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.

The Monkey and the Drum

The Monkey and the Drum

11
 min
5
+
4.47

When a clumsy monkey gets a thorn in its tail, it has no choice but to rely on human help. However, it very quickly abuses this help and shows its greed. In this way the monkey gets a lot of things from people in exchange.

Stephen and the Calculating Machine

Stephen and the Calculating Machine

5
 min
8
+
4.47

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.

The Pearl Diver

The Pearl Diver

10
 min
8
+
4.46

This story will transport you to Portugal, where you will encounter an unusually successful pearl diver. But diving to collect pearls from the seabed is no easy task! Come with Tiago, the story’s hero, and find out what you have to do if you want to be really good at something.

Orpheus and Eurydice

Orpheus and Eurydice

12
 min
8
+
4.45

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.

The Little Match Girl

The Little Match Girl

12
 min
8
+
4.38

This touching story reminds us to be more attentive, empathetic, and caring. It has a sad ending and is about a poor girl who wanders the streets alone in winter. No one either notices, or helps her.

Myth of the Minotaur

Myth of the Minotaur

9
 min
8
+
4.32

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 King and the Weaver

The King and the Weaver

10
 min
8
+
4.3

Life experience is often more valuable than theories from books. Sometimes even the poor weaver can be smarter than the sages at the imperial court, who are generously paid for their services.

King Midas and the Donkey Ears

King Midas and the Donkey Ears

11
 min
5
+
4.29

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?

The Snake and the Gold Coins

The Snake and the Gold Coins

5
 min
5
+
4.25

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 Reckless Man and the Swallow

The Reckless Man and the Swallow

4
 min
8
+
4.24

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.

The Daisy

The Daisy

12
 min
8
+
4.19

This sad and cruel story of the little flower points to what is really important in life: love, humility, gratitude and consideration for everything around us. The little daisy doesn’t mind not being counted among the favourite flowers in the garden. She enjoys the sun and the singing of the skylark. However, life takes a turn for the worse when she gets trapped with the skylark in a cage - simply for the amusement of the children.

The Brewery of Egg-Shells

The Brewery of Egg-Shells

7
 min
8
+
4.18

When a mother goes to the cradle in the morning, she realizes her baby has been swapped with a fairy. She gets a lot of different advice, but only takes the advice of a famous healer to get her baby boy back.

The Snail and the Rosebush

The Snail and the Rosebush

16
 min
8
+
4.12

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 Red Shoes

The Red Shoes

6
 min
8
+
4.08

A darker and cruel story by Hans Christian Andersen about a smug and vain little girl. A noble lady takes in an orphaned girl and looks after her with great kindness, but the little girl is conceited and doesn’t behave politely. She gets the red shoes she wants, but they end up teaching her a very harsh lesson.

The Sisters Tam and Cam

The Sisters Tam and Cam

18
 min
5
+
3.98

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.

How Rupert Skynose Definitely Discovered Infinity

How Rupert Skynose Definitely Discovered Infinity

6
 min
8
+
3.92

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.

Daedalus and Icarus

Daedalus and Icarus

9
 min
8
+
3.87

It’s always worth listening to good pieces of advice from those more experienced than us. When Daedalus and his son Icarus try to leave the island where they live in exile, Icarus tragically dies. He doesn’t care to listen to the wise advice of his father, and his curiosity kills him.

Pelops

Pelops

5
 min
8
+
3.73

This fable teaches us that even in the past people could tell the difference between good and evil intentions. Although the story is typical of the time in which the fable originated, the main theme is still relevant today. Pelops longs for the beautiful Hippodamea and decides to fight for her heart. But her father will give his daughter as a bride only to one who can defeat him in a four-carriage race. However, the loser must pay with his life.

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.