Bramble the Bear Can't Sleep

A Cozy Little Cave

Deep in the green forest, under a big old tree, there was a little cave. Inside the cave lived a small brown bear named Bramble.

Bramble had a soft bed of leaves. He had a warm fuzzy blanket. He even had his favorite acorn under his pillow.

But tonight, Bramble could not sleep.

He rolled to the left. He rolled to the right. He flipped his pillow to the cool side. He counted the fireflies blinking outside.

Still, his eyes stayed wide, wide open.

The Busy Mind

"Mama," Bramble whispered. "I can't sleep."

Mama Bear opened one sleepy eye. "Are you cold, little one?"

"No," said Bramble. "I'm warm."

"Are you hungry?"

"No. I had my honey."

Bramble sat up. "My body is tired," he said. "But my head is still busy. It keeps thinking and thinking."

Mama Bear smiled a soft, warm smile. "Ah," she said. "I know just the thing. When your mind is busy, you can help it feel calm. Let me show you."

Goodnight, Forest

Mama Bear pulled Bramble close. "We are going to say goodnight," she said. "Not all at once. One little thing at a time."

She pointed out of the cave at the dark trees.

"Goodnight, tall trees," she said softly.

"Goodnight, tall trees," whispered Bramble.

"Goodnight, slow river."

"Goodnight, slow river," yawned Bramble.

"Goodnight, sleepy owl in the oak."

"Goodnight, owl," said Bramble, and his eyes felt a tiny bit heavier.

One Soft Goodnight at a Time

They kept going, slow and quiet.

"Goodnight, little rabbits in your burrow," said Mama.

"Goodnight, bunnies," murmured Bramble.

"Goodnight, twinkly stars."

"Goodnight, stars."

"Goodnight, cool night wind."

"Goodnight, wind," Bramble breathed. His busy mind was not so busy now. It felt soft, like the fuzzy blanket.

Almost There

"Goodnight, my brave little bear," said Mama Bear. She gave him a gentle squeeze.

"Goodnight, Mama," Bramble said. His voice was tiny and slow.

"And goodnight, busy thoughts," said Mama. "You can rest now too. The forest is safe. Everyone is sleeping. And it is your turn to sleep as well."

Bramble snuggled into his leaf bed. His acorn was under his pillow. His blanket was warm. The fireflies blinked slower and slower.

Sweet Dreams

And do you know what?

Bramble's eyes finally closed.

His breathing went soft and even, like the slow river outside. He dreamed of honey and stars and a warm summer day.

In the morning, the sun peeked into the cave. Bramble woke up feeling happy and rested.

"Mama!" he said. "I slept all night!"

Mama Bear laughed her big bear laugh. "You did, little one. And now you know the secret. When your mind is busy, just say a soft goodnight, one thing at a time."

That night, and every night after, Bramble said goodnight to the forest. And every night, he drifted off to sleep, cozy and calm, in his little cave under the big old tree.

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The gentle lesson: It is okay to feel wide awake. A slow, soft goodnight can help even the busiest mind feel calm enough to sleep.

More stories to read: meet a kind giant in The Friendly Dragon or a small hero in The Brave Little Robot.