
Show Notes
Every parent knows the struggle of grumpy days—when nothing feels right and bedtime feels impossible. In "The Grumpy Firefly" by Steffani Raff, Freddy the firefly has one of those days. From sticky spiderwebs to noisy squirrels, everything goes wrong, and he just can’t find his glow. But with a little laughter, and a good friend Freddy learns how to let go of his stress and shine again.With humor, relatable mishaps, and a simple guided breathing exercise, this episode will help your little one transition from grumpy to glowing.
Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1) Make a grumpy grunt with your child. 2) Flash a light on and off like a firefly or imagine the fireflies with your child. 3) Model breathing in peace and saying goodbye to stress. 4) Sweep your arms gently across your body alongside your child.
For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories
Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Taehyeon (Ted) Kim. Music by Kim Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson
More from Wink: Stories for Better Bedtimes
This playful adventure follows a brave little old lady who outsmarts three hungry animals with calm courage, quick thinking, and a little help from her clever granddaughter. Packed with laugh-out-loud repetition, memorable sound effects, and a surprising pumpkin twist, it's a story that keeps children guessing until the very end. It celebrates bravery, resilience, and the idea that sometimes the smartest solution is also the most unexpected.
What if always saying "okay" is the very thing keeping you from finding your real friends? Join Axy, the always-smiling axolotl, as she discovers that telling people what you really like can feel scary... but it can also lead to the best friendships you've ever had. This is a story every child needs before they start believing they have to make everyone else happy to be loved.
Rufus the bear knows he wants something, but everywhere he goes the birds, squirrels, fish, deer, and bunnies take one look at his teeth, claws, and great big bear body and run away as fast as they can. One little bunny stays behind, watches Rufus carefully, and realizes that underneath all that big, furry, ferocious bear is someone who is sad and lonely. When Rufus whispers, “I want a hug,” Bunny finds her courage, wraps her tiny arms around his gigantic belly, and discovers that sometimes the biggest, scariest-looking creatures just need a little love.
Little Kitten loves yarn, sunshine, and naps—but most of all, she loves Mama Cat and does not want her to leave. When Little Kitten worries Mama might never come back, Mama teaches her a song and ties a string around her paw to remind her they are always connected. A sweet, funny story about separation anxiety, big feelings, and learning that love keeps us “tied at the heart.”
Two royal twins eagerly follow a mysterious magician and are transformed into storks after ignoring one important warning. When a fit of laughter makes them forget the magic word, they discover how paying attention, thinking for themselves, and remembering what matters can save the day. This playful retelling of a folktale is filled with humor, adventure, and a satisfying twist that kids will love.