Around the World

Let's travel around the world together? Will we first visit the seal hunters in Greenland or the African tribes? And how about getting to know the story of the Vietnamese Cinderella? Immerse yourself with the children in the secrets of traditional stories from all over the world: from the Far East through vast Africa to the eternally frozen plains of the far north.

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Short stories

Turkish Tale

The Borrowed Cauldron

min

4.27

Meet Nasreddin Hodja, the legendary medieval Turkish sage and trickster, about whom many stories and anecdotes still circulate today in Turkey as well as in Central and Southern Asia. You’ll find there is always a grain of wisdom hidden in these short, humorous tales.

Around the World

Mexican Legend

Why Dogs Smell Their Tails

min

4.23

When the people of long ago Mexico behaved badly towards their faithful companions, the dogs gathered for a great meeting to put an end to it. They agreed to ask one of the greatest Aztec gods for help, so they wrote him a letter. In our story, based on an ancient legend, you can find out what happened. And a reminder to always treat our four-legged friends respectfully and kindly.

Around the World

Czech tale

Sir Humphrey and His Trusty Steed

min

4.2

This well-known Czech legend connected with the fortress at Vyšehrad in Prague tells the story of the pitiless ruler Kengrave and bold Sir Humphrey, who dared revolt against his cruelty. What part does his trusty horse Slicker play in their tale? Read the story to find out.

Around the World

Finnish Tale

The Old Farmer and the Tricksters

min

5.0

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.

Around the World

Finnish Tale

Three Pieces of Wisdom

min

4.97

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.

Around the World

Finnish Tale

The Mouse Bride

min

4.96

A story in which everything turns for the better thanks to the patience and faith of the main character. When the king decides to hand over the kingdom to one of his three sons, he sends them to find skillful brides. However, the youngest son marries a little gray mouse, so he worries about how she will handle his father's tasks, which he has prepared for the brides-to-be.

Around the World

Greenland Tale

The Sea Mother's Story

min

4.9

All of the fish disappear from the sea suddenly, and the people of a seaside village begin to suffer from hunger. But one young boy decides to find out the cause of this disaster and unexpectedly finds himself transported to a place under water. There he meets the mother of the sea herself, who reveals to him what has been happening…

Around the World

Peruvian Tale

The Magic Sandals

min

4.88

Helping others selflessly makes us true heroes. A beautiful story about a kind-hearted messenger who helps the weak even at the cost of losing his job. Although he doesn’t manage to deliver an important message, everything ends up well. As a reward, he is given a pair of magic sandals. Thanks to them, he can both do his job and help others!

Around the World

Indian Tale

The Search For the Most Powerful Being

min

4.86

The greatest riches are closer to us than it might seem, we just have to be attentive enough. When the parents of a beautiful daughter decide to look for the best possible groom for her, the men of the village seem too ordinary to them. But they are in for a big surprise.

Around the World

Korean Tale

The Hare’s Liver

min

4.84

Never trust anyone whose intentions you don’t know. This Korean folk tale is about a hare whose life is saved thanks to its wits and imagination.

Around the World

Brothers Grimm

The Elves and the Shoemaker

min

4.81

In this traditional fairy tale, you will read about an extraordinary thing that happened to a poor, ordinary shoemaker. Read on to discover what magic took place in his workshop and enjoy this story of kindness, generosity and mutual help.

Around the World

Estonian Tale

The Magic Boots

min

4.8

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.

Around the World

Finnish Tale

The Four Masters

min

4.79

United we stand. This folk tale tells us that when we get together for a good cause, we can overcome the most difficult obstacles.

Around the World

Bulgarian Tale

The Forty Brothers and Their Blind Sister

min

4.79

United, we can do much more. Forty brothers lived with their blind sister and their old father in modesty and love. But when their father found himself on his deathbed, the brothers quarreled over the only field they were to inherit from him.

Around the World

Korean Tale

The Blacksmith and the Carpenter

min

4.79

If we want to be successful, we need to think through our plans well. After a short visit in a village, a noble scholar decided to move in. But because of his impulsive decision, he found out too late about the unbearable noise coming from the workshops next to his house. He decided to get rid of his neighbours with a trick. However, his bad intentions brought him bad results.

Around the World

Indian Tale

The Cunning Heron and the Crayfish

min

4.78

This story is rather old but the lesson not to trust promises that seem too sweet is still valid. When the old heron can no longer hunt on its own, it comes up with a plan to get food with no effort. Many naïve pond residents pay for it with their lives. Only the careful crayfish uncovers the heron’s true intentions and saves its own life.

Around the World

African Tale

The Black and Red Sweater

min

4.78

Sometimes even small misunderstandings can end a friendship. This is what the two inseparable friends in this African story learn when a cunning traveller tricks them.

Around the World

African Tale

The Lion and the Cunning Jackal

min

4.77

In this African fairy tale, an old jackal gets into trouble. In the end, however, he overcomes fear and manages to trick the mighty lion.

Questions about

Around the World

What regions and cultures are featured in Readmio’s "Around the World" stories?

Readmio’s "Around the World" stories feature a diverse range of regions and cultures from across the globe. For example, you can explore the traditional tales of the Native Amerikans in the story The Hunter and The Snake, discover the rich cultural heritage of African tribes, or enjoy the enchanting Vietnamese Cinderella story The Sisters Tam and Cam. These stories span continents, including the Far East, Africa, Europe and the Americas, offering a broad spectrum of cultural experiences and traditions.

Are there any traditional stories included in the "Around the World" section?

Yes, the "Around the World" section includes several traditional stories from various cultures. Examples include the Korean folk tale The Delicious Stone Tteok or the ancient Mayan Legend The Rabbit’s Ears.These stories are designed to immerse children in the richness of global cultural heritage and offer a window into the traditions and beliefs of different societies.

How can children benefit from reading stories from different cultures?

Reading stories from different cultures offers numerous benefits for children. By engaging with stories from various cultures, children can learn about different customs, values, and traditions, which enhances their cultural awareness and promotes inclusivity. Additionally, these stories can spark curiosity and a lifelong interest in exploring and respecting different cultures.

What age groups are the "Around the World" stories suitable for?

We believe these stories are suitable for a wide range of age groups. The stories are crafted to be engaging and accessible from the youngest children up to the age of 10. The narratives are designed to be age-appropriate, with content that is both educational and entertaining. For older children, the stories provide a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and can be used as a starting point for further exploration of global traditions and histories.