Stories for 5+ years old

These stories should be understandable for five years olds. However, we believe they can be fun at any age above that as well. The age requirements are based on vocabulary, topics, and overall story length.

The Blacksmith and the Carpenter

The Blacksmith and the Carpenter

9
 min
5
+
4.81

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.

The Hatchet Porridge

The Hatchet Porridge

8
 min
5
+
4.81

Have you ever eaten hatchet porridge? You’ve never heard of it? In this Russian tale you will not only find out how to cook this unusual dish, but you’ll also find out how an old, hungry soldier managed to get the better of a mean, stingy old lady.

How Otto Was Fed up with Glasses

How Otto Was Fed up with Glasses

9
 min
5
+
4.8

From his early childhood, Otto was hardworking and patient. This quality comes in handy in his life, because it is important to be persistent and not to give up when working as a chemist. And it pays off: Otto, along with his friend, invents contact lenses, which millions of people around the world still use today.

The Day the Queen Met a Magic Dog

The Day the Queen Met a Magic Dog

11
 min
5
+
4.8

This story was prepared as a loving tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. According to her classmates, Clara is not a special girl. So everyone is surprised when she gets a special task: to welcome the Queen to their school! How will Clara rise to this challenge and face her classmates’ ridicule?

The Snow Queen

The Snow Queen

20
 min
5
+
4.79

A fairytale by Hans Cristian Andersen about the fight between good and evil. The pieces from the devil's mirror, which turn a person into a heartless being, hit a boy named Kai. One day he disappears and ends up in the Ice Palace of the Snow Queen. His brave friend Gerda sets out to look for him. A long and dangerous journey awaits her.

The Story of Chrysanthemum

The Story of Chrysanthemum

8
 min
5
+
4.79

This Japanese story explains why the chrysanthemum – a hugely adored flower of the Orient – has so many petals. It is thanks to a mother who saved her sick child with her wit.

The Dragons and the Crows

The Dragons and the Crows

10
 min
5
+
4.79

One can fix mistakes and bad decisions with determination. The ruler of the crows makes a fateful decision, upending the lives of his subjects. All the crows have to leave their city, which is then occupied by dragons. Eventually, he comes up with a plan to return all the crows back home.

The Northern Wind

The Northern Wind

14
 min
5
+
4.79

When the Northern wind blows away all the food from Olaf and his mother’s pantry, Olaf sets out in search of it. He doesn't get the food back, but the Northern wind does give him a magical gift. However, a greedy innkeeper begins to encroach on the rare gift, too. Will Olaf eventually get justice?

Miss Mole’s Husband

Miss Mole’s Husband

10
 min
5
+
4.78

The tale of a mole searching far and wide for the world’s most worthy husband for his daughter. His new son-in-law surprises not only the mole, but it will surprise you as well!

The Wawel Dragon

The Wawel Dragon

5
 min
5
+
4.78

This Polish legend tells about Wawel Hill, under which a terrible dragon settled and ravaged the whole countryside. However, the people eventually managed to defeat the dragon, thanks to the ingenuity of an ordinary shoemaker.

The Snowman

The Snowman

7
 min
3
+
4.78

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.

The Snow Monster

The Snow Monster

8
 min
3
+
4.78

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.

Cinderella

Cinderella

28
 min
5
+
4.77

In one of the most famous classic fairy tales of all time, we learn about modest Cinderella, who has to stand the heartless behaviour of her stepmother and half-sisters. However, thanks to the help of a magic fairy, she will finally have a happy ending.

Olly and Polly Visit a Shieling

Olly and Polly Visit a Shieling

10
 min
3
+
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.

The Hare’s Liver

The Hare’s Liver

8
 min
5
+
4.77

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.

The Little Star

The Little Star

10
 min
5
+
4.77

This is a Christmas story about a little star. After it falls from the sky, two curious children discover it. Although the children fail to return the star to the sky, it eventually finds its place as a Christmas tree decoration.

The Real Princess

The Real Princess

8
 min
3
+
4.76

Being a princess doesn’t mean just wearing beautiful dresses, sporting a crown, and constantly dancing. The story is about a schoolgirl named Connie who doesn’t like school at all. She knows in her heart that she’d rather be a princess. But one day she experiences something unusual at school.

The Mouse Council

The Mouse Council

5
 min
5
+
4.76

Even the best idea can be worthless when there is no one to carry it out. The mice have found their shelter on a big animal farm. They have been doing really well there. The farmer doesn’t like this, so he brings in a cat to help solve the problem. The mice have to come up with a plan to save themselves. How do they manage it?

Questions about

Stories for 5+ years old

What types of stories are suitable for 5-year-olds?

For 5-year-olds, Readmio offers stories that are engaging, imaginative, and appropriate for their developmental stage. Suitable stories include tales of exciting journeys and discoveries that spark curiosity and imagination, but also stories featuring animals. Kids at this age tend to like stories that highlight the importance of making friends, working and playing together.

What are some signs that my child is ready for more complex stories?

Recognizing when your child is ready for more complex stories involves observing their developmental milestones and interests. Usually your child can already listen to and engage  with longer stories or follow a narrative without losing interest. If your child is using a more advanced vocabulary and can understand and use new words, they might be prepared for stories that introduce new and more challenging language. Once your child shows interest in a wider range of topics or asks questions about various subjects, they may benefit from stories that explore new and more sophisticated concepts. At Readmio, you can find a variety of stories that cater to different levels of complexity. If you notice these signs, exploring stories from Category for 5-year olds.

What themes are commonly explored in stories for 5-year-olds on Readmio?

On Readmio, stories for 5-year-olds commonly explore themes such as:

  • Friendship and Kindness: Stories that focus on building relationships, being considerate, and helping others.
  • Imagination and Creativity: Tales that encourage imaginative play and creative thinking.
  • Problem-Solving and Resilience: Stories that present simple challenges and how characters overcome them with determination and cleverness.

How long are usually the stories in this category?

Stories for 5-year-olds on Readmio are typically around 10 to 15 minutes long. This duration is ideal for maintaining the attention span of young children, providing enough time for a complete narrative without being overwhelming. The length allows for engaging stories that fit well into bedtime routines or short reading sessions throughout the day.