Stories for 8+ years old

These stories should be understandable for eight 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.

Orpheus and Eurydice

Orpheus and Eurydice

12
 min
8
+
4.46

In this story, you and your children can explore one of the best-known Greek myths. You’ll read about the lovers Orpheus and Eurydice, about Orpheus’s journey to the underworld and about the incredible things that love makes possible. You’ll also find out more about the role of the storyteller or writer and about how stories are invented and how they can change.

Broad, Long and Sharpsight

Broad, Long and Sharpsight

15
 min
8
+
4.45

When we join forces, we can overcome difficult obstacles. An adventurous story about how a young man chooses to win the heart of a princess. Three brave helpers, who he meets on the way to the castle, help him to overcome the obstacles and difficult tasks that stand in his way.

The Monkey and the Turtle

The Monkey and the Turtle

8
 min
8
+
4.44

Don’t expect to see the fruit of your work without putting in the effort required. A turtle and a monkey pull a banana tree out of the river. They immediately divide it into two parts. The monkey insists on getting the top, which has nice green leaves. The lower part (without leaves) is all that remains for the turtle. The turtle takes care of its part all the more, and soon it is covered in bananas and ready for harvesting - while the monkey watches as the top of the tree slowly dries up.

Philemon and Baucis

Philemon and Baucis

9
 min
8
+
4.42

This is an ancient Greek story of generosity, a beautiful relationship and lifelong love between spouses Philemon and Baucis. For their kindness and service to the Greek gods, they wanted nothing more than to die at the same time so they wouldn't have to be without each other. Their story teaches us about the value of lifelong true love, and about peacefully accepting that all life has an end.

Elbow Beard

Elbow Beard

13
 min
8
+
4.42

A classic story of how good wins over evil. An evil stepmother, who spoils her own daughter, throws her loving and hard-working stepdaughter out of the house. When Elbow Beard, a little old man with a largely long beard, appears, the stepmother and his daughter soon pay for their greed.

The Quarrelling Letters

The Quarrelling Letters

8
 min
5
+
4.42

One day the letters in books start arguing and a huge mess ensues. Because of their fights, the books cannot be read at all. But one clever little girl decides to put it all in order - and solve the big alphabet quarrel.

King Midas and the Donkey Ears

King Midas and the Donkey Ears

11
 min
5
+
4.4

Let’s take a trip to Ancient Greece, back into that mythical time when gods roamed the earth. One day, King Midas gets mixed up in a godly contest and is rewarded for his impudence with a pair of donkey’s ears. He is ashamed, and tries to hide them. But how can he live with his secret? And will anyone find out?

Hades and Persephone

Hades and Persephone

10
 min
5
+
4.4

Could it be that a kidnapped daughter and her mother are the cause of the changing seasons? According to Greek mythology, Persephone was abducted into the realm of the dead by Hades, the god of the underworld. Due to the enormous grief felt by her mother, the crops dried up and winter came to the Earth for the first time. To prevent an eternal winter, a certain deal had to be struck with Hades …

The Sisters Tam and Cam

The Sisters Tam and Cam

18
 min
5
+
4.39

In this story, you will learn about a Vietnamese Cinderella named Tam. She, too, suffers a lot because of her cruel stepmother and her sister Cam. She does not give up, and she eventually gets justice and a happy ending.

Stephen and the Calculating Machine

Stephen and the Calculating Machine

5
 min
8
+
4.36

Ever since he was little, Stephen had been fond of maths and physics. Thanks to a connection with a good, inspiring teacher, his hobby would become a life-long passion. Despite extreme difficulties, Stephen Hawking became a legend in the field of science. Read with your kids a fairy tale based on his life story.

Myth of the Minotaur

Myth of the Minotaur

9
 min
8
+
4.33

This well-known Greek legend takes us into the lives of the kings and queens, as they intermingle with gods and magic in these ancient times. Eventually the story brings us, along with Theseus, into a huge, complex labyrinth in the middle of which lurks a fierce creature called the Minotaur. In order to save human lives, Theseus must slay the Minotaur. But can the hero survive this challenge, and will he ever find his way out of the maze?

The Wall

The Wall

5
 min
8
+
4.27

This story involves the strong-willed characters Hare, Wall, Gap, and Blackbird... Hare wakes up to a day that’s quite different from what she expected. All because of Wall, which mysteriously appeared overnight. How will Hare deal with such an unwelcome obstacle? (Hint: Gap and Blackbird are involved!) It’s all about determination and the discovery of one’s own strength and creativity. And of course, one’s ability to enjoy the unfolding adventure.

The Three Sillies

The Three Sillies

12
 min
8
+
4.22

This funny story is about human silliness. A traveller, who is busy roaming the world, meets many simple minded people. After visiting a farm, he is sure he can’t possibly see anything more silly. However, his next adventures prove him wrong.

How Granny Maryann Forgot About Workplace Safety

How Granny Maryann Forgot About Workplace Safety

7
 min
8
+
4.2

Granny Maryann is cleaning the glass recycling factory, like she does every day, but this time her order is disturbed by the disruptive spider Servus and his web. In the heat of the moment, Maryann forgets about safety at work. It would have ended tragically - if it hadn't been for the unexpected help of Servus.

How Rupert Skynose Definitely Discovered Infinity

How Rupert Skynose Definitely Discovered Infinity

6
 min
8
+
4.13

Astronomer Rupert Skynose longs to discover the infinite, so he searches the stars night after night. When his telescope breaks, it may seem like a disaster, but it is actually this accident with the broken glass lens that sets Rupert on the right track.

The Snake and the Gold Coins

The Snake and the Gold Coins

5
 min
5
+
4.1

This fairy tale, originally from India, tells the story of a reverent farmer who treats a snake living on his land with respect. He gets an unexpected reward for this, but his greedy son wants to abuse the good will of the magical serpent. He (naturally) is punished for this.

The Snail and the Rosebush

The Snail and the Rosebush

16
 min
8
+
4.07

A story by a world-famous storyteller about the meaning of life, which aptly points out various character traits. When the snail begins talking to the garden rose, he seems fully determined to move forward. And he can’t help criticizing the rose for its inaction. However, his plan of moving forward ends in nothing but empty words.

The Reckless Man and the Swallow

The Reckless Man and the Swallow

4
 min
8
+
4.06

One swallow doesn’t make a summer. A man has wasted his inheritance and is left only with one giant winter coat. But he sells this, too, for a few coins, when it gets warmer and he spots a lone swallow - which he mistakenly believes is a sign of the coming spring.

Questions about

Stories for 8+ years old

How can I encourage my 8-year-old to read more often?

To encourage your 8-year-old to read more often, consider the following strategies:

  • select books that match their interests and reading level. At Readmio, you can find a range of genres and series that might captivate their attention.
  • set aside dedicated time for reading each day, such as before bedtime or after school. Consistency helps build a reading habit.
  • discuss the stories, ask questions, and make predictions about what will happen next. This interaction makes reading more engaging and fun.
  • utilize Readmio’s interactive features and audio versions to make reading more dynamic and enjoyable.

How often should my child be reading at home?

For optimal literacy development, aim for your child to read at home daily. About 20-30 minutes of reading time each day is ideal. This regular practice helps build reading skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. Incorporating a mix of independent reading, shared reading, and listening to stories can make this time enjoyable and effective.

Can Readmio help my child improve their reading comprehension?

Yes, Readmio can help improve your child’s reading comprehension through several features. First of all, our stories are enriched by music and sounds that engage children and encourage active participation. All Readmio include questions after reading and interactive quizzes that help children think critically about the text and discuss what they have read.A wide range of stories with different themes and genres helps expand vocabulary and comprehension skills by exposing children to varied contexts and language.

Is it still important to read aloud to 8 year old children?

Yes, reading aloud to 8-year-olds remains important for many reasons. Hearing fluent reading helps children understand proper pronunciation, intonation, and pacing.Even at this age children are exposed to new words and phrases that they might not encounter in their own reading. Moreover, reading aloud together fosters a love of books and strengthens the parent-child bond. At this age children are already capable and willing to discuss the story, which enhances comprehension and critical thinking.Reading aloud complements their independent reading and supports their overall literacy development.