Mortimer’s Birthday Sleepover

Even brave little bears get scared sometimes!

Once upon a time, Papa Bear helped Mortimer put up his tent. “This is going to be the best birthday ever,” Mortimer said. “Your friends will be here soon,” said Papa Bear. “Are you sure you want to sleep outside in the tent?” “Yes,” said Mortimer. “I want to sleep in the tent with Harley and Jake.” “Are you sure you won’t be scared?” asked Papa Bear. “I won’t be scared,” said Mortimer. “I’m a very brave bear.” Harley and Jake arrived on their shiny new bicycles. Jake let Mortimer ride his bicycle. Then he rode Harley’s bicycle. Afterward, Mortimer opened his presents. He liked his presents very much. But oh, how he wished that one of them was a shiny new bicycle! For the rest of the afternoon, Mortimer and his friends played games. They had honey chicken pizza for dinner. Then it was time for bed. “Are you sure you want to sleep outside in the tent?” asked Mama Bear. “Yes,” said Mortimer. “Are you sure you won’t be scared?” asked Papa Bear. “We won’t be scared,” said Harley. “We are very brave bears,” said Jake. “It isn’t dark yet,” Mortimer said as they scrambled into the tent. “Let’s tell ghost stories,” said Harley. “I know a very scary one,” said Jake. He told his very scary ghost story. Then Mortimer told one that was even scarier.

The night grew still and quiet. “It’s very dark in here now,” said Harley. “It’s very, very dark,” said Jake. “I don’t think we should tell any more ghost stories,” said Mortimer. “Look!” Jake shouted, pointing. Mortimer and Harley looked. Their eyes grew big as saucers. A strange glowing light bobbed about outside the tent. Suddenly, a huge shadow appeared. The shadow came closer. Then another shadow appeared. It came closer too, making a strange squeaking sound.

Mortimer, Harley and Jake had never felt so scared in their lives.

Then a deep voice said, “Come out! Come out!”

Mortimer laughed. “It’s Mama Bear,” he said. He scrambled out of the tent. Harley and Jake scrambled out, too.

“Happy birthday, Mortimer!” said Mama Bear. She was carrying a huge birthday cake with glowing candles.

“Happy birthday, Mortimer!” said Papa Bear. He was wheeling a shiny new bicycle. The wheels of the bicycle went squeak, squeak, squeak.

“This is the best birthday ever!” said Mortimer. He hugged Mama Bear. He hugged Papa Bear. Then he hugged his shiny new bicycle.

After everyone had a piece of birthday cake, it was time to go back to sleep.

“Are you sure you want to sleep outside in the tent?” asked Mama Bear. “No,” said Jake. “We are very brave bears,” said Harley. “But we’ll be a lot braver sleeping inside,” said Mortimer.