The Mountain Race Started Too Soon

A free dragon bedtime story, written for ages 3–5 and ready to read aloud in about 3 minutes. Tonight's hero is Mia.

“Go!” cried Mia. She dashed past the bright red leaf. Little Dragon was still at the start. A yellow leaf covered his nose. “Achoo-fwoof!” He sneezed a tiny smoke ring.

They were racing up the little mountain path. The red leaf was their start. The round red rock was the finish. They had to start together. Mia wanted to touch the rock first.

Up she ran through the crisp leaves. Crunch, crunch, crunch! Dragon hurried after her. Thump, flap, thump! Mia touched the rock. “I won!” she cried. Then Dragon reached the top.

“That was too soon,” he said. “I was not ready.” Mia put both hands on the rock. “But I got here first.” Dragon’s wings drooped. He did not cheer. Mia tried a winner dance. Hop, hop, spin! It did not feel like winning.

Mia saw the yellow leaf on Dragon’s horn. She remembered his big sneeze. He had not been ready. Mia stopped dancing. “I made a mistake,” she said. “I called go too soon. I am sorry.” She ran back to the red leaf. “Let’s start together.” Dragon’s wings popped up.

Mia looked beside her. Dragon was ready. “Ready, set, go!” Off they raced. Crunch, thump, crunch, thump! Their feet tossed red and gold leaves. Dragon’s round nose touched the rock first. Mia laughed. “Your nose won!” They sat on the warm red rock. One gold leaf rested on Dragon’s nose.