A Sleep Story Inspired by One of Your Pets

To celebrate the upcoming National Pet Day, I ran a little giveaway earlier this year - the winner would receive something truly unique: A Sleep Story starring their beloved pet. 

The winner was chosen completely at random using a randomiser… and as chance would have it, the winning entry was full of charm, mystery, and one very determined cat.

That’s how Bella’s Adventure was born - a gentle, dreamlike story inspired by a real-life feline named Bella and her sister, Suki. Written by our very own Ember Isles author, Hollis Barkhaus, the story brings Bella’s spirit to life in a soft, imaginative way that’s perfect for winding down.

Meet the Real Bella (and her sister Suki!)

In real life, Bella’s full name is Belladonna; a name as dramatic and lovely as she is. She’s mysterious, quietly confident, and extremely protective of her human Mum. Her sister, Suki, is affectionately called Suki-Sensei, thanks to her lightning-fast moves and uncanny ability to scale walls like a ninja.

A Real Cat with a Big Personality

The heart of the story is based on one of Bella’s actual adventures, and what an adventure it was. Here’s what her Mum shared:

“One fall day, their dad opened an upstairs window next to a tall tree for some fresh air. Bella, who particularly adores challenges (and being a bit naughty) climbed out and perched herself in the tree — a good few feet from the window.

He searched everywhere for her and finally noticed what she was up to. He panicked, worried she might fall. He begged, pleaded, and tried to bribe her to come back in… but she wouldn’t budge.

After nearly an hour, she strolled back inside on her own terms. I didn’t find out about it until days later!”

This was such a vivid, funny, and totally relatable story that Hollis knew it had to become the heart of Bella’s Adventure. In the sleep story, Bella watches the world from her bookshelf perch before leaping into the unknown beyond the window; where she explores trees, meets quiet strangers, and learns the joy of stillness.

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“Bella’s Adventure” is more than just a sleep story, it’s a small tribute to the quirky, loyal, and wonderful pets who share our lives. And a reminder that sometimes, the best stories are the ones waiting just outside the window.

Whether you're a cat person, a cosy story lover, or just looking for a calm place to land tonight, I hope you’ll join Bella on her dreamy little journey.

🎧 You can listen to the story here and drift off beside a bookshelf-dwelling cat who once ruled the treetops.