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Book Dash gathers creative volunteers to create new African storybooks that anyone can freely print, translate and distribute.

License: CC BY 4.0

https://bookdash.org/

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↑ Books by Bookbot

Bookbot

Bookbot has a mission to address the worldwide issue of shockingly low literacy levels.

https://www.bookbotkids.com/phonics-books

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iCharacter

iCharacter creates books, music and videos for children that focus on character building topics.

https://www.icharacter.org/ , https://www.kidible.eu/

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Paul Choy

The "Adventures of Little Mouse" books are a charming series of books for children, each featuring stories from the world of Little Mouse and his woodland friends.

https://www.paulchoy.com/little-mouse

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Mustard Seed Books creates high quality low-cost books for beginning readers.

License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

http://mustardseedbooks.org/

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Room to Read

Room to Read is a non-profit organization for improving literacy and gender equality in education in the developing world.

https://www.roomtoread.org/

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Designed to provide children with reading resources, StoryWeaver is a digital gateway to thousands of richly illustrated, open-licensed children's stories.

https://storyweaver.org.in/

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Pratham Books

Pratham Books is a nonprofit publisher introducing children to the joy of reading.

https://prathambooks.org/

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3asafeer

3asafeer.com tries to build the reading habits as an integral part of kids' daily life by providing them with really interesting content.

License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

http://3asafeer.com/

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Let's Read

Let’s Read is an initiative of The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program that fosters young readers in Asia.

Licenses: CC BY 4.0 , CC BY-NC 4.0

https://reader.letsreadasia.org/

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Storybooks Canada is a free open educational resource that promotes literacy and language learning in homes, schools, and communities.

https://www.storybookscanada.ca/ , https://africanstorybook.org/

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Word Scientists

Word Scientists is a not-for-profit organization that provides a central place for educators to learn how to teach early reading with accompanying materials that can be used in their classroom.

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

https://wordscientists.org/

Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Help Children Learn to Read

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Short Stories for Children

Please enjoy these great stories, fairy-tales, fables, and nursery rhymes for children. They help kids learn to read and make excellent bedtime stories! We have hundreds of great children's stories for you to share.

You may also enjoy Favorite Fairy Tales , Books for Young Readers , Children's Poems , Lullabies and Short Stories for Students

The Three Little Pigs

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  • Books for children

100 of the best picture books for children

Filled with witty, uplifting stories and brilliant illustrations, these children’s picture books are sure to become storytime favourites..

short story books with pictures

Whether you’re reading to your child, or they’re learning to read by themselves, little ones will want to return to these picture books for kids again and again. Full of loveable characters, playful stories, and beautiful illustrations, these are some of the best picture books for children of all ages.

For more inspiration, don’t miss the best books for babies  and our edit of the best sticker and activity books to keep little minds engaged for hours.   

  • Babies & toddlers
  • 3-5-year-olds

Picture books for babies and toddlers

By rod campbell.

Book cover for Dear Santa

With bright artwork, engaging words and a chunky board book format, Dear Santa is the festive favourite from the beloved creator of Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell. Toddlers will love lifting the flaps to open the presents and find out what Santa has sent. Will he send the perfect present in the end? With gold foil cover, flaps to lift on every page and a touch-and-feel surprise ending, this festive favourite is the ideal Christmas gift or stocking filler for preschoolers .

Book cover for Dear Zoo

'I wrote to the zoo to send me a pet . . .' Celebrate forty years since the first publication of Dear Zoo with this gold foiled edition of Rod Campbell's classic picture book . Young children will love lifting the flaps to discover the animals the zoo has sent – a monkey, a lion and even an elephant! But will they ever manage to send the perfect pet? A must for every child's bookshelf, and the thick card pages, chunky cased golden cover and sturdy flaps make it perfect for small hands.

Book cover for Oh Dear!

Buster's staying with Grandma on the farm. But where will he find the eggs for breakfast? Not in the stable – oh dear! Young children will love lifting the flaps as they turn the pages and follow Buster around the farm. From the creator of Dear Zoo , this 40th anniversary special edition is a great gift for all Rod Campbell fans. 

Book cover for Dormouse Has a Cold

Dormouse Has a Cold

Julia Donaldson

Book cover for Mole's Spectacles

Mole's Spectacles

Book cover for Squirrel's Snowman

Squirrel's Snowman

Whisper, shout: let it out, by madhvi ramani.

Book cover for Whisper, Shout: Let It Out!

An empowering and colourful picture book to help young children celebrate their voice and express themselves. Debut author Madhvi Ramani has taken voice lessons for a number of years, teaching her how to be confident in her own voice. The gorgeously bold and bright illustrations are paired with lots of ways for children to exercise their voice, building self-reliance and self-esteem. 

Odo: The Egg

Book cover for Odo: The Egg

Odo is off on another adventure with his friends at Forest Camp! Join the little owl, based on the preschool animated series on Milkshake, as he and his friends look after the rock eggs, and get more than they bargained for! Designed to be read and discussed with young readers, Odo: The Egg has bright, engaging pictures that will help toddlers learn about the wonderful wildlife they can encounter in the forest. Fans of Odo can continue to adventures with Odo: Super Owl !

The Odd Egg

By emily gravett.

Book cover for The Odd Egg

This fifteenth anniversary edition is complete with extra content from the multi-award winning Emily Gravett. All the birds have eggs to hatch, except Duck. But when Duck finds an egg of his own to look after he's delighted.  But all the other birds think it's a very odd egg indeed – and everyone's in for a BIG surprise when it finally hatches. A beautifully illustrated and cleverly formatted tale with a surprise ending, toddlers will love The Odd Egg. 

Book cover for On the Night You Were Born

On the Night You Were Born

Nancy Tillman

Book cover for It's Time to Sleep, My Love

It's Time to Sleep, My Love

Book cover for Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You

Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You

We wish you a merry christmas, by floella benjamin.

Book cover for We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Enjoy a family Christmas singalong with Baroness Floella Benjamin, including favourites such as 'We Wish you a Merry Christmas', 'Jingle Bells' and 'Ding Dong Merrily on High'! This stunning gift book features 15 familiar Christmas songs to enjoy and has sturdy tabs, making it easy to find your favourite. You can also learn about Floella's own Christmas memories and traditions, and join her in some festive fun with every song.

The Littlest Elephant

By kate read.

Book cover for The Littlest Elephant

The Littlest Elephant's bright and richly illustrated pages full of jungle creatures will entrance any child as they follow the littlest elephant on her way to the pool for a swim. At first, she is too excited to notice the chaos she is causing, but then she realizes that by slowing down and helping others, everyone can join in the fun. This beautiful and heart-warming book will help little ones to learn empathy for others and the joy of helping those who may need it.

by Valerie Bloom

Book cover for Fruits

This award-winning picture book for toddlers is a fun and educational counting poem from Valerie Bloom, with beautiful illustrations by David Axtell. How much fruit can one little girl eat? Count from one to ten, learning the names of different Caribbean fruits. The rhyming text helps little ones learn to count while exploring the Caribbean’s many delicious fruits.  

Book cover for Cars Cars Cars!

Cars Cars Cars!

Donna David

Book cover for Planes Planes Planes!

Planes Planes Planes!

Book cover for Trains Trains Trains!

Trains Trains Trains!

Time for bed, panda, by jo lodge.

Book cover for Time for Bed, Panda

In  Time for Bed, Panda , children will learn first words about their bedtime routine. Bold, googly eyes and a sliding mechanism bring this adorable panda to life, while children share the simple story and point at the pictures. An ideal book for babies, this title combines bright illustrations, a simple story and first words – a perfect introduction to bedtime routines.

We're Going on a Lion Hunt

By david axtell.

Book cover for We're Going on a Lion Hunt

Full of David Axtell’s beautiful illustrations of magnificent animals, this picture book adventure through the African savanna is a rendition of a well-known children’s poem. Two sisters go looking for a lion that lives on the African savanna. They go through swishy swashy long grass, a splishy splashy lake and a big dark cave – but when they finally meet the lion they have to run, run, run all the way home. 

Black History

By campbell books.

Book cover for Black History

In Black History , young children can read about the lives of inspirational Black people from around the world, from Maya Angelou to Stormzy and from Rosa Parks to Nelson Mandela. This pre-school read features push, pull and slide scenes, and punchy bright illustrations by Jayri Gómez.

Book cover for Can You Find Santa?

Can You Find Santa?

Axel Scheffler

Book cover for On the Farm

On the Farm

Book cover for Freddy the Frog

Freddy the Frog

Beyond the burrow, by jessica meserve.

Book cover for Beyond the Burrow

Take a hop, skip and a jump into the big wide world with this beautifully illustrated picture book for babies and toddlers. Telling the tale of a brave bunny who ventures out beyond his safe burrow, this is a story all about the fantastic adventures you can experience when you step out of your comfort zone. 

New In Town

By marta altés.

Book cover for New In Town

The uplifting new picture book from award-winning illustrator Marta Altés, this a story about the challenges and excitement of moving somewhere new. Starring a friendly dog who can't wait to start his life in his new town – and make lots of new friends – this is a great book to read with children ahead of a move to a new school, house or neighbourhood. 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

By eric carle.

Book cover for The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carles The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a perennial favourite with children and adults alike Its imaginative illustration and clever cutout detail charts the progress of a very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through the week.

Book cover for This Little Monster

This Little Monster

Coral Byers

Book cover for This Little Unicorn

This Little Unicorn

Book cover for This Little Dinosaur

This Little Dinosaur

Alberta Torres

It's Mine!

Book cover for It's Mine!

From the creator of beloved pre-school classic,  Dear Zoo , Rod Campbell's  It's Mine!  is a hide-and-seek story that little ones will love. Packed full of bright, bold illustrations and exciting jungle animals, the best is saved for last with its surprise pop-up ending, and its thick card pages make it the perfect baby book for children who love to explore through touch.

Guess How Much I Love You

By sam mcbratney.

Book cover for Guess How Much I Love You

Sometimes, when you love someone very, very much, you want to find a way of describing how much you treasure them. But, as Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare discover, love is not always an easy thing to measure. The story of Little and Big Nutbrown Hares’ efforts to express their love for each other has become a publishing phenomenon. 

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

By michael rosen and helen oxenbury.

Book cover for We're Going on a Bear Hunt

For brave hunters and bear-lovers, the classic chant-aloud by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. Follow and join in the family's excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of a bear. What a surprise awaits them in the cave on the other side of the dark forest!

Book cover for Busy Eid

Campbell Books

Book cover for Busy Dancing

Busy Dancing

Book cover for Busy Football

Busy Football

Jayri Gómez

The Moomin ABC: An Illustrated Alphabet Book

By macmillan children's books.

Book cover for The Moomin ABC: An Illustrated Alphabet Book

A is for Adventure! Come on an adventure to the wonderful world of Moominvalley, introduced for the first time through the letters of the alphabet. Each letter from A to Z is represented by Using Tove Jansson's classic artwork with a bright, bold colour palette and newly-created lettering based on her archive drawings. Alongside the eye-catching artwork is easy-to-read text for little Moomin fans plus quotes from the original Moomin books, perfect for reading aloud.

Sometimes I Just WON'T

By timothy knapman.

Book cover for Sometimes I Just WON'T

Sometimes I Just WON'T  is a hilarious and helpful book about the ever-changing moods of small children. Being a toddler is an emotional rollercoaster. Some days you want to put your coat on, you don’t mind sharing and you can't wait to have your bath. But some days, you just WON'T! And sometimes that’s OK. But, with a little kindness and encouragement, you might find that something you don’t want to do can become something you love to do.

Goodnight Moon

By margaret wise brown.

Book cover for Goodnight Moon

Margaret Wise Brown's comforting, rhythmic text accompanied by the warmth of Clement Hurd's classic mid-century illustrations make  Goodnight Moon  a timeless picture book, which is known and loved around the world. In a great green room a little rabbit is tucked up snugly and safely in bed and is getting ready to say goodnight to all the familiar things that surround him, one by one. 

Book cover for Fox's Socks

Fox's Socks

Book cover for Postman Bear

Postman Bear

Book cover for Cat's Cookbook

Cat's Cookbook

Goodnight buster.

Book cover for Goodnight Buster!

Get ready for bedtime with Buster. Join his as he has a bath, puts on his pyjamas and brushes his teeth. Complete with simple, engaging text and touch-and-feel patches to engage little one's sense, this board book is a great addition the often challenging bedtime routine. As you switch out the lights, say goodnight to Buster too! 

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy

By lynley dodd.

Book cover for Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy

Hairy Maclary is off for a walk in town, and on the way he's joined by many furry friends of all shops and sizes, from Bottomley Potts to Schnitzel von Krumm. But when they suddenly find themselves face-to-face with Scarface Claw – the toughest Tom in town – it's time to run all the way back home! The brilliantly clever rhyme and vivid, engaging pictures have made this story into a children's classic.

Pick-a-Witch

By nia gould.

Book cover for Pick-a-Witch

Join a cast of wickedly funny witches as they count down to Halloween in this delightful board book. Giggle with glee as the witches brew potions, fly their broomsticks, cast spells and more, with hilarious results! Little ones can pick their favourite witch from page to page until there's just one witch left – all building up to a pop-up pumpkin surprise! 

Book cover for The Bedtime Bear

The Bedtime Bear

Ian Whybrow

Book cover for The Christmas Bear

The Christmas Bear

Book cover for The Tickle Book

The Tickle Book

Picture books for children aged 3 - 5 years, wolf and bear, by kate rolfe.

Book cover for Wolf and Bear

A heartfelt story about a playful young wolf and her best friend, Bear. Wolf and Bear  is a beautiful tale of hope, kindness and love. This heartwarming book is the perfect launchpad for conversations with young children about feelings and friendship. Written and illustrated by the hugely talented Kate Rolfe, winner of the V&A Student Illustrator of the Year Award 2022.

There Was a Young Reindeer Who Swallowed a Present

By diane ewen.

Book cover for There Was a Young Reindeer Who Swallowed a Present

Everyone's heard about the old lady who swallowed a fly, but now it’s time to meet a little reindeer who, on the most important night of the year (Christmas Eve!), swallows a present. And he doesn't stop there! Soon he's gobbled down an elf, a bauble, a tree . . . what will he swallow next? This is a laugh-out-loud Christmas cracker of a story. 

The Penguin Who Lost His Way

By john hay.

Book cover for The Penguin Who Lost His Way

Inspired by the incredible true story of a lost little penguin, and the vets who saved his life,  The Penguin Who Lost His Way  is perfect for young animal lovers. Hoppy the emperor penguin loves swimming in the sea with his friends. But one day Hoppy swims too far, and loses his way . . . ending up on a strange beach, all alone and far from home. How will poor Hoppy get back to his family?

Book cover for Runaway Cone

Runaway Cone

Book cover for Teapot Trouble

Teapot Trouble

Grace and the christmas angel, by lucinda riley.

Book cover for Grace and the Christmas Angel

Grace and the Christmas Angel,  created by bestselling author Lucinda Riley and her son Harry Whittaker, is a reassuring, timeless story and the first book in the Guardian Angels series. The tree is decorated, the presents are wrapped and it's a big day for Grace on Christmas Eve. She's singing in the nativity, and her fisherman father has promised to come and see her. But when a big storm appears at sea, Grace teams up with Hope, the Christmas Angel, to get him back safely for Christmas morning. 

Room on the Broom

By julia donaldson.

Book cover for Room on the Broom

This bestselling story of a witch and her cat, and the medley of creatures that hitch a ride on her broom isn’t just for Halloween! The witch loses her hat, bow and wand which are returned by a dog, a bird and a frog, all eager for a ride on her broom. It’s the more the merrier until the broom snaps under its heavy load - and there’s a greedy dragon looking for a snack . . .

Book cover for I Love Me!

Each morning we take a look in the mirror with Daddy, and say words together to make us feel proud and strong. Full of positivity and good feelings, I Love Me!  is an engaging and powerful book for young children, with affirmations, uplifting statements for each day of the week, and enjoyable routines to help with nursery and school. There's also a fold-out section at the end with additional tips for carers and parents.

Book cover for What the Ladybird Heard

What the Ladybird Heard

Book cover for What the Ladybird Heard Next

What the Ladybird Heard Next

Book cover for What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday

What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday

The ogre who wasn't, by michael morpurgo.

Book cover for The Ogre Who Wasn't

The fresh and funny story of a little princess who hates the stuffy palace, but loves the creatures she meets in the garden. Clara is a princess who loves collecting creepy-crawlies and making them her friends. When Clara discovers that an ogre she keeps in her shoe under her bed isn’t an ogre at all, he offers her a way out of her predicament. There’s only one thing she needs to do . . .

Victor the Wolf with Worries

By catherine rayner.

Book cover for Victor the Wolf with Worries

A beautifully illustrated story with a gentle and encouraging message to help children deal with their worries. Victor the wolf has lots of worries. He worries that he isn't brave enough, he isn't big enough and he isn't fierce enough. In fact, Victor feels anxious about almost everything. But when Victor shares his concerns with his best friend Pablo, he starts to feel a bit better.  Victor, The Wolf With Worries  is a reassuring tale that is especially helpful for little ones who have trouble talking about their feelings.

Robin Robin

By daniel ojari.

Book cover for Robin Robin

The heart-warming story of Robin Robin and her adopted family of mice is the perfect Christmas read from the creators of the  Robin Robin film , created by Aardman for Netflix. Meet the mouse family and their newest addition, Robin. Keen to fit in, Robin tries her best at sneaking crumbs for the family without disturbing the dreaded house cat and generally trying not to be a noisy, clumsy bird. This picture book version of the story, beautifully illustrated by Briony May Smith, is perfect for sharing with young children.

Book cover for The Gruffalo

The Gruffalo

Book cover for The Snail and the Whale

The Snail and the Whale

Book cover for The Smartest Giant in Town

The Smartest Giant in Town

Book cover for Five Bears

Bear is walking through the forest, minding his own business when he comes across another bear. The Other bear is different. The two bears wander along, thinking different thoughts, and looking in different directions. Soon the two bears come across another bear and then another bear and eventually find a bear stuck in a tree. The bears realise that perhaps they aren't  that  different after all and perhaps they could be friends?

Coming to England

Book cover for Coming to England

Baroness Floella Benjamin travelled from Trinidad to London with her older sister and two younger brothers when she was just ten years old, as part of the Windrush generation. This is her inspiring true story. Arriving in England to be reunited with the rest of her family, cold and unfriendly London wasn’t quite what Floella expected. This beautifully illustrated and powerful true story about overcoming adversity is full of Floella’s trademark optimism and joy.

Colours, Colours Everywhere

Book cover for Colours, Colours Everywhere

Follow a little girl as she paints her own adventure with her bright blue tree frog companion. With luscious green trees to climb and red hot air balloons to sail away in, children will delight in the rhyming text, vibrant artwork, flaps to lift and holes to peep through. Written by Julia Donaldson , the bestselling author of The Gruffalo , and illustrated by Sharon King-Chai, Colours, Colours Everywhere will keep little ones entranced.

Book cover for Whatever Next!

Whatever Next!

Jill Murphy

Book cover for Just One of Those Days

Just One of Those Days

Book cover for Peace at Last

Peace at Last

The little war cat, by hiba noor khan.

Book cover for The Little War Cat

This beautifully illustrated picture book was inspired by a true story. A little grey cat is caught amongst the bangs and crashes of the humans in boots who have changed the city of Aleppo into one she struggles to recognise. But then an unlikely friend appears and shows her that there is still plenty of kindness in the world. And soon the little grey cat realises how she can make a difference too. 

Counting Creatures

Book cover for Counting Creatures

This stunning picture book is a fun, interactive counting book with peep-through pages, fold-out flaps and bright, beautiful artwork. From a leopard with her cubs, to a frog and its tadpoles, young readers will love comparing the creatures, exploring their habitats and learning the proper names for all the baby animals. Perfect for gifting, this book was included in The Telegraph's Best Children's Books of the Year. 

M is for Melanin

By tiffany rose.

Book cover for M is for Melanin

This joyful and empowering alphabet book teaches children their ABC and celebrates Black children, encouraging all kids to love the skin they’re in. Each letter of the alphabet contains affirming, positive messages, from E is for Empowerment, to L is for Lead to W is for Worthy.

Book cover for The Grumpus

The Grumpus

Alex T. Smith

Book cover for How Winston Came Home for Christmas

How Winston Came Home for Christmas

Book cover for The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

My dad is a grizzly bear, by swapna haddow.

Book cover for My Dad Is A Grizzly Bear

Could Dad be a grizzly bear? He has fuzzy fur, big paws and he loves the outdoors. He sleeps a lot, and he ate all the honey. What else could he be? Sometimes, when it's scary at night, there's nothing better than a big bear hug.

Kiki and Jax

By marie kondo.

Book cover for Kiki and Jax

Kiki and Jax  is a charming picture book story from tidying superstar Marie Kondo about how tidying up can spark joy in the lives of young children. Kiki and Jax are best friends – Jax enjoys sorting, but Kiki enjoys collecting and gathers lots of stuff. When Kiki’s home becomes too full of things for the friends to play in, Jax teaches Kiki how to sort everything, and to only keep those things that spark joy!

I Am Perfectly Designed

By karamo brown.

Book cover for I Am Perfectly Designed

This empowering picture book about loving who you are comes from Karamo Brown, star of the hit Netflix series  Queer Eye , and his son Jason. Follow a boy and his father as they spend the day in the city together, talking about all the ways they are perfectly designed for each other.

Book cover for A Squash and a Squeeze

A Squash and a Squeeze

Book cover for The Bowerbird

The Bowerbird

Book cover for Tyrannosaurus Drip 15th Anniversary Edition

Tyrannosaurus Drip 15th Anniversary Edition

By sharon king-chai.

Book cover for Starbird

Starbird  is an original fable about freedom and love, stunningly illustrated by Sharon King-Chai. Starbird’s songs delight all who hear them, but when the Moon King traps Starbird in a cage as a gift for his daughter, all the colour and life in his voice begins to drain away. With beautiful illustrations and shiny silver foil throughout, this stunning picture book is an exquisite gift for any child or adult.

The Rhyming Rabbit

Book cover for The Rhyming Rabbit

This special edition of the witty rhyming picture book from the bestselling partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks includes previously unseen artwork, a special letter from Julia and a shiny foil cover. The Rhyming Rabbit loves to make up poems, but the other rabbits don’t appreciate his talent. Will he ever find someone who wants to share his poems? 

I'm Actually Really Grown-Up Now

By maisie paradise shearring.

Book cover for I'm Actually Really Grown-Up Now

Meena wants to join in when the adults have a party, but only grown-ups get to stay up late. So the next day Meena decides, “I’m actually really grown-up now!” She has lots of fun planning her own grown-up party, going to work and experimenting with fashion, but she soon finds out being a grown-up isn’t as easy as it seems.

Book cover for The Duck with No Luck

The Duck with No Luck

Gemma Merino

Book cover for The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water

The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water

Book cover for The Dragon Who Didn't Like Fire

The Dragon Who Didn't Like Fire

Winnie-the-pooh and me, by jeanne willis.

Book cover for Winnie-the-Pooh and Me

Someone has come along to join Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin on their adventure, but who could it be? It can't be Kanga and Roo – they're sailing a boat – and it can't be Owl, because he's at home. Could it be Heffalumps who want to eat Pooh's beloved honey? Or perhaps Pooh and Christopher Robin are accompanied by a pair of friends who are never far away on a sunny day. Winnie-the-Pooh and Me  is a brand-new Winnie-the-Pooh story, featuring the best-loved characters from the Hundred Acre Wood.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

By judith kerr.

Book cover for The Tiger Who Came to Tea

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger! This warm and funny picture book story is perfect for reading aloud, or for small children to read to themselves time and again. First published in 1968 and never out of print, it has become a timeless classic enjoyed and beloved by generations of children and parents. 

Where the Wild Things Are

By maurice sendak.

Book cover for Where the Wild Things Are

One night Max puts on his wolf suit so his mother calls him 'Wild Thing' and sends him to bed without his supper. That night a forest begins to grow in Max's room, and an ocean rushes by with a boat to take Max to the place where the wild things are. Max tames the wild things and crowns himself as their king! But when Max has sent the monsters to bed, and everything is quiet, he starts to feel lonely. He realises it is time to sail home to the place where someone loves him best of all.

Picture books for children aged 5+

Aziza's secret fairy door and the mermaid's treasure, by lola morayo.

Book cover for Aziza's Secret Fairy Door and the Mermaid's Treasure

Aziza is excitedly packing her suitcase ready to go on holiday when she finds sand and seashells from the fairy door all over her room! Before long, she is stepping through the door and out onto Shimmerton’s beach, where naughty fairies are causing havoc by accidentally awakening an ancient shell-walker who has been asleep for many years under the sand. Inspired by creatures from world mythology, Aziza's Secret Fairy Door and the Mermaid's Treasure  is the fourth title in the magical adventure series from Lola Morayo, illustrated throughout in black-and-white.

Black and British: An Illustrated History

By david olusoga.

Book cover for Black and British: An Illustrated History

From award-winning historian and broadcaster David Olusoga comes this stunning visual journey through Black British history for young readers. Offering answers to thought-provoking questions such as: when did Africans first come to Britain? And who are the well-dressed Black children in Georgian paintings? Black and British: An Illustrated History is an introduction to 1800 years of Black British history, from the Roman Africans who guarded Hadrian’s Wall, all the way to present day.

Journey to the River Sea: Illustrated Edition

By eva ibbotson.

Book cover for Journey to the River Sea: Illustrated Edition

Rediscover Eva Ibbotson's award-winning, bestselling classic adventure with this gorgeous gift edition. Maia, an orphan, can't wait to reach her distant relatives a thousand miles up the Amazon. She imagines a huge, loving family with whom she will share great adventures. Instead, she finds two spiteful cousins who see the jungle as the enemy and refuse to step foot outdoors. But the secrets of the rainforest more than make up for the horrible twins in this joyous Amazon adventure . . . 

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

By lewis carroll.

Book cover for Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

This beautiful edition presents Costa Award and Kate Greenaway Medal winner Chris Riddell's gorgeous new visual interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story. Featuring a foiled jacket, head and tail bands and a ribbon marker, and with lavish colour illustrations throughout, this gorgeous hardback will be treasured for years to come. This is a picture book every Alice fan should have on their bookshelves.

One Day in Wonderland

By kathleen krull.

Book cover for One Day in Wonderland

This joyful celebration of Lewis Carroll’s love of language is a wonderful introduction to his life and the origin of  Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland . Award-winning author Katherine Krull uses many of Carroll’s own words, from  brillig  and  uglification  to  frumious  and  chortle , to tell the story of a man who’s legacy continues to delight children today.  One Day in Wonderland  is strikingly illustrated by Júlia Sardà, making this a book to treasure.

A Treasury of Ballet Stories

By caryl hart.

Book cover for A Treasury of Ballet Stories

Step into the magical world of ballet with this timeless collection of four stories, each one based on a beloved classical ballet. Delight in dancing swans, fantastical firebirds, sleeping princesses and sugar plum fairies in this fresh, dynamic and magical collection that will delight all ages from five and up. With its gold foil cover, jewel-like colours and striking design, this is the ultimate gift for all fans of ballet and fairy tale and a glorious celebration of story, dance and theatre. 

Long Walk to Freedom

By chris van wyk.

Book cover for Long Walk to Freedom

Long Walk to Freedom is the amazing story of a true hero. Mandela's famous biography has been specially adapted for children in a beautifully illustrated picture book. Discover how a little boy whose father called him "troublemaker" grew up to fight apartheid, become South Africa's first black president and campaign for freedom and justice throughout the world.

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50 Irresistible Short Stories for Kids (Read Them All for Free!)

Quick reads with lasting impact.

"Rainbow Bird" by Eric Maddern.

Looking for some free tales to use for close reading or classroom read-alouds? This roundup of short stories for kids has plenty of options. From quick fables with morals to old-fashioned fairy tales and folktales from around the world, this diverse collection offers something for any child. We’ve also included ways to use these short stories with kids, in the classroom or at home.

Note: Always be sure to read a selection through before sharing it with children. Some of these short stories for kids, especially ones written a long time ago, may not be appropriate for every audience.

Classic Fairy Tale Short Stories for Kids

“ cinderella ” by charles perrault, “‘do not cry, cinderella,’ she said; ‘you also shall go to the ball, because you are a kind, good girl.'”.

Why I love it: This is one of those short stories for kids that everyone probably already knows. This older version is a little different than the Disney movie, so ask kids if they can identify the changes. They can also have fun imagining what other items could be transformed to help Cinderella get to the ball!

“ The Emperor’s New Clothes ” by Hans Christian Andersen

"The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Andersen.

“‘But the Emperor has nothing at all on!’ said a little child.”

Why I love it: This is a wonderful story for talking about peer pressure and being brave enough to stand up for what you believe in. Kids will also enjoy drawing the imaginary suit of clothes that the king thought he saw.

“ The Frog Prince ” by the Brothers Grimm

“and the princess, though very unwilling, took him up in her hand, and put him upon the pillow of her own bed, where he slept all night long. as soon as it was light, he jumped up, hopped downstairs, and went out of the house. ‘now, then,’ thought the princess, ‘at last he is gone, and i shall be troubled with him no more.'”.

Why I love it: Kids love this familiar story about a prince in disguise and a young girl who keeps her word even though she doesn’t want to. In this version, the girl doesn’t need to kiss the frog, but she’s rewarded anyway.

“ The Gingerbread Man ” by Anonymous

“run, run as fast as you can you can’t catch me, i’m the gingerbread man”.

Why I love it: In the original tale, the Gingerbread Man is eventually caught and eaten. This retelling gives him a happy ending instead. For a fun activity, let kids decorate and eat their own gingerbread people.

“ Jack and the Beanstalk ” by Anonymous

“why, the beans his mother had thrown out of the window into the garden had sprung up into a giant beanstalk which went up and up and up until it reached the sky. so the man spoke truth after all”.

Why I love it: This story is a fun read, but use it to get your students thinking critically. Was it really OK for Jack to steal from the giant? Ask them to write an essay sharing their thoughts on the subject, or use it for a fun classroom debate.

“ Little Red Riding Hood ” by the Brothers Grimm

“‘but grandmother what big eyes you have,’ said little red riding hood. ‘the better to see you with, my dear,’ replied the wolf.”.

Why I love it: This retelling of the well-known tale is a little less gruesome, since the hunter merely frightens the wolf into spitting out poor granny (instead of slicing open his belly). Talk with kids about ways they can keep themselves safe when they’re out in the world.

“ The Pied Piper of Hamelin ” by the Brothers Grimm

“he sounded his fife in the streets, but this time it wasn’t rats and mice that came to him, but rather children: a great number of boys and girls from their fourth year on. among them was the mayor’s grown daughter. the swarm followed him, and he led them into a mountain, where he disappeared with them.”.

Why I love it: Some say this is a true story, and whether or not that’s true, it definitely has a moral—when people make a bargain, they should stick to their agreement. Ask kids to think about what kind of music the Pied Piper might have played, and why both children and rats couldn’t resist it.

“ The Princess and the Pea ” by Hans Christian Andersen

“i cannot think what could have been in the bed. i lay upon something so hard that i am quite black and blue all over.”.

Why I love it: This has long been one of the most beloved short stories for kids, and it’s ideal when you need a quick read. Then, grab some dried peas and see how thick a covering needs to be before students can no longer feel them.

“ Puss in Boots ” by Charles Perrault

“puss became a great lord, and never ran after mice anymore, except for pleasure.”.

Why I love it: All cat lovers know these animals can be pretty smart when they want to be. This one helps his poor master become a prince in a castle, all through his own clever tricks. Encourage students to come up with more creative ways Puss in Boots could help his master.

“ Rumpelstiltskin ” by the Brothers Grimm

short story books with pictures

“‘I will give you three days,’ said he, ‘if by that time you find out my name, then shall you keep your child.'”

Why I love it: Pretty much everyone in this story behaves badly in one way or another. Use it to learn more about characters and their motivation.

“ Sleeping Beauty ” by the Brothers Grimm

“a great many changes take place in a hundred years.”.

Why I love it: After students read this well-known story, ask them to think about what it would be like to go to sleep today and wake up in a hundred years. What might the world be like? Or what would it be like for someone who fell asleep a hundred years ago to wake up today? How many things have changed since then?

“ Snow White ” by the Brothers Grimm

“mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all”.

Why I love it: This fairy tale has all the classic elements—beautiful heroine, wicked stepmother, handsome prince—plus a handful of helpful dwarves. It’s the perfect way to start a conversation about the dangers of envy and jealousy.

“ The Three Little Pigs ” by Anonymous

“not by the hairs on our chinny chin chin”.

Why I love it: Fairy tales don’t get much more classic than this. Follow it up with a reading of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Sciesczka to hear the story from the wolf’s perspective, and have a conversation about point of view.

“ The Ugly Duckling ” by Hans Christian Andersen

“but what did he see there, mirrored in the clear stream he beheld his own image, and it was no longer the reflection of a clumsy, dirty, gray bird, ugly and offensive. he himself was a swan being born in a duck yard does not matter, if only you are hatched from a swan’s egg.”.

Why I love it: Whether you read the original text or a shorter adaptation, this story is one every kid should know. It will teach them that everyone should be proud of who they are, even if they don’t look or feel like everyone else.

Aesop’s Fables as Short Stories for Kids

“ the boy who cried wolf ” by aesop, “so now, though he had not seen anything that even looked like a wolf, he ran toward the village shouting at the top of his voice, ‘wolf wolf'”.

Why I love it: This might be the most famous short story we use to teach kids about how important it is to tell the truth. Ask students if they’ve ever pulled a prank that went wrong, and what they learned from it.

“ The Crow and the Pitcher ” by Aesop

short story books with pictures

“But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water.”

Why I love it: Aesop’s fable reads more like a STEM challenge—how can you reach the water at the bottom of the pitcher when your neck isn’t long enough? Try the same experiment with your students, using a narrow-necked bottle. Can they come up with any other solutions?

“ The Fox and the Grapes ” by Aesop

“the grapes seemed ready to burst with juice, and the fox’s mouth watered as he gazed longingly at them.”.

Why I love it: If kids have ever wondered where the phrase “sour grapes” comes from, this tale will answer that question. Talk about other idiomatic phrases, and do some research to find their origins.

“ The Lion and the Mouse ” by Aesop

“‘you laughed when i said i would repay you,’ said the mouse. ‘now you see that even a mouse can help a lion.'”.

Why I love it: This fable reminds kids that they’re never too small to make a difference in someone’s life. Ask kids to share their own stories of times they helped someone.

“ The Tortoise and the Hare ” by Aesop

“the hare was soon far out of sight, and to make the tortoise feel very deeply how ridiculous it was for him to try a race with a hare, he lay down beside the course to take a nap until the tortoise should catch up.”.

Why I love it: When kids need a reminder that they should always keep trying, turn to this famous story. Use it to teach growth mindset too.

“ Two Travelers and a Bear ” by Aesop

short story books with pictures

“Two men were traveling in company through a forest, when, all at once, a huge bear crashed out of the brush near them.”

Why I love it: When danger strikes, do you worry about yourself first or try to help everyone to safety? There are arguments to be made on both sides, so this one makes for an interesting debate or persuasive essay.

More Short Stories for Kids

“ anansi and the pot of wisdom ” by anonymous, “every time anansi looked in the clay pot, he learned something new.”.

Why I love it: Kids may know about Anansi from the popular book Anansi the Spider , but there are lots of tales about him in West African folklore. In this one, Anansi thinks he knows everything, but a child has something new to teach him. Explore more Anansi tales here.

“ The Apple Dumpling ” by Anonymous

short story books with pictures

“A bag of feathers for a basket of plums. A bunch of flowers for a bag of feathers. A golden chain for a bunch of flowers. And a dog for a golden chain. All the world is give and take, and who knows if I may have my apple dumpling yet.”

Why I love it: When an old woman sets out to trade her basket of plums for some apples, her quest takes a few twists and turns along the way. In the end, though, she manages to make many people happy, not just herself. Practice sequencing by having kids try to remember all the trades the woman makes, and the order she makes them in.

“ The Blind Men and the Elephant ” by Anonymous

“sixth blind man (feeling the tail): this elephant is not like a wall, or a spear, or a snake, or a tree, or a fan. he is exactly like a rope.”.

Why I love it: Six blind men each feel a different part of an elephant, and each comes to his own very different conclusions. Written as a very short play, this classic tale opens up all sorts of discussion opportunities about seeing the bigger picture.

“ Bruce and the Spider ” by James Baldwin

“but the spider did not lose hope with the sixth failure. with still more care, she made ready to try for the seventh time. bruce almost forgot his own troubles as he watched her swing herself out upon the slender line. would she fail again no the thread was carried safely to the beam, and fastened there.”.

Why I love it: This famous little tale is almost certainly a myth, but it’s one of the most well-known stories about King Robert the Bruce. The lesson about not giving up fits perfectly when you’re talking about growth mindset.

“ The Elephant’s Child ” by Rudyard Kipling

“but there was one elephant—a new elephant—an elephant’s child—who was full of ’satiable curiosity, and that means he asked ever so many questions.”.

Why I love it: Many kids will recognize themselves in the Elephant’s Child and his (in)satiable curiosity. After you read this one, have students come up with stories for the way other animals got their unique features. How did the giraffe get its long neck? How did the turtle get its shell? So many possibilities!

“ Paul Bunyan ” by William B. Laughead

“when paul was a boy, he was fast as lightning. he could blow out a candle at night and hop into bed before it was dark.”.

Why I love it: Paul Bunyan is an American folk hero, larger than life (literally!). This roundup of the legends surrounding him has many of the most famous tales. Encourage kids to think about what they’d do if they were as big, strong, and fast as Paul.

“ The Empty Pot ” by Anonymous

“in six months, the boy who grew the best plant would be the one to win the contest. he would be the next to sit on the throne.”.

Why I love it: This story can teach kids a lesson about honesty, but it’s also got a STEM project built right in. The emperor’s royal seeds wouldn’t grow because they’d been cooked first. Have kids try their own experiment to see if they can get peas that have been cooked to sprout!

“ The Little Engine That Could ” by Watty Piper

short story books with pictures

“I think I can. I think I can.”

Why I love it: When little ones learn early on to believe in themselves, they’ll be willing to try their best at anything. Have kids tell their own stories of times they did something that seemed impossible at first when they kept on trying.

“ Fifty-Cent Piece ” by S.E. Schlosser

“as he caught her, the husband looked into the ruin and saw a burnt table with a shiny fifty-cent piece lying in the center.”.

Why I love it: A spooky story that isn’t too gory, this one’s a perfect read in the season leading up to Halloween. Challenge kids to write their own ghost stories next.

“ The Four Dragons ” by Anonymous

“the four dragons flew back and forth, making the sky dark all around. before long the sea water became rain pouring down from the sky.”.

Why I love it: The four dragons in this Chinese tale want to help save the people from drought. When the Jade Emperor won’t help, they take matters into their own hands. Ultimately, they become the four major rivers of China. This is a great opportunity to get out the globe or pull up Google Earth and learn more about China’s geography.

“ Goldilocks and the FOUR Bears ” by Andrea Kaczmarek

“nobody ever talks about me. i don’t know why, because i am the most important bear in the story. i am grandma growl, but everybody calls me granny g, and i am the best porridge maker in the world.”.

Why I love it: Hear the classic tale from a new perspective, told by a character you never even knew existed! Use this as inspiration to have kids add a character to their own favorite tales, and tell the story from their point of view.

“ Haunted ” by Harris Tobias

“‘just because a house is haunted,’ he said, ‘doesn’t mean you can’t live there. the trick is making friends with the ghosts, learning to get along with them.'”.

Why I love it: Need a not-so-spooky story for Halloween? This tale of ghosts who love to bake fits the bill. Kids can write their own stories of making friends with ghosts instead of being scared of them.

“ Henny Penny ” by Anonymous

“so henny-penny, cocky-locky, ducky-daddles, goosey-poosey and turkey-lurkey all went to tell the king the sky was a-falling.”.

Why I love it: In an age when people are quick to spread rumors as fact, this old European folktale is more meaningful than ever. See if kids can think of times when they heard a crazy rumor that they believed at first, even though it turned out to be completely false.

“ How Gimme the Ax Found Out About the Zigzag Railroad ” by Carl Sandburg

short story books with pictures

“Then the zizzies came. The zizzy is a bug. He runs zigzag on zigzag legs, eats zigzag with zigzag teeth, and spits zigzag with a zigzag tongue.”

Why I love it: Kids will get a kick out of all the Z sounds in this silly little story about why some local railroad tracks run in zigzags. Use it to teach about alliteration and consonance, and ask kids to draw their own pictures of the zizzies.

“ King Midas and the Golden Touch ” by Anonymous

“suddenly, he started to sense fear. tears filled his eyes and that moment, his beloved daughter entered the room. when midas hugged her, she turned into a golden statue”.

Why I love it: Teach kids to be careful what they wish for. Ask them to make a list of wishes, then talk about ways each of them could ultimately go wrong. Have them write their own version of this short story.

“ The Kite That Went to the Moon ” by Evelyn Sharp

“‘i have everything in the world in my bag,’ replied the little old man, ‘for everything is there that everybody wants. i have laughter and tears and happiness and sadness; i can give you riches or poverty, sense or nonsense; here is a way to discover the things that you don’t know, and a way to forget the things that you do know.'”.

Why I love this: This whimsical tale takes two small children on a voyage to the moon and back, as they follow an enchanted kite. Pair it with a crafting session where kids make their own kites to fly.

“ The Monkey and the Turtle ” by José Rizal

“a monkey and a turtle found a banana tree on a river. they fished it out and because each wanted the tree for himself, they cut it in half.”.

Why I love it: A monkey and a turtle each plant half a banana tree, but only the turtle’s grows. The monkey offers to harvest the fruit but keeps it all for himself. But the turtle has plans of his own! This folktale from the Philippines is actually an allegory about the Spanish colonizers’ treatment of the Filipino people.

“ Mouse! ” by Michał Przywara

“‘what’ i wonder. ‘how dare you what insolence is this’ such a cheeky little mouse defying me in my own house, i simply cannot stomach this at all.”.

Why I love it: This clever little story is told using a triangular number sequence that dictates the number of words per line. Challenge students to write their own tales using a pattern or sequence of some kind.

“ The Proud Rose ” by Anonymous

“once upon a time, there lived a proud rose that was incredibly proud of her beautiful looks. the only disappointment it had was that it grew beside an ugly cactus.”.

Why I love it: It’s hard to imagine a flower being a bully, but that’s exactly what happens in this story. Fortunately, the cactus doesn’t let the rose stop it from being kind.

“ The Sword in the Stone ” by T.H. White

“whoever pulls out this sword from this stone is the true king of england”.

Why I love it: This quick retelling of the familiar tale covers all the high points. Follow it with more of the Arthurian legends or a viewing of the classic Disney film.

“ The Tale of Peter Rabbit ” by Beatrix Potter

“‘now, my dears,’ said old mrs. rabbit one morning, ‘you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don’t go into mr. mcgregor’s garden: your father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by mrs. mcgregor.'”.

Why I love it: Beatrix Potter’s sweet tales are beloved, but this is the one that has really endured. Pair it with one of these terrific Peter Rabbit activities.

“ The Pumpkin in the Jar ” by Anonymous

“the soldier’s orders were to tell the maiden that the jar was from the king, and that she was to put an entire pumpkin inside the jar. the soldier was also to tell the maiden that she should not break the jar under any circumstance. both the jar with the small opening at the top and the pumpkin must remain whole.”.

Why I love it: Before you read the end of the story, stop and ask kids if they can figure out how the maiden managed to get a pumpkin into a jar without breaking it. See how fast they can come up with the right answer!

“ Rainbow Bird ” by Eric Maddern

short story books with pictures

“Bird flew around each tree putting fire into tree’s core. This way a tree could be used as wood to create fire.”

Why I love it: Learn the Australian Aboriginal legend about a greedy crocodile who wouldn’t share his fire, and the Rainbow Bird who outsmarted him. Look up the Aboriginal Dreamtime and learn more about their art and culture.

“ Rikki-Tikki-Tavi ” by Rudyard Kipling

“rikki-tikki did not care to follow them, for he did not feel sure that he could manage two snakes at once. so he trotted off to the gravel path near the house, and sat down to think. it was a serious matter for him.”.

Why I love it: Reading this story is like watching a nature documentary unfold on the page. Have kids do some research on the mongoose and its relationship with cobras in real life.

“ Stone Soup ” by Anonymous

“he pulled a big black cooking pot from his wagon. he filled it with water and built a fire under it. then, he reached slowly into his knapsack and, while several villagers watched, he pulled a plain gray stone from a cloth bag and dropped it into the water.”.

Why I love it: Want to teach kids to work together and share? This is the short story you need. Ask kids what they’d bring to put in the pot of soup themselves.

“ The Story of the Chinese Zodiac ” by Anonymous

“he reached out his paws and pushed his friend the cat into the river. the cat was swept away by the whirling waters. that is why there is no cat in the chinese calendar.”.

Why I love it: This short little tale manages to answer two questions—why there’s no Year of the Cat and why cats and rats can’t be friends. After reading it, try to imagine how the other animals in the calendar managed to win their spots.

“ The Velveteen Rabbit ” by Margery Williams

“‘real isn’t how you are made,’ said the skin horse. ‘it’s a thing that happens to you. when a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but really loves you, then you become real.'”.

Why I love it: This is one of the most classic short stories for kids of all time! Let kids bring their own favorite toys to share with the class, and have them write or tell stories about what would happen if they became “real.”

“ Weighing the Elephant ” by Anonymous

“‘very well,’ said the emperor with a smile. ‘tell me how to weigh the elephant.'”.

Why I love it: Read this traditional Chinese tale right up to the point where the young boy reveals his idea for weighing an elephant without a giant scale. Ask kids if they can come up with the solution before continuing to the end of the story. You can even try out the correct method as a STEM challenge.

“ Why the Koala Has a Stumpy Tail ” by Mitch Weiss

short story books with pictures

“Just then, Tree Kangaroo had a plan. He remembered back to the last dry season when his mother excavated a hole in a dry stream bed.”

Why I love it: Look up pictures of the tree kangaroo and koala, then read this Aboriginal legend explaining why the koala’s tail is so much shorter. What other unique Australian animals can kids learn about and share with the class?

“ Winnie-the-Pooh Goes Visiting ” by A.A. Milne

“pooh always liked a little something at eleven o’clock in the morning, and he was very glad to see rabbit getting out the plates and mugs; and when rabbit said, ‘honey or condensed milk with your bread’ he was so excited that he said, ‘both,’ and then, so as not to seem greedy, he added, ‘but don’t bother about the bread, please.'”.

Why I love it: This silly old bear has been delighting children for decades, and there are dozens of short stories for kids about him and his friends. This one has a little built-in moral about greed. You can also ask kids to brainstorm their own ways to get Pooh free from Rabbit’s front door.

Looking for more short stories for kids? Check out this roundup geared toward the middle school crowd.

Plus, sign up for our free newsletters to get all the latest teaching news and ideas, straight to your inbox.

Whether you're looking for classic fairy tales, Aesop's fables, or lesser-known short stories for kids, this roundup has plenty of options.

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  031:TERRANCE TURTLE'S NEW HOME

Categories:  Age 4-7  /  Age 8-12

Two swans and a turtle went flying and fell into trouble but as they say, all’s well that ends well. So it did. But why did a turtle take to the skies? Find out more in this free illustrated book for children available for download.

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  032: GABBY ABBY

Little Abigail had a head full of questions and she took all her time asking them aloud. Then came a math test and things got a little out of hand but hey! This is Abigail. It all ended well for her and there was no end to her questions. A great preschool free book that inspires a love for numbers in little ones.

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033: DO YOU WONDER HOW SNAKES SLITHER?

There is a chatty snake in the garden and its on a monologue. Would you stop and listen or would you rather run? But before you decide, know this for sure..that this snake is no ordinary, he is quite the charmer. Download our free children’s book to read more about Slither the Snake .

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034: MARTY MONGOOSE

Marty went a step ahead to solve a problem but before he knew it had backfired. His plan lay in tatters. Read this free illustrated children’s book of a mongoose and his very different neighbors who lived by the river in a rain forest.

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035: BUZZ THE BUZZARD

There’s no place like home. (and a mug of hot chocolate on a warm cozy bed and so many other tiny big things) Hear it from Buzz and you’ll know what it really means. But hold On! You might want to read this great free illustrated story book in the comfort of your bed.

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036: DO YOU WONDER HOW THE LADYBUG GOT ITS NAME?

Those little beauties have inspired so many stories. But where oh where did they get their name from? Why are they called the ladybugs? A tale that tells us emphatically that everything on earth has a purpose to serve. A free children’s book read aloud that is an absolute treat.

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037: THE NAUGHTY MONKEY

Baba was as naughty as naughty could get. But when confronted by Sophie and Ashley he mellows down.  And even has a banana split with them. Here’s a great free children’s story with a moral available for download.

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038: THERE IS A MOUSE IN THE HOUSE

Gretchen loves to write . Find out how she perseveres and stays rooted to that to eventually find success. An inspiring free children’s story that encourages young writers to pursue their craft without giving up.

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039: MY FIRST PET

With a pet comes big responsibilities and little Allie learnt it early. Read about how she genuinely cared for hers in this sweet preschool story book.

short story books with pictures

040: THE AMAZING INVISIBLE TIGER

Read this free bed time story to know how Sophie and friends  befriended an angry and invisible tiger. Enjoy!

Visualize stories with vivid picture

Kids feel amazed with picture book, illustration of picture books make them paw on them, which keeps them excited with the colorful integrative picture books. Our free children picture books online help them understand the story better and visualize each story with great dynamism.

Nurture love for art

Feed your children’s love for art. Stories illustrated with colorful pictures are the best way to induce their artist skills, this make kids to engage much time in colouring, drawing and learn other craft work.  Getting the free image of children’s books is a simple way to nurture their art skills.

Improves story telling ability

Picture books are great source to stimulate multi-sensory, it supports in children’s growing mind and their imagination. Kids do not only hear the story but also enjoy seeing the picture and tell what they think of the image. Check the new collections of free children’s picture book pdf , which you can easily download and read them any time as and when you want.

Creates great bond between parents and kids

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Joyful enacting and participation

Pictures in the story books allow children’s to participate while reading or listening to stories, as budding readers they get excited about the forthcoming lines in the story book. In addition, picture books are useful tool to nurture reading habit among young mind that improves their memory as well. Check the collections of free children’s picture books online to make your little one reading and storytelling more joyful and engaging. Give your children the great joy this Christmas by gifting them a book, with them as the main character in the storyline with vividly illustrated picture in the Custom children's Christmas book.  

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20 New Must-Read Short Story Collections

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Emily Martin

Emily has a PhD in English from the University of Southern Mississippi, MS, and she has an MFA in Creative Writing from GCSU in Milledgeville, GA, home of Flannery O’Connor. She spends her free time reading, watching horror movies and musicals, cuddling cats, Instagramming pictures of cats, and blogging/podcasting about books with the ladies over at #BookSquadGoals (www.booksquadgoals.com). She can be reached at [email protected].

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In his first-ever short story collection, which spans forty years of work, Alan Moore presents a series of wildly different and equally unforgettable characters who discover—and in some cases even make and unmake—the various uncharted parts of existence. From ghosts and otherworldly creatures to theoretical Boltzmann brains fashioning the universe at the big bang, Illuminations is exactly that—a series of bright, startling tales from a contemporary legend that reveal the full power of imagination and magic.

A good short story has an incredible amount of power. In just a small amount of pages, authors of short stories are able to create entire worlds, depict characters who feel real, and evoke deep emotions. If you’re a fan of short stories, you’re in luck, because 2022 has been an excellent year for short story collections. In fact, there are so many great short story collections this year, that it was hard to narrow it down to just 20 must-reads. We couldn’t possibly cover them all, so if your fave didn’t make this list, no worries! It’s still amazing.

As for the ones that are on this list, these are the 20 must-read short story collections that you’re going to love, no matter what genres you normally gravitate towards. Literary fiction is heavily represented on this list, but there are short stories in plenty of other genres as well! Love speculative fiction? Of course you do. There’s plenty of that here on this list. Mysteries? Thrillers? Suspense? Yep. Horror? Aww yeah. Sci-fi? Fantasy? Check and check. Basically, these short story collections are doing everything, and you’re going to love them.

So get your TBR lists ready, because you’re going to want to add all of these books to your to-read pile right away.

cover of Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho

Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho

Jean Chen Ho’s debut is a collection of linked stories following Fiona Lin and Jane Shen, two Taiwanese American women who have been best friends since the 2nd grade. Growing up in Los Angeles, Fiona and Jane have very different but equally tumultuous family lives. As with most friendships, there are moments in time when Fiona and Jane grow closer to one another, and other periods of time where they drift apart. Each short story explores a different moment in their friendship throughout their lives. Together, these stories paint a vivid portrait of friendship, love, loss, and coming of age in contemporary America.

cover for seasonal work

Seasonal Work by Laura Lippman

If you are already a fan of Laura Lippman’s work, then you absolutely have to add her latest short story collection to your TBR list. But even if you’ve never read Lippman before, you’re in for a treat. Seasonal Work is a collection of psychological suspense/thriller stories featuring murder, mystery, love gone wrong, deception, scandals, and so much more. If you only read one crime fiction short story in 2022, make it one from this short story collection.

cover of Seeking Fortune Elsewhere: Stories by Sindya Bhanoo; image of a brown suitcase wrapped in pink flowers

Seeking Fortune Elsewhere by Sindya Bhanoo

Seeking Fortune Elsewhere is the debut short story collection from O. Henry Prize winning author Sindya Bhanoo. From Pittsburgh to Washington to Tamil Nadu, these stories explore the lives of South Indian immigrants and the families they leave behind. Bhanoo’s stories show how the lives of these characters and the decisions they make are complicated, filled with moments of regret, hope, and triumph.

cover of Out There by Kate Folk

Out There by Kate Folk

What strange and eerie secrets lurk beneath the lives of seemingly ordinary people? That’s what Kate Folk examines in her short story collection Out There. These highly imaginative short stories infuse elements of horror, fantasy, and science fiction into the literary fiction landscape. Each story looks deep into the reader’s subconscious dreams and nightmares.

cover of Night of the Living Rez: Stories by Morgan Talty, pastel font over illustration of night sky seen from the forest floor

Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty

This collection consists of 12 short stories that look at life in Maine’s Native Penobscot Nation in the 21st century. These dark but honest stories follow a troubled family dealing with issues of grief, depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, and more. But these stories are filled with hope and magic as well. At the center of Night of the Living Rez is David. Each story explores the lives of David, his family, and his friends at different points in their lives.

the cover of Life Ceremony

Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata

Life Ceremony is Sayaka Murata’s first short story collection to ever be translated into English. In these 12 stories, the award-winning author of Convenience Store Woman mixes her signature blend of the humorous, the awkward, and the terrifying to tell stories of loners and outcasts who buck traditions and societal expectations. Murata’s stories will have you questioning what it means to be human in this world and what is sacrificed when we try too hard to fit in.

ghost lover book cover

Ghost Lover by Lisa Taddeo

From New York Times bestselling author Lisa Taddeo comes a stunning collection of nine short stories you won’t want to miss. This collection includes two Pushcart Prize winners and a finalist for the National Magazine Award as well as previously unpublished work. Ghost Lover tells stories of complicated, fascinating, and flawed women and their experiences of deep love, wild obsession, and uncontrollable grief.

Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century by Kim Fu book cover

Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century by Kim Fu

Kim Fu’s Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century is a collection of 12 speculative fiction short stories where the ordinary is made strange and the strange becomes ordinary. Each story in this collection creates a strange world where readers will get lost. From a group of children who steal a haunted doll to an insomniac seduced by the Sandman, each of these short stories digs deep into human nature and the contradictions that live within us all.

Bliss Montage cover

Bliss Montage by Ling Ma

Ling Ma stunned readers with her debut novel Severance in 2018, and now she’s back with a short story collection that’s just as mesmerizing. Through eight short stories, Ma introduces readers to characters and stories that examine the realities of motherhood, friendship, love, loneliness, and more. In one story, a woman lives in a house with all of her ex-boyfriends. In another, a toxic friendship is built around a drug that makes you invisible. These situations seems strange, but the emotions and characters are entirely relatable.

natural history book cover

Natural History by Andrea Barrett

The six short stories in Andrea Barrett’s collection Natural History feature characters Barrett has written about in her work since 1996’s Ship Fever . But even if this is your first Andrea Barrett book, you will connect with these characters right away. In these interconnected stories, Barrett allows readers into the intertwined lives of a family of scientists, teachers, and innovators. Following their lives throughout the years, readers see the ways women’s lives and the expectations put upon them have changed over the years.

what we fed to the manticore book cover

What We Fed to the Manticore by Talia Lakshmi Kolluri

What We Fed to the Manticore is a really fun short story collection because it consists of nine short stories all told from a different animal’s perspectives. Through these animals’ eyes, debut author Talia Lakshmi Kolluri discusses environmentalism, conservation, identity, belonging, loss, and family. Whether the story is told from the perspective of a donkey, a vulture, or a pigeon, readers will become full immersed in these characters and their stories.

Tomorrow in Shanghai by May-lee Chai cover

Tomorrow in Shanghai by May-lee Chai

Tomorrow in Shanghai is May-lee Chai’s beautiful follow-up collection to her award-winning collection Useful Phrases for Immigrants. These stories examine the lives of people in China, the Chinese diaspora in America, and people of Chinese descent living throughout the world. Whether the characters are rich or poor, male or female, living in the city or the country, each story looks at issues of prejudice, power dynamics, and interpersonal struggles in the globalized world.

cover of The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe

The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe

The Memory Librarian  is like a literary tie-in for Janelle Monáe’s high-concept album  Dirty Computer,  set in a world in which thoughts can be erased or controlled. This collection expands on the totalitarian existence imagined in  Dirty Computer . To fully flesh out this sci-fi world, Monáe also collaboraties with several talented sci-fi/fantasy authors, including Yohanca Delgado, Eve L. Ewing, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Danny Lore, and Sheree Renée Thomas — just to name a few.

Seven Empty Houses cover

Seven Empty Houses by Samanta Schweblin

Seven Empty Houses is a short story collection that just made the  National Book Award longlist  for best book in translation. In this collection, Samanta Schweblin tells seven stories about seven strange houses that are all empty in different ways. Some are devoid of love. Some don’t have any furniture. Or any people. But in every case, something always creeps in: trespassers, a ghost, a list of things to do before you die…you get the idea. Samanta Schweblin has already wowed readers with her collection Mouthful of Birds, and this one is just as good if not better!

a sliver of darkness book cover

A Sliver of Darkness by C. J. Tudor

This debut short story collection from author C. J. Tudor features 10 tales that are creepy, twisty, and mind-bending. For instance, there’s “The Lion at the Gate,” a story about a strange piece of graffiti that leads four school friends into a horrifying encounter. And as the world descends into darkness in “Final Course,” a group of old friends find time for one last dinner party. Then there’s “I’m Not Ted,” in which a case of mistaken identity turns deadly. This one is a must-read for horror fans and anyone who is hungry for stories that will stick with you long after you’ve finished the final page.

heartbroke book cover

Heartbroke by Chelsea Bieker

Chelsea Bieker, the acclaimed author of Godshot, is back with a remarkable collection of short stories set in California’s Central Valley. From a woman who steals a baby from a shelter, to a mother and son selling dreamcatchers along the highway, to two teenage girls playing a dangerous online game, all of Bieker’s characters burn with deep and reckless desires. And all are heartbroken in their own ways.

Milk Blood Heat book cover

Milk Blood Heat by Dantiel W. Moniz

The last collection was set entirely in California, and Milk Blood Heat is all about Florida. In the cities and suburbs of Florida, the characters in these stories each find themselves confronted by moments of violent personal reckonings. Dantiel W. Moniz’s debut collection is filled with intimate, emotional moments that shed light on the nature of family, faith, forgiveness, and how we are all connected to one another.

city of saints and madmen book cover

City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VanderMeer

Jeff VanderMeer, who has been called “the weird Thoreau,” is probably most known for his sci-fi/weird fiction Southern Reach trilogy ( Annihilation, Authority , and Acceptance ). In City of Saints and Madmen, VanderMeer introduces readers to the world of Ambergris, a place unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Through this interwoven collection of stories, histories, and “eyewitness” reports, VanderMeer creates a fantasy world that feels incredibly real.

Cover of Gods of Want

Gods of Want by K-Ming Chang

With each story in K-Ming Chang’s Gods of Want , the author mixes myth, memory, and surrealism to tell feminist stories about Asian American women from different walks of life. In “Xífù,” a mother-in-law goes to torturous ends in an attempt to get a wife out of her home. In “Virginia Slims,” a woman from a cigarette ad becomes real. And in “Auntland,” a stream of aunts attempt to adjust to American life in strange ways. These uncanny stories explore questions of power, identity, and memory.

Stories from the Tenants Downstairs cover

Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana

All of the stories in Sidik Fofana’s Stories from the Tenants Downstairs are set in a low-income Harlem high rise where gentrification weighs heavy on the tenants’ minds. Each of the eight interconnected stories explores the hopes, struggles, and strengths of the tenants in the Banneker Homes. Every tenant there has a unique, touching, and thought-provoking story to tell.

Looking for more must-read short story collections? Here are 10 speculative story collections to enjoy in 2022 . And here are the sci-fi/fantasy short story collections you won’t want to miss .

short story books with pictures

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  • What is Books?

HOW TO WRITE STORY BOOKS WITH PICTURES

What makes a good story book with pictures.

A storybook with pictures is a very unique type of book. The best ones are a perfect symbiosis of words and pictures, each element supporting, furthering, or deepening the story in some way. Storybooks with pictures are mostly for children. Pictures help children understand what they are reading and allow young readers to analyze the story. Picture books help develop story sense. They are multi-sensory, which aids a child’s growing mind and stimulates their imagination

The best picture books have several key elements:

What Makes a Good Story Book With Pictures

  • A unique story . A unique story or a unique take on a familiar theme is what often gets an editor’s or agent’s attention.
  • The text and illustrations work together to tell the story : For a writer, this means looking at every sentence, every phrase, and asking if it can be better served in an illustration.
  • Illustrations that are colorful, varied, and full of movement:    Successful picture books surprise the reader by the art on the next page — whether it’s by using an unexpected image for humor, or using a different perspective, or using mixed media in ways artists haven’t done before, etc.
  • Lovable, identifiable characters:   Kids read picture books to see other kids (or kid-friendly characters) accomplish big things.
  • Universal appeal:  The book carrying a universal appeal will connect more with the readers.
  • Humor.  Funny picture books that take a new/unique look at something old do wonderfully well.
  • Pattern and/or repetition:  Some books are successful because of a refrain that kids like to hear repeated.
  • Re-readability: Because picture books have to be read to the child by the parent and children tend to want the same book read to them over and over again. Part of re-readability is the visual interest in the illustrations, which is why an illustrator will put a small visual subplot for readers to notice perhaps on their second or third reading. The other part of re-readability comes from some of the elements above — either a refrain, or humor, or wordplay.

How to Write Story Books with Pictures?

How to Write Story Books with Pictures

It might be tempting to think that writing a children’s picture book is easier than writing a full-length novel. However, a picture book requires all the same major storytelling elements that a novel does just in a much smaller space.

  • Come up with your idea: Successful picture books are the ones that strike the right balance between appealing to two different audiences: while a picture book is intended for children, it’s ultimately the parents who decide whether or not to buy it — or to read it aloud. Luckily, coming up with an idea for your picture book is essentially the same as coming up with an idea for any book, for any age category. It’s how you present that idea that will differ.
  • Identify your reading category: Picture book reading categories, including reading ages, word count, and examples as mentioned before, the way you tell your story should depend on the intended reading age of your children’s picture book . This includes everything from illustrations and marketing, to almost every other aspect of your book.
  • Work out your narrative voice: Even though many kids can read to themselves by the time they’ve graduated to the picture book and early reader categories, all books that rely heavily on illustrations are often still read aloud. That’s why rhyming in children’s books is pretty common — it creates a fun and engaging vocal storytelling experience. Besides prose that sounds good out loud, there are several other factors to keep in mind regarding the narrative style of your picture book:
  • Vocabulary: It is important to tailor the vocabulary of your picture book to the age range of your readers.
  • Repetition: The use of repetition allows children to anticipate what the next word or sentence of a story might be, encouraging them to participate in the act of reading and following along.
  • Rhyming: As with repetition, rhyming can help children anticipate upcoming elements in a story. It can also contribute to a more fun, memorable reading experience.

view

  • Point of view: Deciding what POV you want to use is a big decision when it comes to how to write a children’s picture book, and all of them have their strong suits, depending on the story you’re telling.
  • Develop engaging characters: Writing a picture book is an opportunity to scale back the work that goes into creating realistic, well-rounded characters with their motivations, struggles, strengths, and weaknesses. Yes, you’re telling a story with far fewer words than a novel , and you have the benefit of using illustrations to help convey meaning, but your characters should still feel like real people.
  • The show, don’t tell: A piece of advice extended to all authors, “show, don’t tell” actually puts picture book writers at an advantage because of the illustrations that accompany their books! And you should rely on your illustrations to convey things to readers, allowing you to save your limited word count for other things. Of course, the concept of “showing” by employing sensory details in your writing still applies to children’s picture books, too.
  • Edit and seek feedback: Every word needs to count in a book with so few words. So the first step of your editing process should be to go through your book line by line, and for each one consider: is this line crucial for my story? If the answer is yes, carry on. If it’s no, remove it. Once you’ve gotten your manuscript as polished as you can, it’s time to seek out feedback from the most honest beta readers out there: children! Finally, if you want to be sure that your picture book is ready to capture the imaginations of young readers, consider working with a professional editor.
  • Illustrate your picture book: If you’re hoping to have your book traditionally published, you can skip this step and go straight to the next. Now, if you’re planning to self-publish your children’s picture book, you will want to hire a professional artist to do the illustrations.

How Do You Begin a Story Book?

How Do You Begin a Story Book

A picture book needs to start somewhere significant, build up the tension, resolve the conflict and come to an unexpected climax, and end with a reassuring touch. It needs to tell the story in as few words as possible. The illustrations do tell the rest of the story . The first sentence becomes very important. Looking through some of the older picture books , first lines are not always on a page-turn. But they still carry a bigger responsibility than the subsequent lines.

  • Introducing the character: Some opening sentences introduce the character and the setting of the character, giving no hint about what the story is about. But the images that accompany the words, the choice of words can give you hints – on what is about to transpire.
  • Introducing suspense: Some famous writers’ first sentences do tell you who the character is. But the lines do not tell you what is about to come. They lull you into a reassuring comfort that everything is alright at this moment. But you turn the page and you are jerked into something fun, imaginative, or even sinister.
  • Begin an adventure: Every adventure has got to begin somewhere. Adventures need triggers, something that hints at the events to come. When you read these lines, you know that you are going to find the protagonist set off on a journey of fun, chaos, and more. The adventure can be simply in the high street or it can be in castles, dungeons, and even in outer space. The important thing is to start the story off, with that clue.

How Do You End A Story Book?

How Do You End A Story Book

Turn things around:  Picture book endings often include a little wink to the reader. It’s a line that leaves you wanting more.

  • Analytically read picture books: Think about the endings of the books you read. Did you like it? Did you not like it? What worked? Why did it work? Why didn’t it work so well? Endings can be ‘Happily ever after’ endings that leave a warm fuzzy feeling. These often work well for cozy bedtime stories but be careful that they’re not overly sentimental. Likewise, with moral or ‘lesson’ endings – make sure the message is subtle.
  • Consider using the endpapers: Increasingly, picture book illustrators are using endpapers to set up and resolve stories. Ben Mantle used endpapers in our book  Little Red Riding Hood  to make the reader consider what Wolf’s next story could be.
  • Center stage and spotlights: For our end, we will want to make sure that our main character takes center stage. It’s the main character the little readers have come to know and love, so it should be this character that brings the story to a close. That’s what will ultimately help you make your story feel complete to the reader.
  • Your message & purpose: Weaving our book’s message or purpose into the ending will make our story feel complete like it has come full circle. Not only will it satisfy our little readers, but also the grownups that are reading this book with or to their children.

How to Publish Story Books?

How Do You Get Your Book Published

  • Have an approved manuscript: You can’t have a book without a story! It took me 30 drafts to get the story right, but once I had an approved version, I was able to move forward. (Picture books have very few words so it’s important to make every word count! Don’t be afraid of editing your own story multiple times to get it right.)
  • Find the illustrator: An author usually needs someone else to draw the images for the book for me. If you’re working with a publishing house , they will find the illustrator for you. However, if you’re creating your book, then you’ll need to find an illustrator that fits the story.
  • Approve the cover design & dummy layout: After the illustrator has had time to play with the story, it’s time to approve the layout so they can begin to finalize the art. One of the first things we want to be finalized is the cover so the marketing team has time to promote the book while the rest of the final artwork is being completed.
  • Book marketing begins: Even before the book is finalized, the marketing team has started to promote it. This normally starts with cover reveals and sneak peeks, and eventually, branches into interviews and press releases. No matter if you’re publishing your book yourself or working with a publisher , you’re most likely going to need to help market your book.
  • The book is finalized:  Once the illustrator has finished all the artwork, then the text is arranged on the pages. This is also when pages like the copyright, dedication, and about the author/illustrator are decided. It’s time to lay everything out perfectly so you can officially publish your picture book.
  • It’s sent to the printers: One may go through many digital files and multiple hardcover samples to make sure everything is exactly the way we want them. But once the files are approved, it’s time to publish.
  • Launch the book:  The book launch requires a lot of planning. You need to decide when, where, and how you want to do things. Just remember to have fun and celebrate!! Your book just came out.

How Can We Help You With Publishing Your Book?

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At VERONICA LANE BOOKS we are always happy to help aspiring writers with their book-writing adventures.

Our team will guide you with the various aspects involved with writing , editing , and publishing a book .

Hopefully, this article gave you some insight into storybooks with pictures.

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Cinderella | Bedtime Stories For Kids

Cinderella Story

Cinderella Fairytale

Illustrated By:  Suzie Chang

Part 1: A Girl Named Cinderella

ONCE UPON A TIME a girl named Cinderella lived with her stepmother and two stepsisters.  Cinderella had to work hard while the others slept well into the day. It was Cinderella who had to wake up each morning when it was still dark and cold to start the fire.  It was Cinderella who cooked the meals. It was Cinderella who kept the fire going. The poor girl could not stay clean, from all the ashes and cinders by the fire.

Cinderella Story

“What a mess you are!” her two stepsisters laughed.  And that is why they called her “Cinderella.”

One day, big news came to town.  It was time for the Prince to find a bride. The King and Queen were going to have a ball!  All of the young ladies in the land were invited to come to the ball.  They were wild with joy! They would wear their most beautiful gowns and fix their hair extra nice. Maybe the prince would like them!

At Cinderella’s house, she now had extra work to do.  She had to sew two brand-new gowns for her step-sisters.  

“Faster!” shouted one step-sister.

“You call that a dress?” screamed the other.  

“Oh, dear!” said Cinderella.  “When can I–“

The stepmother marched into the room.  “When can you WHAT?”

Cinderella Story

“Well,” said the girl, “when will I have time to make my own dress for the ball?”

“You?” yelled the stepmother.  “Who said YOU were going to the ball?”

“What a laugh!” said one step-sister.

“A mess like that?!” They pointed at Cinderella.  All of them laughed.

Cinderella said to herself, “Maybe they see a mess when they look at me.  But I am not a mess.  And if I could, I WOULD go to the ball.”

Soon the time came for the stepmother and step-sisters to leave for the big party.

Cinderella Story

Part 2: The Big Party

A fine carriage came to the door. The stepmother and step-sisters hopped inside.  And they were off.

“Good-bye!” called Cinderella.  “Have a good time!” But her stepmother and step-sisters did not turn around.

“Ah!” said Cinderella sadly.  The carriage rode down the street.  She said aloud, “I wish I could go to the ball, too!”

Then - Poof!

All of a sudden, in front of her was a fairy.

“You called?” said the fairy.

Cinderella Story

“Did I?” said Cinderella.  “Who are you?”

“Why, your Fairy Godmother, of course!  I know your wish.  And I have come to grant it.”

“But…” said Cinderella, “my wish is impossible.”

“Excuse me!” said the Fairy Godmother in a huff.  “Did I not just show up out of thin air?”

“Yes,” said Cinderella.

“Then let me be the one to say what is possible or not!”

“Well, I think you know I want to go to the ball, too.” She looked down at her dirty clothes.

 “But look at me.”

“You do look a bit of a mess, child,” said the Fairy Godmother.

“Even if I had something nice to wear," said the girl, "I would have no way to get there."

“Dear me, all of that is possible,” said the Fairy. With that, she tapped her wand on Cinderella’s head.

Cinderella Story

At once, Cinderella was all clean.  She was dressed in a beautiful blue gown.  Her hair was set up high on her head inside a golden band.

“This is amazing!” said Cinderella.

“Who said I was done?” said the Fairy Godmother.  She tapped her wand again. At once, a beautiful carriage came to be, with a driver and four white horses.

Cinderella Story

“Am I dreaming?” said Cinderella, looking around her.

“It is as real as real can be,” said the Fairy Godmother.  “But there is one thing you must know.”

“What is that?”

“All of this lasts only to midnight.  Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, it will all be over.  Everything will go back to how it was before.”

“Then I must be sure to leave the ball before midnight,” said Cinderella.

“Good idea,” said the Fairy Godmother.  She stepped back. “My work is done.” With that, the Fairy Godmother was gone.

Cinderella looked around.  "Did that even happen?"  But there she stood in a fine gown, and with a golden band in her hair.  And there were her driver and four horses, waiting for her.

“Coming?” called the driver.

She stepped into the carriage.  And they were off.

Part 3: The Ball

At the ball, the Prince was despondent.  “Why do you have that sad look on your face?” the Queen said to her son.  “Look around you! You could not ask for finer maidens than these.”

“I know, Mother,” said the Prince.  Yet something was wrong. He had met many of these young women.  Yet after he said “Hello” to each one, he could find nothing more to say.

"Look!"  Someone pointed to the front door.  “Who is that?”

All heads turned.  Who was that lovely maiden stepping down the stairs?  She held her head tall and looked as if she belonged. But no one knew her.

Cinderella Story

“There is something about that young lady,” said the Prince to himself.  “I will ask her to dance.” And he walked over to Cinderella.

“Have we met?” said the Prince.

“I am pleased to meet you now,” said Cinderella with a bow.

“Yet I feel as if I know you,” said the Prince.  “Of course, that is impossible.”

“Many things are possible,” said Cinderella, “if you wish them to be true.”

"Do you really believe that?" said the Prince.

"I know it," said Cinderella. 

The Prince felt a leap in his heart.  He and Cinderella danced. When the song was over, they danced again.  And then they danced again, and yet again. Soon the other maidens at the ball grew jealous.  “Why is he dancing all the time with her?” they said. “How rude!”

Cinderella Story

But all the Prince could see was Cinderella.  They laughed and talked, and they danced some more.  In fact, they danced for so long that Cinderella did not see the clock.

Part 4: The Clock

“Dong!” said the clock.

Cinderella looked up.  

“Dong!” went the clock again.  

She looked up again.  “Oh, my!” she cried out.  “It is almost midnight!”

“Dong!” rung the clock.  

“Why does that matter?” said the Prince.

“Dong!” called the clock.

“I must go!” said Cinderella.  

“Dong!” went the clock.

“But we just met!” said the Prince.  “Why leave now?”

“Dong!” rung the clock.

“I must GO!” said Cinderella.  She ran to the steps.

“I cannot hear you,” said the Prince.  “The clock is too loud!”

“Goodbye!” said Cinderella. Up, up the stairs she ran.

“Please, stop for a moment!” said the Prince.

“Oh, dear!” she said as one glass slipper fell off her foot on the stair.  But Cinderella kept running up.

“Please wait a moment!” said the Prince.  

“Goodbye!” Cinderella turned one last time.  Then she rushed out the door.

“Dong!”  The clock was quiet. It was midnight.  

“Wait!” called the Prince.  He picked up her glass slipper and rushed out the door.  

Cinderella Story

He looked around but could not see her blue dress anywhere.  “This is all I have left from her,” he said, looking down at the glass slipper.  He saw that it was made in a special way, to fit a foot like none other. “Somewhere there is the other glass slipper,” he said.  “And when I find it, I will find her, too.  Then I will ask her to be my bride!”

Part 5: The Search

From hut to hut, from house to house, went the Prince.  One young woman after another tried to fit her foot inside the glass slipper.  But none could fit. He asked if they had the other glass slipper.  But none did. And so the Prince moved on.

At last the Prince came to Cinderella’s house.  

“He is coming!” shrieked one step-sister as she looked out the window.

“He's at the door!” screamed the other step-sister.  

“Quick!” yelled the stepmother.  “Get ready! One of you must fit your foot in that slipper.  No matter what!”

The Prince knocked.  The stepmother flew open the door.  “Come in!” she said. “I have two lovely daughters for you to see.”

The first step-sister tried to place her foot in the glass slipper.  

Cinderella Story

She tried hard, but her foot would not fit. The second step-sister tried to fit her foot inside.  She tried and tried with all her might, too. But no dice.  Neither of them had the other glass slipper.

“Are there no other young women in the house?” said the Prince.

“None,” said the stepmother.

“Then I will go,” said the Prince.

“Maybe there is one more,” said Cinderella, stepping into the room.

“I thought you said there were no other young women here,” said the Prince.

“None who matter!” said the stepmother in a hiss.

“Come here,” said the Prince.

Cinderella stepped up to him.  The Prince got down on one knee and tried the glass slipper on her foot.  

Cinderella Story

It fit perfectly! Then, from her pocket Cinderella took out something. It was the other glass slipper!

“I knew it!” he cried.  “You are the one!”

“WHAT?” shouted a step-sister.  

“Not HER!” screamed the other step-sister.

“This cannot BE!” yelled the stepmother.  

But it was too late.  The prince looked into her eyes.  He knew that Cinderella was the one.  He did not see the cinders in her hair or the ashes on her face.

“I have found you!” he said.

“And I have found you,” said Cinderella.

And so Cinderella and the Prince were married, and they lived happily ever after.

Cinderella Story

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136 Comments

IS GOOD TO BE FAIR WITH OHTERS

Suzie Chang’s enchanting illustrations breathe life into the timeless Cinderella fairytale! Her artistic brilliance captures the magic, making every page a journey into a world of wonder. Bravo, Suzie!

Every thing is possible if you are patient.

If you act mean, nothing will get done.

That the dream that you wish will come true!!!

The Story is sooo cool!

THIS IS A RESPONSE FROM STORIES TO GROW BY. Rama, tell us–what do you think was most cool about Cinderella?

a cool story and i think this story will be my favorite

That anything is possible

My little brothers words : ‘ This platform is amazing ! I sometimes feel like i am reading an actual book with easy word meanings and and it has pictures ! if i were to rate this reading platform it would be a 10/10 ! ‘ And i completely agree with him , this is an amazing reading platform with easy vocabulary and sentences .

My brother thinks that this story teaches you that you need to treat others the way you want to be treated because you never know how they might turn out to be in the future.

It show us that is not good to be a wicked person.

This book was so fun to read I loved that she found him?✨?

Really good and simple language which has simple meaning and vocabulary also. I got it all.

Happy endings do come true for those who keep their word.

My daughter’s words: The book was awesome and I love it!!

I liked the part when it said “dong”!

Why is everyone in these comments “just learning about how you shouldn’t be rude to people”? Bruh, I learned that when I was 4.

We must not think that we’re better than others.

Don’t judge anyone and love everyone.

That is not nice to be mean

I love this story the same way I love books

This story is sóóóooooooooooó cool!!!

Really good for night time story reading if adults are too tired to read just relax and watch the words, also good that there are pictures there too my little girl loved looking at the pics.

this story was so nice and I am feeling very good for reading the story, I got some English conversation. Thank you.

I love how the godmother said it will all be gone after midnight but the slippers stayed

After growing up, I realized the prince can just recognize the girl through her appearance. He does not need to have all the girls try on the shoes.

I love the way you can read it and listen to the words that it says. ??

I learned that it is not good to do bad things to others and if you do, bad will come back to you. And to care about others, you should be kind to people and not do what you don’t want others to do to you. They are people so do not do it the end.

What I learned about today’s topic called Cinderella is that: 1. We should be nice to others because when we do bad things to others, bad will come back to us. 2. We should not make people suffer and make fun of them because at the end it will be your turn.

I like this story because it tells that if we have faith in ourselves and are patient, then even an impossible wish can come true. I like Cinderella a lot for this.

If you wish something it is possible.

It tells the reader that nothing is impossible if you believe.

IS TRYING TO BE PATIENT

Basically the moral of Cinderella is: people should always fight for what they want with a good heart and hard work. And wickedness and envy will lead to negative consequences, whereas perseverance will lead to a happy ending. And no matter what your situation is, don’t give up on your dreams.

The moral of the story : Do not be rude Nothing is impossible And bad never wins but good every time wins

Nothing is impossible.

The moral of the story is that nothing is impossible. And also to not be rude .

It tells us nothing is impossible.

It tells us nothing is impossible

The story is trying to tell you that nothing is impossible

It was good and I never heard this version before that’s one reason why it’s good another is that the stepmom and sisters got what they deserved

The story is trying tell us that nothing is impossible.

That anything is possible. If you keep walking forward with courage and hope, you’ll find what you need

i like the story Cinderella but this one is the best ever!

This story tells that nothing is impossible

Do not lose hope. No matter the difficulties you meet in life, there is still hope.

Never stop dreaming??

Hold that dream and keep dreaming it.

Your sound is beautiful

That keep on wishing on your dream and it will come true.

In one of my classes, there is a class called Discovery Aces. We are learning about Theme. To answer “Say what you think the story is trying to show you….” I think, the theme is “Don’t doubt yourself even when others doubt you.” I thought this story was a very good thing and I liked the pictures but sometimes they looked really different. Me and my teacher were having a lot of fun reading this book. We had a lot of laughs.

I loved that the speaker was reading with so much expressions, and the right ones too!

The story might be showing us that if you believe in yourself you can accomplish whatever you want.

3.The story is trying to tell us to be neat and nice.

People good evening sir/ma this is a very interesting story and I think it has a very good lesson

This is the lesson I have learned. To be kinder to my family and those who need it. It’s called kindness and respect to the people who are not nice.

Wow! Lessons well received.

Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean because she is really nice and they treated her like a slave. Cinderella changed in a really good way. She went from a slave to a princess and found her prince. The story is showing you that you can be anything you want to be. 7/10

Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her because she was their slave, she had no choice.

Cinderella changed because she went from being the maid to being engaged to the prince.

The story was trying to show me not to give up on your hopes because mean people boss you around.

I think this story is showing me that people have to be very kind.

Wow, this story is amazing. I can keep reading this as long as I want. I love it so much!

Wow! I like the story. It is not good to lie be jealous. it is a moral lesson

Cinderella was nice so didn’t want to be mean to the step sisters.

Cinderella found out that good things happen to good people.

That good beats bad.

cause Cinderella has no choice

It teaches me to persevere through hard time and never to be jealous…My own blessing must surely locate me in due season even if am hidden in the valley.

Be kindness and be brave is what this story tells us. If you are a servant or anything, when you do good thing you also deserve good.

Hi from Turkey! We should treat people in equal no matter who!

because she thought that if she let her step-sisters be mean to her, one day they would begin to act nice to her and treat her well.

This is trying to tell us that we should be hard working and never give up on ourselves.

What a nice and lovely story, I loved it much more than any other story.

It taught us not to treat others differently because if your life is bad it can always change in the future.

Cinderella was changed from a slave to a princess. She grew more strong by leaving her step mother and step sister and marrying the prince. She learned that she is way more than what she was.

(1) Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her because later on in life she will have better than her stepsisters. Also, she will know that once she meets or has someone in her life who loves her, she can get back at them because she married the prince and now her stepmother and sister can be her maids or whatever she wants to call it. Next, she got to dance with the prince and her stepsisters were jealous.

(2) I pick the stepsisters if I was them and rude to Cinderella, I would feel bad, mad and sad. Bad is for why have I been rude to her? She could grow up more than me and marry someone better and I may or may not marry someone. I would feel mad because I wouldn’t get to dance with the prince and have a better life than her. And I’d feel sad because I was rude and for other reasons.

(3) To always be nice and way more, but I have to go.

The End ,,,, by E and B TOOK 5 MINS TO WRITE THIS THANKS FOR TELLING !!!!?

I think what the story is trying to tell us is to treat others the way you want to be treated, and don’t underestimate others. ?

This story was great, it really helped me fall asleep at night when I felt sick. This was a great telling of the story.

It teaches us that you have to be nice or else the other person will get all the good and fun stuff

I think Cinderella wanted to make her stepsisters like her. So she tried to be nice, hoping they would.

This story is trying to teach us that we should treat every one equal

1. Because then she won’t have anything to eat or survive. 2. Cinderella grew and changed because she got married and was happy to be with someone that makes her happy. 3. To not let anyone judge a book by its cover because you have lessons to learn everyday and you don’t know it.

This help me a lot and it calms me down. This one was a hit to victory. I want hear more stories like this one. Question 3- I think anything is possible, and number 2 is Cinderella

It teach us not to make fun of someone ???

Why did the step sisters and step mother were mean what did she do to them so sad ????????and that’s a nice story but sad By Maria

IT TEACH US NOT TO BE MAKING JEST OF SOMEONE

This is my daughters favorite story and I love the pictures/paintings

Q1 Maybe she believed their insults. Maybe hearing the insults so often made her believe them. Or she didn’t have any support when she stood up to them. Maybe she didn’t think it would be good manners or proper to speak back.

1. Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her because if Cinderella says something rude about her stepsisters then her stepmother will say, “It is not the stepsisters fault, it is your fault.” 2. Cinderella changed because she doesn’t have to do the work again for her mean stepsisters and stepmother. 3. I think the story is trying to tell us that if you really really really want to win at something but you loose because the person you were mean to will win, for example if you were mean to someone and then there is a competition 1 day then you really want to win but you won’t because the person who you were mean to will win.

1. why did Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her? Because Cinderella didn’t want to hurt them, or she loves them.

The stepmother is being rude and hatefull

External beauty many can achieve, its the inner beauty that makes one unique.

Thanks for your hard and amazing work, my son and I are very appreciative.

Cinderella from the beginning of the story was like a maid at home and in the end of the story she became a princess and she will live at the castle. We should treat people with respect and not make fun of them.

1. Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her because if Cinderella says something rude about her stepsisters then her stepmother will say ” It is not the stepsisters fault, it is your fault.” 2. Cinderella changed because she doesn’t have to do the work again for her mean stepsisters and stepmother. 3. I think the story is trying to tell us that if you really really really want to win at something but you loose because the person you were mean to will win, for example if you were mean to someone and then there is a competition 1 day then you really want to win but you won’t because the person who you were mean to will win.

Say what you think the story is trying to show you.

I feel that the story is trying to say that whatever good you do, good will come back to you.

Question 3— Say what you think the story is trying to show you.

the story is trying to say that nothing is impossible

Question 1: I would imagine Cinderella realized her position. Although her step-family mistreated her greatly, they were still her family and some small part of her cared for them. Cinderella was a Baron’s daughter. She could’ve easily written to the constable about the mistreatment and fought for the rights of her title. But Cinderella had a spirit of forbearance. She was kind and had a good heart. Maybe she knew the realities of those in that era who found themselves in a pitiable state.

This is soo good to let your mind rest?

I love this story because it has a good end and the lesson is to be kind to other people no matter if they are poor or rich the thing that matters is to be kind to everyone and if we all do that we can make the world a better place and live our happily ever after life

Question 1 : Cinderella starts the story as a Housemaid to her stepmother and stepsisters while they go and boss her around. But Cinderella stills hopes to go to the ball with the Prince and continues to hope despite being bossed around by her stepmother and stepsisters. Then she eventually does meet her magic fairy after her stepmother denies her request to go to the festival. The Magic fairy dresses her up and takes her to the festival as a princess but tells her to be back before midnight. She forgets about midnight and rushes home while her prince does a kingdom-wide search. He eventually finds Cinderella and buts her magic slipper on and they get married happily ever after.

Question 2 : I think one of the themes of the story is to be hopeful, yet still try. In the story Cinderella is rugged and Dirty and has abusive parental units and sisters who are tormenting her, yet she still hopes and tries to go the the festival. She kept on hoping and eventually she did get to the ball but she didn’t get their without some help and without trying and hoping.

Beautiful story…. My lesson from the story.. Never ever think that we are better than the person who sit next to us…

Cinderella is so nice ?♥️♥️♥️♥️?❤️❤️ The message of the story is that be kind Because you don’t Know your future or what is the blessings of the day ❤️❤️❤️?????

Que 1 Cinderella is good and kind but she’s in a situation where these character traits would not normally flourish. She has to work hard at menial tasks, she’s forced to wear tattered clothing, and she is cut off from a support network and isolated in the attic. She should be miserable and lonely.

Que2 It is often said that some things get better with time, and in the case of Cinderella I would have to agree. Although I know the story and have seen multiple versions numerous times, experiencing the Nashville Children’s Theatre’s version of Cinderella presented me with ideas I had never considered in the context of the story.

Cinderella is hard worker and she deserves a break. Cinderella should marry the prince cause she’s good person. She works hard and takes care of her stepsisters and her stepmother. At the end she finally gets married to the prince and has a happy life .

Helps me to learn things i don’t know and to not do bad things.

I love this story ?? it’s so calming

THIS WAS AMAZING WHO EVER MADE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her because if she tried to fight back she would just get yelled at and pushed around even more. Cinderella thought she should go to the ball because all the young women were invited and being a woman she felt that she needed to go.

Cinderella lived with her step mother and stepsisters. She had no where else to go so she did everything they told her to do. She was always a mess and never looked clean like them.

She knew she was beautiful and not a mess. She wanted to look nice for the Prince too.

Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her because she had to do their jobs like her stepmother told her to. She was scared of her stepmother. She thought she should go to the ball because the prince said all young ladies should go.

So they could rest.

Because she did not feel she was a mess.

She had no way of stopping her step sister from being mean to her. If she would fight back her step mother would have been more hateful to her. She had to do what they said because she had no where else to go.

All of the women of the village were invited, Cinderella being a woman of the village felt like she should go.

Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her because if she would’ve said something then her stepmother would of yelled at her

Cinderella wanted to go to the ball because she thought it would make her happy

Cinderella wanted to go to the ball because it would make her happy but she didn’t want her stepmother to yell at her anymore.

Wow! Thank you! I constantly needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I take a part of your post to my blog?

Because she didn’t think she was a mess. Because she is a nice person and deserves better.

I like this story. There’s magic inside this story

answer 1 : because at last they were family. answer 2: her thoughts were different from the others.

1: she thought she was the maid

2: her step sisters got to go and she wanted to go as well

because she knew they would make life unbearable for her, if she disobeys them.and she needed them even if they were the most annoying people.

1 Cinderella let her half-sisters be wicked and cruel to her because she had asked her mother to be kind and not be cruel to others.

2 She thought if she was alone she would feel lonely, so she let her step-mother and step-sister go to the dance.

It teaches us how to respect people. It is a very touching story and it makes me feel happy anytime i read the story, the place i like most is when the fairy godmother came and transformed her from a tattered girl to a beautiful girl with a blue gown and a band on her hair and a glass shoe.

Cinderella should to the ball because it would make her happy. She did not want her stepmother to yell at her more.

1,Beacause cinderella did not want to be mean to them.

2.Beacause her stepmother and stepsisters went to the ball.

Cinderella let her stepsisters be mean to her because she promised her mother she will never be mean to people Cinderella thinks she should go to the ball because her stepsisters, and stepmom was going and she thought she should go too.

Cinderella let them be mean to her because she promise her mother at she we’ll be kind nice and never be mean to people

I think Cinderella let her step sisters be mean to her because she felt like she had no choice to listen to them

I think Cinderella thought she should go to the ball because she felt like since she lived with them and they were going to the ball she should be included to.

I learned so much from this is to not judge by its own dress or look

Wonderful ?????????

I’m not sure. Cinderella I think just wanted to please other people that she didn’t have time to think about them being mean for her. Cinderella thought she should go to the ball because, if her family got to go then why won’t she be able to?

infact i enjoy it,its lovely

I wish that i could be a cindrella

I very much like this story

wow i wish i was cendarella

lovely story I enjoyed it

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“And then there was another Mark,” Dad recalls, sending the table into an encore of laughter.  “Stop it!” Hannah pleads, tears rolling over sun-reddened cheeks. She perches opposite him, one leg hiked on the serrated bistro chair, a rum and coke bubbling in her left hand, the right clutching her stomach. She is 18, the spit of her mother – so she’s told – and will be off to university in two mont...

“ The Porcelain Village ” by Jonathan Page

🏆 Winner of Contest #214

My clay hands are becoming solid porcelain. I have always had potter’s hands. The throwing water absorbs the moisturizing oils of the skin. Leaves the hands rough. The clay paste dries and cracks the skin. Leaving it red. But now my hands are hardening. In the bisque firing, my hands harden like porous greenware. The cremated carbon and sulfur escape, exhuming my soul from the earthen clay, little by little, drawing it back to its source. The soul stews out in a boiling whistl...

“ The Last Of The Bright Young Things ” by Wendy M

🏆 Winner of Contest #213

Friday 7th October 1932 - Adelphi Hotel, LiverpoolDearest darling Herbert,What excitement we have had!  Mother and I boarded our train on Thursday. The conductor was a charming man. I swear he held my hand for just a moment too long. The weather was terrible, of course, but we were heading for the sun, and neither of us cared one jot. Then the thunderstorm started, which terrified Mother. She shrieked like she had seen a dozen mice with every rum...

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Short Stories from Reedsy Prompts

Short stories may be small, but they are mighty! With the weight of a novel stripped away, great short stories strike directly at the heart of their topics. Often maligned as the novel’s poor cousin, the short story medium has produced some of the most beloved works of fiction. From the eerily-accurate predictions of Ray Bradbury to the spine-chilling thrills of Stephen King and the wildly imaginative worlds of N.K. Jemison, some of the best authors in the business have made their mark writing short stories .

Whether the stories are sweeping explorations of the human condition, or slices of life vignettes that move us to tears, short fiction has the power to dazzle from first word to last.

Who writes Reedsy’s short stories?

Here at Reedsy, we're looking to foster the next generation of beloved authors. To that end, we've been running a weekly writing contest for over six years — and these short stories are the thousands of entries we've received over that time. Our writers come to the contest from all experience levels to hone their skills through consistent practice and friendly feedback. Some of them have even gone on to write and publish novels based on their short story submissions !

Discover short stories of all genres and subjects

Centered around themed writing prompts, these short stories range across all forms, genres, and topics of interest. Simply filter by the genre that appeals you most, and discover thousands of stories from promising new writers around the world.

Maybe you want to read something new, but don’t want to choose a genre? We’ve gathered our favorite entries in our literary magazine, Prompted . Each issue is packed with prize-winning stories that have been introduced and edited by a guest editor. Grab a free copy of our first issue here . Who knows, you could even discover your next favorite author before they even hit the big time!

(And if you’re a writer, consider heading over and entering the short story contest yourself! You may just walk away with the weekly cash prize, plus the chance to appear in Prompted . )

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The Best Short Story Collections That Keep You Reading

Which of these captivating collections will you be picking up next?

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Short story collections offer the perfect medium for fiction writers to craft compelling, affecting narratives that simply may not warrant a full-length novel to explore the ideas. The short story collection’s compact form delivers concise, impactful ideas and can free authors to explore a multitude of themes, characters, story arcs and styles within a single collection. Collections of short fiction have allowed writers like Edgar Allen Poe, Flannery O’Connor and James Baldwin to experiment with different tones, voices and plot devices while providing readers with gripping but approachable standalone stories.

These 8 short story collections are extremely readable, cover a variety of genres and authors and may give you a newfound appreciation of writers you already love.

Homesick For Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh

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From one of the most compelling, propulsive voices in contemporary fiction, Moshfegh’s 2017 short story collection is an eclectic compendium of some of her best fiction work—much of which was previously published in places like The Paris Review , The New Yorker and Vice . Exceedingly atmospheric and permeated with Moshfegh’s hallmark sordid wit, Homesick For Another World interrogates the ubiquitous afflictions of the human condition and our capacity for cruelty through the collection’s generally amoral, misanthropic protagonists. A highly anticipated follow-up to Moshfegh’s breakout debut novel Eileen , Homesick was later named a New York Times Book Review Notable Book of 2017 and drew innumerable comparisons to the work of renowned authors like Mary Gaitskill and Flannery O’Connor.

Earth Angel by Madeline Cash

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An electric debut from author Madeline Cash, Earth Angel is a collection of short stories that rockets through the reader’s imagination like a fever dream. Teeming with chimeric vignettes synthesizing the mundanely sinister realities of a capitalist culture with cataclysmic doomsday tropes, Earth Angel manages to be both endlessly funny and deeply poignant without feeling didactic. Cash both parodies and embraces the myopic stylings dominating popular fiction in a way that never feels malicious, but rather like the playful ribbing of a writer that refuses to take herself too seriously. Irreverent, compelling and laugh-out-loud funny, Earth Angel marks the emergence of one of contemporary fiction’s most exciting new figures.

Bliss Montage by Ling Ma

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A surrealist collection from Severance author Ling Ma, Bliss Montage marks Ma’s first published short story collection after her phenomenal debut novel (which has no relation to the recent Apple TV+ series, by the way). Uncanny, otherworldly and above all evocative— Bliss Montage contains eight wildly different stories each touching on universal themes of the human experience against phantasmagoric, though eerily familiar backdrops. Ranging from a tale of two friends bonded by their shared use of a drug that turns you invisible to the story of a tourist caught up in a fatalistic healing ritual, Ma’s unforgettable collection manages to be both ingeniously unique and undoubtedly universal at once. Somehow both outlandish and quotidian, Bliss Montage keeps readers wrapped up in Ma’s captivating prose from start to end.

Daddy by Emma Cline

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A thrilling examination of unspoken power structures (predominantly male power in a patriarchal society), Daddy by Emma Cline offers glimpses into the unexamined lives of each story's protagonist, often playfully alluding to, but never explicitly pointing to, a certain moral paradigm. Fraught familial dynamics, imbalanced romantic relationships and moral nuance permeate Cline’s collection, and each story offers a taste of her infectious prose and incisive style. The ten stories on offer often end achingly realistically, rejecting a tidy, personally gratifying ending—making each story appear as a certain tableau harkening to an idea rather than a traditional beginning, middle and end. Suspenseful, richly descriptive and engrossing—Cline’s collection begs to be devoured.

Skeleton Crew by Stephen King

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First Person Singular by Haruki Murakami

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First published in July 2020, First Person Singular is a collection of eight short stories each told from, you guessed it, the first-person singular perspective. Written by Japanese author Haruki Murakami, First Person Singular explores themes of nostalgia and lost love through stories from the perspective of mostly unnamed, middle-aged male protagonists believed to be based largely on the author himself, though some are more fantastical than others. Ranging from slice-of-life stories wherein the narrator reminisces on a past relationship, to the tale of a monkey doomed to fall in love with human women, the stories employ a myriad of hallmark Murakami techniques like magical realism, music, nostalgia and aging.

The Houseguest and Other Stories by Amparo Dávila

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The first collection by beloved Mexican author Amparo Dávila to be translated into English, The Houseguest is a collection of 12 short stories touching on themes of obsession, paranoia and fear primarily featuring female protagonists and narrators. Often compared to horror writers like Edgar Allen Poe and Shirley Jackson, Dávila’s writing often deals with abstract feelings of dread and paranoia, imbuing them with magical realism to craft jarring, transfixing narratives that seem both eerily familiar and preternatural. Each tale menaced by an unseen, pernicious force, Dávila’s writing revels in its ambiguity with no straightforward answers. The Houseguest is an anxiety-inducing page-turner which will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

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Though technically a short story cycle (a collection of self-contained short stories arranged to convey a concept or theme greater than the sum of its atomized parts), Olive Kitteridge consists of 13 stories each taking place in the fictional town of Crosby, Maine. The stories predominantly center on Olive Kitteridge, a brusque but caring retired school teacher and longtime resident of Crosby. Other stories show Olive only as a secondary character or in a cameo capacity and are from the point of view of other townsfolk. Winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the collection was later adapted into a critically acclaimed miniseries starring Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, Zoe Kazan and Bill Murray. Profound, heartbreaking and human, Olive Kitteridge is an unforgettable first-read that will still impact you even if you watched the miniseries before.

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@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} All the Best Books to Read Next

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Storyberries Bedtime Stories Short Stories for Kids and free books

Picture Books

Looking for books to read to kids? Enjoy our HUGE collection of free picture books for children, here at Storyberries!

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Ollie’s Pretend Puppy

Ollie longs for a pet puppy of his own. But can he care for one? Perhaps, with a pretend puppy, he can show his parents that he can!

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A Summer Snowman

One winter, Ollie has a great idea. He will make a tiny snowman... who can go on a BIG snowman adventure!!

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Where is Santa’s Cat?

Oh no! Santa's white cat has gone missing! You'll never guess where she's gone!

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Santa Snail

When Santa Claus is getting stressed about delivering all the world's Christmas presents, Little Snail shows him how to be organised.

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Tiny the Christmas Elf

Tiny the Christmas Elf really wishes he was big like Santa Claus. But he's about to discover his own special talents that make him perfect just as he is.

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A Grasshopper in my Bedroom

Hudson doesn't want to sleep in his own bedroom. But someone else does... a funny grasshopper!

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Spot My Spots

Sacha is a leopard. She's one year old. And her mother is teaching her how to hide. Can YOU see Sacha?

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Who Took My Shoe?

Jabulani has lost his school shoe. He can’t find it anywhere. Where can it be?

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The Dark is Friendly

The dark might feel scary... but it is actually very friendly! A story to soothe fear of the dark.

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COMMENTS

  1. Picture Books

    Enjoy our HUGE collection of free picture books for children, here at Storyberries! 5 Min Stories Age 4-6 All Dancers Dance Khuzwayo, Dance Everybody thinks Khuzwayo is ready to dance... but does Khuzwayo? How can he overcome his shyness? 5 Min Stories Age 0-3 All Baby Books Teddy and Fifi Fifi has a brown teddy bear that she loves very much.

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    021: DO YOU WONDER ABOUT RAIN, SNOW, SLEET AND HAIL? Categories: Age 4-7 / Age 8-12 "What's to wonder about water?", you might ask. Professor Ture will tell you why. Filled with compelling illustrations, this free children's book takes a dive into a whirlpool of knowledge about the ubiquitous water that we often take for granted. Read Free Book

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    Booksie: Free Picture Storybooks for Children iCharacter creates books, music and videos for children that focus on character building topics. ⋮ How Many Ways Can You Use a Pakhaoma? An Adventure With a Water-Snake ⋮ ⋮ Bounthy's Singing Birds ⋮

  4. PDF Aesop's Fables for Children

    Aesop's Fables for Children - Illustrated short stories with a moral ÆSOP's FABLES for CHILDREN WITH PICTURES BY MILO WINTER FIRST PUBLISHED BY RAND MCNALLY & CO. CHICAGO This edition published by FREE KIDS BOOKS This edition of this public domain text is free for non-commercial distribution and use., CC-BY-NC.

  5. Short Stories for Children

    Please enjoy these great stories, fairy-tales, fables, and nursery rhymes for children. They help kids learn to read and make excellent bedtime stories! We have hundreds of great children's stories for you to share. You may also enjoy Favorite Fairy Tales, Books for Young Readers, Children's Poems, Lullabies and Short Stories for Students

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    5 Min Stories Age 4-6 All Animals Ollie's Pretend Puppy Ollie longs for a pet puppy of his own. But can he care for one? Perhaps, with a pretend puppy, he can show his parents that he can! 5 Min Stories Age 4-6 All Christmas Stories A Summer Snowman One winter, Ollie has a great idea.

  7. More 5 Min Bedtime Stories for Kids ~ Read to Me

    Explore our collection of 5 min Bedtime Stories for Kids: Sharing a bedtime story with your children is storytelling in its most purest form. It's an opportunity to not just share a simple bedtime story to be forgotten, but passing on a lifetime of lessons from those who came before us. Share our Bedtime Stories and Classic fairy tales in a ...

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  9. Amazon Best Sellers: Best Children's Short Story Collections

    Best Sellers in Children's Short Story Collections. #1. You are an Amazing Girl: A Collection of Inspiring Stories about Courage, Friendship, Inner Strength and Self-Confidence (Motivational Books for Children) Nadia Ross. 4,155. Paperback. 74 offers from $2.44. #2. 365 Bedtime Stories.

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    The best short story books and collections for 2024; Frank Cottrell-Boyce's books: a complete guide ... while children share the simple story and point at the pictures. An ideal book for babies, this title combines bright illustrations, a simple story and first words - a perfect introduction to bedtime routines. ... Kiki and Jax is a charming ...

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    Explore our list of Picture Book and Short Story Collections (Single Author) - Kids Fiction Books at Barnes & Noble®. Get your order fast and stress free with free curbside pickup. ... Picture Book and Short Story Collections (Single Author) - Kids Fiction. 1- 20 of 2701 results

  12. 50 Irresistible Short Stories for Kids (Read Them All for Free!)

    " The Frog Prince " by the Brothers Grimm "And the princess, though very unwilling, took him up in her hand, and put him upon the pillow of her own bed, where he slept all night long. As soon as it was light, he jumped up, hopped downstairs, and went out of the house.

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    031:TERRANCE TURTLE'S NEW HOME Categories: Age 4-7 / Age 8-12 Two swans and a turtle went flying and fell into trouble but as they say, all's well that ends well. So it did. But why did a turtle take to the skies? Find out more in this free illustrated book for children available for download. Read Free Book 032: GABBY ABBY

  14. 18 Great Short Stories You Can Read Free Online

    " The Library of Babel " by Jorge Luis Borges The world is a library that contains all the books that have ever been written, but most of them are indecipherable. Many people venture to the library to find the meaning of life. It reminded me of Terry Pratchett's Discworld library.

  15. The Fox and the Crow: A Very Short Story for Kids with Pictures

    Picture story books for children - Short stories with pictures for kids. What type of story books are available? There are many famous picture stories for kids. A huge and growing variety of short stories are available - Short stories with a moral, animal stories, fairy tales, tales of famous people, simplified folk tales and so on, to name ...

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    A rhyming story book about a young wolf pup unlike any other. When the moon is full and all the wolves are howling, Warren turns into a mild-mannered boy, eating sandwiches with the crusts cut off, and going to bed early. That's because Warren is secretly a wereboy. But when the rest of his pack finds out the truth, Warren has to show them ...

  17. Best Short Stories and Collections Everyone Should Read

    As an ominously prescient prediction of the downside of technology, "The Veldt" is a short and shining example of how Ray Bradbury was an author before his time. 10. "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes. In this classic short story, we are privy to the journals of Charlie Gordon, a cleaner with an IQ of 68.

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    Age 0-3. Read the best free bedtime stories for babies, baby books, fairy tales, stories for toddlers and toddler books online! 5 Min Stories Age 0-3 All Baby Books.

  19. 20 New Must-Read Short Story Collections

    Seasonal Work is a collection of psychological suspense/thriller stories featuring murder, mystery, love gone wrong, deception, scandals, and so much more. If you only read one crime fiction short story in 2022, make it one from this short story collection.

  20. How to Write Story Books With Pictures

    A picture book needs to start somewhere significant, build up the tension, resolve the conflict and come to an unexpected climax, and end with a reassuring touch. It needs to tell the story in as few words as possible. The illustrations do tell the rest of the story. The first sentence becomes very important.

  21. Cinderella

    Up, up the stairs she ran. "Dong!" went the clock. "Please, stop for a moment!" said the Prince. "Oh, dear!" she said as one glass slipper fell off her foot on the stair. But Cinderella kept running up. "Dong!" said the clock. "Please wait a moment!" said the Prince. "Dong!" rung the clock.

  22. Thousands of Short Stories to Read Online

    63 comments Read story Introducing Prompted, a new magazine written by you! 🏆 Featuring 12 prize-winning stories from our community. Download it now for FREE . Download " 6:47 PST " by David Pampu 🏆 Winner of Contest #235 What has four faces, eight arms, and can't tell time? The clock tower at Union Station.

  23. The Best Short Story Collections That Keep You Reading

    The short story collection's compact form delivers concise, impactful ideas and can free authors to explore a multitude of themes, characters, story arcs and styles within a single collection ...

  24. Picture Books

    Enjoy our HUGE collection of free picture books for children, here at Storyberries! Looking for books to read to kids? Enjoy our HUGE collection of free picture books for children, here at Storyberries! ... The dark might feel scary... but it is actually very friendly! A story to soothe fear of the dark. October 23, 2023 February 4, 2024.