Short Bedtime Stories
These short bedtime stories are simple printable tales for children aged 3 to 8, with gentle plots, clear pictures and familiar lessons. They are free to download and print for a calm reading time at home or in your classroom.
Free account needed to download · 20 free downloads every day
Coming soon
Short Bedtime Stories are coming soon
Our team is drawing and testing these printables right now. Save this page or join free, and we'll let you know when they are ready to download.
At a glance
- Ages: 3 to 8 years
- Skills: Listening, speaking, reading and sequencing
- You need: A printed story and crayons
- Time: 10 to 20 minutes
The lion and the little mouse
A lion was sleeping under a tree when a small mouse ran across his paw. The lion caught the mouse and was ready to eat him. The mouse begged for another chance and promised to help one day. The lion laughed, but let him go. Some time later, hunters caught the lion in a strong net. Hearing his deep roar, the mouse hurried over. With his sharp little teeth, he nibbled through the ropes until the lion was free. The lion thanked the mouse and understood that even a small friend can give valuable help. Lesson: Kindness matters, and every friend can make a difference.
Reading together before sleep
Read the story slowly, showing each picture as you go. Pause when the mouse is caught and ask your child what the lion might do. After the ending, talk about how the lion felt at first and how his feelings changed. Younger children can point to the lion, mouse and net. Older children can read repeated lines, retell the events in order or say the lesson in their own words. Keep your voice gentle and leave time for your child to respond. You may also enjoy Bedtime Stories for Kids for more quiet reading ideas.
Quiet activities after the story
Ask your child to draw the lion and mouse as friends, then add a tree, grass and the net. Cut out simple picture cards and place them in story order: sleeping, caught, helping and free. Act out the tale with paper masks or soft toys, taking turns to be each character. Older children can write one sentence about a time someone helped them. You can also make a kindness chart for the week, with one small helpful act recorded each day. Keep the activity short if your child is ready for sleep.
Lumi's tips
- For a younger child, read the words aloud and let them match each picture to the part of the story.
- For an older child, cover the final picture and ask them to predict how the lion will escape.
- Link the lesson to real life by talking about one small act of help your child can offer at home tomorrow.
How to download and print
- Sign in or join free, it takes a few seconds.
- Choose a page and tap Download. Pick A4 or US Letter to match your paper.
- Open the PDF and print at "Actual size" (100%) so nothing is cut off.
- Your downloads stay in My Library, so you can print them again any time.
Questions parents ask
What are short bedtime stories?
They are brief, easy-to-follow tales that can be read in a few minutes before sleep. These stories often have a gentle ending and a simple lesson.
Are these bedtime stories suitable for a three-year-old?
Yes. Read the story aloud, talk about the pictures and invite your child to name the characters. Children aged 6 to 8 can try reading familiar words or retelling the events.
Can I download and print these stories for free?
Yes. Most EarlyActivity printables are free to download, but you need a free account. Free accounts can download up to 20 printables a day.
How can I make bedtime story time calmer?
Choose one story, dim the lights and use a soft, steady voice. Give your child a chance to ask one or two questions before saying goodnight.
Can these stories be used in a classroom?
Yes. You can read them aloud, use the pictures for sequencing and invite children to act out the story. Use the printables at home or in your own classroom.
More bedtime stories
Bedtime Stories Printables
6 printable bedtime stories pages for ages 3–8 — download single pages free with your account.
Animal Bedtime Stories
These animal bedtime stories are short, gentle printables for children aged 3 to 8. They are free to download and print for a calm bedtime read, quiet time at home, or story time in your classroom.
Bedtime Stories for Kids
These bedtime stories for kids are gentle printable tales for children aged 3 to 8. Download them free and read, colour, discuss or act out the stories at home or in your classroom.
Bedtime Stories in Hindi
These Hindi bedtime story printables bring short, gentle tales to children aged 3 to 8. They are free to print and use at home or in your own classroom, with reading prompts and simple follow-up activities.
Lumi's Bedtime Stories
Lumi's bedtime stories are gentle story printables for children aged 3 to 8. Read them aloud, talk about the characters and print the free activities for a quiet home or classroom routine.