bedtime · Ages 6-8

The Backpack That Wanted to Come to Bed

A backpack full of tomorrow's things begs to stay nearby, and a child gives it a resting place outside the bed.

The whole story

1. At bedtime, Mina packed her small teal backpack with a math book, a library book, and a red apple for tomorrow. Then she put on her pajamas and headed for bed.

2. Mina placed the backpack beside her desk. It leaned toward the bed, its straps reaching like little arms.

3. Mina moved it to the hallway chair. When she turned back, the backpack was beside her pillow.

4. Mina lifted the backpack down. “Why do you keep coming?” she asked. “Tomorrow is in me,” said the backpack. “I do not want to miss it.”

5. Mina looked at the clock. “Tomorrow will wait until morning,” she said. “Beds are for sleeping, and backpacks are for waiting.”

6. The backpack gave a small, worried wobble. “Can I wait near you?” it asked. Mina glanced at the narrow space beside her bed.

7. Mina set a low wooden stool just outside her bed. She placed the backpack on it, with its straps tucked in. “Here is your resting place,” she said. “You will be near, but you will not climb into bed.”

8. That night, a backpack full of tomorrow’s things begged to stay nearby. Mina gave it a resting place outside her bed. The backpack settled. Mina did too.

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