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 Cougar and the Cricket

Mexican Tale

The Cougar and the Cricket

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

Aesop

Hercules and the Potter

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

Readmio

Good Night, Farm Animals

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

Chilean Legend

The Origin of Fire

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

Polish Legend

The Wawel Dragon

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

Inca Legend

The Spider Princess

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

Scandinavian Legend

Why Polar Bears Have Short Tails

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

Tereza Sebesta

About a Ladybird

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

Tereza Sebesta

The Last Winter Icicle

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

Tereza Sebesta

How Spring Begins

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

Katarina Gondova

Camping with a Dinosaur

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

Readmio

The Little Cloud

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

Tereza Sebesta

Roamer, Scoot, and the Ants

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

Tereza Sebesta

A Night Under the Stars

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!

Jana Kasparova

Here’s to the Ants!

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

Storytime Magazine

The Clever Frog

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.

The River

Tereza Sebesta

The River

Meet a friendly river, listen to its story and join it on its journey through the countryside. This peaceful story is a perfect bedtime read that teaches children about nature’s water cycles.

The Cocky Inflatable Crocodile

Katarina Gondova

The Cocky Inflatable Crocodile

A tale about a green crocodile who isn’t just a blow-up toy, but also a puffed-up one, who spits poison with every word he says – so much so that all the other inflatable toys by the lake are afraid of him. But even a big scary crocodile can burst into tears at the sight of something as simple as a little pointed nail.

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