A five minute tale for early readers inspired by a Mother Goose story.
Bye, Baby Bunting, Daddy's gone a hunting, He'll never get this rabbit's skin, To wrap the baby bunting in.
Before we dive into the story, have you ever wondered what it was like before we had fluffy blankets and warm PJs? Long ago, people didn’t have shops to buy snug winter stuff. Instead, they had to use animal furs and skins to keep their families warm. They’d go out hunting, just like you might go shopping with your family. It was really important because winters were super cold, and everyone needed to stay toasty. The term “bunting” was used to talk about babies wrapped in these warm furs.
Now, let’s hop into our adventure!

Once upon a time, in a cozy little cottage on the edge of the forest, there lived a loving family of three. There was Daddy, Mama, and their Baby Bunting, wrapped snuggly in soft blankets.
One chilly morning, Daddy ventured into the woods to hunt for some game. He tiptoed into the nursery to kiss his sleeping Baby Bunting and whispered, “Bye, Baby Bunting, Daddy’s gone a hunting.”
As he strode into the forest, the rustling leaves and twittering birds welcomed him. Daddy knew he needed to find the perfect gift for his Baby Bunting, so he searched high and low for a rabbit to provide warmth and comfort during the cold winter nights.
All day long, Daddy hunted with great determination but found no rabbits. As dusk approached, he heard the faint sound of giggling and rustling from behind a bush. He carefully parted the branches, and to his surprise, he discovered a group of rabbits playing hide-and-seek among the ferns.
Delighted, Daddy quickly aimed his bow but paused when he noticed a tiny rabbit sitting on a stump, watching the game. The little rabbit wasn’t playing, for it had a twisted back leg and couldn’t keep up with the others.
Daddy’s heart melted at the sight, and he lowered his bow. Realizing the little rabbit needed a safe and warm home, Daddy carefully picked it up and gently placed it inside his coat pocket.
Upon returning home, the entire family was overjoyed to welcome the newest member of their household. They named the little rabbit Lucky and fashioned a soft, cozy bed for him by the fireplace.

The family spent their evenings snuggling together with Lucky by Baby Bunting’s side, sharing laughter and love. As the winter wind howled outside, Daddy smiled, knowing his Baby Bunting had something even more precious than a rabbit’s skin: a fluffy, lovable companion.
And so, every night before bed, they’d sing a new lullaby:
โNight, night, baby bunting, Daddy's hunting's done, He caught a little rabbit, soft as the morning sun.โ Not for a coat so fine, nor for a winter's day, But a friend to bring you joy all along your way.
As you drift off to sleep, dear one, may you dream of cuddly friends, just like Lucky and Baby Bunting. Goodnight, and sweet dreams.
An adaptation of Baby Bunting from Denslow’s Mother Goose
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