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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.

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The Grasshopper and the Ants

Aesop

The Grasshopper and the Ants

5
 min
5
+
4.59

This version of Aesop's fable teaches us that we always have to think about the future. When the young grasshopper saw the ants stocking up for the winter in the middle of the summer, it made her laugh. How could anyone work when there was such good weather outside? But the days passed, and soon the heat and sunlight were replaced by cold and snow. And while the ants had things ready, the grasshopper had to wait for anyone who’d feel sorry for it.

Short stories
The Clever Frog

Storytime Magazine

The Clever Frog

5
 min
1
+
4.58

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.

Bedtime stories for toddlers
About a Ladybird

Tereza Sebesta

About a Ladybird

4
 min
1
+
4.57

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.

Bedtime stories for toddlers
Camping with a Dinosaur

Katarina Gondova

Camping with a Dinosaur

7
 min
5
+
4.57

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.

Short stories
The Oak and the Fern

Aesop

The Oak and the Fern

6
 min
5
+
4.56

Sometimes it’s better to back off than to resist at all costs. A strong and beautiful oak couldn’t imagine anything that could beat it. This was what it liked to boast about to all the other trees and grasses. But when a storm comes, it learns that sometimes it’s better and wiser to retreat.

Short stories
The Cougar and the Cricket

Mexican Tale

The Cougar and the Cricket

5
 min
3
+
4.56

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.

Short stories
The Little Cloud

Readmio

The Little Cloud

6
 min
3
+
4.53

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.

Short stories
Why Polar Bears Have Short Tails

Scandinavian Legend

Why Polar Bears Have Short Tails

5
 min
3
+
4.52

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.

Short stories
Jake’s Big Ears

Jana Kasparova

Jake’s Big Ears

6
 min
5
+
4.52

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.

Short stories
John’s Fable

Slovak Tale

John’s Fable

5
 min
5
+
4.5

This is a story from a collection of Slovak folk tales. The resourceful servant John wins a chest of coins from his master. His master, being bored, had offered it to anyone who could make up a story so unbelievable that they wouldn’t even believe themselves as they spoke. Everyone who tried had left without success. John, his servant, is the last one to give it a try.

Short stories
How Spring Begins

Tereza Sebesta

How Spring Begins

5
 min
3
+
4.49

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.

Short stories
The Stag and His Reflection

Aesop

The Stag and His Reflection

4
 min
5
+
4.48

What’s the most beautiful is not always the most useful. The majestic stag can’t help looking at his antlers on the flat watery surface of the forest lake and admiring their beauty. At the same time though, having noticed his long and thin legs, he doesn’t like them at all. However, he doesn’t know yet that a hungry lion is watching him. To learn what happens next, read the fable.

Short stories
A Night Under the Stars

Tereza Sebesta

A Night Under the Stars

4
 min
3
+
4.47

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.

Short stories
The Swan and the Crow

Aesop

The Swan and the Crow

5
 min
5
+
4.44

If we want to be happy, it is important to accept who we are. The crow greatly admires the majestic swans swimming on the lake. One day she decides that she too would like to become a beautiful swan. But she almost loses her life by trying to imitate the swans.

Short stories
The Cocky Inflatable Crocodile

Katarina Gondova

The Cocky Inflatable Crocodile

4
 min
1
+
4.42

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.

Bedtime stories for toddlers
How Winter Began

Tereza Sebesta

How Winter Began

5
 min
3
+
4.41

Have you ever thought about when exactly winter begins? The raven is impatiently waiting for the first snowflake, and an old top hat is waiting for the black bird in the bushes. What does the raven need it for? You’ll find it out in this magical winter fairy tale.

Christmas stories for kids
The Moon and his Mother

Aesop

The Moon and his Mother

5
 min
3
+
4.4

The ones who truly love us don’t care what we look like. Once upon a time, the moon thought to herself that after all these years of staring up at her pale form, people simply must be bored with her looks. So she decided to spruce herself up a bit. She even asked her mother to tailor her a beautiful dress. To find out what happened next, read the rest of this retelling of Aesop’s famous fable.

Short stories
The Last Winter Icicle

Tereza Sebesta

The Last Winter Icicle

7
 min
3
+
4.37

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?

Short stories
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Emotions & empathy
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Around the World
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Aesop's fables
For toddlers
For 3+ years old
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Christmas stories

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 printable colouring pages 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.