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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.

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The Cougar and the Cricket

Mexican Tale

The Cougar and the Cricket

5
 min
3
+
4.33

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 Cocky Inflatable Crocodile

Katarina Gondova

The Cocky Inflatable Crocodile

4
 min
1
+
4.33

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
+
4.32

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
Why Kangaroos Hop

Australian Legend

Why Kangaroos Hop

6
 min
3
+
4.3

This Australian legend explains why kangaroos move by jumping on their two hind legs. It is a consequence of their effort to escape unnoticed from a persistent hunter, and learning something new in the process.

Around the World
The Rabbit’s Ears

Ancient Mayan Legend

The Rabbit’s Ears

7
 min
3
+
4.27

According to this Mayan story, the little rabbit was unhappy with his appearance, so he went to the wizard to turn him into a powerful beast. Instead, the wizard explained to him that real value did not lie in having a strong body. So that the rabbit would not leave without the promised spell, he instead received a pair of long dexterous ears as a gift.

Around the World
A Wish on a Fish

Hana Do

A Wish on a Fish

13
 min
3
+
4.25

Matthew is not looking forward to preschool at all. He would much rather be an adult — that way, he wouldn’t have to go. But when his wish is magically granted, he finds out that being a grown-up is not as fun as it had seemed!

Stories for 3+ years old
Princess Sunny

Hana Do

Princess Sunny

9
 min
3
+
4.23

Do you know how the freckles that adorn the faces of many of us came into being? You'll find out the reason in this story about Sunny. You'll read about how her freckled face was a reminder of a magical fruit, and how her parents were able to find her when she disappeared.

Emotions and empathy
The Magic Flies and the Lazy Spider

Lenka Kulichova

The Magic Flies and the Lazy Spider

8
 min
3
+
4.15

Mrs Spider doesn’t know what to do with her husband, Mr Spider, whose hobby is lying on the couch in front of the telly. However, a small group of little flies come to help her. With a clever trick, they end Mr Spider's laziness once and for all.

Stories for 3+ years old
Old Bucky and the Wolf

Pavol Dobsinsky

Old Bucky and the Wolf

7
 min
3
+
4.13

This story (adapted from Pavol Dobšinský’s collection) about a brave dog tells us that wisdom can win over strength and that honesty and loyalty always pay off.

Folk stories
Why the Sun Never Married

Bulgarian Tale

Why the Sun Never Married

7
 min
3
+
4.07

This Bulgarian legend tells how the sun planned to get married, but the promised wedding never happened. The wedding plans were thwarted by a little hedgehog. She understood the unfortunate results the heat of an entire sunny family in the sky would have. This fairy tale touches on current environmental issues.

Around the World
Seven Little Goats, Dwarves, Piglets and a Wolf

Katarina Gondova

Seven Little Goats, Dwarves, Piglets and a Wolf

10
 min
3
+
4.05

When Mr Grey Wolf lands a job at the FairyWorks, everything seems to go smoothly at first. However, Mr Grey Wolf is completely new to the job. First, he can’t find the house of the seven little goats. Then he nearly makes a mess of some of the other fairy tales! How in the world will this all turn out?

Stories for 3+ years old
The Moon and his Mother

Aesop

The Moon and his Mother

5
 min
3
+
4.04

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.

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Emotions & empathy
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Around the World
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Aesop's fables
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For 3+ years old
For 5+ years old
For 8+ years old
Christmas stories

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.

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