Bear wakes to soft snow. The trees wear white coats. The air is cold and quiet. Bear sniffs the air. His nose is tiny and warm.
Bear steps out. His paws leave small prints. The snow hushes each step. The light is low. Day feels slow. Bear likes the slow days.
He finds a little hill. He sits and looks. Snow falls like tiny stars. Bear claps his paws. "Hello snow," he said. A bird hops near. The bird shakes its feathers. "Hello," the bird said. Bear smiles.
Bear feels a chill. He pulls his fur close. It is thick and snug. He walks to his den. The den is warm. A cup of warm honey waits. Bear sips the honey. His nose goes up. The warm sip makes him smile.
Outside, friends come by. Fox brings a red scarf. Hare brings a small carrot. Squirrel brings nut bits. They share small gifts. They laugh with soft sounds. They make a little game. They roll a snow ball. They make a small snow friend. The snow friend has a pebble nose and twig arms. Bear pats the snow friend. The snow friend cannot move, but it looks kind.
Light goes low fast. Bear feels tired. He puts on a wool hat. He wraps in a soft blanket. The friends sing a short song. "Sleep now," sang Bird. "Rest now," said Hare. Bear yawns.
A soft wind comes by. The wind tells a calm tale. Bear listens. He hears the creek sleep under ice. He hears leaves whisper. He feels safe.
Bear learns how to walk slow in cold. He learns to wear warm things. He learns to share small things. He learns to make a cozy den. He learns that short days can be bright with friends and warm cups.
Night comes with a small moon. Bear closes his eyes. He breathes slow. He dreams of light snow and warm hugs.
Moral: Winter can be calm and kind when we stay warm, share, and rest together.
