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.

Kindly Taxi Maxi

Kindly Taxi Maxi

8
 min
5
+
4.48

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

Mio’s Classical Music Lesson

7
 min
5
+
4.79

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!

New Year’s Eve for the Birds!

7
 min
3
+
4.54

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

The Fox, the Rabbit, and the Owl

7
 min
3
+
4.65

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

And Finally, To Sleep

4
 min
1
+
4.62

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.

Charlie and the Dark

Charlie and the Dark

5
 min
3
+
4.72

In this story, the dark is actually afraid of the light. It’s up to young Charlie to reassure the dark that it has nothing to worry about. He achieves this by showing the dark that it has a magic of its own and that the light cannot hurt it. The dark could then relax, which made them both happy.

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.

Mio tip: install the Readmio