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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.

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Mr Oriole and the Flute

Katarina Gondova

Mr Oriole and the Flute

11
 min
5
+
4.71

One day, something very unusual happens as an orchestra rehearses. A little yellow bird hears the sound of a flute and is compelled to fly towards it, thereby discovering the instrument and the flautist. He is immediately enchanted by the flute and her music and cannot leave her alone, hovering around her for days on end. This throws the orchestra into chaos, until finally, a natural solution is found. Read about the dramatic occurrences in this melodious story.

Animal stories
The Gossiper

Ukrainian Tale

The Gossiper

11
 min
5
+
4.71

This Ukrainian folk tale will not only reveal how much trouble a gossipy person can cause, but it will also show you how gossip can be effectively undone.

Around the World
The Ladybird With One Spot Missing

Hana Do

The Ladybird With One Spot Missing

11
 min
5
+
4.71

Leonora is different from the other ladybirds in her village — she was born with six spots instead of seven. Some of the others mocked her for this, even though it was simply her natural appearance. But gradually, their attitudes changed. Let’s read the story and find out how Leonora dealt with this difference of hers.

Emotions and empathy
Mummy on the Loose

Tereza Sebesta

Mummy on the Loose

9
 min
5
+
4.71

This year, like every year, the town is having its autumn costume parade. But an unexpected visitor, who is more than five thousand years old and has just come from the museum, gets caught up in the action. If you like thrilling stories, this one is for you!

Stories for 5+ years old
What’s Inside My Body: White Blood Cells

Jana Kasparova

What’s Inside My Body: White Blood Cells

11
 min
8
+
4.7

Charlotte has come down with an illness — something a bit worse than a cut knee. But not to worry, Liam the faerie will explain to her how her white blood cells will be able to cope with it. Let’s join Charlotte to find out more about those spiffy little warriors hidden inside our bodies.

Human Body
The Princess and the Pea

Hans Christian Andersen

The Princess and the Pea

12
 min
5
+
4.7

The young prince is having difficulty finding someone he wants to marry — the princesses he is continually introduced to are less than kind and therefore deemed unsuitable. But then, out of nowhere, a mysterious young woman arrives at the castle gates in disarray. She is lost and soaking wet, yet claims to be a princess. She stays overnight, whence the doubting queen is able to test her claim with the help of a small pea. It’s a test that proves to be conclusive.

Folk stories
Bumblebee Vroom at School

Readmio

Bumblebee Vroom at School

12
 min
5
+
4.7

Take a peek inside this school for insects and pollinators, and follow the exploits of a restless bumblebee called Vroom. In addition to finding out what goes on in a bee classroom, you’ll also see how Vroom deals with restlessness, lack of focus, and excessive energy.

Wellbeing
Here’s to the Ants!

Jana Kasparova

Here’s to the Ants!

7
 min
5
+
4.69

Black ants and red ants are not natural friends. However, when a heavy storm befalls the forest, it affects all the insects in our story. Both colonies of ants are equally endangered. These sworn enemies are not used to putting their differences aside, but suddenly they find themselves united in the name of survival. Let’s see how they resolve their animosity…

Short stories
The Heroic Dog

Jana Kasparova

The Heroic Dog

12
 min
5
+
4.69

A little dog has a big love of rockets and outer-space. But her wish to be involved in a space mission seems too incredible for a dog to pursue. Still, she perseveres. In this story, children will come to understand that it takes a lot of effort to send a rocket into space, and they’ll discover how service-dogs can be helpful in preparing for a manned space mission.

Science stories
Shizuko the Sea Creature

Lucia Koudelkova Jesenska

Shizuko the Sea Creature

13
 min
5
+
4.69

In this underwater story, you will learn about a special fish with a meaningful name. And besides hearing about the wonders of the underwater world and about interesting four-toothed creatures, you will also discover some ways to manage boredom.

Wellbeing
The Brave Tailor

Central European tale

The Brave Tailor

12
 min
5
+
4.69

This well-known story about a small but brave tailor will lead you to a kingdom that is troubled by giants and other magical creatures. The little tailor isn’t afraid of any of them and ends up being royally rewarded for his ingenuity and bravery.

Around the World
Theresa, Who Was Not Afraid of Change

Hana Do

Theresa, Who Was Not Afraid of Change

9
 min
8
+
4.69

Transport yourself to the past and get to know the famous Habsburg ruler Maria Theresa. You’ll get to know the life of princesses in general - together with little Theresa. You find out that they didn’t always have it easy, either! You’ll also see that sometimes even big changes don’t have to be scary.

Stories for 8+ years old
The Carambola Tree and the Magic Raven

Vietnamese Tale

The Carambola Tree and the Magic Raven

8
 min
5
+
4.68

In this traditional Vietnamese tale you will find out about a magic raven and about why it’s not worth being greedy. You’ll also learn about a tasty exotic fruit.

Around the World
The Smallest Creature

Lucia Koudelkova Jesenska

The Smallest Creature

11
 min
5
+
4.68

One day, Granny Ida finds a peculiar egg on her farm. Soon a creature hatches. At first, the farm animals aren’t at all impressed and start mocking the little guy. Until Granny Ida steps in and puts an end to it.

Animal stories
Kindly Taxi Maxi

Hana Do

Kindly Taxi Maxi

8
 min
5
+
4.68

Every day, taxi Maxi takes people where they need to go. He truly enjoys driving through the streets and scanning the lovely vistas. But he also likes to chat with the passengers, and lately everyone's always in such a hurry to get somewhere. It’s as if people have forgotten to enjoy the present moment. When a particularly distressed gentleman gets into his taxi, Maxi notices the man’s frustration and decides to make his life a little happier.

Short stories
The Magic Cooking Pot

Chinese Tale

The Magic Cooking Pot

7
 min
5
+
4.68

This traditional tale takes us to China, to a family where a penny-pinching, cantankerous wife is constantly complaining about a lack of money. Everything changes when her husband brings home a magic cooking pot. How will they get along with their new wealth? Find out in this Chinese tale with a rather surprising ending.

Around the World
The Tree Knight

Marian Dyno Buric

The Tree Knight

12
 min
5
+
4.67

A story about how an old woman’s love and care for the natural world frees a knight, who has been turned into a tree, from his curse. This tale emphasizes the need for respect and empathy towards both people and nature.

Stories for 5+ years old
The King Who Never Smiled

Marian Dyno Buric

The King Who Never Smiled

10
 min
5
+
4.67

A mighty and rich king seems to have everything in the world, but he is not satisfied. Nothing can pull him out of his eternal gloom. So he has all sorts of entertainers and artists called to the castle to cheer him up. However, only one person reminds him that true happiness lies in ordinary things.

Stories for 5+ years old
Bedtime stories
Short stories
Folk stories
Human body
Wellbeing
Emotions & empathy
Nature stories
Science stories
Around the World
Animal stories
Aesop's fables
For toddlers
For 3+ years old
For 5+ years old
For 8+ years old
Christmas stories

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.