A short message for grown-ups.
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Hello, friends, and welcome to Sleep Tight Stories.
Each week we share a few shout-outs and birthday wishes for listeners who help support the show.
It's a small way we say thank you, and it always makes us smile.
Wishing Connor a fun, exciting, and meaningful year ahead as he enters third grade.
We are so proud of the kind, funny, silly, and sweet boy you are.
We love you more than you love Bernice's stories.
Keep up the great work from Mom, Dad, Charlotte, and Leo.
Happy belated fourth birthday to Isabella Flynn on September 4th.
Your mom, dad, and sisters Eloisa and Olivia love you very much.
Happy fifth birthday to our sweet, silly, smart, beautiful, unicorn-loving Simone.
We are so proud of you for your curiosity, determination and being just the best big sister to Henry.
We hope you have a great day, Simi.
Mom, Dad, Henry, and Romeo love you more than anything.
Bravest, kindest, funniest, smartest boy in the entire world, Tutu from DC.
Wish you a very happy birthday.
Love you so much from Auntie.
Happy birthday, June Rainbow Bug Pink Rose.
We love you a million times over and are so lucky to have the funniest, smartest and kindest big cheetah in the world right here in Philadelphia.
Love your parents and your big brother, Oliver.
Wishing a very happy seventh birthday to Dorothy in Victoria BC and also a happy fourth birthday to her sister Miriam.
We are so proud of the strong, imaginative kids you both are.
Whether you are climbing, singing or creating amazing stories, we know you'll have a fantastic year.
We love you so much from Mama and Daddy.
Happy Birthday Soren Sally in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Mommy, Daddy, Tarzan, Irish, and Shortstop know that seven will be your best year yet.
We are so proud of your kind heart and all your hard work at school, piano lessons, and swim team.
Enjoy your birthday, and we love you.
Happy 7th birthday to our beautiful, smart, and kind Ava Jean.
Mommy, Daddy, Abby, Lily, and Ravioli love you to the moon and back.
Happy birthday to Lena from Danville, California.
Just yesterday, you were six, seven, Now you are 14.
You are kind, empathetic, and funny.
You bring joy to those around you.
We are so proud of you.
Keep being silly.
Love mom, dad, and Rachel.
Happy 10th birthday Lennox and Zoe.
You've been lighting up the world for a whole decade.
Mummy loves you so much.
And happy 7th birthday to Natalie from St.
Albert, Canada.
With love from Mom, Dad, Bridget and Pink Teddy.
We are so proud of you and your creative, hilarious energy brings joy to all of us.
Happy birthday to you all and thank you for supporting the show.
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Now, on to our story.
Bernice has arrived home from school and she can smell Papa Bear's cookies all the way outside.
She rushes to the house and closes the door quickly to keep all the yummy smells inside.
Bernice doesn't want to eat cookies.
Bernice could smell it as soon as she said goodbye to Ethan, or maybe even before she got off the bus.
But for certain, it was the most wonderful smell in the whole world.
Papa's cookies.
The smell was making her tummy make gurgling noises even before it usually happened.
She gave one final wave to Ethan as she hurried up the steps to her small house, opened the door and stepped inside quickly, so all the yummy smells wouldn't escape.
She didn't want to make all the other kids' tummies in the neighborhood gurgle, too.
Hi, Papa.
Hi, Cookie.
I am home, she called.
School was super busy today and the teachers are already getting strict, even though we just started.
It's only the second week, but it feels like I'll have homework forever.
That sounds serious, little bear, Papa Bear answered from the kitchen in his super deep voice.
Sometimes Bernice thought it made the house vibrate, but that was probably just her imagination.
I'm in the kitchen and have a treat for us to share.
Fresh cookies.
Bernice loved cookies, especially Papa's.
But a little voice in her head remembered something one of her classmates had said at lunch.
Something about sugar and how treats weren't good for you.
Okay, Papa, she said.
Bernice plopped down on the floor to take off her sneakers.
They were her brand new pair, the shiny ones.
Mama had wanted to keep nice, but Bernice had already decorated them with cookie and cat stickers Gertrude had given her.
They looked perfect now, at least to Bernice.
Just as she took off her first sneaker, Cookie pranced around the corner with her tail high, purring loudly.
She meowed, which in cat meant hello.
Hello, Cookie.
Did you miss me today?
I sure missed you, even though it's getting busy at school now.
It's like the teachers are in a rush or something.
They keep giving us more and more and more work to do.
I don't think high school is as hard as this, or even university.
But you know, I'm smart and work hard, so it shouldn't be a problem, I guess.
How was your day?
Bernice said, all in one long breath.
Cookie flopped onto her back, ready for a belly rub.
You love your belly rubs, Bernice laughed, rubbing gently.
Suddenly, her tummy gave a long gurgle.
Cookie's ears flicked up, eyes wide.
Sorry, Cookie.
Don't be scared.
It's not thunder or storms and stuff.
It's just my silly tummy.
Some days I'm extra hungry after school because my brain works super hard.
And gym today? made it even worse.
Cookie relaxed again as Bernice scratched her belly.
But you know what, Cookie?
I don't know if I should eat cookies anymore.
She wrinkled her nose.
We had a class about food the other day.
Not really anything new, but at lunch, some of the kids were saying you shouldn't eat sugar.
And I mean, I know the science because I'm good at science and all that, but now I don't know.
Maybe I shouldn't eat Papa's cookies today at all.
Treats are on the table, Little Bear, Papa Bear boomed from the kitchen.
Bernice sighed, a long, confused sigh.
I guess I'll talk to you later, Cookie.
You'll help me with my homework, right?
You always do, so I guess today won't be different.
After putting away her sneakers and jacket, she grabbed her backpack and hurried into the kitchen.
Papa Bear was waiting at the table, blowing on his cup of steaming tea.
Wash your hands and come tell me about your day, he said.
I added a sprinkle of vanilla and nutmeg to your milk. to make it extra special.
Bernice scrubbed her hands at the sink, then plopped into her seat.
Her eyes landed on the plate of cookies in the middle of the table.
Those look super yummy delicious.
Vanilla macadamia nut, right?
And I love macadamia nuts and cookies.
But, Papa, I don't think I should eat cookies, though.
Why not, Little Bear?
We often share cookies as a treat after school.
Well, some of the kids said you shouldn't eat cookies because they're bad.
And we've had some classes at school about food and nutrition.
I mean, I know about the science.
You've helped me understand how food works.
But maybe I just shouldn't eat them anymore.
Papa Bear nodded.
You don't have to eat cookies, Little Bear.
Remember.
Cookies are a treat we share while we talk about your day.
That's what makes them special.
I know, Papa, and I love cookies and ice cream and spaghetti and mama's salads.
Even parsnips and carrots.
I'm not so sure about eggplant, but I try.
My friends and I share food at lunch, too, so I get to try all kinds of things.
She sighed.
I guess I'm just confused.
Papa Bear smiled gently.
It's easy to feel that way, and it's true.
Too much sugar isn't good for our bodies.
But sometimes a treat is about more than the food itself.
It's about slowing down, talking and enjoying something together.
That's why we save cookies for times like these.
Not every day. but often enough to make it special.
I use the word treat because that's what it is.
Mama helps make sure we eat all the other good foods our bodies need.
Bernice grinned.
That's true.
We had beans and salad three times last week.
I still think we should have more pizza, though, she laughed.
At lunch today, a new friend, May, brought dumplings.
Super yummy, and she was happy to trade.
But Ryan wouldn't take my cookie, and I really wanted to try his lunch.
It had all these things spilling out of it.
Bobby didn't share either, because he brought cookies his mom made, and you know his thing about carrots.
Papa Bear chuckled.
Raw onions in your bean salad made you scrunch up your nose last week.
Dumplings sound like a pretty good trade.
Puppet Bear leaned back in his chair and took a thoughtful sip of tea.
You know, Little Bear, people often say sugar is bad.
But the truth is your body actually needs sugar.
It's the fuel that keeps your brain sharp. and your legs running fast.
The trick is how the sugar comes.
Bernice tilted her head.
How it comes?
Yep, Papa Bear said, nodding.
Think of an apple.
It has sugar. but it also has fiber and vitamins.
So the sugar goes into your body slowly, giving you steady energy.
Now think of a cookie.
The sugar in a cookie zooms in all at once, like whoosh.
He wiggled his big hands for effect.
That's fun for a treat, but if you only ate Zoom sugar all the time, you'd feel silly and then tired.
Bernice giggled, like Bobby after he drank orange soda one time.
Exactly, Papa Bear said with a chuckle.
So cookies aren't bad.
They're just special.
We eat lots of good foods to help our bodies grow strong, and then we share cookies to enjoy together.
That way, your tummy and your heart both get what they need.
Bernice burst out laughing.
Zoom, sugar.
That's exactly it, Papa.
I don't want to be all zoomy and then fall asleep on my homework.
She pretended to slump sideways in her chair, her tongue sticking out.
Papa Bear laughed too.
Well, I don't think anyone wants that.
That's why Mama makes sure we have beans, veggies, fruit, and all the good stuff most of the time.
And then I bake cookies so we can sit together, talk about your day, and share something special.
That balance keeps our bodies strong and our hearts happy.
Bernice sat back up grinning.
So I don't have to give up cookies forever and ever?
Not unless you want to, little bear.
Around here.
Treats are part of the fun, but they don't take the place of all the other yummy foods that help you grow.
Bernice gave a big sigh of relief.
Oh, good, because I'm pretty sure my tummy and my mouth would miss them so much.
So you said you're really busy already.
Does that mean you have a lot of homework to do?
Papa Bear asked.
Papa, you wouldn't believe it.
There is so much homework.
I even saw one kid running around outside at the bus stop like he was going totally bananas.
It's super duper much.
Oh, and can I use the pad tonight?
Bobby Gertrude and I want to talk about our English homework.
Ethan has finished his, of course.
He's really smart at literature and French.
He just gets all the French words no problem.
But Bobby, he sounds super silly when he tries.
You know Bobby.
When something's hard for him, He jokes about it first.
Then he shows up the next day and he's got it almost perfect.
Anyway, I also have math, but that's easy peasy.
And some science, which might take a little longer.
I think the teachers want us to be smarter than the high school kids.
Well, it sounds like you are going to be busy before and after dinner, Papa Bear said, taking a sip of his tea.
I'll give you the pad when you're ready.
When you finish your milk, please put your glass in the sink.
I'll be here making dinner if you need help.
Thanks, Papa.
I think Cookie might help me too.
She's like my study muse.
Her purring makes my brain focus.
Papa Bear laughed.
After finishing her homework, giggling on the pad with Gertrude and Bobby...
Bernice enjoyed the big salad Papa Bear made for dinner.
Then she headed upstairs for her bedtime routine.
She took a shower.
She usually preferred bubble baths, but wanted to try something different tonight.
Brushed her teeth, did some yoga stretches with Mama. and picked out her clothes for tomorrow.
She chose her dinosaur hoodie from last year.
Super comfy now, even if it wasn't as baggy as when it was new.
Finally she hopped into bed, arranged Twigga Wolfie and Madeline just right, pulled the blanket up to her chin and called out It's that time, Papa.
And what time is that, little bear?
Papa Bear called back from the kitchen where he was talking with Mama about boring stuff that they like to talk about.
It's time for a bedtime story.
Before Papa Bear could reply, Cookie padded in, curled up beside her, and started washing her face.
Another bedtime story? boomed Papa Bear, and the house gave a gentle shake.
His footsteps always sounded heavy at night.
I can't wait!
When he reached the top of the stairs, he peeked in and asked, Are you still awake?
I am, Papa.
And Cookie, Twigga, Wolfie, and Madeline are all ready too.
We want a super long story, Bernice said with a yawn.
I think Cookie wants a long story too, because she is washing her face, which means she is not quite ready for sleeping, I guess.
Papa Bear chuckled.
That may be true, but how about a short story tonight?
Tomorrow's another exciting day at school, and you'll want to be the best version of your best self.
Bernice yawned again.
Okay, Papa.
It doesn't have to be about Boo Boo and Kai Kai.
But I like the magical kingdom because you can fly to places where treats grow on trees.
Yes, magic is wonderful.
Are you comfy?
Yes, Papa.
And Twigga, Wolfie, and Madeline, are they comfy too?
I think they are.
Papa Bear looked at Cookie.
And Cookie?
She will be, I think, when she finishes her face.
She should just have a bath with me, I think.
Papa Bear smiled.
All right, then.
Give me a hug and a kiss, and I'll tell you a short story.
I love you, Papa.
I love you too, Little Bear.
Once upon a time in a world full of magic and fun, there lived a young boy named Finn.
He lived in a cozy cottage at the edge of a stream in the mystical forest.
And in this forest there were unicorns fairies, gnomes and all manner of insects, birds and animals.
It was a wonderful place.
Finn always took a shortcut home from the Academy along a well-worn path through the forest.
But today, he was about to meet someone special.
Whoa!
Finn jumped back as something tiny zipped in front of his boots.
What the...
A pixie no bigger than his thumb hovered in the air, brushing dust off a miniature school bag.
His wings buzzed angrily.
Watch where you're walking, giant, the pixie squeaked.
You almost squished me.
Sorry, I didn't see you, Finn said. approaching down for a better look.
Are you okay?
The pixie messy brown hair sticking out from beneath what looked like a tiny green uniform crossed his arms.
I'm fine.
Just trying to get home from school without being stepped on by huge people.
School?
Finn blinked.
You go to school?
Yeah, obviously, don't you?
Well, yeah, but... Finn sat on a mossy rock so he wouldn't tower over the tiny figure.
I just didn't think, I mean, where do you even go to school?
Dewdrop Academy, under the big mushroom by the stream.
The pixie landed on a dandelion, still eyeing Finn suspiciously.
Where do you go?
Some huge building?
Village Academy, stone walls and everything.
Finn shifted his heavy book bag.
I'm Finn, by the way.
The pixie hesitated, so... Do you like school?
Not really.
Had a math test today and totally bombed it.
You?
Spark groaned.
Ugh, math is the worst.
We had to calculate dew drop volume.
I got everything wrong.
Wait, pixies have math too?
Unfortunately, yeah.
What else did you do?
History, reading, and this awful game where I got picked last again.
Finn kicked a pebble.
I'm terrible at sports.
Same.
Well, not sports exactly.
Flying races.
I'm the slowest pixie ever.
Spark's wings drooped.
Everyone else can do these crazy loop-de-loops and I can barely go straight.
That's so weird.
I mean, not weird, weird, just we're totally different, but kind of the same.
Yeah, Bark tilted his head.
Do you have brothers or sisters?
One little brother.
He's super annoying and always gets into my stuff.
I have a little sister who keeps putting glitter in my backpack.
She thinks it's hilarious.
Finn laughed.
That actually sounds pretty funny.
It's not when you're trying to do homework and everything sparkles.
But Spark was smiling now.
Do your parents worry a lot?
Oh my gosh, yes.
My mom's always like, don't go too deep in the forest.
Watch out for this.
Be careful of that.
Mine too.
They're always asking if I ate enough nectar or if I remembered my tiny umbrella in case it rains.
They both laugh.
This is so strange, Finn said.
I thought pixies would be all, I don't know, magical and mysterious.
And I thought humans were scary and mean, but you're just regular, like me, but big.
Yeah, exactly, Finn yawned.
Man, I'm tired.
Long day.
Same.
I've got this presentation tomorrow about flower pollination, and I'm totally nervous.
I have to present my history project.
I'm going to mess it up for sure.
Probably not.
You seem pretty smart.
Thanks.
You too.
They've sat quietly for a moment, both feeling unexpectedly comfortable.
You know what's funny?
Sparks said, settling more firmly on his dandelion.
I was kind of scared when I first saw you.
Like, oh no, a human, what do I do?
Really?
I was thinking the same thing about meeting a pixie.
I thought you'd disappear or cast a spell on me or something.
I can barely manage a light spell, let alone turn you into a toad.
Spark giggled.
We've been talking forever now and it's just normal.
Yeah, you're basically just a tiny kid who goes to school and has an annoying family, Finn grinned.
Just like me, but small.
The forest grew quieter as evening settled in. both of them yawning more.
I walk this path every day after school, Finn said sleepily.
Me too, same time, I think.
Maybe we could meet up again tomorrow, if you want.
Yeah, that'd be cool.
Sparks stretched his tiny arms.
I should probably head home before my parents start worrying.
Same.
But this was nice.
Really nice.
Definitely, Spark agreed, his wings buzzing softly as he prepared to fly.
See you tomorrow, Finn.
See you tomorrow, Spark.
As they headed in opposite directions down the forest path, both felt a little less alone than they had that morning.
Papa Bear's voice softened as he finished the story.
He leaned over, kissed Bernice's forehead, adjusted her blanket and whispered I love you, little bear.
Cookie opened her eyes and looked up.
With a quiet chuckle, Papa Bear whispered, I love you too, Cookie.
And that is the end of our story.
Good night.
Sleep tight.
