The Moon's Bedtime Routine
The Moon's Bedtime Routine — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
"Hurry, Luna! The dream dust won't gather itself," called a voice. Luna, a small girl with shimmering wings, zoomed between stalls overflowing with stardust and moonbeams. Her best friend, Orion, a fluffy cloud creature, bounced along beside her, nearly knocking over a stack of sparkling nebula jars. "Almost there, Pip is already setting up," Orion huffed, excited to get the moon ready for sleep.
Page 2
Pip, a wise old gnome with a beard that reached his toes, adjusted the Moon's fluffy cloud pillows. "Tonight, the Moon seems extra restless," he grumbled. Luna gasped, noticing a small tear in one of the pillows, leaking dream dust. "Oh no! The dream dust is escaping!" Luna exclaimed. She picked up a discarded star chart beside Pip.
Page 3
"We need to find something to patch it before the Moon wakes up!" Luna cried. Orion, ever the pragmatist, reminded her, "But what? We don't have any celestial sewing kits!" Luna examined the star chart. "Maybe... this chart can help," she said thoughtfully. "'The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way,' Marcus Aurelius said, and I think he was talking about us!"
Page 4
Pip pointed a gnarled finger at the chart. "Legend says those symbols represent the Constellation Weaver, who can mend anything with starlight threads," he explained. Luna's eyes widened. "Then let's find her!" she declared. With Orion bouncing excitedly, Luna unfolded her shimmering wings and took flight toward the brightest cluster of stars on the chart.
Page 5
As they soared through the cosmos, they encountered the Grumble Goblins, tiny creatures who guarded the Stardust Rivers. "Halt! No one passes without answering our riddle!" squeaked the leader, a goblin with mismatched socks and a sour expression. "What has an eye, but cannot see?" another goblin chimed.
Page 6
Luna tapped her chin thoughtfully. "That's easy! A needle!" she exclaimed. The goblins groaned in unison. "Ugh, she's too clever!" The goblin leader reluctantly stepped aside, allowing them passage. "I knew all that time spent embroidering would come in handy," Luna said. "Thank you, goblins! I've got to save the Moon!"
Page 7
Finally, they reached the Constellation Weaver's shimmering home, a giant loom made of captured starlight. The Weaver, a kind-faced woman with hair like spun gold, greeted them warmly. "Welcome, little dream menders! I heard the Moon was having trouble." Luna explained about the dream dust leak, showing her the star chart.
Page 8
The Weaver smiled. "I have just the thing: Starspun thread, woven from captured dreams," she said, handing Luna a glowing spool. They raced back to the Moon, arriving just as its eyes began to flutter open. "Quick, Orion!" she shouted. Luna carefully sewed the tear in the pillow, using the Starspun thread to hold it shut. "Dream well, little moon!"
Page 9
The Moon sighed contentedly, its eyes closing peacefully. The dream dust stopped leaking, and a gentle wave of calmness washed over the marketplace. Luna and Orion exchanged a relieved smile. "We did it!" Orion squealed, giving Luna a cloud hug. Luna said, "I guess facing our fears helps us grow."
Page 10
"We certainly did, Luna! Because of your courage and cleverness, the Moon can rest peacefully tonight." Pip said, patting them both on the head. Luna smiled. "And we learned that even the smallest among us can mend the biggest problems if we work together." Orion looked up at the moon then back at Luna, knowing she was truly special.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
Read Wonder Books on your phone
Wonder Books is available on Android and iPhone and iPad. Get Wonder Books on Google Play · Get Wonder Books on the App Store.