🦉 The Owl's Goodnight Rounds

Every night, when the moon rose over Bramble Wood, old Mrs. Owl flew her goodnight rounds, checking that everyone was safe and tucked in. And tonight, Toast the kitten was allowed to ride along on her back.

They flew softly over the treetops. The cool night breeze ruffled Toast's fur. "First stop, the rabbits," said Mrs. Owl. In their burrow, the rabbit family were curled up together like a pile of soft socks. "Goodnight, rabbits," whispered Toast.

Next, they visited the squirrels in their leafy nest high in the oak. The baby squirrels were already asleep, tails wrapped around them like blankets. "Goodnight, squirrels."

At the pond, the ducks were floating with their heads tucked under their wings. The frogs had stopped singing. Only one little frog was still awake. "Goodnight, little frog," said Toast, and the frog gave a sleepy "ribbit" and closed his eyes.

They flew past the farmhouse, where the cows were lying down in the barn and the horse was sleeping standing up. "How does he do that?" whispered Toast. "Practice," said Mrs. Owl with a wink.

Finally, Mrs. Owl flew back to Toast's house and landed on the windowsill. "Last stop," she said. "One very sleepy kitten." Toast climbed into her basket and gave a big yawn.

"Goodnight, Mrs. Owl," she mumbled. "Thank you for looking after everyone." "That's my job," hooted the owl softly. "Now you look after your dreams."

Toast fell asleep, purring, as Mrs. Owl flew off to keep watch over Bramble Wood, all through the quiet night.