Cry Cry Why Why

One sunny afternoon, Papa Puff was sitting in his cozy chair, reading a big book, while little Pebble played with his toys nearby. Everything was peaceful, with Pebble making happy little noises. But suddenly, Pebble started to cry.

Pebble: Waaah, waaah!

Papa Puff quickly looked up. Oh no, what’s wrong, my little Pebble? he thought as he put down his book and hurried over. But when he got there, he wasn’t sure why Pebble was crying. Was Pebble hungry? Sleepy? Something else?

Papa Puff’s first guess was that Pebble might be hungry.

Papa Puff: Are you hungry, Pebble? Let’s get you some yummy milk.

He grabbed the bottle, but Pebble turned his little head away from it and cried even louder.

Pebble: Waaah, waaah!

Papa Puff scratched his head. Hmm, maybe you’re not hungry, he thought. Maybe you’re sleepy, little one. Let’s try to rock you to sleep. He picked up Pebble and started to rock him gently, humming a soft little tune. But instead of calming down, Pebble cried even more!

Pebble: Waaah, waaah!

Papa Puff was puzzled. He had tried feeding and rocking, but nothing seemed to help. Then, he noticed something—Pebble was chewing on his tiny flippers between cries. Papa Puff’s eyes lit up. Oh, I see! Maybe your little teeth are coming in and it hurts!

Papa Puff: I think I know what you need, Pebble.

Papa Puff reached into a nearby drawer and pulled out a soft, cool teether shaped like a little fish. He gently offered it to Pebble, who immediately started to chew on it, his tiny flippers relaxing as he did.

Pebble: Goo goo…

As Pebble chewed on the teether, his cries turned into happy little coos.

Papa Puff: Ah, that feels better, doesn’t it, Pebble?

Papa Puff smiled with relief and gave Pebble a big, warm hug.

Papa Puff: I’m learning more about you every day, my little Pebble.

Pebble snuggled into Papa Puff’s fluffy chest, feeling much better now. Papa Puff sat back down in his chair, holding Pebble close, feeling so proud that he had figured out what was wrong. Today, he had learned something special about being a Papa, and that made him smile as he watched Pebble drift off to sleep, feeling safe, cozy, and oh-so-loved.