notes. When the breeze touched them, it felt like the whole room was breathing music. Professor Willow stood at the front, a tall tree spirit with leaves for hair that shifted colors with her mood. Right now, they were a calm, welcoming green. Welcome, young communicators, she said in a voice like wind through branches. Forest speak is more than words. It sounds. Gestures, feelings, and intentions all woven together like a tapestry. She showed them a basic greeting. Soft clicks, a graceful wave, and a low, warm hum. This means hello, friend. I come in peace. The class tried it together, and chaos followed. Kai. Kai's clicks crackled like a campfire and knocked over two chimes. Bluebell's hum was so high pitched that vines shivered like they were being tickled. Boo Boo's clicks sounded like hiccups, her wave like swatting mosquitoes, and her hum came out as a squeak. Oh, my. Professor Willow laughed. I think we just told them greetings, enemies. We come in chaos. For the next hour, they practiced greetings, questions and polite phrases like may I pass through your territory and thank you for sharing your wisdom. Some students picked it up quickly. An elf boy sounded like he'd been speaking forest speak all his life. And a gnome girl's Earth gestures were perfect. But Boo Boo, she only grew more frustrated. Her clicks stayed hiccupy, her gestures clumsy, and every hum squeaked out wrong. By break time, she slumped against Kai Kai's warm side. I sound like a walrus snap. Sneezing. She moaned. A tiny voice piped up. Hey, you helped my cousin find her way home last month, didn't you? Boo Boo blinked. Um, maybe I did help a little mouse find her burrow. That's her, said the field mouse. When you tried that greeting, even though it didn't sound perfect, we could feel that you truly meant friend and peace. Most just try to get the sounds right, but you meant it in your heart. A blue jay landed on Booboo's shoulder. The mouse is right. Your forest speak might be wobbly, but your heart speak is perfect. Before she knew it, she was surrounded. Hedgehog rabbits, even a grumpy badger who hardly ever said hello. They were all chattering in their own languages, and somehow Booboo understood the feeling behind their words. You know what's funny? Lubell whispered. They understand you better than they understand anyone else. When class resumed, Professor Willow noticed the crowd. Her leaf hair turned a pleased golden shade. Booboo, would you mind trying the greeting again? This time, don't think about the sounds at all. Just mean it. Her clicks were still hiccupy, her waves still clumsy, her hum still squeaky, but every animal answered back. The vines rustled and the chimes sang along in perfect harmony. Remarkable. Professor Willow said softly. Forest Speak isn't about perfection. It's about true connection. The rest will come with practice, walking home with a parade of animals behind them. Kai. Kai shook his head. Only you could mess up and still become the teacher's favorite. I didn't mess up, booboo said slowly. Did I? No. Bluebell smiled. You showed us all that talking from the heart works better than talking perfectly. And Booboo realized maybe she'd been speaking Forest Speak all along. She just hadn't known it had a and with that, Papa Bear kissed Bernice on the forehead, adjusted her blanket, turned off her lamp, and quietly whispered, I love you, Little Bear. And that is the end of our story. Good night. Sleep tight, Sam.