Chuff-Chuff, Time for Bed

The sun was going down over the hills, pink and orange and gold.

At the far end of the line, Pip the little red train gave a happy toot.

Toot toot!

“One more journey,” said Driver Dot, “and then it’s time for bed.”

Off they went.

Chuff-chuff, chuff-chuff, chuff-chuff, chuff-chuff! Clickety-clack, clickety-clack, here comes Pip along the track!

Can you chuff like Pip? Chuff-chuff, chuff-chuff!

Up the hill went Pip. Chuff… chuff… chuff…

And down the other side. Wheeee!

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First, Pip chuffed past the big green field, where the cows were munching the long grass.

“Moo!” said the cows. “Where are you going, little train?”

“Home to bed,” said Pip. “Goodnight, cows!”

“Moo-oo,” yawned the cows. And they folded up their legs and lay down in the grass.

Chuff-chuff, chuff-chuff, chuff-chuff! Clickety-clack, clickety-clack, here comes Pip along the track.

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Next, Pip rumbled over the old stone bridge. Down below, the river was sparkling pink, and two little ducks were paddling home.

“Quack, quack!” said the ducks. “Where are you going, little train?”

“Home to bed,” said Pip. “Goodnight, bridge! Goodnight, ducks!”

The ducks tucked their heads under their wings. And the river went whispering on, shh, shh, shh.

Chuff-chuff, chuff-chuff… clickety… clack, here comes Pip along the track.

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The moon came up, thin and silver, as Pip pulled into the little station.

The lamps were lit. And on the bench sat the station cat, washing her paws.

“Miaow,” said the cat. “Where are you going, little train?”

“Home to bed,” said Pip, with a big yawn. “Goodnight, Cat.”

The station cat curled up in a ball, with her tail over her nose. Purr… purr…

Chuff… chuff… clickety… clack… Pip is nearly home.

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Now Pip was going slowly, slowly. Past the sleeping houses. Past the quiet trees. Round the very last bend.

And there was the engine shed, with its big wooden doors open wide and a warm yellow light inside.

Chuff…

chuff…

chuff.

Pip rolled into the shed and stopped. Pssshhh, went his steam, like one long, sleepy sigh.

Driver Dot gave his funnel a gentle pat. “Well done, Pip,” she said softly. “Goodnight, little train.”

She turned the lamp down low and closed the big doors. Creak… click.

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Out in the field, the cows are asleep.

Down by the bridge, the ducks are asleep.

At the station, the cat is asleep on her bench.

And in the shed, Pip’s eyes are closing… closing… closed.

Pip is home.

And you are home too, little one, warm and snug in your bed.

Goodnight, cows. Goodnight, ducks. Goodnight, Cat.

Goodnight, Pip.

And goodnight to you.

Shh…

The End