In the still time just before sleep, when outside goes dark and a calm quiet rests on the land, a magic chance for bonding and learning is there. This is when moms, dads, and kids snuggle up in bed and set off on made-up trips far from the real world—a trip made with dreams and lit up by a loved story.
In our busy world full of things that pull our focus and things we can’t be sure of, reading stories at bedtime to kids is really important. It’s a dear practice, a custom we’ve had for ages, that not just makes kids love reading, but also helps them learn how to think of others, be strong, and know what’s right.
With the cozy light of a small lamp, both grown-ups and kids fly to places far off, where brave folks go on big adventures and smart teachers share what they know for all time. These books show kids lots of different people—each winning and losing, good and not so good—whose life stories are like mirrors showing us how life can be so complex.
In this opening, we start to look into how tales can stir us up, teach us, and lift our spirits. Just like the people in these stories go after truth and what life means, we go after the rich stuff hidden in bedtime stories. So, dear reader, let us flip the page and see what great things wait for us in the land of dreams.
“The Hunt for the Fountain of Life”
by Luna Everwood
” Long ago, deep in a thick wood, there was a place where animals lived. In this place, a smart old owl named Othello, known for his smart thoughts and clever ways, was much loved. All the animals in the wood would go to him when they needed help.
One hot day, a bad dry spell hit the wood, making the water in the brooks run out and the soil dry up. The animals felt weak and lost, not finding water or food. They all came to Othello, hoping he could think of a way to fix their trouble.
Othello, with his strong, deep talk, said, “My good pals, I get your fears, but I see a way to beat this hard time. We must go to the far hills where the famous Fountain of Life is known to flow.”
The idea of this trip shocked the animals. The way to the hills was full of risk and hard to pass. But they had faith in Othello’s smart ways and set off on the hunt.
The trip was tough, and the animals met many hard tests. They saw sharp cliffs, wild waters, and mean beasts. Yet they kept going, their hearts set on finding the Fountain of Life.
After a lot of hard days, they got to the foot of the huge hills. With new hope, they climbed up, working hard to get to the top. There, they saw the amazing Fountain of Life, shining in the daylight.
As they got close, they found a big, scary dragon watching over the fountain. The dragon said they must give something to get the water, or they would burn.
The animals looked to Othello for what to do next. He spoke to the dragon saying, “Big watcher of the fountain, we mean no harm. We just want a drink to stop our wood from drying out. We have no gold, but we bring the gift of our togetherness and mateship.”
The dragon felt something from Othello’s talk and let them drink from the Fountain of Life for free. As they drank, they felt strong and full of life once more.
With their need for water met and their spirits high, the animals went back to their wood. There, they shared the life-giving water with everyone. In time, the dry spell went away, and the wood grew green again, all because the animals stuck together.”
This tale shows us that when tough times come, it’s not money or might that wins, but being together, caring for each other, and facing trials side by side. When we stand as one, we can beat the big problems and find the Fountain of Life in the love of our group.
Now, as our story for sleep ends, and night’s quiet magic wraps around us, think of the big ways tales shape us, teaching kids how to care, be brave, and stand for what’s good.
In their snug beds, with family near, kids join the story, facing hard choices, feeling happy for wins, and crying for lost friends. They grow better at thinking, understanding feelings, and choosing what’s right, skills they will use their whole lives.
Saying bye to the land of make-believe and coming back to what’s real, keep with us the lessons from our stories—the need to be nice when things are hard, the push to keep going in rough times, and the amazing power of dreams to change our days.
So, as stars blink above and dreams start on wings of fancy, let’s hold dear these times of coming together and finding new things, for they are what join us in a pattern of love, learning, and never-ending chances. Rest well, young reader, and may your dreams be full of magic and thrill until our next story.
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