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.

Little Explorer

Little Explorer

5
 min
5
+
4.6

In this good night story, the kid becomes an explorer and goes to get to know his own body. He visits various limbs and several organs, gets to know their activity and function, and at the same time calms down before evening sleep.

The Grasshopper and the Ants

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.

The Snow Queen

The Snow Queen

20
 min
5
+
4.59

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 Monkey and the Wedge

The Monkey and the Wedge

6
 min
5
+
4.59

This story teaches us that we shouldn’t poke our noses into other people’s business. When nosy monkeys come to see the construction of a new wooden temple, one of them gets into big trouble due to its carelessness. How does it turn out?

Why Does Charlie Avoid Chocolate?

Why Does Charlie Avoid Chocolate?

10
 min
3
+
4.59

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 Little Tailor

The Little Tailor

11
 min
5
+
4.59

In this Austrian fairy tale, you will travel the world with a tailor who seems rather small and ordinary, but has some magical gifts. Will he be able to withstand the challenges he faces? How can he win a battle with an evil giant?

The King’s Secret

The King’s Secret

8
 min
5
+
4.58

This Irish legend tells of King Maon and the secret he was extremely ashamed of. However, no secret can be kept secret forever. Eventually, the king has to face his greatest fear – the fear of shame and ridicule.

Camping with a Dinosaur

Camping with a Dinosaur

7
 min
5
+
4.58

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.

Cedric the Centipede Makes a New Friend

Cedric the Centipede Makes a New Friend

10
 min
3
+
4.58

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.

Pandora’s Box

Pandora’s Box

9
 min
5
+
4.58

Who is Pandora and what is hidden in the magic box she was given by Zeus? Here we venture to the ancient world, at a time when the Greek gods roamed among the humans and generally had the upper hand. This tale has us pondering over the meaning of good and bad, happy and sad, and all of the many facets of everyday existence. It teaches us that the positive and negative are utterly connected, and helps us see that life is fascinating.

The Man Who Never Lied

The Man Who Never Lied

7
 min
5
+
4.57

It’s better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times. This lovely tale from the African continent teaches us not to believe everything we hear.

A Night Under the Stars

A Night Under the Stars

4
 min
3
+
4.57

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.

Luke's Ice Hockey Dream

Luke's Ice Hockey Dream

9
 min
3
+
4.56

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?

John the Simpleton

John the Simpleton

13
 min
5
+
4.56

A story from a collection of fairy tales compiled by the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Once upon a time there were three brothers. Two were educated and wise, but the third was called John the simpleton, because he didn't get much sense. All three decide to win the heart of the princess. She promises to marry the lad who entertains her best.

The Northern Wind

The Northern Wind

14
 min
5
+
4.56

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?

The Turtle, the Hippo and the Elephant

The Turtle, the Hippo and the Elephant

9
 min
5
+
4.56

This story is about a smart little turtle that tricks an elephant and a hippo in order to gain their friendship. This African fairy tale also explains how turtles and tortoises came to exist.

The Rooster, the Cat, and the Club

The Rooster, the Cat, and the Club

11
 min
5
+
4.55

Patience pays off, and waiting for the right opportunity will bring results in the end. This is a story about three brothers who get a really modest inheritance from their father: a cat, a rooster, and a club. However, thanks to being smart, all three manage to make their fortunes using only the seemingly ordinary and almost useless things.

Why Kangaroos Hop

Why Kangaroos Hop

6
 min
3
+
4.55

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.

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.