Stories for 3+ years old

These are stories three years old should understand, but everyone can enjoy. We base our age requirements on vocabulary, topics, and overall length. It surely does not mean the stories are not suitable for older children.

Download all stories

Mexican Legend

Why Dogs Smell Their Tails

min

4.2

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

Tereza Sebesta

Saint Nick, the Demon, and the Angel

min

4.18

Saint Nick is busy preparing for the festive occasion. As usual, he has his angel and his demon lined up to accompany him on his visits to all the houses on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day. But this year is a little different because a new demon has been chosen — a spirited female called Asmodea. She is really excited about it, but also very anxious about how it will go…

Christmas stories for kids

Greenland Tale

The Sea Mother's Story

min

4.94

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

Marian Dyno Buric

The Imp

min

4.89

Since an ugly imp has settled in the forest behind the village, the villagers have been avoiding him and blaming him for all the misfortunes that happen to the village. However, a young girl's unfortunate fall in the forest shows the imp's real, caring face, and the villagers finally admit their mistake and put aside all their prejudices.

Stories for 3+ years old

Aesop

The Lion and the Mouse

min

4.88

Even the weaker can help the stronger. This version of Aesop's fable is about a great strong lion, the king of the jungle, who one day allows a little mouse to run free. Soon, when the lion falls into a trap and finds himself in need, the mouse comes to help. By saving the lion’s life, the mouse repays the lion for his kindness.

Animal stories

Monika Cavojova

The Vanishing Pond

min

4.86

This short tale illustrates the magic of the water cycle. Water can have different forms, and changes form depending on the weather. Forest animals learn how important water is when the sun drinks it all from the pond. They also get to know that it has a magical power – water can take many forms.

Nature stories

Jana Kacmarova

The Squirrel That Had Trouble Saying Sorry

min

4.86

Suzy the squirrel is gifted in many ways, but she can't do one thing: she can't say "sorry." However, one of the animals in the forest teaches her why we need this word, and Suzy finds out that a sincere apology can smooth things out and bring us closer.

Emotions and empathy

Marian Dyno Buric

Agatha and Margaret in the Music Kingdom

min

4.84

Rest is extremely important for our body and mind. Curious twins Agatha and Margaret love exploring the world and its beauty. This time the sisters find themselves in an extraordinary, even miraculous place where they become little princesses for a little while.

Bedtime stories for toddlers

Tereza Sebesta

Frost

min

4.83

This winter fairy tale for the youngest children is about an unhappy boy named Jake. He has to stay in bed because of the flu, so the only thing he can do is look through the window at his friends skating on the lake. But then the magical Frost appears outside of the window and cheers Jake up with his magic brush.

Christmas stories for kids

Florence Holbrook

Why the Evergreen Trees Never Lose Their Leaves

min

4.81

Why do some trees lose their leaves in autumn and others do not? Find out in this warm winter fairy tale. Meet the cruel north wind and some helpful trees who take in a little robin with the broken wing. They receive an unexpected reward for their kindness!

Short stories

Brothers Grimm

The Seven Little Goats

min

4.81

The notoriously instructive tale by the Grimm brothers about naughty little goats and a big bad wolf. The mother goat leaves her little kids alone in the house, and the hungry wolf immediately senses the opportunity for a tasty lunch. The wolf tries to get to the little goats in many ways. They open a door eventually thinking it is their mother. But a big lesson awaits them...

Folk stories

Marian Dyno Buric

Agatha and Margaret

min

4.81

This is a story about two sisters, Agatha and Margaret, who set out to discover the world around them. In this fairy tale for the youngest ones, the sisters set out on a walk to the meadow, where they discover some insects and animals with their mother.

Bedtime stories for toddlers

Karel Erben

Sweet Porridge

min

4.78

The story is about the magic words “Thank you”! One day Johnny goes to the mountain to collect something to snack on. Then he hears a cry for help. He ends up helping out an old lady who has fallen into a swamp. To repay him, she gives Johnny a clay pot. It’s not an ordinary pot, though - as Johnny will soon discover.

Folk stories

Alexandra Grivalska

Oliver, the Rabbit Who Was Afraid of Brushing His Teeth

min

4.77

In this story about Oliver the rabbit, young children will learn more about why it’s important to brush their teeth. They will also discover that some things we do may not have an immediate effect but are still very important for our health.

Stories for 3+ years old

Monika Cavojova

Olly and Polly Visit a Shieling

min

4.77

When Olly and Polly, the twins, go to visit a shieling, they have no idea how many new things they’ll get to know: what happens at a traditional shieling, who are its inhabitants and many more things besides. The story introduces children to the traditional way of life and processing of sheep products.

Stories for 3+ years old

Marian Dyno Buric

The Snowman

min

4.77

Some mean children on the street make fun of a pair of siblings who look different to them. When a snowman notices, it comes to life and explains to the kids that just like snowmen, people are also different and this is never a reason to tease them.

Christmas stories for kids

Hana Do

The Snow Monster

min

4.77

Elizabeth loves winter. She loves making snowballs and building snowmen. But one day, something she hears at her nursery school makes her afraid of them. Luckily, she trusts her father, and he sets things straight. A story for very young children about how to cope with fear.

Emotions and empathy

Readmio

Good Night, Farm Animals

min

4.75

This bedtime story takes us to a busy farm which gets calmer by the end of the day as its animals get ready to sleep. Children can wish good night to all of the animals and also prepare for their own sleep.

Bedtime stories for toddlers

Questions about

Stories for 3+ years old

What types of stories are suitable for 3-year-olds?

For 3-year-olds, stories that are short, engaging, and easy to understand are ideal. Themes might include friendly animals, family interactions, or playful adventures. The language used is straightforward and age-appropriate, making it easy for young children to follow along and enjoy the story.

How can parents choose the best stories for their 3-year-olds?

Parents can choose the best stories for their 3-year-olds by considering the following:

Look for stories with themes that match the child’s developmental stage.
Choose shorter stories with simple plots that are easy for young children to follow and understand.
Consider the child’s interests, such as animals, adventures, or family dynamics, to find stories that will be particularly engaging for them.Readmio offers a variety of stories that cater to these considerations, helping parents select the best content for their young children.

What themes are commonly explored in stories for 3-year-olds on Readmio?

On Readmio, stories for 3-year-olds commonly explore themes such as:

Friendship and Cooperation: Stories that illustrate the value of getting along with others and working together.
Family and Everyday Life: Tales that revolve around family interactions, daily routines, and familiar environments.

How long are usually the stories in this category?

Stories for 3-year-olds on Readmio are typically short, ranging from 3 to 10 minutes in length. This duration is ideal for young children, as it fits within their shorter attention spans and allows for a complete and satisfying story experience without becoming overwhelming.