Benny the Bunny Builds a Strong Mind

Benny the bunny was usually happy. He loved hopping through meadows, munching on carrots, and playing tag with his friends.

But one day at school, Benny felt funny. His tummy felt twisty. He forgot his show-and-tell toy, and he didn’t want to play during recess. He sat under the slide and sighed.

Miss Maple, the kind classroom squirrel, came over and asked, “Benny, are you feeling okay?”

Benny shook his head. “I forgot my toy, I feel grumpy, and my ears won’t stop drooping.”

Miss Maple smiled gently. “It sounds like you’re having a tough day. But guess what? We can help your mind feel better—just like we take care of our bodies!”

She told Benny that thinking good thoughts helps us stay strong inside. “When something goes wrong, you can say something kind to yourself,” she explained. “Like, ‘I forgot my toy, but I can still have a good day.’”

Benny tried it. “I forgot my toy… but I’ll still have fun at school.” That made him smile just a little.

Then Miss Maple taught Benny how to take big belly breaths. “Breathe in through your nose like you’re smelling a flower… then out through your mouth like you’re blowing a bubble.”

Benny gave it a go. In… out… in… out. “Hey! I feel a little better.”

At lunchtime, Benny sat with his buddy Penny the porcupine. “I was sad this morning,” he told her.

Penny nodded. “I get sad sometimes, too. But talking helps.”

Benny smiled. “Thanks for being a good friend.”

After school, Benny had a snack—some crunchy carrots and a drink of water. “Yum!” he said. “Healthy snacks give me brain power!”

Then he did a little hop-hop-jump around the room. Moving his body helped him shake out his leftover grumpy feelings. “Exercise makes my body and my brain feel better!” he laughed.

That night, Benny turned off his tablet early, brushed his teeth, and snuggled into bed. “Sleep is like magic for your brain,” he thought, as his eyes closed. He felt cozy and calm.

The next day, Benny remembered his show-and-tell toy. But guess what? Another friend forgot theirs. Benny said, “It’s okay! That happened to me, too. Want to share mine?” He felt proud for helping someone else.

Later, when something felt tricky in class, Benny remembered what Miss Maple said: “One step at a time.” He took a breath, asked for help, and tried again.

Benny learned that when we take care of our minds—by thinking good thoughts, moving our bodies, eating well, sleeping enough, and being kind—we feel stronger and braver inside.

Just like Benny, you can be strong and bounce back when things feel hard.

Can you think of a time when you were brave like Benny?
What helps you feel better when you have a rough day?

You are smart, kind, and stronger than you think—just like Benny the bunny!