Short stories in English for reading. Tales in English. Fairy tales for kids in English

English for children
Children's stories in English - for practicing reading skills and self-translation.

Only ten stories in English for children:

JUMBO THE LITTLE ELEPHANT

Once upon a time a baby elephant named Jumbo used to live in a forest. He always used to dream that one day he would be able to swim. His mother tried hopelessly to make him believe that he is very heavy in weight thats why he could not swim. But he never listened.
He would reach by the river and happily look at his glance in it.

Once he slept early and then he dreamed that he was swimming deep in the river. He was swimming here and there and frolicking happily. He made friendshp with some small but harmless fishes. He even found a place to take rest in the nights. He was very happy. He could see the colors of different lights that were flickering ceaselessly. The lights were coming out from some fishes that were very beautiful and colorful.

After seeing him, the colorful fishes went to him and they asked his name. He said his name was Jumbo and from the very next day he became friends with them.
Now they would play hide and seek together. But in the meanwhile Jumbo could not realize the mischievious plan of those fishes. The fishes were actually very amused at the look of Jumbo. They wanted to make his big ears there home. They thought how would it like to be if they play hide and seek in Jumbo's big fans like ears and his mouth.

One day when Jumbo was fast asleep after playing, all those colorful fishes arrived and entered his mouth and making exit fom his ears. They were playing and making fun of Jumbo. When Jumbo woke up he realized that he made a big mistake by making friendship with them.
He cried but nobody came for his help. At last his mother woke him up from his dream. Seeing his mother in front of him, Jumbo cried inconsolably and promised that he would never ever think of swimming in the future. That made his mother happy and she served him hot delicious food

THE CROCODILE

There was once a baby crocodile. He had a beautiful shiny tail and all the other crocodiles were horrible to him because they were jealous of him.
One day the little baby crocodile counted all his beautiful shiny scales and there were a thousand. A lot more than he thought. So he counted all the other crocodiles and there were twenty and that was including the grown up crocodiles. He decided that he had many scales and could spare forty from his tummy so he wished for forty of his scales to be on his pillow by morning, but there weren’t any. Even three weeks later there weren't any.
Then one day a magic crocodile granted him a wish. He wished for forty of his scales to be on his pillow when he woke up in the morning.
He woke up and there were forty beautiful shiny scales on his pillow. So he gave all twenty crocodiles, including his parents two scales each.
From then on everybody was kind to the little baby crocodile who had given away forty of his beautiful shiny scales.

HONEY NUT CARROT CAKE

Joseph hurried to finish his breakfast. It was a bright and sunny day and he wanted to go outside and play.

He swallowed a mouthful of cereal. "Bye, Mom," he said. "I'm going outside to play ball."

“Not before you get your chores done,” his mother said. I'm baking a pie for dessert and I want you to go pick some raspberries."

Joseph's mouth watered as he thought about taking a delicious bite of pie.

"I love to pick raspberries," he said, grabbing a basket and skipping out the door.

Walking through the meadow, he came upon a rabbit munching on a carrot.

Hello, Mr. Rabbit,” Joseph said. "Would you be so kind to tell me where I might find some raspberries?"

"I couldn't be much help finding raspberries," the rabbit said, wiggling his nose. "My carrots have an excellent crunch, why don't you try a bunch?"

Joseph pulled some carrots out of the ground and put them in his basket. "Thank you, Mr. Rabbit," Joseph said, and skipped away whistling.

Hearing a noise high up in a tree, Joseph stopped and saw a squirrel gathering nuts and storing them in a hole.

"Sorry, Mr. Squirrel, but would you be so kind to tell me where I might find some raspberries?"

“Oh, little boy, there are no raspberries up here. There are only nuts to pick from the trees. Try some nuts before you leave, and you'll forget about raspberries."

Joseph picked some nuts from the tree and dropped them in the basket. He waved goodbye to Mr. Squirrel and continued his journey.

He entered the dark forest and was scared…just a little. But maybe he would find raspberries. He heard a noise ahead of him. Walking slowly towards the noise, he found a black bear sitting on a log eating something gooey.

"P-p-pardon me, M-M-Mr. B-b-ear, do you know where I might find some raspberries?"

"Little boy, come closer to me and I'll give you something tasty called honey," the bear smiled.

Joseph stepped closer to the bear and dipped his hand in the honey. It tasted delicious and sweet.

The bear leaned towards Joseph and roared. "The honey tastes good, but not as good as you will little boy."

Joseph screamed and ran out of the forest. He jumped over rocks and ran through the meadow all the way home. He looked behind him and was happy to find that the bear didn't follow him. Looking down at his basket he frowned. He had carrots, nuts, and some of the bear's honey that dripped in the basket, but no raspberries.

Walking into the kitchen he had an idea. With his mother's help, Joseph baked a surprise dessert using his carrots, nuts, and honey. At dessert, he ate every crumb of his honey-nut carrot cake and it was the best cake he ever tasted.

THE LITTLE FISH WHO SWAM TO THE BIG OCEAN

Once upon a time, there was a fish named George. He lived in the water, as all fish do but something was different about George, he did not like the water. He swam and swam around in the water, and every place he swam, he would find something that he did not like. First, he said that the rocks were to big, then he said that the rocks were too small. Nothing would please him. The other fish in his school, all fish belong to a school, would try to cheer him up. They didn't understand why he was unhappy. They loved swimming around in the shallow water and being together.

The school lived in the inter-coastal waters of South Florida. This water was full of life and warmth. There was always plenty of food and activity and there was never a dull moment for these fish. However, for some reason, George felt restless and discontent and he wanted more. One day, a big, old and wise fish came to visit his school. He listened intentionally. The old and wise one was telling of vast waters and limitless swimming. He was telling of great whales and big fish. He was also telling about great light and darkness. Suddenly George wanted to experience this too. The other fish in his school were not interested but George was eager. He swam with the big fish towards these vast waters with great dreams. He did not know where he was going but he trusted the old er and wiser fish..

Soon the water began to feel cold and he was seeing a giant fish that looked very hungry. He would have been afraid for his life, but he was much too excited by the new sights. Soon they came to a cave and they found a safe place for the night with food nearby.

George liked it in the cave. It was very quiet and he could hear calming sounds. Melodious sound seemed to be coming from a long distance. Even when the big fish swam away, George decided to remain. This was against all normal fish instinct, as fish wants to be with other fish. However, as I said earlier, George was not a normal fish. The melodious sound fascinated him and he could not stop listening to it. He even began to distinguish the different tones and types of sound. He listened and he listened. He did not eat or move because he was so busy listening. The more he listened, the more he began to understand about who he really was. The more he listened, the more he fell into a different awareness and soon he forgot that he was a fish and that he did not like the water.

One day the big and wise fish was swimming by the cave and he thought about George, so he went into the cave. There he found George just where he had left him quite some time ago. George had changed however, and did not look the same at all. He was shining in a special way and his breathing was extremely slow. George recognized the old and wise fish and welcomed him.

George was now also old and wise and the two left the cave together.

By Acharya E.T.

A WINTER NIGHT IN THE FOREST

It was a winter night and the cool breeze is making animals seek some shelter and a cover on their bodies. The sparrows entered their nests, the rabbits went into their burrows, the parrots went into the holes on the tree trunks, the squirrels hide into the shoots of the coconut tree. Thus all those birds and animals settled down to face the chill night. Dr.Dove was watching all these animals in the bright moon light from its whole on the nearby rocky hill.

By mid night the chillness increased and a couple of crows had fallen seriously ill for the exposure to the severe cold.

As the Sun rises all the animals and birds started coming out and assembled at the bottom of the rocky hill.

What a cold it was last night. The winter has just begun now. By January it would be very cold. If the cold winds blow like this we will certainly reduce in number – said a crane that lives on the nearby thorn bushes.

I could hear the sound of my teeth as I shivered in the night – said a dog.

Though we are big we too feel the cold said an elephant.

Thought I am in my Den I too felt it.

Here comes an idea – said Dr. .Dove by landing on a big stone.

We all know that the Lion lives in a big den in this hill. I have seen another small den that can comfortably accommodate our Lion. It is just on the other side of this Hill. I feel that the Lion can leave this big den and occupy the small one so that those animals that have no home can take shelter in the big den. Thus they can protect themselves from exposing to the severe cold.

As soon as Dr. Dove completed telling this, the lion roared and rejected the idea. I need this big den let animals seek shelter in the small den that you had located.

Looking at the elephants Dr. Dove said – Dear Lion this is only for the winter months and rainy days the rest of the time you can use this big den. The elephants trumpeted in support of this statement and urged the lion to agree.

Seeing the unity and the support Dove got from the herd of Elephants the Lion said: OK I agree.

The animals disbursed in search of food.

It was night again. All those animals that have no home gathered in the big den and felt good to be there. As the night advances the cold winds blew more frequently and making the animals shiver even in the Den. Some how they spent the night and gathered again at the bottom of the hill to share their experiences.

Since the den is not so deep it can protect us partially from the severe cold. We have to live with it - opined the deer.

Having listened to this discussion, Dove said: I have another idea to help you keep warm. You all can collect the twigs and our elephant friends can bring dried logs in the forest to the den. As mid night one of you can make these twigs and dried logs into a small heap and set fire. Then the den gets the warmth from this fire.

Great idea jumped a monkey.

That night the animals make their own hearth and felt the warmth and slept comfortably.

The animals make it a practice.

MARVIN THE CURIOUS MOUS

Marvin was a little white mouse about two years old. He was one of a litter of 29 other mice. His mom was always worried that he was going to get hurt. He was so curious about the world "Curiosity killed the cat," she warned. Marvin never really listened to his mother's warnings. The world was just too big to be ignored.
Marvin lived in a small hole in a wall of a house. The owners of the house just moved out and new humans moved in. The little mouse ran around curiously. He never saw so many wonderful new things. The old humans that lived here didn't own so much stuff.
There were so many treasures to explore. Where to start, Marvin didn't know. Then he saw it! He neve saw anything like it before. What was it?
It was big and black and round. It had three holes on the top. Marvin the little mouse wanted to explore more. "What was it used for? he thought to himself. He crept closer. He crawled to the top of the strange object.
Then something horrible happened to poor Marvin. He fell into one of those big holes.
It was so dark and scary. Poor Marvin did not know what to do. He tried to come out but the inside was so slippery he couldn't climb out.
It wasn't until a human picked up the object that Marvin found a way to escape. You see who ever picked it up made the holes face the floor and Marvin slid right out.
"That was neat," thought Marvin after he got over being afraid. He thought it was so neat he decided to do more exploring.
The next thing Marvin found was weird looking. It was big, really big and odd shaped too. Marvin remembered the shape of a human foot. It kind of looked like that, but Marvin knew that humans couldnt' take their feet off. So what was it?
Marvin crawled inside, it was wet and smelly. Marvin didn't want to stay very long inside of it. Marvin tried to get out as fast as he could. There was one problem though. A human was near the thing he was in. The human screamed when she saw Marvin. Marvin hated when humans did that, it hurt his ears.
Marvin knew that the scream would cause the other humans to bring the CAT! Marvin knew that meant he had to run. That is exactly what Marvin did, he ran. Poor little Marvin ran as fast as his little feet could take him.
"Whew," he thought once he was in a safe place. "That was a close one." Marvin made a silent promise to avoid humans at all cost. He also needed to avoid the CAT. Marvin wasn't stupid, for a mouse cats meant bad news.
Well, that was over. Time for Marvin to explore more. So Marvin slowly crawled out of his hiding spot and found something he new well. It was cheese and it was sitting on a wood thing. "The humans must have dropped it," thought Marvin.
So Marvin walked up to the cheese and quickly grabbed it. Before Marvin knew what was happening he heard a loud SNAP! Poor Marvin's tail was caught under a metal bar and boy did it hurt.
Marvin didn't know what to do. All he could do was cry. He was scared and alone. Most of all, Marvin was in pain. At first he thought he could maybe wiggle his way out. That didn't work. Next he tried to pick up the bar. That didn't work. The he saw a human and knew it was the end.
The human picked up the trap with Marvin in it. "Poor little guy," the man said. He lifted up the bar and freed Marvin. Then he patted Marvin on the head and let him go.
Marvin couldn't believe it. He was free. He wasn't going to be fed to the CAT. He was so happy he walked playfully away. He would always remember the kind man that saved his life.
Most of all Marvin would remember to be a little less curious.

PUFFER BUNNY AND THE ESCAPE TO THE MEADOW

Once upon a time, there was a little bunny named Puffer Bunny. He was so fluffy that everyone wanted to cuddle him. He lived with some kids in a comfortable bungalow. The kids were named BoBo, Bobby, and Kit. Bobby was especially fond of little Puffer because he had raised him from a baby.

One day they were playing in the back yard and Puffer Bunny took off jumping and prancing. He wiggled under the fence and headed off through the pasture behind the house. By the time the kids could get over the fence, Puffer was long gone.

Meanwhile, Puffer had scurried down into a hole and was crawling through a long tunnel. He felt something wet and cold. He held his breath in fear, but when his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he realized he was nose to nose with another little bunny! He let out a sigh of relief! The new little bunny whispered, "My name is Doodlebug." Doodlebug took Puffer by the paw and led him down through more passages and into a cozy little burrow. His brothers and sisters were snuggled together, all warm and safe. There was Dipsy, Dapper, and Dolly and the baby twins, Digger and Dodger. Puffer was thrilled to see a whole family of bunnies!

However, outside of the little burrow, the kids were worried sick about their little bunny. They saw a little fox trot off into the deep woods. They just knew that the fox had gotten their little Puffer. Bobby cried quietly while Bobo and Kit tried to figure out what to do. BoBo said, "Guys, it's time we headed home."

All the kids climbed back over the fence and trudged home. The night was long with worry.

Back in the bunny burrow, Puffer was really enjoying himself. He and Doodlebug slipped out for a little mischief. See Puffer was always exploring and Doodlebug could never say no to an adventure. The two frisky bunnies frolicked towards the woods. Just as they were approaching a rotten log, a rattle-snake slithered up. The two bunnies frost. The snake had the bunnies cornered. Their hearts were pounding so loud that the earth shook. The snake said, "Yum, dinner!" And his body lurched forward at Doodlebug. Quickly, Puffer Bunny jumped over the snake, grabbed the rattle, and shook it with all his might! What a sound it made! That snake jumped up in surprise-which gave the two buddies just enough time to bound on outa’ there.

Doodlebug's mom rank the dinner bell just as they were coming back to the rabbit hole. She saw the looks on their faces and gave them each a hearty hug. She had fixed a dinner of cabbage and carrots, and they ate all they could eat. When the fluffy little bunnies finished their dinner, they invited Puffer to spend the night. He was delighted!

The next morning, Puffer pranced on home to his little bungalow. The kids were overjoyed that he was safe!

THE MISSING PICNIC FOOD

Once upon a time there was a forest fire in a big, big forest. All the little animals that lived there ran as fast as they could to get away from the hot flames. Squirrels, raccoons, foxes, snakes, turtles, rabbits, mice and many other animals had to find new homes. Some of them went to other forests, some of them went to parks, and some of them actually had to make their little homes in the yards of human beings, or, people.

Far, far away from the fire was a house where three little children lived. Their names were Thomas, Kathy, and Carrie. They all went to school but on this September day it was Saturday. They had been playing all morning. Now it was lunchtime. They were hungry. They asked their mom if they could have lunch, and she said, "Why don't you have a picnic in the yard"?

That sounded like a great idea, but WHERE in the yard? So Mom told them to lay a picnic cloth in the green grassy grass near the scruffy old juniper bushes. While they were doing that, she would make some celery sticks, carrot sticks, and some yummy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

When the kids had spread out the picnic blanket, they ran into the kitchen and asked if lunch was ready. Mom told them to take the carrot sticks and plates out to the blanket, and to take their drinks also. So Thomas, Kathy and Carrie took these things out to the blanket and arranged them carefully. Then they ran as fast as they could, huffing and puffing, back to the kitchen and said to Mom, "What else have you made so far"? So she said, "I've got your celery sticks cut up for you now - run these out to your picnic blanket." So out ran the three kids as fast as they could go to add these to the carrots on their plates.

But when they got to the blanket, something was wrong. Where were the carrot sticks? They were all gone! "This must be a trick," said Kathy. "Let's leave the celery sticks here and see what happens!"

Then they ran as fast as they could back to Mom, who by now was making the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They told her that someone had stolen the carrot sticks. She said, "You're kidding!" and they said "Come on - we'll show you!"

Mom hurried out with them to the picnic blanket. But now, not only were the carrot sticks missing, but the celery sticks were gone, too! Mom said, "Maybe one of your neighbor friends is hiding them just to be silly."

So everyone spread out and looked behind the trees, bushes, and just about everywhere. Unfortunately, they couldn't find the carrots, the celery, or anyone hiding.

Finally Mom said, “Well, your drinks are still out here. Let's get your sandwiches. You guys go ahead and eat them out here and maybe something will turn up.”

So Thomas, Kathy and Carrie sat down to their picnic and they ate their sandwiches. Of course, while they sat there, they couldn't help but look around for the sneaky celery and carrot thief.

They were just about finished eating when Carrie looked over at the juniper bushes and saw something move. She softly said, "Shshsh!" to Thomas and Kathy. "There's something wiggling over there! See the bushes moving? So everyone sat very still, and a little brown animal came to the edge of the bushes and looked at them. It was a rabbit. Quietly it went back into the bushes.

"I have an idea," said Thomas. "Let's get more celery and carrots, and see if that rabbit is our thief. We'll put them at the edge of the bushes, and watch from the window."

They quietly went back into the house and got Mom to cut up more celery and carrots. They carefully put them down near the bushes and walked back to the house. As they watched, the little rabbit came out and grabbed the vegetables in his mouth and carried them back into the juniper bushes. Mom had watched, too, and she said that she had never seen a rabbit in the yard before. She thought that maybe because of the forest fire, he had needed to look for a new home.

"Maybe we can keep feeding this rabbit, and he will stay here for a long time," said Mom.

That is just what they did. They fed the little rabbit every day. A few weeks went by. The weather turned cooler and finally winter came and they didn't see the rabbit. Sometimes they would take food out to the edge of the bushes, and sometimes the food would disappear, and other times it just stayed there. All winter they worried about the rabbit – was he cold, was he scared, did he move somewhere else?

Finally, spring came. They watched for the rabbit day after day. In early April, the day before Easter, when the trees had just a few leaves, Thomas, Kathy, and Carrie took the food out to the bushes, and as they watched, the little rabbit came out and grabbed it! Whatever he had done during the winter, he was OK now!

The kids continued to feed him, and one day, the little rabbit came out to get his food, and he had four little rabbits with him! Their rabbit was a Mommy rabbit!

So from that time on, the kids fed the rabbits, and year after year, there was always a little rabbit family that lived in their scruffy old juniper bushes.

By Paula Fayad

A SQUIRREL IN A WINTER NIGHT

You are aware that during winter the trees shed leaves and make the birds and other small animals that live on them to face cold nights.

One cold night a squirrel found it difficult to bear the cold. It was on a search for a place that can protect it from the cold. It ran into the parasol of a hut that belongs to an old man who lives on the outskirts of the forest.

As soon as the squirrel started moving in the parasol of his hut the old man heard the sound of it, came out and found the squirrel shivering with cold. He extended his hand and waved his fingers to come on to it. The squirrel for a moment kept quite and it recalled what all it had seen this old man doing earlier. It appeared from this recalling that this old man is a good one. It slowly crawled onto the hand of the old man who caressed it with his another hand and took it in side.

It was very warm inside the hurt and it made the squirrel stop shivering soon and fall asleep. It slept for more than three hours and woke up with the sound of the cupboard door opened by the old man. The old man noticed this and came near the squirrel with a hot cup of tomato soup. He fed the squirrel with the spoon and emptied the cup.

The squirrel became active and found the holes in the roof of the hut. The old man slept again. As the day breaks out, the old man woke up and found searched for the squirrel in vain. He thought that he had gone back to the forest. He became busy with his daily chores.

As he was about to rest for a nap after the lunch, he heard a noise on the top of the roof. He looked up and found that the holes on the roof are being filled with a lump of fiber. He went out to find out who was at work and saw the squirrel seriously filling the holes one after the other first with the fiber and topping it with a big leaf meticulously.

The old man came inside and started doing some thing. The squirrel on the top of the roof completed its job and entered the hut to find out if it missed any hole. The old man thanked the squirrel and offered a cup of hot milk. The squirrel drank it merrily.

The old man asked, ‘how did get the fiber and the leaves to fill all the holes at once?’

I came out in the growing remains of those who lived in the beginning of the century. Once I felt I had enough material to fill the holes I started doing the job that I know well.

Thought you are a small animal you have a big mind to think and great strength to do the job. I thank you for your kind help. You can live with me, if you want - said the old man.

The squirrel agreed to it by waving its tail and the head in joy.

Indeed the holes were well filled and the rainfall that occurred a couple of days later made it further firm and there was no leakage in the hut.

They lived together for a long time in the same hut.

THE TIGER AND THE LION

One day a tiger felt that it was more powerful than the lion and wanted to challenge the lion. It went near the lion's den and started shouting and making all kids of sounds. It was noon and the lion was fast asleep after a meal. The sounds created by the tiger woke up lion.

Who is there? Shouted the lion.

There was no reply but the shouts of the tiger increased.

The lion came out of its den and stood in front of the tiger that was shouting continuously.

Staring deep into the tiger's eys the lion asked: Why are you disturbing me, you can go to any other place in the forest and shout as loudly as you can. But I never allow you to disturb me any more.

The tiger looked furiously at the lion and said: Look this forest belongs to all and so is this place too. You have no right to ask me to vacate this. I shall continue to be here and shout, as I like.

In the meantime an elephant that was passing by noticed the argument between the tiger and the lion and came.

'Stop quarrelling. What is the problem. Let me know, demanded the elephant.

The lion explained the reason and the tiger stood to its stance. The elephant felt helpless to resolve their conflict.

Then came Dr. Dove. It has inquired from the elephant: What is going on here? Generally I do not see a tiger and a lion together?

The elephant reported the matter briefly.

That's the entire problem? Yelled Dr. Dove.

The elephant was surprised at the casual attitude of Dr. Dove.

Don't you think it is not a problem at all? : The elephant asked.

Yes it is very much a problem but not at all a difficult one to solve. The elephant got further perplexed with this response from Dr.Dove.

Dr.Dove now took the lead and starting flying in-between the tiger and the lion.

The tiger and the lion got disturbed with this.

Seeing them giving a pause to their loud arguments, Dr. Pigeon proposed: Dear friends you can solve the problem.

How both the tiger and the lion shouted.

Very simple the tiger can continue to shout and the lion can continue to sleep: said pigeon.

You stupid Dr. Dove. You are fit only to pull out the thorns from the feet, clear dust from the eyes and treat cut injuries of the animals but not the problems like this – yelled the lion.

The tiger joined the lion and said: leave us alone we shall solve our problems ourselves.

No my dear friends, please listen to me.

Dr. Pigeon requested the lion to follow and enter the den quickly. The lion thought for a while and then followed Dr. Dove. As the lion entered the den, Dr. Dove took out two lumps of cotton from his kit and approached the Lion.

Mr. Lion please listen to me these lumps of cotton help you proof yourself from the sound pollution being made by the Tiger. Please place these lumps one each in to your ears and experience for yourself.

The lion did as suggested and both the lion and Dr. Dove came out the den silently.

Dr. Dove told the tiger: Tiger please shout as loudly as you can you will have no objection from the Lion.

The tiger shouted loudly and the lion felt no disturbance.

The lion retuned to its den greeting the Pigeon by waving its paw. The tiger got furious at this gesture and continue shouting at its best – also puzzled as to why the lion has become so calm.

Seeing this confused state of the tiger Dove said: Tiger I told the tiger of your power and advised him not to quarrel with you. You are more powerful than the lion. See the lion itself has agreed to it.

Tiger felt very happy and gently stroked Dr .Dove with its claw in appreciation of its help. Then Dr. Dove said: Tiger you should not stay here that too before a lion's den. Because seeing you here other animals might feel that you are serving the lion. So I suggest that you should to that hilltop and live there.

Yes, Dr. Dove I shall follow your advice and I thank you for this: saying this the tiger proceeded to the hilltop.

The elephant was thrilled at this sudden change and astonishingly looked at Dr. Dove.

Dr.Dove fluttered its wings and flew towards south.

Today we have collected for you a selection of fairy tales in English on various resources. We have included both audio, text and video versions. Learning English from fairy tales is interesting, especially this method is perfect for children.

Fairy tales in English for beginners

In this section, we have collected simple stories in text format with translation. They are perfect for young children and those who have just started learning English. These stories will help to master the basics of grammar and elementary vocabulary. Each comes with an audio accompaniment.

Video fairy tales

Now let's see fairy tales in English YouTube. They are suitable for approximately Elementary and Pre-Intermediate levels. Don't forget to turn on subtitles, and open the dictionary in the next tab to check the meaning of new words. We advise you to look through them twice: the first, to make out new words; the second is for fixing.

Elves And The Shoe Maker

A good story about an impoverished shoemaker who had only one pair of boots left to make, but to his surprise, a miracle happened.

Little Match Girl

Everyone knows the tale of Hans Christian Andersen, touching to the depths of the soul.

Red shoes / Red Shoes

Another work by Andersen. This is a story about how a girl found beautiful red shoes on the road and decided to take them for herself. The girl's mother was not happy with her daughter's act, because these shoes could belong to someone else.

The Pink Story

The queen dreamed of a child for a long time. And then, a miracle happened - she had a boy. But when the child grew up a little, he was kidnapped by a villain.

Pinocchio Story / Pinocchio

A well-known fairy tale about a revived wooden doll who dreams of becoming a real boy.

The Frog Prince story

The king gave his beloved daughter a beautiful toy - a golden ball. While playing, the princess inadvertently dropped the gift into the pond. The frog helped to pull out the ball, but the spoiled princess refused to thank the frog, although she promised.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

The fairy tale, published in 1865, remains one of the most popular to this day. It is read not only by children, but also by adults. This short adapted animation will not only help you improve your English and remember your childhood.

Short stories in text format

Here we have collected short tales adapted especially for English learners.

The Lion and the Mouse

A short instructive tale by Aesop about how the lion caught the mouse.

Rumpelstiltskin / Rumpelstiltskin

Surely, each of us in childhood tried to correctly pronounce the name of this insidious villain. In the fairy tale of the Brothers Grimm, a story is told about how the king decided to brag, saying that his daughter could make gold from ordinary straw. Naturally, the princess did not know how to do anything like that. When she was locked in a room with straw, ordered to spin gold, the girl burst into tears. A dwarf came to her aid. For the work done, the princess gave him her jewelry, but when they ran out she had to promise to give the dwarf her firstborn.

The Drop of Water

Andersen's unusual fairy tale about the old Khlopotun, who constantly fussed over every thing. When he could not cope on his own, he resorted to the help of magic. This magical story teaches us that even in the most ordinary things lies real magic.

The Stolen Ax / The Stolen Ax

A short Chinese story. Please note that under the advertisement, there are words with a transcription for this tale, and even lower - a translation of the entire text into Russian.

Cat Woman

Think Catwoman is just a comic book character? But no, this is the heroine of an ancient Greek parable. The story tells about a cat who really wanted to become a woman, and she turned with this request to the goddess.

Englishforkids

Three Little Pigs

A fairy tale loved by many in childhood about three piglets who decided to build a house for themselves for the winter. On this site, first there is a fairy tale in English, then the Russian version. However, the Russian version is in a literary translation, so it may not exactly match the English version. Reading fairy tales here is suitable for those who no longer need an accurate translation of each sentence.

Cinderella / Cinderella

Here, in the version of the Brothers Grimm, there is no cutting off of heels and fingers and doves merrily singing about it, but all the same, the sisters bled a little, so it’s better to read Charles Perrault’s version with small children :).

Audio fairy tales with text

Here are collected fairy tales in audio format, to which there is a text that you can read while listening so as not to miss new words. Most of them are much longer than the previous ones.

Aladdin and the wonderful lamp / Aladdin and the magic lamp

Arabic fairy tale about the poor guy Aladdin, which is included in the collection "A Thousand and One Nights". The tale was originally written for adults, but it became so popular that there were adaptations for children. Magribin asks Aladdin to get him one lamp. To do this, the guy has to go through a series of tests. The lamp turns out to be not simple, but magical, because inside there is a genie that fulfills any desire.

Rapunzel / Rapunzel

A story about a long-haired beauty imprisoned in a tower in the forest.

Audiobaby

On this site you will find audio fairy tales collected in different categories. First you need to select a section, then a fairy tale you like. Next to each is written how many minutes the audio lasts. There is no text accompaniment, so you have to listen carefully. Suitable for listening before going to bed to relax and give your eyes a little rest.

Fairy tales in English are suitable for children and adults who find it difficult to read magazine articles and complex fiction. They are short and most of them are written in plain English, which allows them to be read with little to no use of a dictionary. Audio versions are read by speakers with clear and slow speech, so even a beginner can understand them.

Fairy tales in English for adults and children. The section includes classic fairy tales by Oscar Wilde, as well as Scottish and English fairy tales, which are suitable for both adult English learners and children to read.

Fairy tales in English for children:

Fairy tales in English for adults:

Little Pip is going to London! The mouse will help preschool children to fall in love with English.

The protagonist of the book - a curious little mouse Pip loves adventure and goes to explore London. Every day Pipa travels is a new lesson.
The book "English in the footsteps of Pip" is English for children of preschool and primary school age. Learn English with Pip the Mouse!

The book "English in the footsteps of Pip"— an exciting journey into the world of learning English, this is English for children of preschool and primary school age. The protagonist of the book - a curious little mouse Pip loves adventure and goes to explore London. Every day Pipa travels is a new lesson.

Following in the footsteps of Pip...

Pip the mouse accidentally gets on a ship that is preparing to sail. There he meets the girl Keti and her family, the ship is anchored - and the fun begins. The girl becomes his teacher - and instead of Pip, little readers in the light, game form throughout the book, such important topics are studied: "Great Britain and its parts with capitals", "Family", "Introduction", "Food and Drink", "Illness" and many others.

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Want to read to your child 25 funny stories in English the wonderful children's writer Jane Thayer? The stories are good and funny. The text of each story is provided with a commentary, as well as exercises. The text refers to the level for beginners (beginners). To begin with, I propose to read excerpts from the first 10 stories, the publication of which will continue a little later. Those who wish can still purchase the book. And the first story about the cat Timothy can be read right now on our website.

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This is a short English story for children and grown-ups. It may remind you about your childhood or your velveteen rabbit. Or it may be a velveteen bear or some other toy. The story is adapted for pre-intermediate. You can also enjoy and its Russian translation.
A touching story in English which is called "Plush Bunny". This story is adapted and will be of interest to adults and children. Voiced video and a translation into Russian with a detailed analysis of the text is attached. Another story from Majerie Williams for those who study English on our site!

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Tales in English are suitable for learning English and, above all, because the words are repeated in them. And this Scottish tale is no exception. The second part in it is absolutely similar to the first, exactly the opposite. This fairy tale is similar to a Russian fairy tale, in which we are talking about good and evil girls. The text of the tale refers to the level intermediate. In the tale, however, there are expressions that are difficult to understand, which are in italics.

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This fairy tale in english for young children. After reading this fairy tale to your child, you and he will memorize 10 words on the topic “Danger”. In this case, this danger is represented by a dragon spewing fire. Pay attention to expressions 3-6. These are the so-called "verb be + adjective with preposition" constructions. These constructions are translated into Russian with a verb (sometimes the preposition remains, sometimes it disappears), so these stable constructions must be memorized along with the preposition. You don't need to learn words to understand! You can find out the translation of a word by double-clicking on it. The fairy tale is translated into Russian.

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Many fairy tales in english for children about animals. The British love animals. Here we offer to read a fairy tale about a horse with a beautiful name Reginald and a dog Chernysh. The events of this tale, as expected, took place a long time ago in England, when houses were heated with coal and milk was transported by cart. So, Reginald and Chernysh had a cherished dream: Reginald dreamed of becoming a racehorse, and Chernysh dreamed of becoming a hound.

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Are you just starting to learn English? We offer you to read and listen online to Oscar Wilde's fairy tale "The Nightingale and the Rose" from books in English for beginners.

It is no secret to anyone that today learning English is a necessity. Modern parents try to instill in their children a love for a foreign language from childhood, sending them to additional classes or hiring a private tutor. However, moms and dads can also participate in the process of teaching kids. Children's fairy tales in English - The best way assimilation of the material. Through reading, the child will not only immerse himself in the world of his favorite magical characters, but also learn to perceive familiar stories in a foreign language and learn new words. Thus, you will instill in your child an interest not only in learning the language, but also in literature.

English through a fairy tale

Childhood is the best time not only because of carelessness, but also because of the effectiveness of assimilation of new information. That is why scientists advise starting the educational process at 2-4 years old, when the child's brain is able to easily perceive educational material.

Learning a foreign language at an early age has its own characteristics. The playing technique and the perception of most of the material by ear are just some of them. Now in the public domain there are many videos, audio recordings and books to help parents and educators.

A lesson for a small student should be built in the form of an exciting game, and what, if not a fairy tale, best meets this requirement? English fairy tales for children take into account all aspects of the language - vocabulary, elementary grammar, reading and listening skills. Whatever method of presentation you choose - show the fairy tale on video, read it yourself or with the children - you can always be sure that the little listener will be satisfied!

Fairy tales in English contribute to the development of imagination and broadening the horizons of the children's audience. In addition to traditional skills - the perception of the text, its interpretation - the child will learn to concentrate and draw analogies with his native language.

You have finally decided which fairy tale you will study today with your son or daughter. What points should be taken into account during the lesson?

First of all, do not plant knowledge. Let the process of getting to know the characters and the text be entertainment for the child, not torture. Use your imagination to turn it into an exciting action: change your voice when dubbing, learn the songs of the characters, come up with associations or act out like a skit!

It is worth avoiding the traditional explanation of grammatical intricacies. If you take up this business, then do everything in portions and in simple language. Perhaps in this matter you will need the help of a professional who will tell you the most convenient option.

Let the fairy tale turn into a wonderful journey through the world of the language being studied!

Fairy tales for kids in English

So, we found out that a fairy tale is one of the best options for immersing yourself in a language environment. What fairy tales in English for children to choose?

In this matter, it all depends on the level of language proficiency. Usually, on modern books with educational fairy tales in English, the required stock of knowledge and the number of words are always indicated. Sometimes tasks, questions are attached to fairy tales. Also, the text can be accompanied by an audio and video application. In principle, all these materials are not so difficult to find on the Internet.

You should start with those stories that the baby has already heard in Russian. Recognizable characters and situations will facilitate the process of perception of foreign speech. In the future, it is already possible to introduce the child to new characters, for example, the famous

Use an adapted edition that is age- and English-specific. At first, it is desirable that the original text be accompanied by a translation. Do not forget to use your own imagination to motivate your child to further activities.

On our site you will find a lot of useful materials, including children's fairy tales in English. With them, the process of teaching a child English will become much more productive and more fun.

We all know that laughter is the best stress reliever. Combine business with pleasure: read these short funny stories and practice your English with pleasure.

If you need to write a mystical story in English, I have prepared separately

My meeting with a traffic cop

My meeting with a traffic cop - A funny story from life

It was seven years ago.
I was driving to work.

I drove up to the office and broke a traffic rule - I crossed a double solid line on the road.
At that time, a police officer was standing on the street.
I thought he saw me go over the double lines.
But he kept standing.

I drove further slowly because I was near my office.
At that time, a car backed up.
The driver didn't see my car, and smashed into it.

That police officer ran up to us and said to me:
“I have seen everything: you violated traffic rules, you have a dead body in your trunk, and drugs in your car.
Can I see your driver's license?

I'm standing, I'm hearing, and I can't say anything.

Then he laughed and said: “Miss, please smile, you looked so upset that I had to tell you something to cheer you up” and let me go.

TEXT TRANSLATION

It was 7 years ago.
I was driving to work.

I had already arrived at the office, but I violated the rules of the road - I crossed a double solid line.
And there was just a traffic policeman standing there.
I thought he saw me cross the solid line.
But he continued to stand.

Then a traffic cop runs up and says:
“I saw everything - you broke the rules, you have a corpse and drugs in your trunk.
May I have your driver's license?"

I stand listening and can not say anything.

Then he laughed and said: “Smile girl, you are standing so upset, I had to make you laugh / cheer up at least somehow,” after which he let me go.

Fortune and the man

One day a man was walking along the street. He carried an old bag in his hands. He was wondering why people who had so much money were never satisfied and always wanted more. “As to me,” he said, “if I had enough to eat, I should not ask for anything else.”

Just at this moment Fortune came down the street. She heard the man and stopped.

“Listen,” she said, “I want to help you. Hold your bag, and I shall pour diamonds into it. But every diamond which falls on the ground will become dust. Do you understand?”

“Oh, yes, I understand,” said the man. He quickly opened his bag and stream of diamonds was poured into it. The bag began to grow heavy. Is that enough? asked Fortune. “Not yet.” The man's hand's began to tremble.

“You are the richest man in the world now.” Said Fortune.

“Just a few more, and a few more,” said the man. Another diamond was added and the bag slipped. All the diamonds fell on the ground and became dust.

Fortune disappeared, leaving the man in the street.

TEXT TRANSLATION

One day a poor man was walking down the street. In his hands was an old bag. He walked and thought: “Why are people who have a lot of money never satisfied and always want to have more money.”
“As for me,” he thought, if I only had enough for food, I would not need anything more.
At that moment, Fate passed him by. She heard the poor man and stopped.
“Listen,” she said, “I want to help you. Give me your bag, I'll fill it with diamonds. But if even one diamond falls to the ground, the entire contents of the bag will turn to dust. Understand?
“Of course I understand,” the poor man replied. He quickly opened his bag and the diamonds fell into his bag. The bag was getting heavy.
"Enough?" Fate asked.
“Not yet,” the peasant replied, his hands trembling.
“You are the richest man in the world,” said Fate.
"More! Some more!" said the poor man.
At that moment, another diamond fell into the overflowing bag.
The bag slipped out of the hands of the poor man and fell to the ground, and the diamonds became dust in the same moment.
Fate has disappeared, leaving the poor on the street.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Everyone has heard of Sherlock Holmes. Everyone has read stories about Sherlock Holmes at one time or another. Sherlock Holmes was a famous detective. Actually, he was the most famous detective of all times.

The author of the Sherlock Holmes stories was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Once Sir Arthur arrived in Paris. He took a cab and asked the cabman to take him to the Ritz, the hotel where he was going to spend the night.

The cabman brought him to the hotel. When he received the fare he said:
“Thank you very much, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”
“How do you know who I am?” asked Sir Arthur. He was very much surprised.

“Well, sir, I read in the newspaper yesterday that you were coming to Paris from the South of France. I also noticed that your hair was cut by a barber in the South of France. Your clothes and especially your hat told me that you were English. I put all the information together and quessed that you were Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”

“That is wonderful,” said Sir Arthur.
“You could recognize me though you knew very few facts.”

“Besides,” added the cabman. Your name is on both of your travel bags. That also helped.”

So, the cabman played a good joke on Conan Doyle.

TEXT TRANSLATION

Everyone has heard of Sherlock Holmes. Everyone has read the Sherlock Holmes stories at one time or another. Sherlock Holmes was a famous detective. In fact, he was the most famous detective of all time.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the author of the Sherlock Holmes stories. One day Sir Arthur arrived in Paris. He took a taxi and asked the taxi driver to take him to the Ritz, to the hotel where he was going to spend the night. The driver brought him to the hotel. When he received the fare, he said:
"Thank you very much, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle."
"How do you know who I am?" Sir Arthur asked. He was very surprised.
“Well, sir, I read in the newspaper yesterday that you were going to Paris from the south of France. I also noticed that you had your hair cut by a barber in the south of France.
Your clothes and especially your hat say that you are English. I put all these facts together and realized that you are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
"Wonderful," said Sir Arthur. "You were able to recognize me by knowing very few facts."
“Besides,” added the driver, “your name is on both of your travel bags. That helped too."
Thus the driver played a good joke on Conan Doyle.

Honesty is the best policy

A woodman was once working on the bank of a deep river. Suddenly his ax slipped from his hand and dropped into the water.
“Oh! I have lost my ax,” he cried. “What shall I do? Who can help me?”
Mercury heard the poor man's cries and appeared before him.

‘What is the matter, poor woodman?’ he asked. “What has happened? Why are you so sad and unhappy?”
Mercury listened to the man's story and then said, “Perhaps I can help you.” He dived into the river and brought up a golden axe. “Is this yours?” he asked. “No, that is not mine,” was the answer.

Mercury dived a second time and this time brought up a silver axe. “Is this yours?” he asked. Again the answer was “No.” So Mercury dived a third time and brought up the very ax that the woodman had lost. "That's my axe," cried the man. “Yes, that is my axe. Now I can work again.”

Mercury was so pleased with the follow’s honesty that at once he made him a present of the other two axes and disappeared before the man could say, “Thank you”.

The woodman went home very pleased with his good luck. He told his friends all about it and one of them decided to try his luck. So he went to the same place, dropped his ax into the river, and cried out: “Oh! I have lost my ax. What shall I do? Who can help me?”

Mercury appeared as before, and when he learned that man had lost his ax, he dived into the river. Again he brought up a golden axe. Is this yours? he asked.

“Yes, it is,” answered the woodman. “You are not telling me the truth,” Mercury said.

You will neither have this ax nor the one that you so foolishly dropped into the water.”

TEXT TRANSLATION

One day a woodcutter was working on the bank of a deep-water river. Suddenly the ax slipped from his hands and fell into the water.
"Ouch! I lost my axe, he exclaimed. "What should I do? Who can help me?"
Mercury heard the cries of the poor man and appeared before him.
"What happened, poor fellow?" - he asked. “What happened? Why are you so sad and unhappy?

Mercury listened to the man's story and then said, "Perhaps I can help you." He dived into the river and raised the golden axe. "Is this your axe?" - he asked. "No, it's not mine," was the woodcutter's reply. Mercury dived a second time, and this time he raised his silver axe. "This one is yours?" - he asked. Again the answer was "No". Mercury dived a third time and picked up the ax that the woodcutter had lost. “This is my axe,” exclaimed the poor man. “Yes, this is my axe. Now I can work again.”

Mercury was so pleased with the honesty of his friend that he immediately made him a gift of two other axes and disappeared before the man could say: "Thank you."
The woodcutter returned home very pleased with his luck. He told his friends about all this and one of them decided to try his luck. He went to the same place, dropped the ax into the river and shouted: “Oh! I lost my axe. What should I do? Who can help me?"
Mercury appeared as before, and when he learned that the man had lost the ax, he dived into the river. He raised the golden axe. "Is that your axe"? - he asked.
"Yes, it's mine," replied the woodcutter. "You are not telling the truth," said Mercury.
You will not get this ax and yours, which you foolishly threw into the water.

A present from the son

Long ago there lived an old woman in England. She had a son who was a sailor. He went to different countries and always brought presents for his old mother.

Once he went to China and brought some tea from that country.
At that time tea was very expensive and only rich people could buy and drink it. So the old woman was very happy to have such a nice present. But she didn't know what to do with it as she had never bought tea before. She thought it was a vegetable. She told her friends about her son's present and invited them to taste it with her. At last the day of the tea-party came. The woman called her guests to the dining-room and put a big dish of tea leaves on the table. The guests began to eat the leaves with salt just as they ate vegetables. Nobody liked it but didn't tell the woman about it and continued to eat the leaves.

Some tome later the sailor came into the room. When he saw that all the guests were eating leaves, he smiled.

“What are you doing? Why are these leaves? Where is the tea?”
“Here it is, my son,” the old woman said.
“And where is the water in which you have boiled the leaves?” asked the man laughing.
“I threw it away, of course,” answered the woman.

TEXT TRANSLATION

A long time ago, there lived an old woman in England. She had a son who was a sailor. He traveled to different countries and always brought gifts for his old mother.

One day he went to China and brought tea from that country. At that time, tea was very expensive, and only rich people could buy and drink such tea. Therefore, the old lady was very happy to have such a nice present. But she did not know what to do with such tea, since she had never bought it before. She thought it was a vegetable.

She told her friends about her son's gift and invited them to try this tea. Finally the day of the tea party arrived. The woman called her guests into the dining room and placed a large dish of tea leaves on the table. The guests began to eat the leaves with salt, as they did when they ate vegetables. No one liked it, but no one told the old woman about it, but continued to eat the leaves.
Some time later, the son entered the room.
When he saw that all the guests were eating the leaves, he smiled.
"What are you doing?
Why are you eating these leaves?
Where's the tea?

“Here he is, my son,” said the old woman.
“Where is the water in which you boiled the leaves?” asked the son, laughing.
“Of course I poured it out,” the mother replied.

I'm four years old at home, and two and a half in buses and trains

A mother and her young son got into a bus and sat down. The bus conductor came up to them and asked them to pay the fare. The mother said, ‘I want one ticket to Oxford,’ and gave him a shilling.

The conductor was looking at the small boy for a few seconds and then said, ‘How old are you, young man?’
The mother began speaking, but the conductor stopped her, and the boy said, ‘I’m four years old at home, and two and a half in buses and trains.’

The mother took sixpence more out of her bag and gave it to the bus conductor.
He gave her one ticket and a half.

TEXT TRANSLATION

A young woman with a small child entered the bus and sat on the seat. The bus conductor approached them and asked them to pay for the fare. Holding out one shilling, the woman says: "I need one ticket to Oxford."

Looking at the child, the conductor asked the mother: "How old are you, young man?"
The woman began to speak, but the conductor stopped her and the boy said: “At home I am four years old, and on buses and trains I am 2.5 years old.”

The woman brought another sixpence from her bag and gave it to the conductor. And he gave her one adult and one children's ticket.

I prefer to play the part of a great man on the stage

Once David Garrick, a famous actor, was told by a Member of Parliament that as he was so popular he could easily become an MP too. “No thank you,” the actor replied. “I prefer to play the part of a great man on the stage than the part of a fool in Parliament.”

TEXT TRANSLATION

Since David Garrick was a famous actor, he was once told by a Member of Parliament that an actor could easily enter Parliament as well.
“No thanks,” the actor replied.
"I prefer to play the role of a great man on the stage than a fool in parliament."

Can my dog have a seat in the bus?

One wet day a woman with a dog got on a bus. It was a very big dog and its feet were dirty.
The woman said, “Oh, conductor, if I pay for my dog, can he have a seat like the other passengers?”

The conductor looked at the dog and then said, “Certainly, madam, he can have a seat, but like the other passengers, he mustn’t put his feet on it.”

TEXT TRANSLATION

One rainy day, a woman with a dog got on the bus. The dog was very large and had dirty paws. The woman asked: “Conductor, can a dog sit on the seat like other passengers if I pay for its fare?”
The conductor looked at the dog and replied: “Of course, madam, the dog can sit down, but she, like all passengers, should not sit with her feet on the seat.”

Why do men in this country wear black when they marry?

Mrs. Robinson was a teacher in a big school in an American city. She had boys and girls in her class, and she always enjoyed teaching them, because they were quick and because they thought about everything carefully.

One day she said to the children: “People in a lot of countries in Asia wear white clothes at funerals, but people in America and in Europe wear white clothes when they're happy, what color does a woman in this country wear when she marries, Mary?”

Mary said, "White, Miss because she's happy."

"That's good, Mary," Mrs. Robinson said. “You're quite right. She wears white because she's happy.”
But then one of the boys in the class put his hand up.

“Yes, Dick,” Mrs. Robinson said. “Do you want to ask a question?”
"Yes, Miss," Dick said. “Why do men in this country wear black when they marry?”

TEXT TRANSLATION

Mrs. Robinson was a teacher at a large school in an American city. In the class she had boys and girls, whom she loved to teach, because. they grasped everything on the fly and carefully studied the material. As she said to the children:
“People in many Asian countries wear white clothes for funerals, while in America and Europe we wear white clothes for a holiday when we are happy. What color will a girl wear in our country when she gets married?
“White, Miss, because she is happy,” Maria answered.
"All right, Maria," said Mrs. Robinson. "You're absolutely right. She wears white because she is happy.”
But then one of the students in the class raised his hand.
"Yes, Dick," said Mrs. Robinson. "Do you want to ask a question?"
"Yes, Miss," said Dick.
“Why do our men wear black clothes when they get married?”