Five Little Stars

Five little stars were shining in the sky. They twinkled over the rooftops. They twinkled over the trees.

The first little star gave a tiny yawn. "I am sleepy," it said. It pulled a small grey cloud over itself, like a quilt. Now there were four.

Four little stars were shining in the sky. They twinkled over the river. They twinkled over the boats.

The second little star rubbed its eyes. "I am sleepy too." It pulled a small grey cloud over itself. Now there were three.

Three little stars were shining in the sky. They twinkled over the fields, where the wheat stood still.

The third little star said nothing at all. It was already half asleep. A small grey cloud drifted over it, all by itself. Now there were two.

Two little stars were shining in the sky. "Shall we stay up?" said one. "Just a little," said the other. They twinkled over one last window, where one last lamp was burning.

Then the lamp went out. The fourth little star slipped under its cloud. Now there was one.

One little star was shining in the sky. It looked down at a child in a bed. The child looked up at the star.

"Goodnight," whispered the star.

"Goodnight," whispered the child. And both of them closed their eyes.