Bedtime Stories for Ages 5-8
Classic bedtime stories perfectly suited for children ages 5-8.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
A curious rabbit faces trouble in a garden and finds his way home
The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies
Benjamin and Flopsy’s children nap in a risky place, and quick friends help them home.
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
A familiar body-parts rhyme with steady repetition for sing-along play.
The Little Engine That Could
A small blue engine helps a stranded toy train reach children over a mountain
The Selfish Giant
A lonely giant learns to open his garden, and spring returns with friendship
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny
Two young rabbits sneak into Mr. McGregor’s garden and learn caution
Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat
A curious cat visits London and the Queen, then startles a tiny mouse.
Why the Sea is Salt
Two brothers, a magical mill, and a seaside bargain that turns salt into a lasting wonder.
The Honest Woodcutter
A weary woodcutter meets Mercury and learns that truth brings reward.
The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin
A lively lake adventure where a rude squirrel learns hard consequences
If You're Happy and You Know It
A sing-along action rhyme with claps, stomps, and a cheerful hurray
The Top and the Ball
A proud ball vanishes, a top waits for years, and a quiet reunion changes everything.
Old Woman Under a Hill
A gentle rhyme about an old woman who still lives under a hill
The Butterfly
A butterfly searches for a bride and learns the cost of waiting too long.
Two Little Birds
Two little birds on a hill play a gentle fly-and-return game.
Doctor Fell
A short rhyme about a strong feeling you cannot explain, said plainly.
Ring a Ring o' Roses
A simple circle rhyme with roses, sneezes, and a playful tumble
The Shepherdess and the Chimney-Sweep
Two porcelain sweethearts brave a daring escape and choose home together
Ride Away, Ride Away
A gentle riding rhyme with a kitten and puppy, visiting grandmother.
The Golden Goose
A kind youngest son finds a golden goose and a silly chain of luck
The Dog and His Reflection
A dog mistakes his reflection for a rival and learns to value what he has.
Mary Had a Little Lamb
A gentle rhyme about Mary and her lamb visiting school together
The Ploughman and His Sons
A farmer’s final advice leads his sons to discover the reward of work
Hector Protector
A playful rhyme about Hector in green meeting the Queen and King
The Flying Trunk
A careless young man’s magical flight, a palace story, and a wistful turn
Little Tommy Tucker
A gentle rhyme about Tom Tucker, supper, and simple questions to ponder
I Saw a Ship A-Sailing
A playful ship at sea filled with sweets, silk sails, and a quacking captain
The Chronicle of the Pancake
A runaway pancake boasts through a lively chase and meets a clever pig
Little Robin Redbreast
A playful chase as Robin perches in a tree and teases a climbing cat
How the Whale Got His Throat
A hungry whale meets a clever sailor and learns to eat more carefully.
Rock-a-bye, Baby
A gentle cradle rhyme with a noble father, a queenly mother, and a royal drumbeat.
The Frog King (The Frog Prince)
A princess learns to keep her promise when a frog comes to the castle
To Market, To Market
A bouncy trip to the market and back with a playful trot rhythm
The Swan Maiden
A devoted search across strange kingdoms to bring a family back together
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck
A determined duck seeks a safe nest, meets a sly stranger, and learns caution with help from a loyal farm dog.
Cushy Cow
A gentle plea to a pretty cow, with promises of silk and silver
The Three Spinners
A clever girl, three odd helpers, and a promise that changes her fate
Old Woman, Old Woman
A playful back-and-forth of hearing, kindness, and a gentle kiss
Thumbelina
A tiny girl’s brave journey from danger to a bright home among flowers
How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin
A sunny island prank explains the rhinoceros’s wrinkles and temper
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
A gentle rowing rhyme with playful animal surprises and sing-song repeats
Mother Holle
A hardworking girl enters Mother Holle’s snowy world and returns changed
Five Little Monkeys
Playful monkeys jump on the bed, with a doctor’s firm, funny refrain
The Teapot
A proud teapot breaks, then finds quiet purpose as a flowerpot
Pease Porridge Hot
A simple rhyme about porridge in a pot, hot or cold, and very old.
The Darning Needle
A proud little needle tumbles from honor to the gutter, still sure of herself
Blow, Wind, Blow!
A breezy mill-and-bakery rhyme that ends with warm morning rolls
Little Miss Muffet
A cozy snack is interrupted when a spider appears beside Miss Muffet.
I Like Little Pussy
A gentle rhyme about playing kindly with a warm-coated kitten
The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids
Seven young kids learn caution and teamwork when a wolf tries to trick them.
Little Betty Blue
A gentle rhyme about Betty finding a way to replace a lost shoe
The Brave Little Tailor
A clever tailor’s bold journey of tricks, trials, and earned respect
The Story of Little Boy Blue
A devoted boy shepherd learns responsibility, receives forgiveness, and finds help for his mother by the river
The Bremen Town Musicians
Four aging animals join forces, outwit robbers, and find a safe home together.
Jack and the Beanstalk
A daring climb to the clouds brings danger, wonders, and hard choices home.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
A town’s bargain with a mysterious piper, and the cost of breaking a promise
The Wishing-Table
Three brothers, a trickster goat, and three magical gifts restore a family.
Doctor Foster
A rainy trip to Gloucester and a puddle too deep to forget
Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary
A curious garden rhyme with silver bells, shells, and maids in a row
Little Bo-Peep
A gentle rhyme about Bo-Peep searching for her sheep and their tails
Lavender Blue
A gentle rhyme of lavender and rosemary, shared work, and warmth
The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse
A very tidy mouse faces unruly visitors and restores her home with patience
The Magic Porridge Pot
A hungry family finds a pot that cooks porridge, until one forgotten word floods the town.
Little Red-Cap (Little Red Riding Hood)
A brave walk through the woods, a clever wolf, and a safe return home
The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
Lucie searches for lost handkerchiefs and finds a helpful hedgehog laundress.
The Man in the Moon
A playful tumble from the moon leads to a wrong turn and a surprising bite.
The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes
A cozy woodland mix-up where Timmy Tiptoes gets stuck, helped, and found
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
A bored shepherd’s trick breaks trust when real danger comes at dusk.
The Straw
Three tiny runaways face a brook, a mishap, and a kind stitch of help
Little Jack Horner
A cozy corner moment with Christmas pie, a plum, and proud delight.
Rumpelstiltskin
A queen races to learn a tricky helper’s name to keep her baby safe
The Lion and the Mouse
A small mouse repays a lion’s mercy with brave, clever help in the forest
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
A curious intruder, three cozy bears, and a lesson in respect for home
The Star Money
A poor girl gives away everything and receives star-coins in a quiet forest
The Little Red Hen
A hardworking hen turns one wheat seed into bread while others refuse to help.
The Seven Ravens
A brave sister journeys to the Glass Mountain to save her brothers
Lazy Jack
A gentle chain of mistakes leads Jack to an unexpected happy turn
East of the Sun and West of the Moon
A brave girl journeys through winds and wonder to save a bewitched prince
Little Bun Rabbit
A gentle farm-girl befriends a shy rabbit and hears Santa’s toy-making secret
The House That Jack Built
Buttons
A playful street-cry rhyme about pretty buttons for sale in the city
The Tale of Two Bad Mice
Mice explore a dollhouse, make a mess, then try to set things right
Three Blind Mice
A classic rhyme about three blind mice and a surprising chase
A, B, C
A simple sing-along that practices the alphabet from A to Z.
Curly Locks
A playful invitation to rest, sew, and enjoy strawberries with cream.
The Queen of Hearts
A playful rhyme about stolen tarts, a royal scolding, and a promise to behave
See-Saw, Margery Daw
A playful see-saw rhyme about Jacky, work, and a penny a day
The Three Kittens
Three kittens lose, find, soil, and wash their mittens in a playful rhyme
Diddle Diddle Dumpling
A playful verse about a little boy and mismatched stockings
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep
A simple counting rhyme about a black sheep and three bags of wool
This Little Piggy
A playful piggy counting rhyme with a market trip and a wee-wee-wee home.
Bye, Baby Bunting
A gentle family scene of everyone busy, wrapping baby in a warm skin
Ride a Cock-Horse
A playful ride to Banbury Cross to see what Tommy can buy
The Emperor’s New Clothes
A proud emperor, two tricksters, and a child’s honest words in a grand parade
Lady-bird, Lady-bird
A gentle rhyme about a ladybird hurrying home as danger nears
Hey Diddle Diddle
Playful moon-jump whimsy with a cat, a fiddle, and a laughing dog
The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan
A village tea party goes awry when two pies and a patty-pan get mixed up
The Old Woman and Her Pig
A determined old woman follows a funny chain of helpers to get home.
Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son
A brisk rhyme about Tom, a stolen pig, and the consequences that follow
The Boy and the Filberts
A boy learns to let go of “too much” and solve a simple, sticky problem.
Little Boy Blue
A gentle rhyme about a little shepherd boy and farmyard mischief
Jack Jingle
A playful rhyme about a young apprentice, a spoiled horseshoe, and a sizzling surprise
The Black Sheep
A hardworking sheep shares her wool to help a poor child stay warm
Ding, Dong, Bell
A playful bell rhyme about a cat in a well and being kind
The Tale of Tom Kitten
Three kittens dress up for tea, tumble into trouble, and learn about care and consequences.
Jack and Jill
Two children climb a hill for water, tumble down, and get gentle help.
The Gingerbread Man
A quick little cake races past pursuers until a clever fox stops him.
Old Chairs to Mend
A playful street-cry rhyme about mending chairs and selling old clothes
Tom, the Piper's Son
A hungry boy makes a wrong choice, faces consequences, and learns honest work
How Do You Do?
A friendly greeting rhyme that shares warm check-ins with neighbors and cousins.
What Are Little Boys Made Of?
Playful rhyme comparing what little boys and girls are made of
I Love Sixpence
A playful counting rhyme about coins, spending, and bringing some home
Baby Bunting
A gentle family rhyme about errands, care, and wrapping baby warmly.
Old MacDonald Had a Farm
A playful farm song with animal sounds and steady, repeatable lines
Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee
Two friends quarrel, then a huge crow scares them into peace
Saturday, Sunday
A gentle weekend rhyme about fixing hair and a promised gold ring
Peter Piper
A playful tongue-twister about pickled peppers and a missing peck
The Wond'rous Wise Man
A small-town wise man faces riddles, pride, and a prickly mishap
The Spirit in the Bottle
A clever student meets a trapped spirit and chooses wisdom, work, and care
Wee Willie Winkie
A playful night watchman dashes through town, checking on children.
Old King Cole
A cheerful king calls for his pipe, bowl, and three lively fiddlers
Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
A playful circle song about morning routines like washing up and going to school
Little Tom Tucker
A gentle rhyme about Tom Tucker singing for supper and simple questions
Handy Pandy
A playful little rhyme about treats from the shop and happy hopping.
The Tortoise and the Hare
A steady tortoise keeps going while a speedy hare learns to be humble.
The Mice in Council
Mice plan for safety from a cat, and face the hardest part of brave ideas
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
A gentle starry rhyme of wonder, light, and a traveler guided at night
Pat-a-Cake
A playful baking rhyme with patting dough, a marked initial, and a warm oven treat.
Three Wise Men of Gotham
A playful rhyme about wise men sailing in a bowl and what happens next
Yankee Doodle
A playful town visit on a pony, with a feathered cap and a silly name
Itsy Bitsy Spider
A tiny spider climbs, rain falls, sun returns, and the climb begins again.
Lucy Locket
A brief rhyme about a lost pocket, a found surprise, and a simple little detail.
The Tale of Samuel Whiskers
A worried mother cat, a hidden chimney passage, and a narrow escape from clever rats.
Polly, Put the Kettle On
A cozy tea-time rhyme with repeated lines and a simple coming-and-going twist
The Ant and the Grasshopper
A grasshopper’s music meets winter’s needs as ants prepare ahead
Hot Cross Buns
A simple street-cry rhyme about cross-topped buns and pennies
Green Gravel
A gentle rhyme of green grass, kind maids, and names written in ink
The Hares and the Frogs
Timid hares learn courage when even frogs startle and dash away
Little Miss Muffet
A city girl finds freedom, work, and a fright in a quiet orchard
The Cat and the Mouse
A little mouse races through a farm chain to win back her tail
The Fox and the Crane
A fox’s dinner trick is returned by a calm crane, teaching fairness
The Oak and The Reed
A proud oak and a bending reed face a fierce wind by the river
Cross Patch
A cozy fireside rhyme about latching up, spinning, and inviting neighbors in
The North Wind and the Sun
A gentle fable about strength, warmth, and winning hearts without force
A Apple Pie
Alphabet actions build a playful chain around a tempting apple pie
Humpty Dumpty
A well-known rhyme about a fall and helpers who cannot fix it.
Dame Trot
A gentle chat between Dame Trot and her cat, with a playful question
Goosey, Goosey, Gander
A playful stairway rhyme with a wandering goose and a quick consequence
Monday's Child
A gentle rhyme linking each weekday to a child’s special quality
Old King Cole
A wandering fiddler becomes king and fills the palace with music and kindness.
What Jack Horner Did
A brave boy rescues a stranger and brings comfort to his grandparents at Christmas
London Bridge
A playful chant about rebuilding London Bridge with different materials
How the Camel Got His Hump
A desert fable about work, fairness, and the day a camel got his hump
The Story of Tommy Tucker
A hungry street boy wins supper with quick wit and earns a new home
The Old Man and his Grandson
A family learns respect and tenderness for an aging grandfather
The Tale of Ginger and Pickles
A busy village shop learns what happens when everyone buys on credit
Pussy-cat Mew
A curious cat journeys to London, meets danger, and returns home wiser
The Three Little Pigs
Three pig siblings build straw, stick, and brick homes and face a tricky wolf
Simple Simon
A silly chain of mishaps as Simple Simon tries one thing after another
Mistress Mary
A seaside child waits for sailors to return, learning patience and listening
The Miller His Son and Their Ass
A father and son learn how hard it is to please everyone on the road
The Black Bull of Norroway
A brave girl’s long journey of patience, courage, and true love in Norroway
How the Leopard Got His Spots
A forest chase of shadows shows how change helps animals survive
The Elephant's Child
A curious young elephant journeys to the Limpopo and discovers a surprising new nose
Ten in the Bed
A playful counting rhyme as children roll over in bed, one by one.
Georgy Porgy
A quick, playful rhyme about Georgy Porgy and what happens when he runs away
The Carter Stuck in the Mud
A stranded carter learns to work wisely before asking for help.
The Owl and the Pussy-cat
A tender sea journey, a wedding ring, and a moonlit dance of love
The Plane Tree
Two travelers rest in cool shade and learn quiet gratitude
Mother Goose: Simple Simon
A gentle chain of silly mix-ups as Simple Simon tries and learns
The Fox and the Grapes
A hungry fox reaches for grapes and learns to face disappointment honestly
Hark, Hark! The Dogs do Bark
Dogs bark as beggars arrive, showing a playful contrast of clothes
Old Mother Hubbard
A playful chain of errands as a dog surprises Mother Hubbard each time
Sing a Song of Sixpence
A playful courtly rhyme with a surprising pie and singing blackbirds
The Bundle of Sticks
A father shows his quarreling sons how staying united keeps them strong.
Diamonds and Toads
A gentle girl’s kindness brings jewels, while rudeness brings trouble.
The Lion and the Unicorn
A lively rhyme about a lion and a unicorn vying for a crown
Peter, Peter, Pumpkin-Eater
A short, bouncy rhyme about Peter, a wife, and a pumpkin shell hideaway.
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
A playful counting rhyme with simple actions, from shoes to doors and dinner.
Daffy-down-dilly
A gentle arrival rhyme with bright clothes and simple town imagery
Apple Pie ABC
A playful alphabet rhyme where each letter asks for a taste of pie
Jack Sprat
A playful couple shares a meal, each eating what the other will not.
Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe
A tiny rhyme about a shoe-house, many children, and a brisk routine
The Wind
A simple rhyme about how each wind direction changes the day
The Dove and the Ant
A dove saves a drowning ant, and later the ant bravely returns the favor
The Three Little Kittens
Kittens lose their mittens, make things right, and celebrate together
The Story of Miss Moppet
A kitten tries a clever trick on a teasing mouse, with gentle consequences
Phoebus and Boreas
Sun and Wind test strength on a traveler, and gentle warmth wins.
The Three Wishes
A woodcutter’s three wishes bring a cozy surprise and a gentle lesson
The Jolly Miller
A lonely miller finds family and learns a new song beside the river Dee
The Eagle and the Arrow
A watchful eagle learns a hard lesson when an arrow carries his own feathers
The Milkmaid and the Milk-Pail
A milkmaid’s bright daydream tumbles when her pail tips on the road
The Fox and the Monkey
Animals choose a playful king, and a fox tests what wisdom is worth
The Cat and the Fiddle
A quiet farm evening turns into a gentle chain of surprises by the brook
Hickory, Dickory, Dock
Three young mice explore a quiet house, meet a loud clock, and learn to stay safe.
How the Beggars Came to Town
A young prince rules for a day and learns how to help the truly needy wisely
The Little Man and His Little Gun
A tiny hunter learns hard lessons after a brookside mishap and a costly mistake
Three Wise Men of Gotham
Three men chase a reputation for wisdom, and learn what happens when pride takes the lead.
The Woman Who Lived in a Shoe
A busy grandmother shelters sixteen grandchildren in a shoe-shaped home
Humpty Dumpty
A curious egg explores a palace garden, finds friendship, and meets a fateful fall.
Mr. Vinegar
A small couple’s journey of trades, mistakes, and wiser choices after loss
The Cat and the Mouse in Partnership
A cat and mouse store winter food, and trust is tested by selfish choices.
The Little Shepherd Boy
A clever shepherd answers a king’s three impossible questions
The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher
A frog’s rainy fishing trip turns surprising, then ends with friends and supper.
The Three Sillies
A humorous chain of mix-ups as a traveler searches for bigger sillies
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod
A moonlit sail in a wooden shoe, with stars like fish and quiet wonder
The Enormous Turnip
A hungry soldier finds hidden coins in a turnip and faces the King’s questions
The Man in the Moon
A lonely moon-dweller visits Norwich, meets warm helpers, and finds his way home
The Fox and the Goat
A clever fox uses a thirsty goat to escape a well, leaving a cautionary moment
The Princess and the Pea
A stormy-night test reveals a princess’s tender sensitivity and true heart.
The Wheels on the Bus
A sing-along bus ride with wheels, doors, wipers, horn, and loving voices.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Three goat brothers cross a bridge, outsmart a troll, and reach sweet grass
The Fox and the Crow
A clever fox uses praise to trick a crow with cheese in her beak
The Ass in the Lion’s Skin
A donkey’s disguise works until his own voice reveals the truth.
The Farmer and the Stork
A trusting stork follows cranes into trouble and learns about consequences
The Crow and the Pitcher
A thirsty crow solves a hard problem with pebbles, patience, and calm grit
The Hare with Many Friends
A hare seeks help from many friends and learns who truly stands by her
The Tale of Pigling Bland
A careful young pig helps a new friend escape and find the way home
The Fox and the Cat
A fox boasts of many tricks, but a cat’s one sure plan keeps her safe.
The Dog in the Manger
A barnyard fable about selfishness, patience, and fair sharing
The Cock and the Pearl
A farmyard rooster finds a pearl and chooses what truly matters to him.
Master of All Masters
A helper learns silly new names and must use them fast to keep a home safe.
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse
Two cousins compare city treats and country calm, and choose what feels safe.
Henny-Penny (Chicken Little)
A small scare grows into a group journey, where listening and caution matter
The Magpie's Nest
Birds learn nest-building step by step, but hurry away too soon
Little Bo-Peep
A young shepherdess searches the hills and learns to observe with care
Sing a Song o' Sixpence
A small coin, a handful of rye, and a clever surprise at the King’s table
Rain, Rain, Go Away
A gentle chant asking rain to leave and the warm sun to stay