Lily snuggled under her warm blankets, her eyes wide open. "Mommy," she whispered, "what makes a bedtime story *interesting*?"
Mommy smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. "That's a wonderful question, Lily-bug. What do *you* think makes something interesting?"
Lily thought hard. "Hmm. Maybe big adventures? Like knights and dragons?" she offered.
"Yes," Mommy said, nodding. "Adventures can be very interesting! But sometimes, tiny things can be interesting too. Like watching a ladybug climb a tall blade of grass, or finding a strangely shaped pebble." She paused. "What makes them interesting is often how we look at them, and what we imagine about them."
"Imagine?" Lily repeated.
"That's right," Mommy said. "We can use our imagination to add sparkle to things. A simple walk to the park can become an interesting journey if you imagine the sidewalk is a magical path or that the clouds are friendly shape-shifters waving hello."
Lily giggled. "So, even my ordinary day could be interesting?"
"Absolutely!" Mommy encouraged. "Tell me about your day, and let's see how we can make it sound extra interesting using your imagination."
Lily began. "Well, I ate my breakfast..." She paused, then added, "...and I imagined my toast was a tiny golden raft floating on a river of milk!" Mommy chuckled.
"Then," Lily continued, getting excited, "I played with Barnaby Bear. He told me a secret in my ear, but only I could understand it because he's a very wise bear."
"That sounds like a very interesting morning, Lily!" Mommy said. "See? By adding your imagination, a simple breakfast and playtime become special."
Lily nodded, a big smile on her face. "So, an interesting story is like... finding magic in ordinary things, or making up new magic?"
"Exactly," Mommy confirmed, tucking the blanket around her. "And what makes a story *most* interesting is often you! Your curiosity to ask questions, your imagination to add details, and sharing it with someone you love."
Lily felt warm and happy. She closed her eyes, ready for sleep. She knew now that interesting things, and interesting stories, were everywhere – especially when she used her own curious mind and bright imagination.