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 Russet Dog

Celtic Tale

The Russet Dog

This Celtic tale brings you a merry story of a savvy fox. When her beautiful russet coat becomes a home for annoying fleas, the fox thinks of a clever way how to get rid of them.

The Sad Scooter

Jana Kasparova

The Sad Scooter

The new pink scooter is the best gift Becky could have wished for, but as the time goes by, she uses it less and less, until it spends most time left in a corner. With the help of her mother, Becky learns an important lesson: things we don’t use anymore can make other people happy and become useful once again.

The Dandelion

Hana Do

The Dandelion

A little dandelion grows happily from a crack in a sidewalk and enjoys every day. Then mocking words of the flowers in a flowerbed make it wonder if it should really be ashamed of its ordinariness. But as it turns out, even ordinary flowers can bring a lot of joy.

Jake’s Big Ears

Jana Kasparova

Jake’s Big Ears

Jake’s classmates laugh at him because of his ears. They are too big, unlike the small ears of his friends. However, everything changes the moment Jake turns the mockery to his advantage. Find out what he can do, thanks to his ears, in this story about tolerance and diversity.

Deer Fur

Ancient Mayan Legend

Deer Fur

The legend explains how deer happen to have that discreetly camouflaged golden colour in their fur. Before, it was beautifully radiant and they were easy prey. But a chance encounter helped them lead much calmer lives.

The Unusual Racer

Katarina Gondova

The Unusual Racer

Only the best kid-racers can take part in this race, and Lucy is among them. From the start, we can tell that Lucy is not an ordinary racer, but we don’t know what makes her exceptional until later in the story. The message here is that regardless of who we are, we can achieve our dreams.

The Proud Cherry Tree

Dominika Sakmarova

The Proud Cherry Tree

The cherry tree boasts a lot about her fine flowers, which are also admired by the other inhabitants of the garden. She wouldn’t trade-in her pretty blossoms for anything in the world — they are as white and delicate as snow! But then she has a chat with a Chrysoperla insect and suddenly realises that there are more important things in life than pride.

The Life of a Caterpillar

Marian Dyno Buric

The Life of a Caterpillar

A caterpillar hatches and instantly begins to discover the beauty of the surrounding world. However, it’s disappointed at its own appearance when compared with all that it sees. Eventually that sadness disappears when it learns that it’s still developing and will one day turn into a beautiful butterfly.

Mio in Music Class

Readmio

Mio in Music Class

Read more about the experiences of this cute little elephant called Mio! Today during the music lesson, Mio learns the sounds made by different musical instruments, along with the children. Do you know the sounds of the different instruments too?

Adventure of the Germs

Jana Kacmarova

Adventure of the Germs

In this story you will learn about some extraordinary travellers: germs. They travel anywhere and everywhere. But one of their favourite destinations is the tummy of a child who doesn't wash their hands. How to get rid of such keen travellers, you may ask? Read on.

The White Chalk

Hana Do

The White Chalk

Mia was using her brand-new coloured chalks to draw on the pavement, when she met a boy named Steve. Boasting about the many colours of chalk she had, she learned that Steve had only white chalk. She somehow felt superior to him until finally realising that white chalk was just as important as all the colours. Steve was a kind-hearted boy and they became good friends. Mia will not make the mistake of boasting about anything again.

How the Sunshine Made Friends with the Rain

Hana Do

How the Sunshine Made Friends with the Rain

Annette is grumpy, because it is going to rain all week while she is on holiday with her family. But on the way to the campsite she learns some new things about why rain is important. And then she sees something magical in the sky! Read this story to find out what it was.

Monkey-Business

Abby Voss

Monkey-Business

As with many younger siblings, Clive feels like he’s a nuisance to his big sister. And indeed, Frances finally reaches her wit’s end with him. But then circumstances change, causing Frances to realise that her little brother is actually pretty great after all.

Kindly Taxi Maxi

Hana Do

Kindly Taxi Maxi

Every day, taxi Maxi takes people where they need to go. He truly enjoys driving through the streets and scanning the lovely vistas. But he also likes to chat with the passengers, and lately everyone's always in such a hurry to get somewhere. It’s as if people have forgotten to enjoy the present moment. When a particularly distressed gentleman gets into his taxi, Maxi notices the man’s frustration and decides to make his life a little happier.

Mio’s Classical Music Lesson

Readmio

Mio’s Classical Music Lesson

Come and listen to some classical music together with the Year 2 pupils. Under the guidance of their clever teacher, you can discover the many ways in which music expresses itself, and how it affects us. And of course, you’ll be able to enjoy the cheerful company of Mio, the most good-natured elephant ever!

New Year’s Eve for the Birds!

Tereza Sebesta

New Year’s Eve for the Birds!

The last day of the year is fast approaching, and while people always look forward to a spectacular fireworks display, the traditional celebrations distress the animals — the blasts terrify them and endanger their lives. Not wishing to face it any more, the local birds plan to escape the city en masse. But just as they fly off, they’re (happily) taken by surprise.

The Fox, the Rabbit, and the Owl

Jana Kacmarova

The Fox, the Rabbit, and the Owl

Fiona the fox is annoyed that she can’t draw as nicely as her other forest friends, even though she tries very hard. But when Olive the owl has an accident, Fiona doesn’t hesitate to assist, dashing to Olive’s aid and helping her friend. As a result, Fiona realises that her particular skills lie elsewhere…

And Finally, To Sleep

Lenka Medvecova

And Finally, To Sleep

Lenny the octopus was attempting to drift off to sleep one night, but her arms had another idea — they simply wouldn’t settle down! Those fidgety appendages kept wriggling every which way. Luckily, her mum was available for a cuddle, and she also composed a poem... Lenny’s silly arms soon became calm.

Frequently asked questions