Eli's Lion Morning Stretch

Ages 3–5

Eli wakes up curled tight as a snail shell just as the warm smell of pancakes drifts up the stairs, and must shake off the sleepy grumbles before breakfast disappears.

Children learn that a few playful body stretches (a cat arch, a lion reach, a big yawn) can turn morning grogginess into calm, happy energy in time for the good things waiting for them.

Eli, in his golden-yellow pajama set, woke up curled tight as a snail shell. One eye peeked open. Then he smelled it — pancakes! But his arms and legs felt stuck, stuck, stuck.

"My arms are noodles!" he groaned, flopping back down. Mango tipped off the bed and landed on the round rag rug, nose pointed at the floor, showing Eli exactly where to go.

Eli slid down onto the rug on hands and knees. Down the hall, a plate clinked. Pancakes wouldn't wait forever! Mango flopped into a curled-up ball, showing him the very first stretch.

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