Papa's Gentle Growl

Papa Tiger watched Mama Tiger try her very best. She’d sung every lullaby in the jungle, from the “Sleepy Sloth Song” to the “Hibernating Bear Blues.” She’d even invented a new one, the “Tickle-Toe Tango,” which Roary had found hilarious, but not at all sleepy. Roary was currently using his favorite blue squeaky toy, Mr. Quackers, as a tiny, very loud drum, banging it against the side of his crib with all the enthusiasm of a jungle festival.

“Oh, Roary,” Mama Tiger sighed, her whiskers drooping. “Just one little nap? The moon is already peeking through the leaves.”

Roary just grinned, a flash of tiny white teeth. “No nap, Mama! Roary wants to play!” He then proceeded to chase Mr. Quackers around the crib, his little paws thumping against the soft bedding.