Once upon a time, in a cozy forest, there lived a little hedgehog named Prickly.
One evening, Prickly curled up in his soft little bed. He closed his eyes. He wiggled his paws.
But he couldn't sleep.
He sat up and looked out the window. A tiny star was twinkling.
"Mama, I can't sleep," squeaked Prickly.
Mama Hedgehog came over and sat beside him.
"Close your eyes, sweetie," she said.
Prickly lay down again. He closed his eyes. He wiggled his nose.
But he still couldn't sleep.
He sat up and listened. The leaves in the forest were rustling.
"Mama, I still can't sleep," squeaked Prickly.
Mama stroked his prickly back.
"Just lie still, little one," she whispered.
Prickly lay down again. He closed his eyes. He wiggled his ears.
But he still couldn't sleep.
He sat up again. His eyes were wide open.
"Mama, why can't I fall asleep?" he asked.
Mama smiled. She sat down by his bed.
"How about a song?" she said softly.
Prickly nodded.
Mama began to sing, very softly:
"Hush-a-bye, little hedgehog, sleep,
Close your eyes now, not a peep.
Stars are shining in the night,
Moon is glowing, soft and bright."
Prickly listened to Mama's voice. It was warm and gentle.
His eyes felt heavy. He yawned.
Mama sang on:
"Hush-a-bye, sleep, my prickly one,
Hush-a-bye, the day is done.
Forest settles, oak tree sighs,
All around, the quiet lies."
Prickly closed his eyes. His little paws relaxed.
Mama sang softer and softer.
Prickly's eyes were shut tight. He breathed slowly and calmly.
Mama finished her song. She kissed his little nose.
Prickly was fast asleep, dreaming sweet dreams.
Mama tiptoed out of the room. The star outside winked.
In the forest cottage, all was quiet. Little Prickly slept and dreamed beautiful dreams.