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Around the World

Let's travel around the world together? Will we first visit the seal hunters in Greenland or the African tribes? And how about getting to know the story of the Vietnamese Cinderella? Immerse yourself with the children in the secrets of traditional stories from all over the world: from the Far East through vast Africa to the eternally frozen plains of the far north.

Four Pranksters

Burmese Tale

Four Pranksters

10
 min
8
+
4.74

Dishonesty never pays off. The four pranksters decide to rob a traveller of his clothes. They make up a contest that involves telling the most unbelievable story. The one who doesn't believe a story has to give up all their clothes. How does the traveller deal with the strange game?

Around the World
The Magic Sandals

Peruvian Tale

The Magic Sandals

9
 min
8
+
4.76

Helping others selflessly makes us true heroes. A beautiful story about a kind-hearted messenger who helps the weak even at the cost of losing his job. Although he doesn’t manage to deliver an important message, everything ends up well. As a reward, he is given a pair of magic sandals. Thanks to them, he can both do his job and help others!

Around the World
The King’s Tower

Dominican Tale

The King’s Tower

6
 min
5
+
4.48

The desire for fame can easily keep us from using our common sense. The wasteful king decides that he wants to touch the moon. He calls the royal carpenter and orders him to build a tower so high that when he climbs all the way to the top, he will be able to touch the moon. However, his obsession eventually proves fatal.

Around the World
The Monkey and the Wedge

Indian Tale

The Monkey and the Wedge

6
 min
5
+
4.49

This story teaches us that we shouldn’t poke our noses into other people’s business. When nosy monkeys come to see the construction of a new wooden temple, one of them gets into big trouble due to its carelessness. How does it turn out?

Around the World
The Devil's Lair

German Tale

The Devil's Lair

11
 min
5
+
4.49

A story about how people, even in ancient times, want above all to ensure that good always wins over evil. The brave son of a poor widow sets out to save the king's daughter after she has been kidnapped by a devil. He finds his way to hell thanks to an old woman who gives him clues. There, together with the princess, they defeat the devil, get free and help two other kidnapped girls.

Around the World
The Cunning Heron and the Crayfish

Indian Tale

The Cunning Heron and the Crayfish

13
 min
5
+
4.29

This story is rather old but the lesson not to trust promises that seem too sweet is still valid. When the old heron can no longer hunt on its own, it comes up with a plan to get food with no effort. Many naïve pond residents pay for it with their lives. Only the careful crayfish uncovers the heron’s true intentions and saves its own life.

Around the World
Mr Cat from Catville

Ukrainian Tale

Mr Cat from Catville

9
 min
5
+
4.51

Often things are not the way they seem to be. A funny story about an old cat who decides to leave his comfortable home and go into the woods among the wild animals. Along the way, without even knowing, he manages to gain respect even from much stronger animals.

Around the World
The Wolf and the Ram

Latvian Tale

The Wolf and the Ram

5
 min
5
+
4.61

Being smart can help us defeat even the strongest foes. A lamb wanders into the woods. A hungry wolf wants to take advantage of him at once and have him for dinner. But the lamb’s wittiness easily tricked the wolf. He saves his own life not once, but twice - thanks to his agility and intelligence.

Around the World
The Story of Chrysanthemum

Japanese Legend

The Story of Chrysanthemum

8
 min
5
+
4.69

This Japanese story explains why the chrysanthemum – a hugely adored flower of the Orient – has so many petals. It is thanks to a mother who saved her sick child with her wit.

Around the World
The Princess Who Looked for Her Brothers

Finnish Tale

The Princess Who Looked for Her Brothers

14
 min
8
+
4.61

This Finnish tale is about a brave princess who chooses to look for her brothers, long ago expelled from the kingdom. The story emphasizes sibling love and dedication, but also the importance of forgiveness.

Around the World
The Black and Red Sweater

African Tale

The Black and Red Sweater

8
 min
5
+
4.49

Sometimes even small misunderstandings can end a friendship. This is what the two inseparable friends in this African story learn when a cunning traveller tricks them.

Around the World
The Crows and the Cobra

Indian Tale

The Crows and the Cobra

8
 min
8
+
4.62

Even if it seems impossible, our wits can help us overcome the most difficult obstacles. The story teaches us that even the most powerful enemy can be defeated - one has to just think a bit. When a dangerous cobra moves in near the crow’s nest, they start to fear for their lives. They eventually learn how to get rid of the cobra from the wise old jackal.

Around the World
The Four Dragons

Chinese Tale

The Four Dragons

11
 min
5
+
4.72

This tale explains how the four largest Chinese rivers came into being. It was thanks to four kind-hearted dragons who decided to stand up to the cruel ruler of the rain to help people during the great drought.

Around the World
The Extraordinary Companions

Finnish Tale

The Extraordinary Companions

21
 min
5
+
4.3

Having friends by your side will make every long journey easy. This adventurous story is about a young man who travels to win the princess’ heart. On his way to the castle, he meets brave helpers who help him to overcome the obstacles and difficult tasks that he meets along the way.

Around the World
The Owl’s Story

Puerto Rican Legend

The Owl’s Story

8
 min
3
+
4.36

This Puerto Rican legend explains why owls only come out at night. The reason lies in the fact that a long time ago, there was a great celebration, at which the other birds kindly helped the owl. However, she did not pay them back with the same coin at all, and on the contrary, abused their willingness to help.

Around the World
The Legend of The Sun

African Tale

The Legend of The Sun

8
 min
5
+
4.53

This African legend tells the story of how the sun came into being, and then how it got up into the sky, where it has been shining ever since. And also, why day and night take turns.

Around the World
The Dragons and the Crows

African Tale

The Dragons and the Crows

10
 min
5
+
4.5

One can fix mistakes and bad decisions with determination. The ruler of the crows makes a fateful decision, upending the lives of his subjects. All the crows have to leave their city, which is then occupied by dragons. Eventually, he comes up with a plan to return all the crows back home.

Around the World
The Northern Wind

Norwegian Tale

The Northern Wind

14
 min
5
+
4.83

When the Northern wind blows away all the food from Olaf and his mother’s pantry, Olaf sets out in search of it. He doesn't get the food back, but the Northern wind does give him a magical gift. However, a greedy farmer begins to encroach on the rare gift, too. Will Olaf eventually get justice?

Around the World

Frequently asked questions

What regions and cultures are featured in Readmio’s "Around the World" stories?

Readmio’s "Around the World" stories feature a diverse range of regions and cultures from across the globe. For example, you can explore the traditional tales of the Native Amerikans in the story The Hunter and The Snake, discover the rich cultural heritage of African tribes, or enjoy the enchanting Vietnamese Cinderella story The Sisters Tam and Cam. These stories span continents, including the Far East, Africa, Europe and the Americas, offering a broad spectrum of cultural experiences and traditions.

Are there any traditional stories included in the "Around the World" section?

Yes, the "Around the World" section includes several traditional stories from various cultures. Examples include the Korean folk tale The Delicious Stone Tteok  or the ancient Mayan Legend The Rabbit’s Ears.These stories are designed to immerse children in the richness of global cultural heritage and offer a window into the traditions and beliefs of different societies.

How can children benefit from reading stories from different cultures?

Reading stories from different cultures offers numerous benefits for children. By engaging with stories from various cultures, children can learn about different customs, values, and traditions, which enhances their cultural awareness and promotes inclusivity. Additionally, these stories can spark curiosity and a lifelong interest in exploring and respecting different cultures.

What age groups are the "Around the World" stories suitable for?

We believe these stories are suitable for a wide range of age groups. The stories are crafted to be engaging and accessible from the youngest children up to the age of 10. The narratives are designed to be age-appropriate, with content that is both educational and entertaining. For older children, the stories provide a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and can be used as a starting point for further exploration of global traditions and histories.