Fairy Tales to Read Aloud
Perfect stories for reading aloud — clear language, engaging plots, 3-8 minute reads.
50 stories in this collection
King Pelias
FRANCIS THOMPSON
VIOLA MEYNELL
RUTH TEMPLE LINDSAY
True spiritual fulfillment comes from embracing suffering and actively engaging with the world's pai...
HUGH AUSTIN
PREFACE TO THE EIGHTH EDITION
THE FOX AND THE BADGER
Greed and treachery often lead to one's own downfall.
DAIKOKU AND THE ONI
Even the mightiest powers may fail against the ingenuity of the seemingly weak, leading to unexpecte...
KINTARO, OR THE WILD BABY
YORIMASA, THE BRAVE ARCHER
Skill and bravery in the face of danger will be greatly rewarded.
WATANABE KILLS THE GREAT SPIDER
Even when weakened, a brave spirit and loyal companions can overcome great evil.
THE SAZAYE AND THE TAI
Overconfidence in one's defenses can lead to an unexpected downfall, and true security is not always...
THE WATERFALL OF YORO, OR THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Filial piety and hard work are rewarded, sometimes by miraculous means.
THE EARTHQUAKE FISH
HOW THE SUN GODDESS WAS ENTICED OUT OF HER CAVE
Necessity is the mother of invention, leading to the creation of many beneficial arts and customs.
![THE COMING OF THE KING[\[C\]](#FootnoteC3)](/library-files/english/various/boys_and_girls_bookshelf_vol_2_of_17_folk_lore_fables_and_fairy_tales/the_coming_of_the_king_c_footnotec3/images/cover/cover_001.png?w=100)
THE COMING OF THE KING[\[C\]](#FootnoteC3)
True kingship and worth are found not in outward display, but in kindness, humility, and the good de...
![THE LITTLE PIG[\[D\]](#FootnoteD4)](/library-files/english/various/boys_and_girls_bookshelf_vol_2_of_17_folk_lore_fables_and_fairy_tales/the_little_pig_d_footnoted4/images/cover/cover_001.png?w=100)
THE LITTLE PIG[\[D\]](#FootnoteD4)
Uninvited guests who cause destruction will eventually be barred from repeating their actions.
WHAT HAPPENED TO DUMPS
A change in perspective and effort can transform one's life and how others perceive them.
THE FAIRY THORN
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PORK AND HONEY
Greed can make one vulnerable to trickery.
THE SELFISH SPARROW
Selfishness and a lack of empathy can lead to negative consequences, as those you refuse to help may...
![BR’ER FOX TACKLES OLD BR’ER TARRYPIN[\[Q\]](#FootnoteQ17)](/library-files/english/various/boys_and_girls_bookshelf_vol_2_of_17_folk_lore_fables_and_fairy_tales/br_er_fox_tackles_old_br_er_tarrypin_q_footnoteq17/images/cover/cover_001.png?w=100)
BR’ER FOX TACKLES OLD BR’ER TARRYPIN[\[Q\]](#FootnoteQ17)
Even the weakest can outsmart the strong through cleverness and understanding their opponent's weakn...
WHY THE DIVER DUCK HAS SO FEW TAIL FEATHERS
Even the cleverest tricksters can be outsmarted, and those who expose deceit may bear a mark for the...
MANABOZHO IS ROBBED BY THE WOLVES
Overthinking and unnecessary ceremony can lead to losing out on good fortune.
THE LAMBIKIN
Even the cleverest trickster can be outsmarted, and greed can lead to one's downfall.
THE ACCOMPLISHED AND LUCKY TEAKETTLE
What one person discards as troublesome, another may find valuable and bring them great fortune.
THE ADVENTURES OF LITTLE PEACHLING
With courage, kindness, and loyal companions, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.
THE TWO LIZARDS
Innovation can surpass natural talent, but unchecked desire can lead to unforeseen consequences.
DE KING AND DE PEAFOWL
The Monday Story
True devotion and offerings made with a pure heart, after fulfilling one's duties, are more pleasing...
The King and the Water-Goddesses
Devotion and prayer can sometimes reverse even the most dire sacrifices.
THE LITTLE BELL
Young women should be wary of solitary places and the deceptive tactics of those who seek to exploit...
THE AVARICIOUS WIFE AND TRICKING GALLANT
Greed can lead to being easily exploited and losing more than just money.
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THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE STAG
Those who lack wisdom and are easily flattered often fall victim to the cunning of others.
SIMONIDE PRÉSERVÉ PAR LES DIEUX
Those who honor the gods and artists will be rewarded, while those who are ungrateful and disrespect...
TESTAMENT EXPLIQUÉ PAR ÉSOPE
True wisdom lies in understanding the deeper intent behind words, especially when dealing with human...
LE JARDINIER ET SON SEIGNEUR
It is often better to handle small problems yourself than to seek help from powerful individuals, as...
TRIBUT ENVOYÉ PAR LES ANIMAUX A ALEXANDRE
The powerful will always find a way to exploit the weak, and challenging them is often futile.
L’ALOUETTE ET SES PETITS, AVEC LE MAITRE D’UN CHAMP
Rely on yourself and your own efforts, rather than waiting for others.
LE BUCHERON ET MERCURE
Honesty and contentment with what one has are the surest paths, as deceit for gain will ultimately b...
L’HOMME QUI COURT APRÈS LA FORTUNE, ET L’HOMME QUI L’ATTEND DANS SON LIT
True fortune is often found in contentment and peace at home, rather than through restless pursuit a...
![UN ANIMAL DANS LA LUNE[\[56\]](#Footnote56)](/library-files/french/jean_de_la_fontaine/fables_de_la_fontaine/un_animal_dans_la_lune_56_footnote56/images/cover/cover_001.png?w=100)
UN ANIMAL DANS LA LUNE[\[56\]](#Footnote56)
Our senses can deceive us, but reason allows us to correct these illusions and discern the truth.
LE POUVOIR DES FABLES
Even serious matters can be effectively conveyed through engaging and simple stories, as people are ...
L’HOROSCOPE
Attempts to avoid a prophesied fate often lead directly to it, and relying on fortune-tellers is foo...
LE DÉPOSITAIRE INFIDÈLE
Those who tell absurd lies to deceive others can be outwitted by equally absurd, yet clever, counter...
LES DEUX PIGEONS
True happiness and safety are often found in the familiar and cherished, rather than in the pursuit ...
LA SOURIS MÉTAMORPHOSÉE EN FILLE
One's inherent nature or destiny cannot be entirely changed, despite outward transformations.
LE BERGER ET LE ROI
Ambition, even when seemingly innocent, can lead to downfall and unhappiness, and true contentment o...
LES DEUX PERROQUETS, LE ROI ET SON FILS
Revenge, once enacted, often leads to irreparable breaks in trust and relationships, making reconcil...
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