← Sleep Tight Stories - Bedtime Stories for Kids
Sleep Tight Stories - Bedtime Stories for Kids
Bernice Wants To Plant Her Spring Flowers 🐻
00:28:09
In this story, Bernice is full of springtime energy—school projects, birthday dreams, and big plans for the garden!
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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 or simply by being part of our listening community. Happy belated 9th birthday to Layla from Sault Ste. Marie. Lots of love mom, dad and Nikki. Happy 12th birthday to Harry on May 18th. Mom and dad love you and are so proud of you. Happy 6th birthday Penny. You are strong, smart, kind and creative and you fill our life with sparkles. We love you Mom, Dad, Emmy and Johnny. Happy Birthday to Jane from North Carolina on May 13th. Mommy, Daddy, Ollie and your whole family love you very much. Happy Birthday to Ella from Pennsylvania who is turning seven. We are so proud of what a great year you have had and can't wait to see all you do as a 7 year old. Love Mom, dad and Georgie. Happy 6th birthday Shaden. Thanks for making life so much fun. You're the best. Love mom, dad and Sutton. Happy Birthday to the magical Lane and Wells on their eighth birthday. Lots of love from Mommy, Daddy, Oso and Misu wishing Ben in Port Washington, New York a very happy seventh birthday. Mom, dad, Betsy and Shelby love being part of your smart, imaginative rock and roll world. Happy 8th birthday to Magnolia in Pittsburgh on May 10th. Mommy, Daddy and Ella love you so much. Happy Golden Birthday to Josie. Mom and dad love you more than words can describe. Happy 7th birthday to Colette and Waverly on May 12th. I am the luckiest daddy to call you my daughters. I love you and happy 9th birthday to Mya B. Of Pittsboro, North Carolina. Your parents love you so much and are excited for your big day. 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 on to our story. As the weather is getting warmer, Bernice is getting busy with lots of activities. When she arrives home, she remembers that it is almost time to plant flowers and asks Papa Bear when they are talking about her day. Bernice wants to plant her spring flowers. Hi Papa, Hi Cookie. I'm home. Bernice called as she stepped inside her small house, closing the door behind her with a light thunk. I smell something yummy. Delicious Papa and I really hope there's something for me. I think I need a cookie and some milk to drink. It's been a busy day. OK Little Bear, Papa Bear answered from the kitchen in his super deep voice. You know where to find me. I saved you a bunch of cookies. Though it was hard, they are really good. Bernice took off her sneakers, carefully tucking them away, then hung up her jacket and sat cross legged on the floor, the usual signal for Cookie time. Cookie, are you coming? I've got pets with your name on them and you know my tummy might start gurgling soon. That always makes you look at me like I'm broken. Right on cue, Cookie came bounding around the corner, gave a luxurious yawn and stretch, then trotted over to where Bernice sat waiting. What was that giant yawn for? Bernice asked, giggling. Did you just wake up from a nap or something? I guess you can do that since you're a cat and cats are basically professional nappers. She scratched behind Cookie's ears. Did you miss me today? I missed you. I kind of missed the stormy winter days when we stayed in and read books together. That was cozy and fun. But now it's warm and sunny and I want to run and swim and do you know what else I really want to do? I want to plant my flowers really soon. Bernice leaned back and sighed. Mama once said something about spring flowers bringing something. Maybe sunshine or smiles. I forget, but I just want to see things grow again. Cookie flopped into Bernice's lap and started purring like an engine. You know what else, Cookie? Bernice whispered. My birthday's coming up soon and I was thinking maybe I'll invite Bobby and Ethan and Gertrude. Just a few friends, nothing big. When I was little I used to have parties with balloons and games and stuff. But I don't need all that now, I guess. Just some close friends. And you of course you're always invited because you are my bestest friend. Cookie purred louder as Bernice gently scratched under her chin. Anyway, Cookie, I think I need a snack, Bernice said, stretching her arms as Cookie rolled onto her back. Today was a hard day at school. So much studying and Bobby and I worked really hard on our project. Plus I started running again and I'm going back to swimming practice. I think I might be the hardest working artist scientist in the whole world. Cookie blinked slowly as if to agree. I've got some reading to do later and I hope you'll keep me company. I'll bring you a little snack too, even though I know you can't eat cookies. I'll find something cat healthy. Bernice gave Cookie one last gentle pet, grabbed her backpack and ran into the kitchen where the most delicious yummy warm cookie smell in the whole world existed. Mmm. It smells like home in here, Papa. A yummy, delicious home. She said as she went to the sink to wash her hands. That's a lovely way to put it, Little Bear. Papa Bear said in his deep voice. I made a few dozen cookies today, including sugar cookies with gumdrops and frosting on top. What are gumdrops? Because I don't really chew gum, but I do chew cookies. Bernice said giggling as she reached for the glass of vanilla milk Papa had set out for her. You're in luck, Little Bear. These are chewy candy, not chewing gum. Papa said with a smile. Bernice sat at the table, took a sip and smiled. I really like when you put vanilla in my milk. Papa Bear joined her with a plate of cookies and a cup of tea. So tell me all about your day, Little Bear. Any tests or assignments? These cookies look almost too good to eat. Bernice said picking one up and taking a big bite. Almost yum. These are so good, Papa. I'm glad you think so. Today was super tiring. Bernice said with a sigh. But I didn't fall asleep. Unlike Roger, who's been sitting in front of me lately. He actually dozed off a couple of times. He asked me to poke him with my pencil if it happened again. Papa Bear raised an eyebrow. Really? Yep, Bernice said with a nod. He said he had bad dreams last night and had to get up really early for practice this morning. And I think the classroom was a little warm today. That can make you sleepy, right? Yes, sometimes it can. Papa Bear said gently. I hope Roger gets a good rest tonight. Yes, you really do need to be awake in class. How else can you learn all the amazing things you learn in school? Using your brain a lot is so tiring. Bernice said with a smile finishing her cookie. But these cookies definitely help. School was busy and stuff. I had a science test today. I probably got a hundred. And we were supposed to have a math test but didn't. Math feels kind of easy peasy these days, so that's ok. And Bobby and I worked on our project again in the library. She took a sip of milk, then added, I like the library, but it's so hard not to read every single book on the shelves. Bobby had a really hard time concentrating. There was a book about building robots with Legos and another new book about dinosaurs. Libraries are wonderful places. Papa Bear said taking a bite of his cookie. Yeah, I think so too. I had lunch with Addie and Bobby and Ethan and Gertrude today. Some of Our other friends didn't come. They had some activity or something. Addie shared part of her lunch, and it was super yummy. She had hummus and Gertrude brought raw vegetables, but carrots were included, so Bobby refused to eat any of it. Papa Bear raised an eyebrow. I gave him some hummus and he put it on his cookie, Bernice said, laughing. Only Bobby would do something like that. Addie seems really nice, though. She said she might join our swim team next year. I don't know if I'll still be swimming then or not. Well, you've got lots of other sports you're doing. You don't have to decide just yet. Papa Bear said. You might change your mind after a little break. Maybe you'll fall in love with swimming all over again this summer. Maybe, bernice said, reaching for another cookie. I love these little gummy bits on top. They're fun and chewy. She leaned back in her chair. Tonight I have so much reading to do. Cookie's going to help me, though. My room's kind of like a mini library now, and Cookie helps me focus mostly by sitting in my lap and refusing to move when I'm at my desk. She added with a giggle. She's a great study partner. Papa Bear agreed. And I know she loves keeping you company while you work. Oh, Papa, Bernice said suddenly, her mouth half full of cookie, I almost forgot. When are we going to start planting our flowers? We do it every spring, and I feel like we're a bit late. Or maybe I'm just super excited to start digging in the dirt again. You're right, Little Bear. We might be a bit behind. Papa Bear said, but the weather hasn't exactly cooperated. Plants need sunshine and warmth to grow, and it's been cold and wet lately. I think this weekend we can finally get back into the garden. How about we start on Saturday? That sounds like fun. I bet Mama will want to plant all kinds of flowers and vegetables and stuff like that, too. Bernice paused, then added, oh, and Papa, I almost forgot. Um, do you know what time of year it is? I sometimes lose track because of school and being excited about spring and stuff. But my birthday's coming up soon, right? And, uh, do you think maybe I could have a few friends over or something? Looking up at him, she continued, it's not that you and Mama aren't fun, because you are. But Bobby says he wants to throw confetti and eat cake and go a little bit crazy. And you and Mama aren't exactly crazy like Bobby. That is very true. There's only one Bobby, papa Bear said with a smile. And no, I haven't forgotten your birthday. I couldn't forget your birthday if I tried. Your mama and I will talk about it tonight. Okay? So that means yes, right? Bernice said with a laugh. Papa Bear chuckled. That's not exactly what it means, but I have a feeling it'll be just fine. Yay. Bernice beamed. Okay, I'll finish my milk and see if I can finish my reading before dinner. Sounds like a plan, Little Bear. After Bernice finished her reading and homework, ate dinner, and did a bit more reading with Mama Bear, she began her bedtime routine. Tonight that meant extra soapy bubbles in the bath because it had been a long day and sometimes a super soapy bath just helps everything feel better. Afterward, she did her stretches and a few deep belly breaths, then laid out her favorite clothes for the morning. She gently tucked in her bedtime friends Twigga, Wolfie, and Madeline, making sure each one had their spot just right. Most nights, Cookie took her time jumping up on the bed, but tonight she was already there, curled in a tight little ball, ready for a nap. Or maybe, Bernice thought, a nighttime adventure to greet dragons, gnomes, or fairies you never really knew with Cookie. It's that time, Papa. Bernice called. And what time is that, Little Bear? Papa Bear's voice rumbled from the kitchen. The time when you tell me a story. Papa Bear climbed the stairs, trying his best not to make the whole house shake, but it did anyway. Are you sure you can stay awake? You had a very full day and lots of reading tonight, papa Bear said as he stepped into her room. I think so, Papa. Maybe just a short story, bernice said with a great big yawn. Did you do all the things you need to do before bed? I think so. I had a super soapy bath with lots of bubbles. It smells like some kind of flower, so I think it must be Mama's. I don't know, Little Bear. I like flowers too, papa Bear said with a grin. Especially when I get to plant them with you and Mama this weekend. Yeah, you're right. I just always think of cookies and forest smells when I think of your soap. Papa Bear laughed. Maybe I should get cologne that smells like chocolate chip cookies. Maybe. Bernice giggled. Or maybe you could just keep baking cookies all the time. Fair enough, papa Bear said, sitting down beside her. Are you comfy? Yes, Papa. And how about Twiggle, Wolfy and Madeline? Are they ready for a story too? They say they're ready, though they're a bit sleepy And Cookie's already curled up, so I think she's more than ready. Okay, then give me a hug and a kiss and I'll tell you a short story. Thank you, Papa, Bernice said, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a big squeeze. Once upon a time, in a world full of magic and fun, there lived a brave little bear named Booboo. She lived in a large castle at the edge of a mystical forest, and in this forest were unicorns, fairies, gnomes, and all manner of insects, birds, and and animals. It was a wonderful place. Her best friend was a young dragon called Kai Kai, and they liked to play together as much as they could. The kingdom they lived in was full of people, some in the meadows, some in the hills, and some in the heart of the forest. And they all lived in harmony. On this day, Bubo and Kai Kai were busy in the castle garden gathering petals and making their flower crowns for the annual petal parade, a springtime celebration that marked the end of winter and the beginning of all things bright and blooming. Do you think we'll have the prettiest crowns this year? Asked Booboo, carefully weaving tulip petals together. Of course we will. Kai Kai puffed a tiny flame that made the petals shimmer. Nobody makes flower crowns like we do. But not far from where they worked, at the quiet edge of the forest, someone else was beginning her own small adventure. Her name was Flora, and though she was no taller than a teacup, she had a very important job, helping the flowers wake up for spring. Spring had arrived in the forest, and everything was humming with life. The moss had turned bright and velvety underfoot, the brooks had begun their bubble gossip again, and tiny clouds of pink pollen floated lazily through the air. In the garden just past the castle gates, flowers were waking up, stretching their petals, shaking off the last shivers of winter and singing their soft, leafy songs. Flora walked between them, and when she walked, the flowers leaned toward her because Flora was a spring sprite and the flowers loved her more than raindrops. Good morning, bell whistles, Flora said, kneeling beside a patch of tall golden flowers with trumpet shaped blooms. They jingled like tiny chimes when the breeze passed through them. Did you sleep well? The bell whistles gave a happy ting ting ting. She moved on to the ribbon swish, whose long, silky petals shimmered between violet and mint and smelled like birthday cake. When Flora brushed one with her finger, it let out a faint whoosh sound. Everywhere she went, flowers opened wider. Booboo had waved to her from the castle earlier And Kai. Kai had promised to help gather clover petals later that afternoon. But Flora had one more job to do before joining them. She had to make sure every bloom had woken up for spring. Flora tiptoed beyond the main garden path, where the flowers grew a little wilder and the air smelled like damp bark and peppermint. The chorus of spring sounds softened here. No more bell whistle jingles or ribbon swish sighs, just the rustle of ferns and the sleepy buzz of a lone beetle carrying pollen on its back. That's when she saw it. Nestled in a quiet patch of soil near the old stone bridge, surrounded by blooming honey popples and dancing snapberries, sat a single bud, tightly closed, completely still. It wasn't just shy. Flora could feel it. The little bud was stuck, like it hadn't realized winter was over. She knelt beside it and placed her palm gently above the bud, letting her warmth hum through the plant. You're not too late, she whispered. Spring is patient. There's still time. Nothing. So she sat beside the little flower and began to tell it a story. I know it's hard to wake up, she said softly. I had a nap once so deep I dreamt I was a snowflake. I floated over mountaintops and curled into a pocket of frost under a leaf. When I finally woke up, I didn't even remember my own name. Still nothing. But I remembered how good it felt to be warm again. To stretch, to laugh, to bloom. A long pause, then just a little wiggle. Flora's eyes lit up. She leaned closer and told another story of a flower who bloomed only when someone believed in it. The sun tried, the rain whispered, but it didn't open until someone came and sat beside it, just to sit and believe. The bud twitched again, one petal just barely unfurled. Flora clapped softly. You're listening. She stayed there a little longer, humming softly and letting the warmth of her voice wrap around the flower like sunlight. And slowly, sweetly, the little bloom began to open, petal on petal, shimmering like morning dew and marmalade. By the time Flora returned to the garden, the petal parade had already begun. Boo Boo wore a crown of tulip petals, and Kai Kai trotted proudly beside, her wings tucked in so he didn't blow anyone's flower hats off. The bell whistles were ringing in celebration, the snapberries were bouncing in rhythm, and someone had trained the ladybug band to play a cheerful waltz on thistle flutes. Flora slipped into the procession, smiling, but in her arms, cradled on a cushion of moss, was the star of the show. The once sleeping bloom now glowed softly, its petals wide and bright. Its scent floated like honey hope and warm pine. Even the butterflies swooped down to sea. Booboo. Gasped. Flora, where did you find that? It found me, flora said. Just needed a little extra time. Kai Ki sniffed the air and nodded. Smells like waffles and chocolate. I like it. Together they placed the blossom in the center of the parade circle, and as the petal parade danced on, the little flower swayed, no longer shy, no longer stuck. It was awake and it was home. And with that, Papa Bear gave Bernice a kiss on her forehead, adjusted her blanket, making sure that her friends were comfy too, 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.