Bedtime story · ages 2–5

Leo's Cloud Bridge

Sleepless Leo and his teddy cross a bridge of clouds to the castle of dreams.

Example book with fictional characters — not a customer order.

8 pages

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Page 1
The whole house was asleep. Only Leo's eyes were open. He hugged his teddy, Peanut, and counted the glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling: one, two, three… but sleep just wouldn't come. “Peanut,” he whispered, “where do you think sleep hides?” Just then a silver light drifted in through the window and the curtains gently stirred.
Page 2
Leo ran to the window. The Old Moon was smiling down at him! A bridge of soft clouds stretched from the windowsill, its far end disappearing among the stars. “Come along, little traveller,” said the Old Moon in a voice as sweet as warm milk. “Sleep is waiting for you at the other end of the bridge.” Leo put on his slippers and held Peanut tight.
Page 3
The cloud bridge was as soft as cotton wool; it gave a little under his feet with every step. Fireflies gathered around him and lit the way like tiny lanterns. “Slowly, slowly,” they hummed, “sleep doesn't like to be rushed.” Leo slowed his steps and took a deep breath. The night smelled of cool wind and jasmine.
Page 4
In the middle of the bridge, a big-eyed owl sat on a cloudy branch. Her name was Hoot, and she gave an enormous yawn. “Shall I tell you a secret for those who can't sleep?” she said. “Count the stars, but say goodnight to each one.” Leo tried: “Goodnight, red star. Goodnight, blue star…” With every goodnight, his eyelids grew a little heavier.
Page 5
At the end of the bridge the Old Moon was waiting. He handed Leo a little lantern made of light. “This lantern makes fears grow small,” he said. “Darkness is only the day's time to rest, you know. The trees and the birds are sleeping now too.” Leo held the lantern up high; the light inside was as warm as his mother's voice.
Page 6
And there before him stood the castle of dreams! Its towers were made of pillows and its door of a cosy blanket. Sweet dreams floated out of its windows: flying fish, candy clouds, smiling trains. He and Peanut stepped inside together. Everything was wrapped in soft pink, purple and midnight blue. Leo gave a huge yawn; this time even he was surprised.
Page 7
In the castle garden, cloud lambs were grazing. The stars began to sing a soft lullaby: “Sleep, little one, sleep and grow…” One by one the lambs lay down beside Leo, warm and fluffy. Hoot the owl winked from a branch. Even Peanut's ears had drooped. Everything was so calm that even time was walking on tiptoe.
Page 8
When the morning sun slipped through the curtains, Leo was asleep in his own bed, cuddling Peanut. On the nightstand the little nightlight was still glowing, just like the Old Moon's lantern. His mother kissed his forehead. Leo opened his eyes a crack and smiled: “Mum, can I cross the bridge again tonight?” She laughed: “Every night, as often as you like.”