The Magic Forest Of Emotion: Sleepy Bedtime Story

Join Mark Rowland for a soothing 40-minute bedtime story that gently explores emotions through the eyes of a curious child named Tobi. On a magical nighttime walk through the forest, Tobi meets wise and whimsical animal friends who each teach him about feelings like joy, sadness, anger, fear, and love.

With calming narration, soft music, and a touch of rhyme, this story is perfect for winding down at the end of the day. Ideal for children of all ages — and the inner child in all of us. Let this gentle journey guide you into a peaceful night’s sleep.

Transcript

Hello there and welcome to tonight's bedtime story,

Thank you for joining me.

My name is Mark and I'll be your gentle guide on this journey.

Let's take a moment to get comfortable snuggling to your bed,

Rest your head on your pillow and take a slow deep breath in and out,

Very good.

In this story we will join a boy named Toby on a magical walk through a beautiful natural world.

As we wander with Toby we'll meet friendly talking animals,

Each with a special lesson about feelings we all experience.

Together we'll learn that every feeling,

Like sadness,

Joy,

Anger,

Fear,

Love,

Calmness and curiosity have a purpose and can be expressed in healthy ways.

Now,

Close your eyes if you like and imagine a soft evening sky full of stars.

Feel the calm night air around you as we begin our gentle adventure.

Let's step into Toby's world where a peaceful journey awaits.

One quiet evening,

At twilight,

A young boy named Toby felt a tickle of curiosity in his heart.

He stepped outside his home and wandered toward the whispering trees,

Wondering what he might discover in the forest tonight.

The grass was cool under his feet and a gentle breeze carried the scent of honey and pine.

As Toby followed a winding path into the forest,

Fireflies twinkled around him like tiny falling stars.

Suddenly,

A small fox with bright,

Clever eyes appeared on the trail,

Stepping lightly among the ferns.

Hello there,

The fox said in a playful voice.

Toby was surprised but delighted that the fox could actually talk.

On this magical night,

Anything seemed possible.

I'm Felix the Fox,

It introduced itself.

You seem curious,

What brings you into the woods so late?

I just felt like exploring,

Toby replied.

Everything is so quiet and mysterious at night,

I just wanted to see what I could find.

Felix grinned,

Swishing his fluffy tail.

Curiosity is a wonderful thing,

I explore every night and always find something new.

A new scent,

A hidden hollow or a shiny pebble by the stream,

There's always a surprise if you look closely.

Toby felt excitement flutter in his chest.

He realised he was feeling curiosity,

That happy eager feeling to learn and see new things.

The dark forest no longer seemed scary,

It was full of endless possibilities.

Felix tilted his head and added a gentle rhyme.

With open eyes and an open heart,

Curiosity leads to make a start.

Toby repeated the fox's words to himself and felt them warm him inside.

He understood that being curious could turn an ordinary walk into a magical adventure.

Come along then,

Laughed Felix,

Trotting a few steps ahead.

Toby followed eagerly,

Stepping further down the moonlit path.

Before long,

They came to a fork in a trail.

Felix stopped and pointed his nose down one path that continued deeper among the tall oaks.

I must go and explore this way now,

He said kindly,

But if you take the other path,

I'm sure you'll meet more friends who can show you even more about different feelings.

Toby thanked the fox for guiding him.

Thank you Felix,

He said and he gave him a little wave.

Felix bowed playfully.

Keep wandering and keep learning Toby,

Enjoy every moment of your journey.

And with that,

The fox started off into the shadows,

As quick and as quiet as a whisper.

Holding on to his sense of curiosity,

Toby stepped forward on the path Felix had pointed out,

Excited to see what other wonders a night could bring.

The forest grew darker as Toby walked on.

The sky was now deep blue and sprinkled with silver stars.

The tall trees around him stood like silent giants.

It was peaceful,

But also a little bit spooky for Toby,

Who had never been in the woods this late.

The darkness made every shape harder to recognise.

Was that a shadow,

A bush,

Or maybe a lurking creature?

Now and then,

A twig snapped or an unseen bird fluttered and each sound made Toby's heart jump.

Soon,

Toby felt fear creeping in.

A chill ran down his spine as he imagined something scary might be following him.

He thought he saw a dark shape behind a tree,

And his mind imagined it was a monster.

He hugged himself very tightly,

Feeling small among these big trees.

Just then,

A gentle voice spoke from above.

Who's feeling afraid down there?

Toby looked up and saw two round golden eyes blinking at him from a low branch.

It was an owl,

With feathers the colour of the moon.

The owl glided down and perched on a stump beside Toby.

Hello,

Child,

The owl said softly.

I'm Olivia,

And I can see you're a bit scared.

It's alright to feel afraid sometimes.

Toby took a shaky breath.

I am a little scared of the dark,

He admitted.

Everything looks so different at night,

I can't see what's around me properly.

Olivia the owl nodded wisely.

Night does make things look strange,

Our minds can fill in the blanks,

With worries when we can't see clearly.

But often,

There's nothing scary there at all,

It's just our imagination.

She pointed a wing toward the shadowy shape that had frightened Toby.

Look,

That monster you thought you saw,

It's only an old tree stump.

Toby peered through the dim light,

And realised the owl was right.

What he feared was just a tree stump and gnarled old roots.

He let out a big sigh of relief,

And even a small laugh,

Feeling a bit better.

Being afraid is natural,

Olivia said kindly.

Everyone feels fear sometimes,

But it can help us to keep safe.

We don't want it to grow too big,

She smiled at Toby.

When I'm afraid,

I remember I'm not alone,

And I take deep breaths to calm down.

Would you like to try that with me?

Toby nodded,

Olivia took a deep breath in,

And Toby did the same,

Filling up his lungs with the cool mossy air.

Then Olivia slowly breathed out,

And Toby copied her,

Blowing out his fear with the breath.

They did this a couple of times,

Until Toby felt his racing heart slow down.

Do you feel a bit calmer now?

Olivia asked.

Toby nodded again.

Yes,

I'm still a little scared,

But not so much.

Breathing slowly really helped.

The owl then sang a soft rhyme.

In the dark of the night,

When fear feels near,

Breathe in deep and it will disappear.

The gentle rhyme made Toby smile.

He realised he could be brave,

Even when things did seem scary.

Olivia flapped back up to a higher branch.

Remember,

She said,

You're never really alone out here.

The stars,

The trees,

And your friends are with you.

You are safe.

Thank you,

Toby whispered.

He felt much calmer and braver now.

With a final friendly hoot,

Olivia the wise owl soared off into the night sky.

Toby waved goodbye.

Then he continued down the path,

No longer trembling.

The forest was still dark and mysterious,

But Toby's fear had melted into confidence.

He had learned that a bit of courage and a few deep breaths could really help him face his fears.

A little while later,

Toby heard a low growl and a thumping sound echo through the trees.

He followed the noise and soon he spotted a young bear cub in a small clearing.

The cub was trying to reach a beehive high up in an oak tree.

It stretched on its hind legs and jumped,

But the hive was too high.

Frustrated,

The cub let out an angry grrrrr and stomped the ground.

He even hit the tree trunk with his paw,

But that only made his paw hurt.

Toby stepped into the clearing,

Careful and calm.

Hello,

He said softly.

Are you alright?

The bear cub turned,

Surprised to see Toby.

The cub had soft brown fur and was not much bigger than Toby.

I'm fine,

The cub grumbled,

Though it was clear he was not fine at all.

He was holding his paw and he looked very upset and a little embarrassed.

You seem upset,

Toby said gently.

Maybe I can help.

The cub sighed,

Shoulders slumping.

I've wanted some honey from that beehive,

He admitted.

It smells so good,

But I can't reach it and I got so mad that I hit the tree.

And now my paw hurts too.

A tear of frustration shone in his eye.

Toby nodded understandingly.

I would be upset too.

I feel angry sometimes when I can't do something I want to do.

The cub looked at Toby curiously.

You get angry?

Oh yes,

Said Toby.

Everyone feels anger sometimes and it's okay to feel it.

But hitting that tree,

That didn't help,

Did it?

The cub shook his head.

No,

It just made things worse.

When I feel angry,

Toby said,

I try to calm down first.

Maybe we can take a deep breath together.

I learnt that from my friend,

Olivia the Owl.

The cub agreed and they both took a deep breath in.

And then slowly blew it out.

They did this a few times.

And with each breath,

The cub looked a little less tense and a little more hopeful.

Are you feeling a bit better now?

Toby asked.

The bear cub nodded.

A little.

I'm not as angry now.

Good,

Toby smiled.

Now that we're calmer,

Maybe we can figure out how to reach that honey.

They looked around and found a fallen log beneath the tree.

Toby helped the cub roll it directly under the beehive.

The bear cub climbed onto the log.

And now he could just barely reach the hive.

And with a careful swipe,

He'd knocked just a small piece of the honeycomb to the ground.

Sweet golden honey oozed from it.

Hooray!

Toby cheered softly.

The cub eagerly picked up the piece of honeycomb.

Before eating it,

He looked at Toby with gratitude.

I'm sorry I got mad and yelled,

He said.

Thank you for helping me calm down and figure this out.

Toby shook his head with a smile.

I'm happy I could help.

See,

When we stay calm,

It's a lot easier to solve a problem.

The cub broke the honeycomb in two and offered half to Toby.

Here,

Have some,

He said.

Toby tasted the honey.

It was delicious and wild flavoured with forest flowers.

As they finished their treat,

The bear cub looked much,

Much happier.

My mother always tells me it's OK to be angry.

But I shouldn't hurt anybody or myself.

I should take a deep breath and try to fix the problem.

Your mother sounds very wise,

Toby said.

The cub then recited a little rhyme he had learned.

When anger feels hot like a fire inside,

I take a deep breath and let anger slide.

Toby repeated the rhyme and the bear cub smiled.

Soon,

The cub yawned a big sleepy yawn.

All the excitement had tired him out.

I should go home to my den now,

He said.

Alright,

I'm glad you're feeling better,

Toby replied.

The bear cub gave Toby a warm furry hug.

Goodnight,

Toby.

Thank you,

He murmured.

Goodnight,

Toby answered,

Hugging him back.

Toby watched the cub disappear into the bushes toward home.

Then he took a deep breath of the night air and returned to the main path.

He felt proud.

He had helped turn the cub's anger into happiness.

He had also learned that when anger comes,

A little bit of patience and a deep breath can cool it down.

The night had grown very quiet as Toby walked on.

A light mist hung in the air and the moon shone high above.

After a while,

Toby heard a gentle sound through the trees.

A soft,

Sad song,

Almost like crying.

He followed the sound to a moonlit glade,

Where he found a little blue bird sat on a low branch,

Singing a sorrowful tune.

Tiny teardrops like dew glittered on the bird's feathers.

Toby stepped closer,

His heart aching at the lonely song.

Hello,

Are you OK?

He asked softly.

The blue bird looked down at Toby with watery eyes.

Oh,

Hello,

She replied in a trembling voice.

My name is Bella,

I'm feeling a bit sad tonight.

I'm sorry you're sad,

Bella,

Toby said.

He spoke gently,

The same way he would if a friend were crying.

Why are you feeling so sad?

Bella fluttered down from the branch to stand near Toby.

He could see her tiny body shaking as she tried not to sob.

I lost my favourite feather today,

She sniffled.

It was a special feather from my brother.

He flew away to a far off forest last spring and I kept that feather to remind me of him.

But now it's gone and I miss him so much and losing the feather,

It's made me feel even more lonely.

A tear rolled down Bella's cheek.

Toby carefully held out his hand and Bella hopped onto his palm.

He gently stroked her soft back with one finger.

I'm so sorry,

He said,

I understand a little because sometimes I miss someone I care about too.

It's hard when someone you love isn't nearby.

Bella nodded,

A tiny tear falling.

Sometimes I try to sing to feel a bit better but tonight my song just came out so sad.

It's okay to cry or sing a sad song when we feel this way,

Toby comforted her.

Sometimes letting the sadness out by crying,

Talking or singing can make your heart feel lighter.

Sadness is a natural feeling,

Especially when we miss someone or if we lose something important.

You're right,

Bella said softly.

I do feel a bit better having you here listening.

It makes me feel less alone.

Toby smiled warmly at the little bird.

You're not alone,

I'm here with you and I bet your brother thinks of you every day even if he is far away.

The love you share just doesn't go away.

Because you're apart.

Bella wiped her eyes with the tip of her wing.

That makes me feel better to remember love is still there even across distance.

She took a deep breath and then sang a new gentle rhyme.

Though I feel sad and a little bit blue I know in my heart our love stays true.

Her soft voice carried through the night air.

As she sang her teary eyes began to shine with hope instead of sorrow.

That was a beautiful song,

Toby said nodding.

He felt the sadness in the glade lifting replaced by a cosy hopeful feeling.

Bella managed a tiny smile.

Thank you Toby,

I'm glad you came by.

Sometimes just having a friend to sit with makes the sad feelings a lot easier.

Toby gave Bella the slightest tiny hug bringing his hand close to his chest with the bird in it.

I'm glad I could be here.

I feel better too knowing you're feeling happier.

Bella fluttered back up to her branch looking more peaceful now.

I think I'll be able to sleep tonight,

She said.

I will keep hope in my heart that I will see my brother again someday and I'll make a new feather keepsake in the morning.

Toby nodded.

Yes,

That sounds like a brilliant idea.

Goodnight Toby and thank you,

Bella whispered.

Goodnight Bella,

Toby replied softly.

He left the glade quietly,

Stepping back onto the path.

After comforting Bella,

Toby felt a gentle warmth in his chest.

He had learnt that sharing sadness with someone can help ease the pain and that remembering love brings hope.

He walked on,

Ready to continue his journey under the peaceful night sky.

Following the path,

Toby soon heard the soft sound of flowing water.

He came upon a clear babbling stream that wound its way through the woods.

Moonlight sparkled on the water and the air felt fresh and cool.

As Toby walked along the stream bank,

He noticed quiet giggles and gentle splashes nearby.

Peering ahead,

He saw a delightful sight.

Two otters were floating on their backs in a calm pool of the stream.

They were holding each other's paws as they drifted in circles.

Now and then,

They would spin or splash water playfully,

Their voice chirping in soft laughter.

Toby couldn't help but smile at the sight.

He stepped onto the water's edge.

One otter spotted him and waved a webbed paw happily and they both swam over to say hello.

Hi there,

The first otter said cheerfully.

I'm Olive and this is my brother,

Oscar.

Hello,

I'm Toby,

He replied smiling.

I love how you two were playing.

It looks like so much fun.

It is,

Oscar the otter said,

Flipping in the water.

We come out to play under the moon.

The night is so peaceful.

It's perfect for a gentle game.

Would you like to join us,

Olive asked.

She climbed onto a rock and shook off water,

Her sleek fur shining in the moonlight.

Toby giggled as a few droplets hit him.

Okay,

Maybe for a little while,

He said.

He took off his shoes and let his feet dangle in the cool,

Refreshing stream.

The otters showed Toby a simple game.

Catching floating leaves as they drifted by on the water,

Toby and the otters laughed quietly whenever a leaf slipped away or someone caught one just in time.

They played for a few pleasant minutes,

Enjoying this silly little game.

Soon,

Toby had a light,

Bubbly feeling inside.

The otter's joyful energy was contagious.

He realised he was feeling pure joy.

The kind of happy excitement that made him want to laugh along.

After a while,

The game ended and Toby dried his feet.

Olive and Oscar climbed out to sit with him on the grassy bank.

All three looked up at the twinkling stars for a moment,

Catching their breath and smiling.

You know,

Olive said,

When we feel happy like this,

It's so nice to share it.

Joy is even brighter when we spread it around.

Oscar nodded.

If one of us feels down,

The other does something playful and we're soon both laughing.

Joy can chase away any sadness or fear.

Toby thought about how playing with the otters lifted his spirits after the sadness he had felt with Bella.

I do feel happier now when I did before,

He admitted.

I was a little sad earlier,

But now it's like my heart feels lighter.

I guess sharing this fun with you has helped my joy to grow,

The otters both grinned.

Exactly,

Said Oscar.

Olive raised a paw and recited a merry little rhyme.

Joy is a bubble that floats so light lifting our hearts through the starry night.

Toby clapped softly.

Ah,

That's lovely,

He said.

The rhyme made him imagine his joy floating like a bubble up into the stars.

When he let out a small yawn,

The otters chuckled kindly.

Looks like someone is getting sleepy,

Olive said.

Toby nodded,

Rubbing his eyes.

He'd been walking a long time.

For a little bit,

He confessed.

Oscar pointed further down a stream.

Just around that bend,

You'll find a friend who can help you wind down and rest.

Toby thanked Olive and Oscar for the playful time.

The otters gave him a quick,

Wet,

Soggy hug.

Good night,

Toby,

They said together.

Good night.

Thank you for sharing your joy with me,

Toby replied.

And with a heart full of happiness,

Toby continued along down the path by the stream.

The time with the otters has shown him how joy could glow even in the gentle quiet of the night.

As he walked,

His once bubbly excitement settled into a calm,

Content feeling,

Perfectly preparing him for the next part of his journey.

Soon,

The trees opened up into a small grassy clearing by the water.

In the clearing,

Under the silver moonlight,

Toby saw a graceful deer and her fawn nibbling on some wildflowers.

The mother deer raised her head as Toby entered the clearing.

But she didn't run.

In this magical forest,

She sensed Toby was a friend.

Hello,

Toby greeted softly.

Good evening,

Little one,

The mother deer replied in a gentle voice.

I'm Dahlia,

And this is my fawn,

Dory.

The tiny fawn peeked at Toby with big,

Curious eyes.

Toby sat down on the grass to show he was friendly.

And to his delight,

The fawn stepped closer and sniffed at Toby's hand.

Toby reached out and petted Dory's head lightly.

The fawn made a sweet little sound and nuzzled up against Toby as if he were a familiar friend.

Dahlia the deer watched her baby warm up to Toby and smiled.

She stepped closer too and laid down her long legs,

Inviting Toby to sit with them.

Toby sat beside Dahlia and Dory curled up next to her mother,

Pressing a bit against Toby as well.

You have a kind heart,

Dahlia said to Toby.

Dory can tell.

What brings you through the forest tonight?

Well,

I'm meeting so many wonderful friends like you,

Toby replied.

He gently stroked Dory's back.

But seeing you and Dory together,

It makes me think of my own family.

I think how I might be feeling a little homesick now.

Dahlia nodded with an understanding in her soft eyes.

You love your family a lot,

Don't you?

Yes,

Toby said quietly.

I love them very much and being here with you reminds me how my mum tucks me up into bed.

I miss her.

But thinking about her also makes me feel warm and safe inside.

That's a power of love,

Dahlia said warmly.

Love is what you feel for your family and what I feel for Dory.

It's warm,

Safe feeling.

Even when the ones we love aren't with us,

That love still lives in our hearts and keeps us connected.

Toby listened to her words and realised it was true.

He did feel his family's love with him.

Even though he was out in the forest,

That love felt like a gentle light guiding him.

Dory the fawn yawned and snuggled closer to her mother.

Dahlia gave her a tender lick,

Then nuzzled Toby's shoulder affectionately.

You see,

She said,

Love also makes us care for each other.

I would do anything to keep Dory safe because I love her.

And it looks like you comforted a sad little bird and even helped that bear cub tonight.

Because you care.

That's love too.

Kindness and care for friends.

Toby smiled as he realised Dahlia was right.

He'd been caring for each friend he met.

His heart felt full and warm thinking about it.

The deer then hummed a soft lullaby and sang,

Love is a light that glows so bright,

Warming our hearts through the darkest night.

Her voice was like a gentle breeze and it made Toby feel very calm and safe.

Dory was now fast asleep tucked against her mother's side.

Toby felt his own eyes growing heavy again.

You've had a long journey Dahlia whispered to Toby and you've shared a lot of love along the way.

Toby nodded stifling a little yawn I learnt so much about feelings tonight He said softly I'm happy I met all of you Dahlia slowly stood up careful not to wake Dory just a little further on and you'll find a resting place she said.

Our friend Thomas should be waiting for you by the pond he'll help you finish your journey peacefully.

Toby stood up as well.

He gently patted the sleeping fawn to say goodbye and then gave Dahlia a grateful hug round her neck.

The deer felt warm and her fur was smooth against his cheek Thank you Dahlia he said I won't forget that love is always with me Goodnight dear Toby the mother deer whispered Safe travels With one last adoring look at the serene mother and child Toby headed in the direction she had indicated stepping back under the canopy of trees Toby followed a short path that led him to a small still pond hidden in a ring of willow trees the water was smooth like glass perfectly reflecting the moon and the stars above on a flat rock at the ponds edge sat a large turtle half in the water and half out as if he had been waiting the turtle looked up at Toby and smiled kindly Good evening Toby he greeted in a low soothing voice I've been expecting you my name is Thomas Hello Thomas Toby said softly he sat down on the grass by the pond feeling the quiet peace of this spot all the lessons and the feelings of the night swelled gently in his mind and he felt oh so very tired now but content Thomas the turtle spoke slowly each word calm and clear You've had quite the journey tonight my friend you've met many feelings now you've come to me to find rest it's time for calmness Toby nodded I am very sleepy he admitted rubbing his eyes the turtle chuckled quietly let's help you unwind then when I want to be calm and sleepy I like to take slow deep breaths and think of gentle things Toby remembered doing this with Olivia and also with the bear cub he was happy to do it again now to settle for sleep close your eyes if you want Thomas said Toby closed his eyes breathe in deeply through your nose very good now breathe out through your mouth nice and slowly Toby took a deep breath in and then he exhaled slowly he could hear the soft ripples in the pond as the turtle inhaled and exhaled with him they breathed together like this in silence for a few moments each breath made Toby feel more relaxed and more drowsy the cool night air felt fresh filling his lungs and as he breathed out he imagined any remaining excitement or worries flowing out of him and away like tiny clouds floating off into the sky Thomas spoke barely above a whisper now as if singing a lullaby feel how quiet the night is hear the crickets chirping slowly the stars above are gently watching over you you are comfortable and safe Toby did feel completely safe he yawned and laid down on the soft grass curling up as his eyes stayed closed the turtle then recited a final soothing rhyme quiet and calm like the midnight sea peaceful and still is what we can be as Thomas said these words Toby felt a wave of tranquility wash over him his body felt as light as a feather and as heavy as a stone at the same time light with peace heavy with sleepiness thank you thank you Toby murmured barely audible Thomas smiled and tucked himself a bit further into his shell ready to sleep by the pond himself rest now Toby you are surrounded by friends and all is happy and well in that safe calm moment Toby let himself drift into sleep he imagined all the friends he met the fox,

The owl the bear the bluebird,

The otters,

The deer and the turtle they all gathered around in his dreams smiling and watching over him he knew their lessons of love would stay with him Toby gently fell into a deep peaceful sleep right there by the still pond under the beautiful starry sky with a heart full of curiosity courage joy understanding love and calm good night Toby