Why Animals Nap

Mama Tiger scooped Tiggy into her warm, striped embrace, her purr a rumble of comfort against his small body. Tiggy snuggled closer, the fear that had been prickling his fur beginning to melt away. The jungle, which had seemed so vast and empty just moments ago, felt safe again, wrapped in his mama's familiar scent. He still felt a little bit wiggly, a little bit bouncy, but the big, wide world outside their cozy den seemed less appealing now.

"Mama," Tiggy whispered, his voice muffled against her soft fur, "why was everyone sleeping?" He thought of the silent monkey, the still parrot, and the giant elephant, all tucked away and fast asleep. It had been so quiet, so… boring.

Mama Tiger licked the top of his head, her tongue rough but soothing. "Oh, little one," she rumbled, her voice like a gentle breeze through the leaves, "everyone you saw was napping because it's naptime for them, just like it is for you."