Lena's Rainforest Rescue - A Bedtime Story For Kids

Good evening,

It's Gina here.

Tonight,

We are going on an epic rainforest adventure with Lina.

So snuggle down in your blankets and make yourself comfortable.

It's time to begin.

Lina lay curled beneath her favourite blanket.

It was soft and fluffy and covered in tiny yellow stars.

She lay quietly in her bed,

But despite trying her very best,

She didn't seem to be able to drift into sleep yet.

She wriggled to the left,

She rolled to the right.

She scrunched her pillow and stretched her toes and sighed out a long breath.

Still,

No dreams came.

Outside her window,

The moon glowed,

Pouring pale silver light across her room.

It made gentle shapes on the wall,

Shapes that looked like a quiet mountain or a faraway forest.

Lina found herself imagining going on an adventure in just such a faraway place.

Why can't I fall asleep?

She whispered,

Pressing her cheek into her pillow.

That was when she felt it,

A tiny rustle.

Something underneath her pillow moved.

Lina froze for a moment,

Listening.

The room was still,

But then there it was again.

Rustle,

Rustle,

Rustle.

Curiously,

Lina lifted her pillow,

And there,

Resting against the crumpled sheets,

Was something she had never seen before.

A map,

But not just any map.

This one glimmered ever so faintly,

As though someone had sprinkled it with moondust.

Its edges curled like leaves,

And the green and gold lines across its surface shimmered the way sunlight dances over water.

Lina leaned closer.

As she touched the map with one careful finger,

The paper warmed under her skin and brightened,

Glowing with soft emerald light.

The squiggly lines reshaped themselves,

Bending and stretching like they were alive,

Forming the outline of a rainforest,

Thick with trees and a long,

Winding river that seemed to flow across the page.

Lina traced the river's twisting path,

And as her fingertip glided along the shimmering line,

A warm breeze brushed her face through her bedroom window.

She smelled something sweet and strange,

Like wildflowers and warm rain.

Her blanket fluttered,

Her curtain swayed without wind,

And the glowing map pulled softly,

As if inviting her closer.

Lina blinked once,

Then twice,

And before she could whisper,

What's going on,

The room began to melt,

Not in a scary way,

But in a dreamy,

Drifting way.

The ceiling dissolved into gentle clouds,

And the floor turned into soft,

Mossy earth.

Her bed faded into forest mist.

The map lifted from her hands,

Swirling upwards like a leaf caught in the breeze,

And Lina,

Still wide-eyed,

Found herself standing at the edge of a rainforest on a warm summer evening.

Somewhere far ahead,

Beyond the emerald trees,

A river rumbled softly,

Beckoning her with the promise of adventure.

Warm velvety air wrapped around Lina as she stepped into the rainforest night.

The leaves above her shimmered in great green fans,

And the earth beneath her toes felt soft,

Softer even than her bedroom carpet.

She wriggled her bare feet,

Suddenly aware she had come into this dreamlike world without any shoes.

Before she could worry,

A soft golden glow drifted between the trees.

Fireflies,

But not just ordinary fireflies.

These drifted and danced like floating lanterns,

Swirling in slow spirals.

They bobbed gently around her,

Painting the air with warm,

Wavy light.

Lina took a step forward,

And then another.

Quietly,

The fireflies began to gather in a glowing path that wound deeper into the forest.

As she followed them,

Something rustled in the branches overhead.

Then,

Floop,

A lady dropped down in front of her like a fallen cushion.

Good evening,

Adventurer,

She called.

Lina blinked.

Standing just a head higher than Lina was a woman dressed almost entirely in forest things.

Her cloak was made of layered leaves that rustled as she moved.

Her hair curled like vines,

And her eyes shone with the gentle glow of firefly lanterns.

She leaned on a staff shaped from twisted fruit wood.

My name is Mayla,

The woman said,

Bowing slightly.

Forest guide and guardian of the rainforest,

The fireflies told me you were coming.

You knew I would be here,

Lina asked.

Mayla smiled.

The forest always knows when a kind-hearted wanderer arrives,

And you,

Little one,

Have come a very long way without shoes.

She tapped her staff on the moss.

Puff,

A swirl of bright green sparkles spiraled up around Lina's feet.

When the shimmering faded,

She found herself wearing a pair of soft shoes woven from something that felt like feathers,

Moss,

And morning mist all at once.

They were lightweight,

Fluffy around the edges,

Slippers perfect for silent steps.

Lina gasped in wonder.

Thank you,

You're beautiful.

And strong,

Mayla said.

They will carry you over roots and rocks,

Through river shallows and slippery stones.

She reached into a pouch made of overlapping leaves,

And you'll need these as well.

She handed Lina a small bundle,

A tiny leaf lantern,

A woven water flask crafted from thick leaves,

And a thread of silver vine,

Thin but unbreakable.

For knots that a clever one like you can solve,

Mayla said with a wink.

Lina held the bundle against her chest.

Thank you.

Before Mayla could reply,

A sudden chitter-chatter.

Something furry launched itself from a branch.

It was a tiny tamarin monkey with bright amber eyes.

Tico,

Mayla said fondly.

You're late.

Oh,

Tico squeaked.

I wasn't expecting Lina here quite so early,

But I'm glad you were here to welcome her.

He bounced down to Lina's shoulder.

Hi,

I'm Tico.

I'll be your guide tonight.

Lina giggled.

Hi,

Tico.

Mayla rested a gentle hand on Lina's shoulder.

Follow Tico.

He'll take you to the river.

It has something to show you tonight.

Lina looked up.

Will I see you again?

Mayla's smile softened.

Whenever you need me,

I will be near.

She lifted her staff.

The fireflies gathered in a swinging golden dance from forming a glittering archway.

Go on now,

Mayla said.

The night is waiting.

Tico scampered ahead,

Tail flicking like a feathered brush.

Lina took a brave,

Quiet step through the archway of glowing fireflies.

With her new shoes,

Her small magical tools,

And her guide by her side,

She felt ready for whatever wonder waited next.

And somewhere ahead,

Beyond the luminous leaves,

The river rumbled like distant thunder.

The path sloped downwards as Lina and Tico walked side by side,

The sound of rushing water growing clearer with each soft step.

It wasn't loud or wild,

Just a steady,

Soothing rush,

Like the pages of a giant storybook being turned somewhere in the distance.

Lina's new shoes padded quietly over the moss and roots.

They stepped through a curtain of drooped vines,

And saw at last,

A broad,

Gleaming river stretched before them,

Smooth as polished stone.

The surface rippled lightly where the current curved,

Catching bits of evening sunlight that filtered through the canopy.

Lina knelt at the edge,

Her reflection mixing with the shifting shapes beneath the surface.

What's it showing?

She whispered.

Watch,

Tico murmured,

Coming to sit beside her,

Hugging his knees.

The ripples formed into a picture.

A tiny dolphin calf with soft,

Silver skin swam across the river's surface,

Playful,

Darting,

Curious.

Lina saw it nosing at floating leaves and leaping in and out of the water.

But then the scene changed.

Vines hung low over a quiet lagoon,

And the little dolphin wriggled and splashed,

And got caught in a tangle of the trailing roots,

And couldn't get out.

Lina's heart stirred.

Poor little thing.

Tico pressed against her arm,

He might be a little bit frightened.

The image faded into ripples again,

Leaving only the gentle swirl of the current.

We have to help,

Lina said.

Tico looked thoughtful,

His little brow furrowed,

Ears twitching at the sound of the water.

Are you alright?

Lina asked gently.

Tico nodded,

Though his tail curled a little tighter around her leg.

I'm okay.

The river is big,

That's all.

Bigger than the streams I usually play in.

His voice was small,

But brave.

But I want to help,

I really do.

Lina smiled at him.

We'll help together.

Tico swallowed,

Then nodded firmly.

Yes,

Even if the water is deep.

As if answering them,

The river swirled gently along the bank,

And from the tangled reeds and roots,

Something slowly drifted forward.

A small canoe,

Shaped from smooth pale wood and woven vines.

It looked simple and sturdy,

As though the river had grown it rather than built it.

Lina stepped carefully inside.

The canoe rocked a little bit,

But steadied.

Tico hesitated.

Then he scrambled in after her,

And immediately tucked himself close against her side,

Tiny paws clutching her sleeve.

I'll be brave,

He said quietly,

If I can stay right here.

Lina wrapped an arm around him.

Of course you can.

The canoe drifted away from the bank,

Guided by the gentle push of the current.

The river carried them smoothly,

Making soft ripples that glimmered in the orange light of sunset.

Trees arched over the water like protective guardians.

A breeze carried the faint scent of flowers.

Tico leaned into Lina,

Growing calmer with each movement.

The river moved with a patient rhythm,

Showing them the way forward.

Lina held Tico close,

And together they drifted upstream into the heart of the rainforest.

The canoe drifted steadily along the narrowing river,

Carrying Lina and Tico deeper between the mossy cliffs and overhanging vines.

The sound of rushing water grew louder,

But it wasn't frightening,

Just a calm,

Constant reminder of the river's path.

Tico stayed close by Lina's side,

His little paws gripping the wooden edge.

We're almost at the first waterfall,

He said,

A little hint of excitement in his voice now.

They rounded a bend,

And there it was.

A small lively waterfall tumbled over small stones,

Its pool bubbling and circling,

As though excited to see them.

Droplets sparkled in the air like tiny diamonds.

With a cheerful splash,

A silvery otter popped up in front of their canoe.

It's Mira,

Tico said softly.

She's kind.

Hello,

The otter greeted them as she floated on her back.

Welcome to my pool.

I hear you two are on a rescue journey.

We are,

Lina said.

A little dolphin is stuck upstream.

Then I have only a simple riddle for you,

Mira said,

Rolling playfully in the water.

She lifted one paw,

Letting a droplet roll off its tip.

I am shared in smiles.

I grow when cared for.

I am strongest when two hearts choose to walk together.

What am I?

Lina thought of Tico,

How he stayed by her side even though the deep water scared him.

She smiled.

It's friendship,

She said.

Mira's eyes sparkled.

Exactly.

Friendship makes journeys brighter and burdens lighter.

The waterfall shifted,

Parting into a gentle opening behind the curtain of water.

Go on,

Mira said.

Your friendship will guide you further than you think.

Tico waved a shy pride in his eyes.

Thank you,

Mira.

The canoe slipped into the cool tunnel behind the fall.

The tunnel opened into a calm,

Blue-lit stretch of river.

Ahead,

A taller waterfall poured down in soft ribbons,

Drifting like long strands of silk.

A large stone shape rose from the pool below,

Slow and steady,

Glowing faintly with river light.

Aru,

The great river turtle.

He blinked up at them,

Eyes calm and warm.

Welcome,

Travellers.

Lina dipped her head in greeting.

We're trying to reach the lagoon to help a dolphin calf.

A noble task,

Aru said.

Before I help you onwards,

I offer you this riddle.

He closed his eyes a moment,

Then spoke in a gentle rumble.

I cost nothing to give,

Yet I can calm a stormy day.

I can be as small as a whisper,

And yet can lift someone's heart.

What am I?

Lina didn't need long.

She remembered how Mela had gifted her shoes without asking anything in return.

She remembered how Tico's snuggle clothes were nervous,

Not hiding,

But sharing comfort.

Kindness,

She said softly.

It's kindness.

Aru nodded slowly,

Pleased.

Yes,

Kindness is quiet strength.

You will need it on your journey.

He dipped beneath the water,

Gently lifting their canoe on his broad shell.

With a slow rise,

He carried them up the rocky slope beside the waterfall until they glided safely into the the water above.

Go with gentle hearts,

Aru murmured.

Thank you,

Lina said.

Tico pressed a tiny hand to his chest in respect.

We'll try our best.

Aru slipped back under the surface like a drifting stone returning home.

Mist drifted around them in pale silver sheets as they approached the tallest waterfall of all.

The spray sparkled with soft rainbows,

And the rush of water sounded deep and steady.

Tico held Lina's arm,

Braver now,

But still quiet.

The water shifted,

And a graceful serpent shape rose through the mist.

Solan.

Greetings,

He said,

Voice soft as distant rain.

We have to help the dolphin,

Lina said.

And you will,

Solan replied,

But before I open the way,

You must answer one last riddle.

Tico swallowed,

Leaning his head against Lina's arm.

Solan seemed to notice and gave him a gentle nod.

Then he said,

I am not the absence of fear.

I walk beside it.

I am the quiet voice that says,

Let's try,

Even when the path is dark.

What am I?

Lina thought for a moment.

Then she took Tico's hand before answering.

It's courage,

She said.

Courage is trying,

Even when you're scared.

She looked at Tico and smiled.

Solan nodded.

True,

He said.

And both of you carry more courage than you know.

The waterfall thinned,

Drawing aside like a curtain of diamonds.

Behind it lay a glowing tunnel filled with silver mist.

Solan lowered his long head.

Follow this path.

The lagoon is just beyond.

Thank you,

Lina said.

Tico whispered,

Goodbye and thank you for believing we can do this.

Solan dipped beneath the waterfall,

Guiding it close behind them as they drifted into the hidden passage.

The light ahead grew brighter and the air grew still.

The lagoon and the little dolphin in need of help were waiting.

The canoe drifted from the silvery tunnel into a wide,

Quiet space.

The roar of the waterfall behind them faded into a soft,

Distant rush.

Ahead lay the still lagoon,

Smooth as polished stone and colored a deep,

Gentle blue.

Fireflies drifted everywhere.

They floated above the water like tiny lanterns and Lina knew that Mela must be near.

Some drifted low,

Brushing the water with their wings.

Tico let out a small breath.

It's so quiet here,

He whispered.

Lina nodded.

She could feel it too,

A calmness.

But then something moved at the far shore.

A soft splash,

A little call.

Here,

Lina said,

Pointing.

Near a curtain of hanging vines,

A small dolphin calf was tangled in the trailing strands.

Its sleek,

Silver-blue body bobbed gently as it tried to wiggle free,

Giving confused chirps.

Not afraid,

Just puzzled and a little stuck.

Oh,

Poor thing,

Lina murmured.

It doesn't know what's happening.

The dolphin spotted them and chirped again,

Hopeful this time.

Lina paddled the canoe gently towards the shore until it nodged into the soft mud.

She stepped into the shallow water.

Her fluffy forest chews,

Keeping her steady on the smooth stones below.

Tico,

She said softly,

Could you hold Mela's lantern so that I can see the vines clearly?

Of course,

He said at once.

He lifted the tiny leaf lantern with both paws,

Holding it high.

Its warm,

Greenish-gold light shimmering across the water,

Making the tangled vines glow softly,

So Lina could see every knot.

The dolphin wriggled again,

And Lina stroked smooth forehead.

It's all right,

She whispered.

We're here to help.

She began gently loosening the vines,

Slow,

Careful tugs so that she wouldn't pull too hard.

The vines were surprisingly strong and some loops were wound tight,

But the lantern's glow and her patient fingers,

Untangled at one strand,

Then another,

And another.

Tico stayed at the edge,

Using one foot to steady a few vines and prevent them from slipping back over the dolphin.

You're doing so well,

He told the calf in a tiny,

Earnest voice.

Lina's really good at knots.

She'll have you free soon.

The dolphin chirped softly,

Pressing its head into Lina's palm.

A final strand loosened and slipped away.

You're free,

Lina said.

The dolphin wriggled joyfully,

Splashing a sparkling fountain of water over both of them.

Tico squealed at the cool spray,

But laughed,

A small,

Proud laugh that warmed Lina's heart.

But there was still something important to do.

If we leave these vines hanging like this,

Lina said,

Gathering them into her hands,

Another creature might get tangled.

She reached into her pocket and drew out Mela's silver thread,

Delicate as moonlight.

It shimmered faintly in the lantern's glow.

Using a few careful knots,

She tied the long vines up and back around the trunk,

Looping them securely so they would stay out of the way.

The silver thread held fast,

Strong and bright,

Wrapping the vines neatly like ribbons tying back curtains.

There,

She said,

Safe for everyone.

Tico lowered the lantern and stepped beside her,

Gazing proudly at the work.

You did it,

Lina.

We did it,

She corrected softly.

The two friends sat in a proud silence for a moment.

Then Lina reached into the boat and picked out the leaf flask that she was given by Mela.

They each had a drink of water.

The dolphin nudged her shoulder in thanks,

Then nudged Tico too,

Sending him teetering backwards.

He giggled,

No longer afraid of the deep water.

Fireflies gathered around them,

Swirling in soft golden spirals as though celebrating the rescue.

Their tiny lights reflected in the lagoon's still surface.

The dolphin swum to the edge of the canoe and looked back at them,

Chirping an invitation.

Wants to guide us,

Lina said.

Tico climbed in the canoe and settled beside her,

Holding the lantern close to his chest.

I think it's ready to go home.

Lina placed the oar gently against the water.

The dolphin circled the canoe once,

Diving in and out of the water with excitement,

Then began to swim towards the shimmering exit of the lagoon.

With fireflies lighting their path,

They followed.

Together,

They made their way back towards the that would carry them home.

The canoe drifted gently,

Almost lazily downstream.

Lina sat with one hand resting on its smooth wooden side,

While the little rainforest dolphin swam beside them,

Dipping in and out of the water with soft,

Playful splashes.

Above them,

The sky deepened from blue to lavender,

Then to dusky pink of a day softly ending.

Fireflies gathered once more,

Not in a wild world,

But in slow,

Floating clusters,

Like tiny lanterns guiding them home.

Tico leaned against Lina's arm.

He wasn't trembling anymore,

Just tired and proud.

You were very brave,

Lina whispered.

So were you,

He murmured back.

They rounded a bend in the river,

And Lina recognized the place where she had first stepped into the rainforest.

The water spread wide here,

Calm and welcoming.

The setting sun painted a golden line across its surface,

The very last beam before slipping away.

The dolphin calf circled the canoe once,

Twice,

Then gave a joyful splash that sparkled in the fading light.

It nudged the canoe gently,

As if saying thank you and goodbye,

Before swimming off towards the deeper part of the river.

Its sleek shape glided through the water until it blended with a soft,

Darkening blue.

Goodbye,

Tico whispered.

The canoe bumped gently into the mossy riverbank,

And Lina stepped out.

The air smelled cool and sweet,

Like leaves,

Water,

In the very first moment of night.

Lina and Tico sat together on the soft moss for a while,

The canoe resting beside them like a fair friend.

Before we go back,

Lina said,

Let's take three deep breaths,

So we can remember this place.

Tico nodded.

If you're listening at home,

Feel free to join in with Lina and Tico.

If you're ready,

Let's breathe together.

One long,

Slow,

Deep breath in,

And a soft breath out,

Letting the day float away like a feather.

Number two,

Take another deep breath in,

Feeling calm,

And a breath out,

Slow and sweet.

And one last one,

Quiet breath in,

Deep into your belly,

And one last breath out.

Once Lina and Tico had finished their deep breaths,

The map appeared.

Then,

A silver glow unfurled around her and Tico,

Wrapping them in a cool,

Floating light,

And everything faded softly,

Like stepping through a dream.

Lina opened her eyes.

She was in her own dead.

Moonlight poured across her blankets in a calm,

Quiet line.

The house was still.

For a moment,

She sat up,

Her heart fluttering with wonder.

Was it all a dream,

She whispered.

Sleep came over her before she could answer herself.

Soft and deep,

And full of gentle rainforest.

The next morning,

Sunlight warmed Lina's cheeks.

Birds chirped outside her window.

She stretched,

Yawned,

And blinked in the bright morning light.

Had she really gone into the rainforest?

Met Mira,

Aru and Solan,

Helped a little dolphin.

It felt so real,

Yet also so dreamlike.

Lina swung her feet over the edge of her bed and saw them,

The forest slippers,

Soft and mossy,

Resting neatly beside her bed.

She caught her breath and lifted her pillow,

And there it was,

The map.

But now,

In the daylight,

It was completely still,

Just a drawing,

No shimmers,

No moving river.

Lina touched it and somehow knew,

A map only wakes under moonlight,

She would have to wait for tonight.

A slow,

Excited smile spread across her face.

If you have enjoyed this journey with Lina,

Perhaps you'd like to join us again tomorrow night as we go on another magical adventure.

Until then,

Good night my friend.