Stories for 5+ years old

These stories should be understandable for five years olds. However, we believe they can be fun at any age above that as well. The age requirements are based on vocabulary, topics, and overall story length.

The Magic Boots

The Magic Boots

13
 min
5
+
4.71

This story tells us that having a kind heart and keeping your promises always pays off. When the poor boy keeps his promise to the old man, he is given a pair of magic shoes, a bag full of money, and a golden castle. Despite the fact that his rich landlord tries to steal the wealth from him, everything turns out well eventually.

The Hunter and the Snake

The Hunter and the Snake

11
 min
5
+
4.58

This tale reminds us that we have to appreciate those who have been taking care of us our whole lives. When the snake and the hunter try to resolve their dispute, they ask three judges to help them decide who is right. But the advice of each of them is based on their previous experience of coliving with a person.

The Old Farmer and the Tricksters

The Old Farmer and the Tricksters

13
 min
5
+
4.87

Cheating doesn’t pay off and this is what the two tricksters in the story learn. Although they trick the old farmer, he then gives them a good lesson.

The Flying Trunk

The Flying Trunk

24
 min
5
+
3.99

A story with a sad ending about the light-hearted son of a merchant, who wastes all of his inherited money. The only thing left of the fortune in the end is a trunk. However, he is a master storyteller, and is able to come up with really interesting fairy tales. Thanks to them, he enchants the royal family itself.

The Clever Rabbit and the Hungry Lion

The Clever Rabbit and the Hungry Lion

13
 min
5
+
4.62

We can beat even a much stronger enemy with our brain. The little hare finds out it has been chosen by other animals as food for the lion. It decides to save its skin with the help of its wits and its knowledge of nature.

Three Pieces of Wisdom

Three Pieces of Wisdom

17
 min
5
+
4.77

It is worth listening to the advice of older and more experienced people. Once upon a time, a young man married the king’s daughter trying to get rich. The king gave them an incredible dowry. He quickly wasted his easily obtained wealth, so they had to live in poverty. Eventually, he managed to change his fate thanks to some wise pieces of advice.

The Three Golden Hairs

The Three Golden Hairs

17
 min
5
+
4.85

A famous story about a kind-hearted lad, a cruel king, and wise Grandfather Knowall. A boy who has been raised by a fisherman and his wife almost since birth must one day embark on a long and dangerous journey. To win the heart of the princess, he has to fulfill the king’s task and get three golden hairs from the wise Grandfather Knowall.

Shake, My Satchel!

Shake, My Satchel!

13
 min
5
+
4.7

Greed never pays off. The wind blows all the seed the poor farmer planted so that he loses crops. So the farmer decides to find the wind and ask for his seeds back. However, the wind gives him an unusual gift.

John the Simpleton

John the Simpleton

13
 min
5
+
4.59

A story from a collection of fairy tales compiled by the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Once upon a time there were three brothers. Two were educated and wise, but the third was called John the simpleton, because he didn't get much sense. All three decide to win the heart of the princess. She promises to marry the lad who entertains her best.

The Dog and the Lion

The Dog and the Lion

7
 min
5
+
4.64

Overestimating our abilities can do us much harm. A brave dog sets out to explore the unknown jungle. Because every animal thinks that the dog is the strongest and the smartest one, it inspires him to set out into the dangerous jungle.

The Honest Woodcutter

The Honest Woodcutter

5
 min
5
+
4.64

Honesty pays off. A woodcutter was cutting a tree when his ax slipped and fell to the bottom of the mountain stream. Luckily for him, Mercury, the god of water, saw how miserable the woodcutter was and decided to help. But not before he had tested him.

The Snow Queen

The Snow Queen

20
 min
5
+
4.73

A fairytale by Hans Cristian Andersen about the fight between good and evil. The pieces from the devil's mirror, which turn a person into a heartless being, hit a boy named Kai. One day he disappears and ends up in the Ice Palace of the Snow Queen. His brave friend Gerda sets out to look for him. A long and dangerous journey awaits her.

The Blue Jackal

The Blue Jackal

7
 min
5
+
4.53

A jackal jumps into a bucket of blue paint. The other animals come to fear him because they have never seen a blue creature before. When the jackal realises that everyone is afraid of him, he declares himself King. Eventually, the self-proclaimed king finds out that a lie only goes so far.

Dividing of the Goose

Dividing of the Goose

7
 min
5
+
4.78

A folk tale of how wits and justice win over greed. The ingenuity and wits of a poor peasant amuse the senses of a rich and fair earl. The farmer smartly deals with a problem given, and solves the issue of the division of the geese. The earl rewards him handsomely for his efforts.

Phaethon

Phaethon

6
 min
5
+
4.54

Don’t overestimate your abilities. When young Phaethon goes to see his father, the sun god, he persuades him to lend him his solar chariot. How does Phaethon’s ride end?

The Prince and the Frog

The Prince and the Frog

11
 min
5
+
4.84

This old folk tale proves that people’s imagination has no limits. The story is about a king who can’t decide which of his two sons ought to inherit the kingdom. He gives them three tasks. The one who deals best with them, will get the throne.

The Three Feathers

The Three Feathers

10
 min
5
+
4.77

A story from a collection of fairy tales compiled by the Brothers Grimm. An old king decides to give his kingdom to one of his three sons. To choose the most suitable heir, he gives them three tasks.

The Tortoise and The Hare

The Tortoise and The Hare

5
 min
5
+
4.74

The hare was always showing-off, mocking the tortoise for being so slow and boasting about his running speed. Fed up with all the ridicule, the tortoise suggests holding a race. The hare finds this a completely comical idea and laughs his head off. But of course he cannot resist the opportunity to humiliate her, so a race is promptly organised. Let’s find out how they get on.

Questions about

Stories for 5+ years old

What types of stories are suitable for 5-year-olds?

For 5-year-olds, Readmio offers stories that are engaging, imaginative, and appropriate for their developmental stage. Suitable stories include tales of exciting journeys and discoveries that spark curiosity and imagination, but also stories featuring animals. Kids at this age tend to like stories that highlight the importance of making friends, working and playing together.

What are some signs that my child is ready for more complex stories?

Recognizing when your child is ready for more complex stories involves observing their developmental milestones and interests. Usually your child can already listen to and engage  with longer stories or follow a narrative without losing interest. If your child is using a more advanced vocabulary and can understand and use new words, they might be prepared for stories that introduce new and more challenging language. Once your child shows interest in a wider range of topics or asks questions about various subjects, they may benefit from stories that explore new and more sophisticated concepts. At Readmio, you can find a variety of stories that cater to different levels of complexity. If you notice these signs, exploring stories from Category for 5-year olds.

What themes are commonly explored in stories for 5-year-olds on Readmio?

On Readmio, stories for 5-year-olds commonly explore themes such as:

  • Friendship and Kindness: Stories that focus on building relationships, being considerate, and helping others.
  • Imagination and Creativity: Tales that encourage imaginative play and creative thinking.
  • Problem-Solving and Resilience: Stories that present simple challenges and how characters overcome them with determination and cleverness.

How long are usually the stories in this category?

Stories for 5-year-olds on Readmio are typically around 10 to 15 minutes long. This duration is ideal for maintaining the attention span of young children, providing enough time for a complete narrative without being overwhelming. The length allows for engaging stories that fit well into bedtime routines or short reading sessions throughout the day.

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