← Sleep Tight Stories - Bedtime Stories for Kids
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Foreign and welcome to sleept Stories Shoutouts and Birthday Messages are such a special part of our show. They're our way of celebrating the families who make bedtime extra magical, whether by supporting the show or simply by being part of our listening community. Happy Birthday to Tiego from Mexico city who turned nine years old on March 5th. Happy birthday wishes from Mom, Dad, Kara and Loki who are very proud of you. Happy Birthday Leah B. We love you as much as you love Bernice. Sleep tight. Love Mom, Dad, Brady and Cooper. Happy seventh birthday to Gemma from Bainbridge island on March 12th. You're an amazing kid. Your kindness, energy and joy amaze me every day. I'm so proud of you and love being your mommy. Happy birthday to Ov from San Mateo, California who turned 6 on March 14th. New Niam and Riva love you and can't wait to see you this summer. Happy 9th birthday Landry from your mom, dad and Reese. We love you LG. Happy 8th birthday to Alexa Fowler in St. John's Love Mom, Dad, Sarah, Audrey and Charlie. We love you so much. Happy 5th birthday Lindsey Bao from Sunnyvale. Mom, dad and Grandma are so lucky to have you. You're a bright, funny and charismatic little girl whose kindness warms our hearts every day. Happy seventh Birthday to Leif, the kindest and cuddliest boy. We are all so proud of you. So much love dad, Mom, Oliver and Hazel. And Happy lucky number 7 birthday on March 10th to Olivia in Columbia, South Carolina. We are so proud of the amazing girl that you are growing into. Love you more than all the stars in the sky from Mama, Papa, our silly cats, Noodle and Ginny. 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 sleept Premium subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show Notes. Now onto our story. Bernice cannot wait to get home because she is extra super hungry today. She had a great day at school and swimming, but thinks she might not be able to wait any longer to get some food so she dashes off the bus and heads home as quickly as she can. Bernice shares her lunch with a friend. Is that your stomach I hear? Ethan asked with a laugh. That's the loudest gurgling noise I've ever heard in my life. It's not that loud, Bernice replied with a fake frown. I'm just super hungry today and I wish this bus would go faster so I could get home and eat something we didn't even have gym today. Are you hungry because of your swim practice this morning? I have a granola bar in my bag. My grandma gave it to me for food emergencies. No, I ate after swimming. But at lunch, our new friend Jessica forgot her lunch or something, so I gave her some of mine. She was so hungry that I just gave her the whole thing, so I only had some fruit. And since we didn't share lunch today because Gertrude was homesick and Bobby was at the dentist, I didn't get any extra food, so I just had an apple and some carrots. That was really nice of you, Bernice. I would have helped, too, but I had to stay in class today because I didn't do very well on my math test. It's okay. I'll eat something at home. Usually I have some anti starving bars in my bag, but I forgot to tell Papa I ate them a long time ago. Oh, this is our stop. As soon as they got off the bus, Bernice took off, walking so fast that Ethan had to jog to keep up. Now I know why you win so many races on the track. Ethan said, laughing. I have to run just to keep up with you walking. Bernice giggled. I guess I'm motivated because I'm thinking about having a big snack. Before long, they reached the walkway leading up to Bernice's small house. I think I'll run into the house, Ethan. See you later, alligator. After a while, crocodile, Ethan called back. Hope you have a good snack. See you. He slowed his pace as he headed toward his grandma's house, where he spent the afternoons after school. Bernice was in such a rush to get inside that she almost slammed the door shut. She caught herself just in time. Hi, Papa. Hi, Cookie. I'm home and I think I need something big to eat because my stomach is causing earthquakes and stuff. Wow, that sounds serious. Papa Bear said in his deep voice. You know where I am, and I've got some treats for us to try. Bernice plopped down to take off her shoes. The winter snow was finally over, so she didn't need her stubborn boots anymore. But now she had brand new sneakers, and since they were still stiff, they were super hard to take off. As she struggled with her laces, Cookie came running around the corner to greet her. Hi, Cookie. Did you miss me today? I missed you like I always do. I wish you could untie knots because I was in such a rush that I made a super tight one. Cookie rubbed against her and started purring. Papa always says to be patient and keep trying but it's super hard when you're super starving like I am. Just then, Bernice's stomach let out another loud gurgle, making Cookie pause and stare at her belly. I know, right? Bernice sighed. Oh, I think my stomach is trying to talk to me today. I gave my lunch to my new friend because she didn't have any and that didn't seem right. So I'm a little more super starving than usual. Finally, she managed to untie her sneakers and kick them off. I'm afraid I can't talk this time, Cookie, or give you a bunch of pets. I'm sorry, but I need to get to the kitchen before my gurgling gets so loud. Papa thinks. Kai Kai. The dragon moved in. Bernice ran to the kitchen and went straight to the sink to wash her hands. Whoa, you're moving fast today, Little Bear. Papa Bear said with a chuckle. What's up? Are you that excited for a treat with some milk? No, Papa, I'm just really hungry today. More than ever. Bernice said as she plopped into her chair at the kitchen table. She eyed the plate of cookies. Those cookies look super yummy. Delicious. But I think I might need more than just a cookie because, well, I didn't eat much lunch today. Okay, I have some leftovers from dinner in the fridge, but how about I make you a tuna sandwich? We haven't had one in a while and it should be just enough to get rid of those hungries until dinner. That way you'll be able to focus on your homework. That sounds great, Papa. And can I still have a cookie with my milk? Bernice asked, flashing him her best hopeful grin. Papa Bear laughed. Yes, you can. It won't take me more than a few minutes to make your sandwich and then you can tell me all about your day, including why you're so hungry this afternoon. A short time later, Papa Bear placed a tuna sandwich in front of Bernice. She eagerly grabbed it and took a huge bite. Yum, Papa. And I'm not just saying that because I'm starving. I like the crunchy stuff. I added some veggies to your sandwich. Papa Bear said, taking a cookie for himself to enjoy with his afternoon tea. It's nice to have a little crunch. Bernice was munching so fast that her chewing made funny noises. Papa Bear chuckled. Ha ha. Slow down, Little Bear. You don't have to eat so fast. So as you are eating, why don't you tell me about your day, starting with why you are so hungry today. After taking a big gulp of Milk. Bernice finally slowed down. Well, Papa, today was a good day. I was already a little hungry after swimming practice, so I ate the snack you packed for me on the way to school. It was super yummy, by the way. Then we had school as usual. We had a math test this morning, and I think Ethan didn't do very well because he had to stay in class at lunch for review. The teacher marks super fast and Ethan said he didn't do well, so I guess it's true. She paused for another sip of milk before continuing. Bobby is going to be disappointed he missed it. He was at the dentist today. He actually likes math tests, and though we don't admit it, we kind of had this competition to see who gets the best score, and I think I am winning. Gertrude missed the test, too. The teacher said that she was homesick today, so maybe she won't have to take the test. And guess what, Papa? I got a hundred. The teacher even said she might give us an extra hard one next time, so I'd better keep studying and stuff. I'm happy you did so well, Little Bear, papa Bear said warmly. You've been working hard and that's often the result. But why were you so hungry today? Oh, right. Well, at lunch I sat with my new friend and she didn't bring lunch. I didn't ask why. Maybe she forgot it because. Because sometimes I forget my stuff when I'm rushing in the morning. She only had a small carton of milk, so I gave her mine. She wouldn't take it at first, but I told her I had all kinds of extra food and that I wasn't that hungry. I think it's important to share and help others, right? Papa Bear smiled. I'm proud of you for wanting to help your friend, Little Bear. Being kind is important. You and your friends usually sit together and share food, which is nice because you get to experience everyone else's tastes in food and make sure everyone has enough to get through the day. What happened today? Everyone seemed to be away today. Lots of kids have viruses and stuff, and some kids had appointments, like Bobby. I think this might have been one of the first times we weren't all together at lunch. Strange, right? But I'm glad I sat with Jessica. She seems really nice. She's super shy, though. I had to ask her all kinds of questions before she started talking. I felt like a detective or something. It was kind of fun learning all about her. You're used to having trouble meeting new friends, Little Bear. Do you remember? Yeah, bernice said, nodding I'm still kind of quiet, unlike Bobby, who's super outgoing and does all that loud talking stuff. But Jessica is even quieter than me, so I tried my best. I told her that the teacher has extra food in case anyone forgets their lunch. I know because I remember that time I left my lunch on the bus. I was super, super starving, and the teacher gave me something to eat. It was good, but not as yummy as what you make, of course. Papa Bear smiled. I remember. But what about all the granola bars and snacks I put in your bag? Did you forget about them? You could have eaten those or shared some with Jessica. Oh, yeah, bernice said, shifting in her chair. I guess I forgot to tell you I ate them all. I get really hungry after swimming or gym sometimes. All right, we'll stock your bag with some extra snacks. Again, Papa Bear said. That way if you or your friends need something, you'll have it. I'm happy you want to help your classmates, Little Bear. You know how we always say it's important to look out for each other, especially when someone needs a little help? Even something small like sharing lunch can mean a lot. Yeah, I think so. Bernice stretched her arms. I better go do some homework. And I need to give Cookie some pets. I was in too much of a rush when I got home. That sounds like a good plan. She misses you and is probably waiting in your room right now, papa Bear said, standing up. I'm going to start dinner so it'll be ready when Mama gets home. Thanks for the delicious scrunchie sandwich, Papa. After dinner and her bedtime routine, Bernice went to find Twiggle, Wolfie, and Madeline, but they weren't in their usual spots. She checked under the bed, in her closet, and even inside her dresser. Mama, Papa. She called. I can't find Twigga, Wolfie, and Madeline. They didn't run away, did they? Do you know where they are? Before anyone could answer, Cookie bounded into the room, tail high in the air. Have you come to help? I can't find our friends anywhere, Cookie, bernice said, kneeling to scratch her behind the ears. I hope I find them soon. I like having all of you in bed when I sleep. Mama Bear walked in, smiling. Oh, Bernice, I found your friends. I forgot I gave them a bath earlier and they were downstairs drying off. Phew. Bernice sighed in relief. For a second, I thought they went to Bobby's house to help build robots or something. He told me he needs all the help he can get. And you know how he sometimes stays up Late when he isn't supposed to. Mama Bear laughed. I know he does. Why don't you climb into bed with Twiggle, Wolfie, Madeline, and Cookie? I'll send Papa Bear up to tuck you in. Give me a hug. Bernice wrapped her arms around Mama Bear. Love you, Mama. Love you too, Little Bear. Just then, the whole house seemed to shake as Papa Bear walked up the stairs. I hear there were some missing animals up here, he said, stepping into the room. Yeah, but Mama found them and now they smell nice. They were sort of starting to get stinky. Bernice giggled. Then she looked up at him curiously. Papa, did you know that when you walk up the stairs, the whole house shakes? Papa Bear chuckled. Well, I guess I do walk a bit heavy. So, did you do everything you're supposed to do before bed? I sure did, Papa, bernice said with a proud nod. Oh, and I like that minty soap in the bathroom. It makes me smell super fresh. Smell. She held up her arm. Papa Bear made a funny face and sniffed. Mmm, smells stinky. Oh, Papa, you always say that. Bernice rolled her eyes, laughing. You know I'm not stinky. I know, I know. I guess I'm running out of jokes. Papa Bear teased. You smell squeaky clean. Are you comfy? Yes, Papa. How about Twiggle, Wolfy, and Madeline? They're super comfy too. And so is Cookie. Okay, give me a hug and a kiss and I'll tell you a short short story. Thank you, Papa. Bernice snuggled in, hugging him tight before settling in with her friends. Ready for a story? Once upon a time, in a world full of magic and wonder, there lived a brave little bear named Booboo. She lived in a large castle at the edge of a mystical forest. In this forest were unicorns, fairies, pixies, sprites, gnomes, and all manner of insects, birds, and animals. It was a wonderful place. Her castle was surrounded by beautiful gardens filled with flowers, towering trees, and sparkling streams. It was peaceful and quiet, carefully tended by an old gardener. On this particular day, Booboo was in the garden, helping to prepare the plants for the change of season. While it only snowed in the northern parts of the kingdom, many of the castle's plants went to sleep for part of the year. I really appreciate your help today, Boo Boo, the gardener said, pausing to wipe his hands. Many of the other gardeners are off repairing the bridge on the north side of the grounds. If it weren't for you, I'd be doing all this work alone. How come you're not off on an adventure with Kai. Kai. I'm happy to help, Booboo said, gently clearing some fallen leaves. Kai. Kai has been busy with his studies these past few cycles, and though I know he'd love to be here, I think he's worried he might do more harm than good. The gardener chuckled. He is a rather large dragon for his age, and he still hasn't quite learned how to keep track of his own feet. But he's been much more thoughtful lately. I'll have to bake some chocolate treats for both of you soon. As a thank you. I'm sure he and I would appreciate that. Booboo grinned. Just then, a bright, glowing flower caught Booboo's eye. It stood tall among the others, blooming as if it were still the middle of summer. What's that flower over there? She asked. I've never noticed it before. Why is it awake while all the others are asleep? Ah, that's the sprig flower. The gardener said it was named after a sprite with the same name. Like many sprites, Sprig had a gift for magic. Magic that could bring joy and help the kingdom. But when Sprig was young, he was very mischievous. Every day, Sprig zoomed through the mystical forest, giggling and playing tricks on his friends, sometimes forgetting that they didn't always find them funny. One time, he sprinkled magic dust on a farmer's carrots, making them hop away whenever she tried to pick them. She spent the entire afternoon chasing bouncing vegetables, and Sprig laughed so hard he fell right out of the tree he was sitting in. Oh, that doesn't sound very nice, Booboo said, shaking her head. No, it wasn't. The gardener agreed. And one day, Sprig met a grumpy fairy named Grumbles, who had had enough. With a wiggle of his fingers, Grumbles cast a spell. From that moment on, every trick Sprig played would bounce right back at him. Suddenly, when Sprig tried to make flowers sneeze, he sneezed instead, so loudly that it blew him straight into a berry bush, Booboo laughed. That seems like a fair punishment to me. The gardener nodded. At first, Sprig thought it was just bad luck. But after being tickled by sneezing dragonflies, knocked over by talking puddles, and tangled up in his own tricks, he realized something. His magic was making things harder for his friends. Instead of helping them, so Sprig decided to set things right. He helped rescue the farmer's carrots from a muddy puddle. He comforted a dragon with a cold instead of making him sneeze, and he gently scratched the ticklish flowers instead of teasing them. Something surprising happened. His friends started helping him, too. They even made Grumbles laugh for the first time in ages. Booboo smiled. So what happened to sprig? Well, the gardener said, he realized that kindness was more magical than any trick. His spell faded, and in its place he found something even better. Smiles, friendship, and laughter. And that is why the sprig flower blooms longer than any other. It carries the warmth of kindness all year long. Booboo gently touched one of the petals. I like that story, she said. The gardener smiled. I thought you might. Now, how about we finish up here? I have a feeling there might be some warm chocolate treats in your near future. Booboo grinned. Then let's get to work with that. Papa Bear kissed Bernice on the forehead, adjusted her blanket, making sure that her friends were comfy, turned off her lamp and quietly whispered, I love you, Little Bear. And that is the end of our story. Good night. Sleep tight.