Support Sleepy Bedtime Stories by signing up here for extra episodes! ⁠⁠Only $2.99/Month. Podcast Written + Read + Produced in Spokane, WA by Hannah Flint, Children's Book Author and Illustrator In a sunny land called Hopalong Bay, Lived a young kangaroo who loved to play. Tuck was his name, with a dream so bright To be the best jumper and leap to new heights. Each morning he'd practice with a hop and a bound,His feet leaving prints in the soft sandy ground.But jumping was tricky, and though Tuck tried hard,He often fell down in the green grassy yard. One day at the playground, Tuck saw his friends, Bouncing and playing with flips and with bends. "Watch me!" called Tuck, with a jump to the sky, But he tumbled and fell, as the others leaped high. His friends giggled softly and shrugged with a sigh,"Maybe jumping's not for you, Tuck, don't even try."Tuck's ears drooped down, his heart heavy with doubt,But deep down inside, his dream wouldn't go out. He thought of the greats, who had failed on their way, But kept on pursuing their dreams every day. He remembered his mom saying, "Try and believe, For dreams don't come true if you're quick to just leave." Tuck got up and dusted the dirt from his fur,And decided to practice, no matter the blur.He hopped and he stumbled, he tripped and he fell,But each time he rose with a powerful swell. Days turned to weeks, and weeks into more, With each little hop, Tuck's confidence soared. His friends watched in awe as he practiced with grace, Determined and focused, a smile on his face. One day as he practiced, a storm rolled around, The skies turned to gray, rain poured to the ground. His friends ran for cover, but Tuck stayed to train, Jumping through puddles, and dancing in rain. "Tuck, you're so silly," his friends called in jest,"Why train in this weather? Come on, take a rest."But Tuck shook his head, with a fire in his eyes,"Rain or shine, I’ll keep going, I’ll reach for the skies." Through thunder and lightning, through wind and through rain,Tuck practiced his jumping, again and again.He knew in his heart, despite the hard test,That dreams worth achieving required his best. One sunny morning, with skies clear and blue, The animals gathered for something brand new. A big jumping contest was held in the park, And Tuck felt a flutter, a tiny bright spark. His friends were all there, the same ones who'd jeered, But Tuck stood up tall, his doubts disappeared. He took a deep breath and he started to race, With a leap and a bound, he flew into space! Higher and higher, he soared like a kite,The crowd gasped and cheered at the magnificent sight.Tuck landed with grace, a new record was set,He'd done it, he'd made it, his dream now was met. His friends ran to greet him, their faces amazed, "We're sorry, dear Tuck, we were wrong," they praised. "You never gave up, and you reached for the sky, You've shown us that dreams are worth every try." Tuck smiled and hugged them, his heart filled with cheer,He'd learned a great lesson, one precious and clear."It's okay if things don't always go as planned,Keep trying, keep dreaming, just take a firm stand." The news of his feat spread far and wide, From Hopalong Bay to the mountainside. Animals came to see Tuck the brave, The kangaroo jumper whose spirit never gave. Tuck taught them all, with his heart so strong,That failing is part of the journey along.For every great leap and each bound so high,Begins with a stumble and reaching the sky. He looked at his friends and said with a grin, "Don't let others' doubts ever make you give in. For dreams are like stars, they light up the night, Just follow your heart and reach for the height." So, dear children, remember brave Tuck,When things get tough and you feel out of luck.Keep trying, keep dreaming, and you'll find your way,For dreams come to those who don't give up, come what may.