Arlo and the Suitcase Zoo
Bright Bloomer Bedtime Stories
Ages 1 to 3 · About 2 minutes
A short travel bedtime story for toddlers ages 1 to 3. Arlo packs a suitcase zoo, practices animal sounds, and chooses a familiar friend for Grandma’s house.
Arlo wanted to take his whole toy zoo to Grandma’s.
In went Lion.
In went Elephant.
In went Rabbit.
The suitcase would not close.
Arlo sat beside it.
“Too much zoo,” Mama said.
Lion’s fluffy tail poked out.
Arlo gave it a little wave.
The suitcase looked as though it had grown a tail.
Mama lifted Lion.
“Who says roar?”
“ROAR!” said Arlo.
She lifted Elephant.
“Who says trumpet?”
Arlo made a very wobbly elephant noise.
Mama’s eyebrows jumped.
“An elephant with the hiccups!”
Arlo laughed.
Then he hugged Rabbit.
This was his bedtime friend.
“Rabbit comes,” he said.
“Rabbit comes,” Mama agreed.
Lion and Elephant could guard the bedroom.
They packed the things Arlo needed.
Pajamas. Clean clothes. Toothbrush.
One soft Rabbit.
This time, the suitcase closed.
Click!
Arlo waved to Lion.
“Roar quietly.”
He waved to Elephant.
“No hiccups.”
Mama carried the suitcase. Arlo carried Rabbit.
They were ready for Grandma’s house.
The little toy zoo had a very important job at home.
Grandma showed Arlo his cozy bed.
Rabbit tried the pillow first.
Arlo tried it next.
“Good pillow,” he said.
Mama helped him get ready. Grandma opened a book.
Far away, Lion and Elephant were guarding his room.
Here, Rabbit was guarding his dreams.
Arlo hugged the soft ears.
No roaring now.
No trumpeting.
Just a little boy, a familiar friend, and a warm good night.
A little discovery for tomorrow
Choose one familiar toy for an imaginary trip. What sound does it make? What else belongs in a small overnight bag?