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.

Why Does Charlie Avoid Chocolate?

Why Does Charlie Avoid Chocolate?

10
 min
3
+
4.56

Charlie is invited to a birthday party. But then he learns that there’s going to be a chocolate cake, and he starts to fret. To go to the party would mean being exposed as an oddball — his friends would find out about his food allergy, and he assumes he’ll be teased or thought less of. But with a bit of encouragement from his mum, he decides to go. (And he needn’t have worried in the slightest!)

The Enormous Turnip

The Enormous Turnip

11
 min
1
+
4.55

All together we can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. A well-known tale about a grandfather who grows such an enormous turnip from a small seed in the garden that he can't even pull it out of the ground. Luckily, he has good helpers and they manage to pull out the turnip all together.

Hey, Ho – Ground, Open Up!

Hey, Ho – Ground, Open Up!

15
 min
3
+
4.54

A Slovak folk tale by Pavol Dobšinský about how being smart and skillful wins over brute force. A well-known tale about two brothers and twelve bandits. The elder brother is greedy. After their father’s death, he keeps all the inheritance for himself. The younger brother is a modest and kind-hearted lad. He’s hardworking and smart which helps him to deal with the bandits.

Luke's Ice Hockey Dream

Luke's Ice Hockey Dream

9
 min
3
+
4.53

Luke is a little boy who dreams of becoming an ice hockey player. Although he is already learning to skate, he doesn't have a hockey stick yet. But he believes that one day his wish will come true. Will his next birthday bring him one step closer to his dream?

Why Polar Bears Have Short Tails

Why Polar Bears Have Short Tails

5
 min
3
+
4.53

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.

About a Ladybird

About a Ladybird

4
 min
1
+
4.53

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.

The (Steadfast) Tin Soldier

The (Steadfast) Tin Soldier

9
 min
3
+
4.53

In Hans Christian Andersen’s traditional story, you will learn about the fate of a tin soldier who is a little different from the others. He is in for quite an unexpected adventure - experience it with him!

And Finally, To Sleep

And Finally, To Sleep

4
 min
1
+
4.53

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.

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel

17
 min
3
+
4.52

A story from a collection of fairy tales compiled by the Brothers Grimm. The story is about two siblings who get lost in a forest and come across a gingerbread house. However, they have no idea yet that there is a danger waiting for them: an evil witch.

The Little Cloud

The Little Cloud

6
 min
3
+
4.52

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.

Cedric the Centipede Makes a New Friend

Cedric the Centipede Makes a New Friend

10
 min
3
+
4.52

Cedric the Centipede loves his shoes and he has many different types. Luckily he has so many feet so that he can wear them all at once! But when he goes to show them off, no one pays any attention to him or his beloved shoes. That’s when he meets someone new - who appreciates his hobby. And in his turn, he also becomes a good friend.

Please Do Not Feed the Seagulls

Please Do Not Feed the Seagulls

7
 min
3
+
4.51

This cheery story takes place on a warm, sunny day at the seaside. Here you’ll meet a hungry seagull who would very much like for a certain human to share her big bag of chips with him. But the human is unwilling to do so and, in fact, is quite unkind to him in going about it. But the clever seagull has an idea — perhaps he can outwit her…

The Cougar and the Cricket

The Cougar and the Cricket

5
 min
3
+
4.51

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.

The Emperor's New Clothes

The Emperor's New Clothes

13
 min
3
+
4.51

This is a story all the children around the world know. Being constantly adored is the only thing that brings meaning to the emperor’s life. Two crooks who pretend to be weavers take advantage of his weakness. They tailor a breathtaking dress for the emperor. He feels so unique in it. However, there is a catch, which he must surely discover sooner or later....

The Last Winter Icicle

The Last Winter Icicle

7
 min
3
+
4.5

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?

The Boy Who Didn't Like Christmas

The Boy Who Didn't Like Christmas

9
 min
3
+
4.46

Unlike his friends, little Frank is not looking forward to Christmas. He likes the presents, but he would prefer not to have to do all the other Christmas traditions his family practices at home. Can this Christmas be a beautiful time even for Frank?

The Frog King

The Frog King

8
 min
3
+
4.46

A story from a collection of fairy tales compiled by the Brothers Grimm. This is a tale about a spoiled princess. She is willing to promise anything to a frog for helping her find a lost ball in a well. Although the frog helps her, the princess later refuses to keep her careless promise. However, she has no idea yet that the frog is an enchanted prince.

A Night Under the Stars

A Night Under the Stars

4
 min
3
+
4.46

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.

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.