Once upon a time, there was a little crab named Cranky Pants. He lived with Mom in a snug little nook beneath the sea. Today had been a hard day for Cranky Pants. He was feeling... well, Cranky! His little shell was all scrunched up, and his claws clicked together in annoyance.
It was bedtime, but Cranky Pants didn’t want to go to bed. "I’m not tired!" he insisted, crossing his claws defiantly. His face got all scrunchy, and his little Cranky pants wiggled in frustration. Mom watched patiently, her smile gentle and understanding.
"It’s time to sleep, Cranky," Mom said softly. But Cranky Pants pouted, "No! I want to play!" Mom then brought out his favorite pajamas—the ones with little starfish on them. "Maybe you’ll feel better in your cozy pajamas," she suggested. Yet, despite the soft fabric, Cranky Pants still felt grumpy.
Mom tucked him into bed and gave him his favorite blanket. "Here’s your soft blanket, Cranky," she said with a smile. But Cranky Pants pulled it over his head. "I don’t want to sleep!" he grumbled, though his eyes peeked out, betraying a hint of curiosity.
Mom then gave Cranky Pants his cherished stuffed animal, Mr. Snappy. "Mr. Snappy will help you sleep!" she assured him. Cranky hugged Mr. Snappy close, but the crankiness lingered. Cranky Pants sighed, feeling the soft texture of his friend.
"I know what will help," Mom said. "How about a bedtime story?" "Okay, just one," Cranky Pants relented, peeking out from under his blanket. Mom began reading about a happy little fish who swam around all day. As the story unfolded, Cranky Pants's little claws began to relax, and his frown started to fade.
Mom's voice was soft and calm, like the waves on the shore. Cranky Pants began to feel warm and cozy. "Maybe bedtime isn’t so bad," he thought. By the time the story ended, Cranky Pants was snuggled deep under his blanket. "I’m still a little Cranky," he whispered. But his eyes were feeling heavy.
Mom kissed Cranky Pants on his forehead. "Good night, my little crab," she said. Cranky Pants yawned. "Good night, Mom," he whispered back, almost asleep. And as the stars twinkled outside his window, Cranky Pants finally drifted off to sleep.
