High up in a big, leafy green tree lived a little monkey named Pip. Pip had a very long tail and loved to swing. He spent his whole day swinging from branch to branch, high and low, like a furry pendulum.
He also loved to jump between trees, chase colourful butterflies, and play gentle games of tag with his monkey friends in the warm sunshine.
As the sun began to dip down behind the distant hills, painting the sky in soft orange and pink colours, Mommy Monkey called out softly.
"Pip-Pip," she called, her voice gentle and warm. "Time to climb into our cozy hollow, little one. The day is done, and it's time for sleep."
Pip was just about to grab his favourite bouncy vine for one last big swing. "Oh, Mommy!" he chattered. "Just a little bit longer? I have so much energy! Please?"
Mommy Monkey climbed closer through the leaves and gathered Pip into a big, warm hug. Pip snuggled into her soft fur.
"My sweet Pip," she whispered, stroking his back. "I know playing is the most fun thing in the world for a little monkey like you. But even busy bodies need to rest."
"Our arms and legs work hard all day, swinging and climbing. Sleep is when they get strong again," Mommy explained gently. "And our little monkey minds need quiet time to get ready for all the new things we'll see and learn tomorrow."
Pip looked out at the soft, fading light and thought about how much fun he could have swinging even higher and playing even longer *after* getting a good, strong sleep. He decided Mommy was right. He snuggled closer, listening quietly to her words.
"Okay, Mommy," he yawned, a little sleepy already just thinking about being cozy.
Together, they climbed into their warm, snug hollow nestled deep within the big tree. Pip found his favourite big, soft leaf, which he liked to use like a comfy blanket.
Mommy Monkey hummed a quiet, lulling tune, a gentle sound like the rustling of leaves in a soft breeze.
Pip felt so safe and warm, tucked in beside his Mommy in their tree home. He closed his eyes tight, feeling the peaceful quiet settle all around them.
The forest sounds grew softer and softer as the stars began to twinkle like tiny diamonds in the dark sky outside their hollow.
Little Pip the monkey drifted off to sleep, dreaming sweet dreams of sunshine, yummy fruits hanging from branches, and swinging higher than ever before when the morning light returned.
He slept soundly and peacefully all night long, getting strong and ready for a brand new day of fun, all thanks to listening to his Mommy and getting his important rest.