Hello friends and welcome to Sleep Tite Stories. Bernice is slowly making her way home from the school bus. Bernice realizes that she is super tired from hockey, swimming, and all her schoolwork. So she and Papa talk about how they can help Bernice deal with all these things. Bernice is tired from hockey. Bernice slowly climbed down the school bus steps, each step slower than the one before. With a weak hop, she finally made it to the bottom where Ethan was waiting. Are you playing a game, Bernice? Because you're walking super slow right now, Ethan asked, planting back as the bus pulled away. Bernice didn't even wave goodbye to the bus driver like she usually did. Yeah, my legs feel like jelly or maybe licorice or something. And I'm so tired, I actually yawned in math class. And I never yawn in math class. Sometimes in English though. Bernice said, stopping another yawn. I guess I could give you a piggyback ride, but your bag looks super heavy and well. I don't know if I could do it. Ethan offered with a grin. Bernice laughed. Yeah, I could ride on your back through the snow. That might be fun, but I'll be okay. When I get home, I'll get some energy from a snack or something. She trudged toward her house, bragging her boots through the snow like they wade a ton. So why are you so tired, Ethan asked? You weren't up all night reading, were you? I remember that one time Bobby was so tired at school, he kept falling asleep, even in art class. Yeah, and he made that crazy looking painting because he kept dozing off with the brush in his hand. Bernice said laughing. Then, there was the time he stayed up late building one of his robots. I remember that. Bobby's crazy about building robots, Ethan said shaking his head. He is, but no, I wasn't up reading or anything. I had hockey practice this morning really early, and yesterday was swimming practice. Plus, I've got a swim meat coming up. My body feels like jello. That's a lot of stuff. I thought you were going to be a runner. Yeah, I am. I'll be a great runner, maybe even run in the Olympics someday. But we don't run much in the winter because of the ice and stuff, and Mama won't let me use the treadmill in the basement alone. Hockey is lots of fun, but I don't really like getting up early. I'm not a morning person. I'd rather sleep till noon, Ethan said, as they finally reached Bernice's house. We need help getting to the door. He asked, half joking, but ready to assist. Bernice laughed, hall make it. I'm sure I'll feel much better after a dozen cookies or so. See you later alligator. She called out as Ethan started to leave. After a while, crocodile, Ethan replied, running toward his grandmother's house to make up time. Bernice opened the door, quickly closing it to keep all the warm air inside and stamped the snow off her boots, creating a little snow pile just inside the front door. Hoppa and cookie, I'm home. Bernice called out weekly. I hope those are cookies I smell and not parsnips, even though I love vegetables, I think I really need cookies. No parsnips, little bear, just hot milk and honey oatmeal cookies for a treat. Come in when you're ready. Hoppa bear said from the kitchen in his impossibly deep voice. Bernice tried to take off her boots without sitting down, but every time she weakly tugged, her socks started to come off too. With a sigh, she sat down to try again. As soon as she pulled off the second boot, she heard the familiar thump of a cat jumping off a chair. Cookie trotted around the corner, mowing, aggreding. I cookie, did you miss me today? Bernice said, her words slurring as if she were too tired to speak properly. Cookie tilted her head and gave her a puzzled look. Sorry Cookie, I guess I'm mumbling or something, Bernice said with a laugh. I'm just so tired. I am super tired because not only am I studying a whole bunch and reading and stuff, I also have hockey practice and swimming practice. And it is making me so tired, I think I might sleep for a week. Except I can't, because I have a swim meet and I really need to win. But how can I win if I'm this sleepy? Cookie meowed softly and moved closer for some pets. Thanks for listening Cookie, Bernice said, giving her a scratch behind the ears. Maybe I should go get a treat, or maybe we could just nap right here, she added with a tired giggle. After hanging up her coat and making sure her wet boots were on the mat, Bernice shuffled into the kitchen following the delicious smells. Hi Papa, she said, heading straight to the sink to wash her hands. She wanted to get down to business, eating cookies. Little Bear, you're moving very slowly, are you okay? Papa Bear asked, I am tired Papa, maybe two dozen cookies will help. And since these are oatmeal, they should be healthy right? Bernice said as she sat down. Papa Bear chuckled as he placed a steaming mug of hot milk and a plate of cookies on the table. I think a few cookies might be a good start. Why are you so tired? Because Papa, I have to get up so early for hockey and swimming, and I still have all my tests and stuff, and I need to play with my friends and try to stay awake in class. How can I learn anything if I'm not awake? It sounds like all your activities are making you tired. I was wondering if maybe it was too much, and don't forget you have a swim meet this weekend too. Papa Bear said, settling into a chair with his T. Yeah, and I'm worried about it Papa, Bernice said, already reaching for her second cookie. Are you enjoying hockey? It's something new for you. Well, I wobble around a lot, but the coach says I'll get stronger with practice. I fall less now, but the boys can be rough and sometimes push me down. After a while, I get upset and tell them all race them on the track this summer. I think I like running best and swimming after that. Maybe I should just play hockey for fun and basketball too. I don't think I'll be going to the Olympics for hockey Papa. It's not like you to get upset little bear, and you're right, hockey should be for fun. Why don't we take a rest from so many practices until after your swim meet? After a good break, you can think about what you really want to do. Are you excited about your swim meet? I'm a bit nervous Papa. Over the summer when Bobby and I swam, I was getting super fast, but now I feel stuck, like I'm not improving. The other kids are getting better and I'm really happy for them, but I wish I was too. Remember little bear, we all improve at our own pace. Cheer your friends on and they'll cheer you on too. Sometimes, we improve really quickly at first, and then it feels like we aren't improving at all. But I'm sure you are getting better. It's just not as fast as before. Papa, yes little bear? Do you think I could have a couple more cookies? I think it'll help me do my homework, Brittany said with a grin. Papa bear laughed, oh okay, I'll get you a couple more. So, other than being super tired, how was your day? Anything interesting happened or test results you want to share? It was just a normal day Papa. Bobby had the sniffles, which means eventually, all of us will have the sniffles I think. He always makes a big deal about needing to sneeze, and he has the loudest sneeze in the whole school, except for the vice principal, who probably has the loudest sneeze in the world. That's what we all think anyway. Everyone laughs when Bobby sneezes like that, but he got in trouble in English class when he did it. Papa bear chuckled. I guess loud sneezes can't always be timed well. For lunch we shared like usual, but we made Bobby sit farther away because none of us wanted to catch his virus. I felt bad and gave him my apple. Oh, and Gertrude brought a cool lunch to share. It looked like tacos or something, and even though it was super spicy, it was really yummy. Bobby said his tongue was on fire, and thought he should go to the nurse, but he didn't. The afternoon wasn't so great though, I was too sleepy. Papa bear sighed. That's how it goes sometimes. One person catches a cold, and soon it's shared with everyone else. We better get you to bed early tonight so you're well rested, in case you catch it too. Yeah, maybe I should go to bed early, Papa. Bernie said letting out a great big yawn. I think I better finish my homework before I get so sleepy, I can't pick up my pencil. Call me if you need help. Mama will be home soon and she can check on you. Thank you for the yummy delicious cookies, Papa. You're welcome, little bear. After dinner and getting some help from Mama Bear with her homework, Bernie's quickly went through her bedtime routine, brawled into bed, and snuggled under her blanket. She called out, it's that time, Papa. What time is that little bear? Papa bear called from the kitchen where he was baking, again. It's time for the yawning Olympics, I think. She said before letting out another huge yawn. Papa bear ran up the stairs, causing the whole house to shake. Papa, you're going to make the house fall down, Bernie said with a giggle. Mama would be upset if you did that. She certainly would, Papa bear said with a laugh. Did you do everything you usually do before, bet? Yeah, I think so, but maybe a little faster than normal. I'm sure I'm squeaky clean at least. Well, we wouldn't want you to be stinky, would we? Papa bear teased with a grin. I never stinky. Well, not much, Bernie said with another giant yawn. I think you might win the yawning competition tonight, little bear. But you're in bed early, so hopefully a longer night's sleep will help you feel great tomorrow. Yeah, I think so. Can you tell me a story, Papa? Just a short one. Then I'll listen to other ones after I fall asleep. Are you sure you can stay awake long enough? Papa bear said, stopping a yawn of his own. Maybe you can just skip to the good parts of the Boo Boo and Kai Kai story. I like dreaming about chocolate trees sometimes. Are you comfy, Papa bear asked? Yes, Papa. How about Twig of Wolfie and Madeline? Are they comfy too? I think so. And what about you, Cookie? Papa bear asked, looking down at the little cat who had jumped up on the bed and curled up next to Bernice. I think she's ready too, Bernice said, stroking cookies for. Okay, give me a hug and a kiss and I'll tell you the good parts of a super short story. Thank you, Papa, Bernice said, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a big hug. Once upon a time in a world full of magic and fun, there lived a brave little bear named Boo Boo. We 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. Just get to the good stuff, Bernice whispered to Papa Bear. What does the grove of chocolate trees look like? Papa Bear chuckled, leared his throat and continued. Boo Boo and Kai Kai were at the Willow and Whisk magical treats shop at the base of a snowy mountain just north of Boo Boo's castle. In this special area, the chocolate trees only bloomed after the first snowfall. Today was that magical time. Kai finished his last sip of cocoa and stretched his wings, snowflakes dusting them like powdered sugar. Alright, Boo Boo, are you ready for the grove? After all these treats, I feel like I could fly to the moon. Boo Boo tightened her scarf. I've never seen a grove like this in the snow. Let's go before it gets dark. The grove wasn't far, but the snow had piled up quickly, turning the path into a sparkling, tunnel of frosted trees. Instead of walking, Boo Boo climbed on Kai Kai's back, and with a powerful beat of his wings, they were airborne, gliding gently over the tree tops. Below them, the world shimmered as though dusted with magical fairy glitter. It looks like someone sprinkled sugar everywhere, Boo Boo exclaimed. It smells like sugar too, Kai Kai said, sniffing the air. His belly rumbling yet again. Moments later they spotted the grove, a circle of magical trees, blowing softly against the snowy landscape. The branches hung heavy with chocolate leaves, in shades of milk, dark and white. Their edges glistening with frozen caramel. Cocoa pods dangled like ornaments, and tiny sugar sprites zipped between the trees, laughing as they played in the snow. As Kai Kai landed at the grove's edge, a cheerful sprite darted up to them. Welcome, you're just in time! Caramel streams are flowing, and the snowberries are ripe. Boo Boo was excited. Snowberries? I've never tried those before. They're amazing, the sprite said, pointing toward a snowy patch where red and white berries glistened with special good magic. Just make sure to eat them quickly before they melt in your hands. Kai Kai grabbed a handful of snowberries and popped them into his mouth. Mmm, this is really delicious. I feel like I might eat all of the snowberries in this part of the forest. He said his tail, swishing. Boo Boo tasted one, giggling as it fizzed in her mouth and turned into a puddle of berry juice. Yummy! As they wandered the grove, collecting cocoa pods and tasting snowberries, Boo Boo couldn't stop smiling. What could be better than magical treats in a magical forest? Bernice let out a loud snort, causing Papa Bear to chuckle softly. She was fast asleep. The story and her busy day having worn her out. Papa Bear tucked in her blankets, kissed her forehead and turned off the light. I love you little bear, he whispered, before quietly leaving the room. And that is the end of our story. Good night, sleep tight.
