Visit the “A Bedtime Story” show website to submit your story ideas for a future episode!

Ferdinand was a dragon of peculiar disposition. While his siblings gleefully practiced their fiery breaths, scorching marshmallows and charring oak trees, Ferdinand preferred to brew chamomile tea and knit tiny scarves for garden gnomes. He was, in short, terrified of fire. The mere sight of a flickering candle made his scales tingle with unease.

His family, a boisterous lot of fire-breathers, tried everything. “Just a little puff, Ferdie!” his Uncle Scorchi would coax, holding out a lighter. Ferdinand would turn a delicate shade of emerald green and back away, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. He dreaded Dragon Fire Day, an annual event where young dragons demonstrated their most impressive flames.

One year, as the dreaded day approached, Ferdinand’s anxiety grew. He spent his days knitting furiously, creating elaborate patterns in hues of sapphire and gold, trying to distract himself from the inevitable. His garden gnome friends, Sir Puddlewick and Lady Toadstool, noticed his distress and decided to help. “Courage comes in many forms, dear Ferdinand,” Sir Puddlewick said wisely, adjusting his slightly crooked hat.

On the morning of Dragon Fire Day, Ferdinand clutched his knitting needles, trying to look busy. The grand arena buzzed with excitement. His sister, Ignis, shot a magnificent plume of orange and red that singed the flagpole, earning roaring applause. His cousin, Ember, created a perfect dragon-shaped flame that danced in the air before dissipating, leaving the crowd awestruck.

Then it was Ferdinand’s turn. His claws trembled as he approached the stage. The audience of dragons rumbled expectantly, their glittering eyes fixed on him. He could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down like a mountain.

Taking a deep breath, Ferdinand closed his eyes and thought of his favorite chamomile tea—the soothing warmth, the gentle aroma of honey and lavender. When he opened his mouth, instead of fire, a gentle, warm mist of fragrant, steaming tea wafted out, curling gracefully into the cool air.

A collective gasp rose from the crowd, followed by an almost tangible silence. Just as Ferdinand’s heart sank with dread, a tiny dragon in the front row sneezed adorably. “Bless you!” Ferdinand instinctively said, and out popped a perfect, warm, knitted scarf, landing gently on the little dragon’s snout.

The crowd erupted in cheers, their roars echoing across the valley. Dragons stomped their feet and flapped their wings in delight. It turned out, many dragons had perpetually cold snouts, especially during the high mountain winters!

From that day on, Ferdinand was hailed as a hero. He didn’t breathe fire, but he offered comforting warmth and cozy accessories. Dragon Fire Day was officially renamed Dragon Comfort Day, a celebration of unique talents and the warmth they bring. Ferdinand’s tea-breath and knitted gifts became the most anticipated part of the festivities.

He even managed to knit a tiny fireproof cozy for his Uncle Scorchi’s lighter, which Scorchi proudly showed off to everyone. Ferdinand’s life was filled with new friends, endless cups of tea, and an ever-growing collection of colorful scarves. And though he never breathed fire, his heart burned warmly with pride, knowing he had found his own special way to shine.