Short stories

Mum, read me one more story, please...Okay, just a short one. Looking for "one more" bedtime story? Our short stories will entertain and enlighten children in just a few minutes. They're perfect when you need entertainment on the go, to fill a short wait, or when you're tired but want to round off the day with a proper happy ending.

The Evil Sons

The Evil Sons

5
 min
8
+
4.73

This Indian story is about an old man who, at the end of his life, carefully divides all his property between three sons. Sadly for him, he receives no gratitude from them at all in return. Annoyed, the old man eventually comes up with a way to give his ungrateful sons the lesson they truly deserve.

The Old Oak Tree

The Old Oak Tree

5
 min
1
+
4.69

This bedtime story aims to connect the life of the forest with the lives of humans. An old oak tree provides protection and a peaceful place for forest creatures to rest, serving as a cosy home for many animals. The tale evokes a friendly atmosphere and a sense of security and safety, to comfort your child as they drift off to dreamland.

The Cougar and the Cricket

The Cougar and the Cricket

5
 min
3
+
4.26

This Mexican legend is about a strong cougar that mocked and scared all the other animals. However, a tiny cricket and his army of wasps decided to show the cougar that power is not everything.

Hercules and the Potter

Hercules and the Potter

4
 min
5
+
4.8

Before asking for help, make sure you have done all you could. One day, a potter’s wagon got stuck on the muddy road. Even though he kept whipping the horse, the wagon didn't even move from the mud. The potter lamented his bad fortune, and called to the mighty Hercules to come to help. But who eventually does help him?

Good Night, Farm Animals

Good Night, Farm Animals

5
 min
1
+
4.78

This bedtime story takes us to a busy farm which gets calmer by the end of the day as its animals get ready to sleep. Children can wish good night to all of the animals and also prepare for their own sleep.

The Origin of Fire

The Origin of Fire

7
 min
5
+
4.66

Based on a legend from South America, this story shows the lives of people back in the days when they didn’t know fire and tells of how it was eventually discovered.

The Wawel Dragon

The Wawel Dragon

5
 min
5
+
4.66

This Polish legend tells about Wawel Hill, under which a terrible dragon settled and ravaged the whole countryside. However, the people eventually managed to defeat the dragon, thanks to the ingenuity of an ordinary shoemaker.

The Spider Princess

The Spider Princess

5
 min
5
+
4.1

This is a story about the Inca Princess. Instead of doing her royal duties, she was carried away by her cruelty and ignorance. For her behaviour, she was punished and turned into an eternally working spider.

Why Polar Bears Have Short Tails

Why Polar Bears Have Short Tails

5
 min
3
+
4.38

This legend tells that long ago, polar bears had long and fluffy tails. A bear was very hungry and had nothing to eat, until his friend the fox told him how to fish in the cold. But he never managed to catch one fish - and even ended up without a tail. The story describes the harsh environment of Scandinavia, and it explains why greed doesn’t pay off.

About a Ladybird

About a Ladybird

4
 min
1
+
4.47

This is a delightful story about a little ladybird who finds a quiet place on one of the leaves of a blossoming apple tree. The calm setting will prepare your children for a pleasant rest. Let them be carried away by the soothing atmosphere, which is perfect for an afternoon nap.

The Last Winter Icicle

The Last Winter Icicle

7
 min
3
+
4.66

Early in the morning, an icicle woke up on a waterspout and it was very happy to see a brand new day! But... What is this? It realised it had accidentally woken up too late. Winter was already over. What was it going to do now?

How Spring Begins

How Spring Begins

5
 min
3
+
4.66

The sun’s rays will wake up something in the ground... What could it be? You and your children can find out what the arrival of spring looks like in the countryside. This short spring fairy tale, which is suitable even for the little ones, will help you.

Camping with a Dinosaur

Camping with a Dinosaur

7
 min
5
+
4.76

Vanessa and Simon are twins who set out to camp in the woods with their family. However, they see a scary shadow which looks a lot like... a dinosaur! It gives them quite a fright. Where did it come from? You’ll find out in this fun and educational story.

The Little Cloud

The Little Cloud

6
 min
3
+
4.54

In this bedtime story for the youngest children, we set out for a miraculous land full of magical adventures. Just hop on a little cloud and we can set out right to the land of dreams.

Roamer, Scoot, and the Ants

Roamer, Scoot, and the Ants

5
 min
3
+
4.45

When Scoot, the big black dog, hears a roar in the yard, he comes to help at once. But he soon finds out it was just his friend, Roamer, who'd discovered an anthill for the first time. You can also learn about the life of ants in this fairy tale for the little ones.

A Night Under the Stars

A Night Under the Stars

4
 min
3
+
4.5

In the evening, watching the twinkling stars right from your sleeping bag or gazing into the flames of a real campfire can be a truly beautiful and enjoyable experience. Being outdoors and in the fresh air is good for our immunity. Using those restful images can help your child fall asleep.

Here’s to the Ants!

Here’s to the Ants!

7
 min
5
+
4.66

Black ants and red ants are not natural friends. However, when a heavy storm befalls the forest, it affects all the insects in our story. Both colonies of ants are equally endangered. These sworn enemies are not used to putting their differences aside, but suddenly they find themselves united in the name of survival. Let’s see how they resolve their animosity…

The Clever Frog

The Clever Frog

5
 min
1
+
4.57

Giuseppe the frog may be small but he is very clever – in fact, he considers himself the smartest frog in the pond! However, his pride and unwillingness to take any advice from others causes him a lot of trouble in the end.

Questions about

Short stories

How long does it take to read one of the short stories?

Most of our short stories can be read in about 4 to 7 minutes. The estimated reading time is shown in the story details, making it easy to choose a story that fits into your schedule.

Do the short stories come with activities or worksheets for children?

Many of our short stories are accompanied by fun, educational activities like interactive quizzes or free colouring sheet printables that help children interact with the story on a deeper level and expand their creativity.

How do I know which short story is right for my child?

Each story on Readmio comes with a brief summary of key details that includes its themes, recommended age, and length. In the app you can also filter our story library by topic and by age group, or search by keywords. So it's easy to find something that's just right for your child. For example, if you're looking for a quick and light-hearted read for younger kids, About a Ladybird is a great choice, while older kids might enjoy more reflective tales like Hercules and the Potter. Need more tips? Check out our article about short bedtime stories!

Are there moral lessons or themes in the short stories?

Yes, even our shortest stories often explore important values like kindness, courage, empathy, and honesty, subtly teaching children life lessons through engaging storytelling.

Are these short stories accompanied by audio or sound effects?

Yes, Readmio short stories are enriched with sound effects and music that bring the tales to life, making the reading experience even more magical and engaging.

Are the short stories suitable for group activities or classroom use?

Yes! Many of our short stories, like The Grasshopper and the Ants, are perfect for group reading sessions in classrooms or at home. They make a great starting point for discussions about important values, like teamwork, forward-thinking, or helping others, and can lead well into other interactive activities.

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