Bedtime Stories for Kids
Short, gentle fairy tales perfect for reading aloud before sleep.
50 stories in this collection
WILLIAM ELLIOT GRIFFIS, D.D
THE SEA PRINCESS
OH, WHERE DO FAIRIES HIDE THEIR HEADS?
THE WAR-HORSE AND THE ASS
Pride will have a fall, and those who are arrogant may one day find themselves in a humble position.
THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX
When two parties fight over a prize, a third, more cunning party may take advantage of their conflic...
THE HARE and THE TORTOISE
Slow and steady wins the race.
THE FOX AND THE WOOD-CUTTER
Actions speak louder than words, and true help requires consistency between them.
THE HORSE AND THE LOADED ASS
Be kind to the weak, for you may one day find yourself in their shoes, or suffer worse consequences ...
THE EAGLE AND THE JACKDAW
We should know our weakness and our strength.
THE DOG AND THE ASS
When your friends need you, go to their assistance, as you do not know when you may need them.
THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN
Gentleness and persuasion are often more effective than brute force.
THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES
Self-help is the best help, and one should not rely on others to do what needs to be done.
BELLING THE CAT
What seems an easy plan may be hard to carry out, and some things are easier said than done.
THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE ASS
Happy is the man who learns from the misfortunes of others.
THE FATHER AND HIS SONS
United we stand, divided we fall.
THE GLOW-WORM AND THE DAW
Wisdom and cleverness can overcome brute force and wickedness.
THE FOX AND THE VILLAGERS
Bad news, especially concerning a known threat, spreads much faster and garners more immediate atten...
THE ASSEMBLY OF ANIMALS
What one boasts about as a strength can often be the very thing that leads to their downfall.
THE COCK AND HIS THREE HENS
People often love for different reasons, and what they claim to value may not be their true motivati...
THE BLACK DOG AND THE WHITE DOG
It is one thing to say, and another thing to do; empty boasts are easily exposed.
THE SUNLING
Never jest with fools, as their misunderstanding can lead to disastrous consequences.
THE THREE FISHES
We should all endeavor to be wise and act with foresight.
THE THIEF AND THE FOX
Lies, especially absurd ones, are easily exposed by those with wit.
THE FOOLS AND THE DRUM
Ignorance and stubbornness can lead to self-inflicted harm and unintended consequences.
THE GLOWWORM AND THE JACKDAW
Do not be easily deceived by appearances or promises of easy gain.
THE FOX AND THE STORK
One bad turn deserves another, or treat others as you wish to be treated.
THE CROW AND THE PITCHER
Small, consistent efforts can overcome great obstacles.
BELLING THE CAT
It is easy to propose impossible remedies, but much harder to execute them.
THE ASS AND THE LAP-DOG
Clumsy jesting is no joke, and one should understand their place and abilities before imitating othe...
THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER
It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.
THE MILKMAID AND HER PAIL
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched, meaning do not make plans based on future events...
THE LION AND THE MOUSE
Even the smallest among us can prove to be a great friend and offer significant help.
THE LION’S SHARE
Those in power will often exploit the labor of others for their own gain, leaving nothing for their ...
THE FOX AND THE CROW
Do not trust flatterers, as their praise often hides ulterior motives.
THE BAT, THE BIRDS, AND THE BEASTS
He that is neither one thing nor the other has no friends.
THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS
All parts of a system, even those seemingly passive, contribute to the well-being of the whole, and ...
SAMMAKOT KUNINGASTA HALUAMASSA
Be content with what you have, for in seeking change, you might find something far worse.
KOTKA JA KETTU
Those who betray trust and harm the innocent will eventually face a fitting retribution, often throu...
KETTU JA HAIKARA
Treat others as you would like to be treated, for what goes around comes around.
HEVONEN JA JALOPEURA
Those who try to deceive others often fall victim to their own tricks.
HEVONEN JA AASI
Do not boast or look down upon others, for fortune can change quickly, and those you scorn may one d...
THE CAT AND THE MICE
If you are wise you won't be deceived by the innocent airs of those whom you have once found to be d...
THE BAT AND THE WEASELS
Look and see which way the wind blows before you commit yourself.
THE ASS, THE FOX, AND THE LION
Betray a friend, and you'll often find you have ruined yourself.
THE LION AND THE MOUSE
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted, and even the smallest creature can be of gr...
THE NORTH WIND AND THE SUN
Persuasion is more effective than brute force.
THE GOODS AND THE ILLS
Human foolishness can upset the natural balance, leading to an abundance of suffering and a scarcity...
THE HARES AND THE FROGS
No matter how bad your own lot may seem, there is always someone worse off than yourself.
THE MILKMAID AND HER PAIL
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched, meaning do not make plans based on future events...
THE BEAR AND THE TRAVELLERS
Misfortune tests the sincerity of friendship.
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