A bedtime story, a goodnight song, and a sweet sleep

What I remember most about bedtime is a story and a song. After the customary bedtime story, my father would sing me to sleep with Puff the Magic Dragon and he would slip in the names of my two older sisters and myself. In my head, it was always Zach the Magic Dragon. Thirty years later and those memories still make me smile.

We often look back on childhood with fond memories, we find ourselves thinking about how things were easier when we were kids. Our days were filled with fun. And responsibilities? What responsibilities? Sure, that is true. As far as it goes. But childhood can often be quite difficult as well. It can be confusing. It can be scary.

That is why it is my firm belief that picture books are one of the best things in the world.

Story-time, visiting imaginationland, bedtime stories, call it what you will, but it is a time when both children and adults alike can get away from the real world and together, explore the adventurous worlds of a book. In the end we feel fulfilled, everyone living happily ever after (at least most of the time). Picture books inspire us to be better people, to listen, to learn, to be brave, to help and to love.

Yes, I often feel nostalgic and wish life were simpler, as when I was young. But I can still feel the way I did all those years ago by sharing those same books I loved so dearly with my own children, 7 and 10 years old now. Every time I read them; I think the same thing. These books are truly timeless. Now as an adult I have been writing my own picture books. Inspired by the books of my childhood, inspired by my children and inspired by the world.

The following story was created after one my daughters gave me an illustration she had made. It was a caterpillar sitting in a chair (see below). It struck me as totally ludicrous and incredibly funny, and I had to create something in response. It started as a short poem and eventually turned into a full-length manuscript. I hope you enjoy.

The Lazy Caterpillar - Zachary T Agman - 2021

There once was a caterpillar who sat in a chair.

He came out every morning to enjoy the fresh air.

Majestic and plump, he had an extra big door.

To get out of his house without being sore.

He reposed on his large and comfortable chair.

His big belly showing without any cares.

An umbrella, refreshments, and his chair, “just right!”

He sat through the day and into the night.

When he was hungry, he would get up from his seat.

It would happen quite often; he really liked to eat.

After some food, the snoring would start.

Some thought he was lazy, but he had a good heart.

He never moved fast; he liked to take things slow.

Relaxing was his job, and he was a pro.

He sat there in silence and watched the town work away.

The Caterpillar was content and content he would stay.

He liked to watch the business of the bugs who passed through.

There was nothing in the world that he would rather do.

This was how things worked in his life.

Everything was good, there was no silly strife.

The caterpillar relaxing, enjoying his days.

He never worried about being stuck in his ways.

To any who saw him, he would seem unprepared.

Many wanted to warn him, but no bug would dare.

They all knew exactly how he would react.

“Don’t be silly, I’ll be fine and that is a fact!”

Then there was an evening, as the sun began to fade.

When the caterpillar looked up and became very afraid.

A speck, a spot, a shadow circling down.

“It was such a nice day” he said with a frown.

It was a hungry bird! Oh, it was just not fair.

Scared but determined he lumbered out of his chair.

He grasped his umbrella albeit not a cloud in the sky.

This caterpillar was smart and upon that he’d rely.

The town panicked, looking for a safe place to hide.

The bird was coming closer now, “every bug, get inside!”

The bird was too fast and came swooping down the street.

Then, it saw the plump caterpillar and thought it had a treat.

The caterpillar opened the umbrella and displayed what was there.

It was the face of a lion with sharp teeth plainly bared.

The caterpillar roared fiercely, filling the bird with dismay.

And with that the bird turned and flew quickly away.

As the echo of the roar died away in the distance.

All the bugs turned to him and clapped with insistence.

The caterpillar saved the day, he was a hero and they cheered!

Maybe this excitement was not as bad as he feared.

The events of the day made him sleepy indeed.

Maybe tomorrow he’d let someone else take the lead.

He supposed he would not mind more excitement in his life.

After all, it had not caused him too much strife.

The caterpillar looked longingly at his favorite chair.

He took a deep breath of that cool night air.

Being a hero was not quite what he intended.

But after considering, he was glad that’s how it ended.

Yes, he decided it was time to go in.

To eat and to sleep and wait for tomorrow’s adventure to begin.

End