Nora the Nightingale's Lullaby

When the sun dipped behind the hills and the birds stopped chattering, a soft hush fell over the forest. The squirrels stopped scampering. The frogs lowered their croaks. From the top of the tallest oak tree, Nora the nightingale took a deep breath and began her evening song.

The Forest Gets Sleepy

Nora's song was not loud like the daytime songs. It was soft and slow, like honey dripping from a spoon. Hush-a-bye, little ones, she sang. The leaves rustled softly, the stream gurgled quietly, and every baby animal in the forest lifted its ears to listen.

The baby hedgehog curled into a prickly ball. The ducklings tucked their beaks under their wings. Even the busy beavers stopped building their dam to listen. Nora sang about moonbeams and meadows, about cozy nests and warm milk.

A Song for Baby Rabbit

First, Nora sang for Baby Rabbit, who was too excited to sleep. Her song wrapped around him like a warm blanket, and his big ears flopped down. Then she sang for the twin fox cubs, who curled their fluffy tails over their noses. One by one, her lullaby found each sleepy head.

For the sleepy mole babies underground, she sang a little deeper so the song could travel through the soil. For the baby owl, who wanted to stay awake, she sang the softest notes of all until even his wide eyes began to close.

The last baby to fall asleep was a tiny field mouse, no bigger than a button. Nora sang her very last note, softer than a breath, and the mouse curled up in a ball of fluff. The forest was finally, completely still.

Everyone Hums Along

Soon the whole forest was humming Nora's tune, even the crickets and the little owl. The baby animals dreamed sweet dreams of moonlight and clover. And when the last baby was asleep, Nora rested her head under her wing and slept too, happy that her songs had done their gentle work.

Moral of the Story

A gentle song can calm any busy mind, so let your thoughts drift softly as you fall asleep.