Sammy the snake was a very friendly snake, but he was feeling a little lonely. It was almost bedtime, and all the other little animals were snuggled up with their friends. Sammy wished he had someone to share sleepy stories with. He wiggled and jiggled through the tall green grass, looking for a friend.
First, he saw Rosie the rabbit. “Hello, Rosie!” Sammy called. “Would you like to share bedtime with me?” Rosie wiggled her nose. “Snakes are too… slithery!” she said, and hopped away quickly. Sammy felt a little sad, but he didn’t give up. He knew not everyone understood how fun it was to slither!
Next, he saw Barnaby the bear cub. “Hello, Barnaby!” Sammy said. “Want to tell sleepy stories together?” Barnaby yawned a big bear yawn. “Snakes are too… wiggly!” he mumbled, and curled up for a nap. Sammy’s scales felt a little droopy. It was hard when others didn’t want to be friends.
Just when Sammy was about to give up, he saw Penelope the porcupine. Penelope was all alone, looking a bit worried. “Hello, Penelope,” Sammy said softly. “Are you looking for a friend too?” Penelope nodded. “I’m a little prickly,” she said, “and sometimes other animals don’t want to play with me.”
Sammy smiled. “I’m slithery!” he said. “And sometimes animals don’t want to play with me either. But that’s okay! We can be friends anyway.” Penelope’s quills relaxed a little. “Really?” she asked. “Really!” said Sammy.
They found a cozy spot under a big, leafy bush. Sammy told Penelope about all the interesting things he saw while slithering through the grass, and Penelope told Sammy about the yummy berries she found. They shared stories and giggled until they both felt very sleepy.
Soon, Sammy and Penelope were snuggled close, feeling warm and happy. Being different didn’t matter at all. They were friends, and that’s all that mattered. Sammy finally had someone to share bedtime with, and Penelope wasn’t lonely anymore. They both drifted off to sleep, dreaming sweet dreams of friendship.
And as the stars twinkled above, Sammy the snake and Penelope the porcupine knew that even if you’re a little different, there’s always someone who will be happy to be your friend. Now close your eyes, little one, and dream sweet dreams too.