Barnaby Bear Helps Rosie Rabbit

Bedtime Story

Barnaby Bear was a very fluffy and friendly little bear. He lived in a cozy den under a big oak tree in Sunny Meadow. Barnaby loved to play! He loved to chase butterflies, sniff flowers, and roll down grassy hills.  One sunny morning, Barnaby was playing hide-and-seek with his best friend, Freddie Fox.  "Ready or not, here I come!" shouted Freddie, his voice echoing through the trees. Barnaby giggled and scurried behind the biggest sunflower he could find. 

As Freddie was searching, Barnaby heard a tiny sound.  It wasn't Freddie's giggling. It was a soft… sniffle?  Barnaby peeked out from behind the sunflower. He looked around and listened carefully.  Sniffle… sniffle… It was coming from the bushes near the big oak tree.  Barnaby, being a very curious and kind little bear, tiptoed towards the bushes.  He pushed aside some leaves and peeked inside. 

There, sitting right in the middle of the prickly bush, was Rosie Rabbit.  Her long ears were drooping, and her little nose was twitching sadly.  Big tears were rolling down her fluffy cheeks. "Oh dear!" Barnaby whispered. "Rosie, are you alright?"  Rosie Rabbit looked up and saw Barnaby. "Oh, Barnaby," she cried. "I’m stuck!"  

Barnaby looked closer. Rosie’s foot was caught in the thorny branches of the bush.  She wiggled and wiggled, but she couldn't get free.  "Don't worry, Rosie," said Barnaby in his gentle voice. "I will help you!"  Barnaby knew he had to be very careful. He didn’t want to hurt Rosie or make the thorns prick her even more.  He looked at the branches and thought about how to help. 

First, Barnaby tried to gently pull Rosie’s foot.  "Ouch! Be careful!" cried Rosie.  Barnaby stopped pulling right away. "I’m sorry, Rosie," he said. "I don’t want to hurt you."  He thought again.  Maybe he could move the branches?  Barnaby carefully pushed some of the thorny branches away from Rosie’s foot.  He pushed very gently, little by little.  Rosie stayed very still and tried not to wiggle.  Barnaby kept pushing and pushing.  Slowly, slowly, Rosie’s foot started to come loose! 

Finally, with one last gentle push, Rosie’s foot was free!  Barnaby stepped back and watched as Rosie hopped out of the bush.  Rosie wiggled her foot and then looked up at Barnaby with big, grateful eyes.  "Oh, Barnaby!" she said. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! You saved me!"  Rosie hopped around Barnaby in circles, she was so happy.  "You’re very welcome, Rosie," Barnaby said, feeling warm and happy inside. "I’m glad I could help." 

Rosie stopped hopping and looked at Barnaby. "You were so kind to help me, Barnaby," she said. "You didn't have to, but you did. Thank you for being such a good friend."  Barnaby smiled. "It’s always good to help friends," he said. "And you are my friend, Rosie."  Rosie’s tears were all gone, and she was smiling now too. "Do you want to play with me and Freddie?" Barnaby asked.  "Oh, yes!" Rosie cheered.  

So, Barnaby, Rosie, and Freddie all played together in Sunny Meadow. They chased butterflies, sniffed flowers, and rolled down grassy hills.  Rosie was so happy to be playing again, and Barnaby felt wonderful knowing he had helped his friend.  Being kind and helpful makes everyone feel good, just like Barnaby and Rosie!  And that’s a very nice feeling to have, especially before bedtime.  Now close your eyes and think about all the kind things you can do tomorrow, just like Barnaby Bear.