transcript

Speaker 1:
[00:00] Hi, friends. Our Sleep Tight Premium includes 12 classic children's chapter books recorded the way they were meant to be listened to, plus original character stories, extra episodes every month, and no interruptions across all 17 of our shows. It's made by two parents in a small fishing village on Prince Edward Island, a second grade teacher, and her husband, a second grader at heart, who believe in the power of a good story at bedtime. Premium is a wonderful way to support that, and to have a little more of it for your family each week. Find Sleep Tight Premium on Apple Podcasts or at sleeptight.supercast.com. Hello, friends, and welcome to Sleep Tight Stories. Bernice has lots of reading to do to come up with an idea for her next science project with Bobby. She sits and talks to Papa Bear about her day and tells him all about the new friend she made at lunchtime. Bernice meets a new friend at lunch. See you later, Ethan, Bernice called as she walked up the steps to her small house. She opened the door, stepped inside, and quickly slipped off her sneakers, careful not to let them fly across the floor like she did one other time. Is that you, little bear? Papa Bear called from the kitchen in his super deep voice. Yeah, Papa, it's me. I know it's not Halloween or anything, but I was thinking of trying to sneak up and scare you. But our front door is too squeaky, I guess. I'd better fix those hinges then, so you have better luck next time, Papa Bear chuckled. After putting her sneakers neatly away and hanging up her jacket, Bernice sat down on the floor. Cookie, I'm home, and I'm not too starving today, so we can have our usual chad and pets if you like. Before she even finished her sentence, Cookie came prancing around the corner, tail held high. Hi Cookie, did you miss me today? I missed you, even though I was super busy and stuff. Bernice reached out to stroke Cookie's soft fur. Do you ever get busy when I'm gone? I guess you don't need to hunt for food like your ancestors did. But Papa says you sometimes come and keep him company while he's working at his desk. So I guess you're never too lonely, right? Cookie gave Bernice a gentle headbutt and let out a happy purr. So today I partnered with Bobby for our science project. We got to go to the library. Isn't that fun? I love when we can do our own research and find books. Bobby was kind of quiet though. I think it's because of what we're now calling the slime incident. Bernice giggled a little. He didn't get in too much trouble with the principal, but he did have to clean up his big slimy mess. He said his mom was upset and maybe he won't get to go to the movies this weekend like we planned. That's too bad. But I think he'll be his silly self again soon, because everyone makes mistakes, right? Just then, Bernice's stomach made a great big gurgling noise. Cookie perked up and gave her a wide-eyed stare, as if wondering whether a storm was coming. Sorry, Cookie. Sometimes I just can't control the noises coming from my tummy, Bernice giggled. Maybe it's the smells coming from the kitchen. They've activated my gurgles or something. Did you know that can happen? Like when you smell something really yummy, your brain gets tricked into thinking you're hungry, even if you aren't. I read it in a book once. Your senses, like smelling or even seeing food, send signals to your brain, and it gets your body ready for eating. I forgot what it's called, though. Anyway, I guess I should go have a snack. She gave Cookie a quick scratch under her chin. I hope we can read together after snack. I have a whole bunch of science stuff to get through, and you always help me learn new stuff. Bernice stood up, grabbed her backpack, and made her way into the kitchen. Our treat today smells super yummy delicious. What kind of cookies are they, Papa? I'm glad to hear you think they smell nice, Papa Bear said with a smile. These are oatmeal raisin cookies, a little healthier, made with some secret ingredients. If they're healthier cookies, Bernice's eyes twinkled as she went to the sink to wash her hands. Does that mean I can have three or four or maybe even five cookies? Papa Bear laughed. I think a couple should be enough, little bear. Besides, I've got a great big dinner planned for tonight, with lots of vegetables, beans and a special sauce your mama wanted to try. Papa Bear set a plate of cookies on the table and poured Bernice a glass of milk. Then he sat down with his tea. So, why don't you tell me all about your day, little bear? I can see by the size of your bag that you've brought home half the library. Do you have much homework? Oh, yeah, Papa, I have so much homework, I might not escape my room the whole weekend, Bernice grinned. It's cool homework, though. And I might have to talk to Bobby a few times if that's okay. I think he's allowed to talk about homework, but I don't think he can go to the movies or anything this weekend because of the slime incident. Yes, we checked in with his mother, Papa Bear said, sipping his tea. She told me he might not get to go to the movies this weekend, since he opened up that part of his robot when he was asked not to. But I don't think she's too upset. She just wants Bobby to understand there are consequences. Bernice nodded and took a big bite of cookie. So what's your homework about? Well Papa, it's a project with Bobby, and we're still figuring out what it's going to be about. That's why I've got so many books. We're doing our research first. I kind of want to do something about the human body because we don't study that much. But Bobby wants to build a drone, which is cool too. She took another bite and grinned. So we're each going to come up with an idea and talk about it, and then we'll decide together. That sounds great, little bear, Papa Bear said warmly. It's nice to collaborate on projects and learn together. Now, how about the rest of your day? Oh, I almost forgot. I met a new friend today at lunch, Papa. Her name's Addi. She usually eats with a couple other kids, but they weren't at school today for some reason. So Gertrude saw her sitting by herself and invited her to sit with us. She's super nice. I think she might join our group every day now. Papa Bear smiled. That's wonderful, little bear. It's always nice to welcome new friends. Yeah, and you know how we always share our lunch and stuff? Bernice continued. Well, Bobby had this huge sub sandwich with everything in it, except carrots, of course. And he'd even cut it up so we could share. But Addi said she couldn't have any. She couldn't eat my cookie either. She said she has something called celiac disease. I didn't really understand it, but it sounded pretty serious. So she couldn't share any of our food, except for Gertrude's, because she had some things Addi could eat. Papa Bear nodded, setting down his tea. It is serious, little bear, but Addi knows how to take care of herself. Celiac disease is when someone's body can't handle a part of certain grains called gluten. Gluten is found in things like bread, pasta, and yes, cookies too. For someone with celiac, if they eat even a little bit of gluten, it can make their belly hurt a lot, or make them feel really tired and sick for a long time. It's not like an allergy that makes your throat itchy, or your skin break out right away. It can take time for them to feel better again. Bernice's eyes widened. So even one bite of bread could make her sick? Yes, Papa Bear said gently. That's why Addi has to be very careful about what she eats. But the good news is, there are lots of foods she can enjoy. Just not the ones with gluten. Things like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and special gluten-free breads and treats made just for people like Addi. Bernice sat for a moment, thinking hard. That makes sense. I guess it must feel kind of hard, though, when we're all sharing and she has to say no. Papa Bear gave her a warm smile. It can feel that way sometimes. But the most important thing is that you all welcomed her and made her feel part of the group, just like you always do. And now that you know a little more, maybe you can think of some food to bring that everyone can share, even Addi. Bernice smiled. Yeah, I bet mama or you could help me bake something gluten-free. That way Addi can have a cookie too. I think that sounds like a wonderful plan, little bear. How about I bake some special cookies that she can try? I'll check with her mama and papa first, just to be sure what ingredients are safe for her. Then maybe she can try some of our cookies at lunch too. Bernice's eyes lit up. Is there anything else I could take for lunch that I could share, papa? Papa Bear smiled, tapping his chin thoughtfully. Well, there are lots of yummy foods that don't have gluten, but we'd still want to check with Addi's family before sharing anything. Some kids with celiac have to be really careful. Even a crumb from another food can make them sick. But fresh fruits like apple slices or grapes, some kinds of cheese or even little containers of hummus with veggie sticks are naturally gluten-free and usually easy to share. Bernice grinned, apple slices and cheese sound yummy and veggie sticks are fun to crunch. Of course, if they are carrots, Bobby would make a fuss, but that's okay. Maybe I could even cut the apples into shapes. Papa Bear chuckled, I think Addi would love that. But remember, the most important thing is checking with her first, so we know it's safe. I will, Papa. I just want her to feel a part of our group. I am happy to hear that. Now, why don't you finish your milk and get started with all your science reading? I'll call you to come for dinner so that you can take a break. Yeah, I will certainly need some brain food, Papa. Thanks for the delicious treat. You are welcome, little bear. After reading page after page in her science books, dinner, more reading and a long hot bath, Bernice took Twigga, Wolfie and Madeline and put them in their usual spots in bed. I read so much science tonight, I think I might have a Ph.D. already, Bernice said to Twigga, Wolfie and Madeline. I might be the youngest scientist in the world if I keep this up. Papa, it's that time, Bernice called out as she got into bed. Papa Bear walked up the stairs, which, because he was so big, sounded really loud. Walking into her bedroom, Papa Bear said, Is it time for the yawning Olympics or time to go straight to sleep? You can't say that word, Papa. Even just saying the word yawn leads to yawns, Bernice said with a yawn. See, I just yawned. Papa Bear couldn't help it. He yawned too. You might be right, Little Bear. Do you think you could tell me a story? Maybe one about Kai Kai and Boo Boo and the magical forest and stuff? Bernice asked with a big yawn. I sure can, Little Bear. Are you comfy? Yes, Papa. How about Twigawolfie and Madeline? They're super comfy too. And Cookie looks comfy too. Give me a hug and a kiss, and I'll tell you a short story. Thank you, Papa, Bernice said as Papa Bear tucked her in and sat back down to tell her a story. Once upon a time in a world full of magic and fun, there lived a brave little bear named Boo Boo. 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 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, Boo Boo and Kai Kai were visiting Bixie's house, tucked deep in the woods, along with many of their friends. The young students of the magical forest often gathered at Bixie's for extra lessons after school, or simply to listen to stories. And Bixie always had stories. It's nice to see you all again, Bixie said. His goggles perched on his head. And I see some new faces as well. As is our tradition whenever we welcome new students, we take a moment to go around and introduce ourselves. There were a few shy smiles, and one nervous hiccup from the back. But this time, Bixie continued with a twinkle in his eye. I thought we'd try something different. I'd like each of you to share a story from when you were younger. Something that taught you an important lesson. He turned to Kaikai with a knowing grin. Let's start with you, Kaikai. Now, we all know how much you love to talk about your favorite things for hours on end, especially anything about chocolate treats. But this time, he leaned in a little, I want you to keep it very brief. Otherwise, no one else will get a chance. Kaikai chuckled and cleared his long throat, his scales shimmering. Well, when I was much smaller than I am now, I couldn't fly for more than a few minutes at a time. So I spent most of my days down here, walking through the forest, while my parents soared high up in the sky. It was during this time that I found my very first chocolate tree. Keep it short, Kaikai, Bixie interrupted, though his smile softened the words. Kaikai laughed, his wings fluttering. Okay, okay, here's what you need to know. I love chocolate treats. They help fuel my fiery breath, and back then, my feet grew big first, long before the rest of me caught up. I sometimes got tangled in the vines because I couldn't see where I was stepping. One day, Kaikai continued, I got myself into a real tangle. He stretched out one clawed foot for emphasis. There I was, stomping through the underbrush, looking for chocolate trees, and I stepped right into a patch of sticky vineweed. It wrapped around my ankle so fast, I couldn't move at all. My wings were too small to lift me, and my parents were flying too high to hear me call. Some of the younger students leaned in wide-eyed. I was stuck. And then, he added, lowering his voice, I heard the tiniest voice. From the back of the room, Boo Boo grinned. She knew this part. It was mossy, Kaikai said, a sproutling no taller than my knee, with leaves for hair and roots for toes. Mossy could have just gone on with his day. I mean, imagine helping a giant dragon who's twice your size. Some of the younger creatures giggled at the thought. But mossy didn't walk away. He scurried right up to me, gave me a very serious look and said, stay still, wiggling only makes it worse. Kai kai chuckled, I did my best not to wiggle. Mossy nibbled and nod at the vines, one little root at a time. It took ages, but he didn't stop. When I was finally free, I thanked him and asked him how I could repay him. He paused and looked around the circle. Mossy just smiled and said, Someday, I'll need help too. And then he scampered off like nothing had happened. Kai kai sat back with a satisfied sigh. That's my story. Bixie nodded, adjusting his goggles. Thank you, Kai kai. That was almost brief. But what happened next? Asked a small voice near the front. Kai kai's smile grew softer. Well, let's just say Mossy did need help one day. But I'll save that part of the story for another turn. 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.