Looking for short stories for kids in PDF format that you can print today? Here are five free story pages, each on a single A4 sheet with a bold title, the full story, a moral box and three discussion questions. Click the download link under any story, then print it or save it to a tablet.
They are simple on purpose. Large readable text, short paragraphs and plenty of white space make them easy to read aloud, hand out in class or tuck into a bag for a trip.
How to Use These Printable Story PDFs
- At home: print one a week and read it together before bed.
- In class: print a set for the reading corner, or project the page and read it aloud.
- For practice: let a child read the story to a younger sibling.
- For discussion: use the three questions at the bottom of each page as a talking point.
Each PDF is free to print and share for home and classroom use. Please do not sell them or put them on another website. If you want the same stories to read on screen, they are all on our page of short stories for kids in English.
The Tortoise and the Hare
Ages 5 to 8. A boastful hare laughs at a slow tortoise and challenges him to a race. The hare runs ahead, takes a nap, and loses to the tortoise who never stops walking. It is a classic first story about effort and humility.
Moral: Slow and steady wins the race.
Download the PDF: The Tortoise and the Hare
The Lion and the Mouse
Ages 5 to 8. A lion spares a tiny mouse who promises to help him one day. When the lion is trapped in a net, the little mouse chews through the ropes and sets him free. The story shows how kindness comes back to us.
Moral: Kindness is never wasted, and nobody is too small to help.
Download the PDF: The Lion and the Mouse
The Thirsty Crow
Ages 3 to 6. A thirsty crow finds a pot with too little water to reach. Instead of giving up he drops pebbles in one at a time until the water rises. It is a very short story, perfect for the youngest readers.
Moral: Where there is a will there is a way.
Download the PDF: The Thirsty Crow
The Honest Woodcutter
Ages 7 to 12. A woodcutter loses his axe in a river and refuses a golden and a silver axe because they are not his own. His honesty is rewarded, while a greedy man who lies gets nothing. It starts good conversations about telling the truth.
Moral: Honesty is the best policy.
Download the PDF: The Honest Woodcutter
The Bundle of Sticks
Ages 7 to 12. A farmer shows his quarrelling sons that a bundle of sticks is hard to break but a single stick snaps easily. It is a strong story for talking about teamwork and family.
Moral: United we stand, divided we fall.
Download the PDF: The Bundle of Sticks
More Stories to Read
Younger readers might enjoy preschool short stories or easy short stories for kids. For animal tales, see short animal stories for kids. Older students can read short stories for student motivation.
Are these short stories for kids PDFs free?
Yes. You can download and print them for free for home or classroom use.
How do I download a story PDF?
Click the download link under the story you want. The PDF opens in your browser, where you can save it or print it.
Can I print them in a classroom?
Yes. Teachers and parents can print as many copies as they need for children they teach or care for. Please do not sell them or republish them on other websites.
What age group are the PDFs for?
They cover ages 3 to 12. Each story is labelled with a suggested age range so you can pick the right one.
Final Thoughts
A printed story page is a small thing, but it gives a child something to hold, read and talk about away from the screen. Download a story, print it and read it together tonight. Come back whenever you need another one.
