From Fairy Tales to Modern Classics: Top 10 International Bedtime Stories for Kids

Night stories or bedtime stories have always been an essential and memorable stage in one’s childhood. Whether it is a story about fairies and other mystical beings or a story with a moral lesson embedded in it, the tales make children dream while at the same time putting them to sleep. This blog will list the Top 10 International Bedtime Stories for Kids, including classic and new-age stories everyone loves.

1. Little Red Riding Hood 

This fairy tale is about a young girl who is on her way to visit her sick grandmother, and on her way, she has to face a cunning wolf. With the underlying message of ‘never talking to strangers,’ this story is perfect for children, as it is exciting and educational. The Grimm Fairy Tales version is still the most popular, even as people are presented with other versions.

Moral: “Always stay aware and listen to the guidance of trusted people.”

Story link: https://americanliterature.com/childrens-stories/little-red-riding-hood#google_vignette 
Little Red Riding Hood

2. Hansel and Gretel

A tale of cleverness and bravery, “Hansel and Gretel” follows two siblings as they escape from a wicked witch in the forest. This Grimm fairy Tale is full of suspense and teaches children about the importance of resourcefulness and sticking together in tough times.

Moral: “Resourcefulness and teamwork can help overcome even the toughest challenges.”

Story link: https://www.thefablecottage.com/fables/hansel-and-gretel 
Hansel and Gretel

3. Jack and the Beanstalk 

A fun-filled short story for children, Jack and the Beanstalk tells the story of Jack, a boy who gets to a new world of the giant’s home by climbing a gigantic beanstalk. The story demonstrates bravery, an inquiring mind, and taking advantage of opportunities.

Moral: “Courage and curiosity can lead to great opportunities and rewards.”

Story link: https://americanliterature.com/childrens-stories/jack-and-the-beanstalk 
Jack and the Beanstalk

4. The Ugly Duckling

Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale stories often feature moral lessons, and The Ugly Duckling is no exception. This tale of transformation and self-acceptance is perfect for teaching children the value of inner beauty.

Moral: “Embrace your uniqueness, as true beauty comes from within.”

Story link: https://storiestogrowby.org/story/the-ugly-duckling-story-a-fairy-tale-story-for-kids/#google_vignette 
The Ugly Duckling

5. The Lion and the Mouse

From the animal story collection, this particular fable from ancient Greece emphasizes that benevolence is never wasted. The moral of the Lion and the Mouse story is that even the most insignificant creature can be helpful to the most powerful one, and this is one of those important lessons that every child should know.

Moral: “Kindness, no matter how small, can make a big difference.”

Story link: https://www.vedantu.com/stories/the-lion-and-the-mouse 
The Lion and the Mouse

6. The Snow Queen

Based on another fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the story is about the courage of a little girl named Gerda who travels through the country to rescue her friend from the Snow Queen. This storybook adventure is focused on friendship and the importance of not giving up.

Moral:  “True friendship and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.”

Story link: https://storiestogrowby.org/story/early-reader-snow-queen-fairy-tale-english-stories-kids/ 
The Snow Queen

7. Puss in Boots

Originally from Italy but made famous by French author Charles Perrault, Puss in Boots is a tale about a clever cat who uses wit and trickery to help his poor master rise to wealth and power. The story offers humor and a lesson on clever problem-solving.

Moral: “Intelligence and creativity can turn challenges into opportunities.”

Story link: https://americanliterature.com/author/charles-perrault/fairy-tale/puss-in-boots
Puss in Boots

8. The Tale of Peter Rabbit

This animal story by British author Beatrix Potter is about a naughty rabbit who gets into trouble by sneaking into Mr McGregor’s garden. Peter Rabbit remains one of the most famous tales familiar to generations of children, and it teaches punishments for disobedience and curiosity.

Moral: “Learning from mistakes helps us grow and make better choices.”

Story link: https://americanliterature.com/author/beatrix-potter/short-story/the-tale-of-peter-rabbit/
The Tale of Peter Rabbit

9. Thumbelina

Hans Christian Andersen has again enchanted audiences with Thumbelina, a beautiful story about a little girl and the enormous world. In this fairy tale, readers are introduced to the spirit of perseverance and being kind to others. The story provides young readers with a beautiful imagination.

Moral:  “Perseverance and kindness can help you find your place in the world.”

Story link: https://americanliterature.com/childrens-stories/thumbelina 
Thumbelina

10. The Gruffalo

This modern classic, written by British author Julia Donaldson, tells the story of a clever mouse who outwits the fearsome Gruffalo with his sharp wit. This short yet exciting story for kids is loved for its rhyming verse and message that even the smallest can overcome the most significant challenges with intelligence.

Moral: “Even the smallest can achieve great things with intelligence and courage.”

Story link: https://www.melland.manchester.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Gruffalo-story.pdf 
The Gruffalo

Why Bedtime Stories are important


It is essential in a child’s early development to be told stories before they go to bed. For many, they are a source of entertainment at the end of the day and an essential communication between parents and children. Stories for kids enable them to be creative in their thinking, increase their word power, and acquire valuable lessons in their lifetime. Whether it is the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood or the short story of ‘Hansel and Gretel’, such stories help enhance curiosity and imagination. Bedtime stories also create a setting that can improve sleep patterns and ensure the child has a good night’s sleep. Moreover, those who read English stories help establish their reading habit from an early age, allowing for the development of critical thinking. Nothing is as unique as fairy tales; from the well-known Jack and the Beanstalk to animal stories like The Lion and the Mouse, every storybook allows a child to discover something new about the world and create cherished memories.

This gives these stories in English entertainment value and educational lessons, making them good bedtime stories. In whatever form, be it Grimm’s fairy tales, the new contemporary ones, or an animal story, the enchantment is timeless and beyond frontiers.

Conclusion 


Parents must read bedtime stories for kids as it enhances imagination, creativity, and early learning. Whether it implies fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood or modern children’s fictional stories, these stories provide entertainment and moral lessons. On the same note, different types of stories from fairy tales, stories in English such as Grimm fairy tales, and animal stories such as The Lion and the Mouse keep children interested as they develop their critical thinking skills. Incorporation of these folklore tales in bedtime reading not only fosters a stronger parent-child relationship but also instills reading habits and guarantees sound sleep.

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Q1. How do bedtime stories help you sleep?

By taking your attention away from thinking about sleeping and replacing it with a soothing story, your mind can let go and surrender itself to sleep. Bedtime stories can also conjure up positive childhood memories of being read to by a warm, soothing voice before bed.

There’s no conflict to speak of, and there are no obstacles. In a Sleep Story, the character goes through a totally positive emotional experience. It needs to be slow, melodic, and soothing, almost like a literary lullaby.

Bedtime stories are proven to help foster a bond between parents and children, lower kids’ stress levels, and reinforce their literacy skills and mastery of language.

Babies are never too young for a bedtime story. Most babies can sit up and hold their heads by the age of six months, so this is an ideal time to think about introducing a book at bedtime. Some parents may even read a bedtime story sooner- only you will know whether or not it’s appropriate.

About The Author

Ashiana, Ashiana Housing build homes. Homes surrounded by vast green spaces and fresh breeze. Homes cocooned in secured gated complexes. Homes where futures are forged and there are opportunities to grow. And Homes in environments brimming with healthy activity, trust and respect. At heart, we build communities with care.

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