🐻 Benny Bear Counts the Stars

Benny Bear was all tucked into his cave bed, but his eyes were wide open. "Mama," he said, "I'm not sleepy at all."

Mama Bear smiled and carried him to the mouth of the cave. Outside, the night sky was full of stars. "Let's count them together," she said.

"One star," said Benny, "over the tall tree." "Two stars," said Mama, "above the quiet river."

"Three stars, by the hill. Four stars, near the moon." Benny's voice got softer.

"Five... six..." A gentle breeze ruffled his fur. "Seven..." He leaned his heavy head on Mama's warm shoulder.

"Eight," whispered Mama. "Nine," she hummed.

Benny tried to say "ten," but it came out as a tiny bear snore.

Mama Bear carried him back to bed and tucked the blanket under his chin. "Ten," she whispered, and kissed his nose. "Goodnight, my little star."

Can you count to ten very slowly, like Benny? One... two... three... 😴