Droply 
"Is it time yet?" asked Glim, the smallest firefly in the forest.
"Almost," said his mother. "Wait until the sun has gone all the way down."
Glim waited. He watched the sun slide behind the hills. He watched the sky turn orange, then pink, then deep blue. And then, at last, it was dark.
"Now?" asked Glim.
"Now," said his mother, smiling.
Glim took a deep breath and switched on his light. Glow… His little tail shone a soft, warm yellow, like a tiny lantern.
All around him, the other fireflies were switching on their lights too. Glow… glow… glow… The whole forest began to twinkle.
Every firefly had a job. Tonight, Glim's job was to help the forest animals find their way to bed.
First, he heard a small voice in the bushes. "I can't find my way home," said a little hedgehog. "It's too dark."
"Follow me," said Glim, and he flew slowly ahead, glowing softly. The hedgehog followed the little light, step by step, past the mossy rock and the big fern, all the way to a snug pile of leaves under a log.
"Home!" said the hedgehog happily, curling up into a prickly ball. "Thank you, Glim."
Next, Glim found a baby rabbit sitting all alone in the meadow. "My burrow is somewhere near the big tree," said the rabbit, "but I can't see it."
"Follow me," said Glim. He glowed a little brighter and led the rabbit through the tall grass, all the way to a small round hole between the roots of the oak tree. The rabbit's family was waiting inside, and they all snuggled together.
"Thank you, Glim," whispered the little rabbit.
Then Glim heard a quiet peep, peep. High in a tree, a baby bird had fallen out of her nest and was sitting on a lower branch, looking worried.
Glim flew up beside her and glowed his warmest glow. "Your nest is just up there," he said. "Hop from branch to branch, and I'll light the way."
Hop… hop… hop. The little bird followed his light, branch by branch, until she tumbled gently into her nest, right beside her mother.
"Thank you," peeped the bird, and she tucked her head under her wing.
By now, Glim was feeling tired. His light was getting a little dimmer. He flew back to the soft blade of grass where his mother was waiting.
"You did a wonderful job tonight," she said. "Every animal is safe and sound."
Glim smiled a sleepy smile. He curled up on the grass, and his light grew softer… and softer… and softer…
Until it was just a gentle glow, like a nightlight, glimmering in the quiet forest.
Tonight, if you feel a little unsure in the dark, remember Glim. There is always a gentle light nearby, keeping you safe until morning.
Glow… glow… sleep well.
