Learning a second language from an early age has numerous benefits, and one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to introduce English to children is through stories. From simple stories for the youngest children to more complex plots for advanced readers, there are stories for everyone, and all are an opportunity to expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and enjoy the learning process. In today's post we leave you with more than 20 perfect options for your little one, taking into account their age.

Classic tales in English for children

Classic tales have stood the test of time, being adapted and reinterpreted in many ways over the years. They have become classics because they capture the attention of children, and therefore can also be used to teach them a second language such as English. These tales are:

Snow White or Snow White

The story of Snow White, a princess whose beauty arouses the jealousy of an evil queen, is a timeless classic that teaches values ​​about kindness and friendship. Its simple narrative and familiar ending make it easy to learn new words and phrases in English.

The Ugly Duckling or The Ugly Duckling

This tale by Hans Christian Andersen is about a duckling who, after many hardships and teasing, turns into a beautiful swan. The story deals with themes of self-acceptance and inner beauty, and its clear structure makes it ideal.

Sleeping Beauty or Sleeping Beauty

The charming story of Sleeping Beauty, who falls into a deep sleep due to a cursed spell and can only be awakened by a prince's kiss. Highly chosen by the little ones and very popular in general, it is one of the most recommended options.

The Princess and the Pea

A story about a princess who proves her true royalty through her sensitivity to a small pea under multiple mattresses. It is a great story to practice descriptions and adjectives in English.

Cinderella or Cinderella

The story of Cinderella, who through magic and kindness finds her place in the palace and wins the prince's heart. It is ideal for teaching children about narrative structure.

Short stories for children in English

Short stories in English are a great way to introduce children to the language in an effective and manageable way. Here are some short stories in English that are perfect for little ones:

The Hare and the Tortoise

This is a short story about a race between a fast hare and a slow tortoise, which teaches the importance of perseverance and humility. It is perfect for practicing vocabulary related to animals and adjectives.

The Gingerbread Man

The story of a gingerbread man who comes to life and escapes from a series of pursuers. This story is ideal for learning English phrases and verbs while enjoying a dynamic and fun narrative.

The Lion and the Mouse

A story that shows how a little mouse helps a lion, despite the apparent inequality in size and power. A story that teaches values ​​of reciprocity and friendship, and is perfect for learning vocabulary related to nature and emotions.

The Fox and the Grapes

A fable that tells how a fox despises some grapes that she cannot reach, illustrating the idea of ​​"aversion to the unattainable." It is ideal for introducing children to moral concepts and vocabulary about nature.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

The story of a little girl who enters the three bears' house and tries out their food, chairs, and beds. Goldilocks is great for learning about descriptions and comparisons.

Children's stories in English with translation

Purchasing books with translations provides a bridge between the familiar language and the new language, helping children better understand the text and connect English words with their native language equivalents. Our recommendations are:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar or The Hungry Caterpillar

This tale by Eric Carle is famous for its striking illustrations and simple story, which tells of a caterpillar that eats a variety of foods before becoming a butterfly.

Little Red Riding Hood

Another classic, the well-known story of Little Red Riding Hood who visits her grandmother and meets the wolf. The translation allows children to follow the narrative easily and learn vocabulary related to family, animals and clothing.

Jack and the Beanstalk or Jack and the Magic Beanstalk

The story of Jack and his Beanstalk is ideal for learning in a context of adventure, magic and courage.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

This classic Goldilocks story is great for learning vocabulary related to household objects and descriptions.

The Three Little Pigs

The story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf is perfect for teaching concepts about safety and hard work. The translation allows children to easily connect the story with their native language and understand the details of the tale.

English stories for primary school children

For primary school children who already have a foundation in English, choose slightly more complex stories that offer them challenges, opportunities to expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Some examples could be:

• Charlotte's Web:The story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte is rich in vocabulary and emotional themes.
• Matilda:The story of Matilda, a gifted girl who uses her abilities to confront her evil school principal, is ideal for elementary school readers.
• Winnie-the-Pooh or Winnie the Pooh:The adventures of Pooh Bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood are perfect for elementary school children.
• The Magic Tree House:This book series follows two brothers who travel through time and have many adventures.
• Percy Jackson & the Olympians:The first book in the Percy Jackson series is ideal for elementary school children looking for a longer adventure. The story mixes Greek mythology with modern action.

English stories for children from 0 to 3 years old

Children at this age do not read, and their attention span is relatively short. Most of the stories they hear are for sleeping, so the ideal is that the prose is simple, entertaining and that you, as the interpreter, give it a little more life. For babies and children from 0 to 3 years old, the most chosen stories are:

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? u Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?:This story by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle uses repetitive, rhythmic text to help children anticipate and recognize new words.
• Dear Zoo:In this story by Rod Campbell, children discover which animals the zoo sends in response to a letter, with flaps to lift and surprises.
• Guess How Much I Love You:The tender story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare expresses love in a simple and touching way.
• The Very Busy Spider:Another work by Eric Carle, this tale follows a spider who is busy spinning his web while interacting with other animals.
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom or Chicka Chicka Bum Bum:This book by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault is a fun celebration of the alphabet with an infectious rhythm and colorful illustrations.

English stories for children aged 4 to 5

For children aged 4 to 5, stories can be a little longer and more complex, with simple plots and characters that children can easily follow. Here are some recommended stories:

• We're All Wonders:This book by RJ Palacio is an adaptation of the famous "Wonder" and is designed especially for the youngest. The story is about acceptance and empathy through the experience of a different child.
• The Very Quiet Cricket:Eric Carle offers a story about a cricket who can't make a sound until he finally finds his voice. The illustrations and simple text are perfect for children ages 4-5.
• Room on the Broom or A Place on the Broom:This tale by Julia Donaldson follows a witch and her friends as they travel on a broomstick, through a dynamic story with catchy rhymes.
• The Gruffalo or The Gruffalo:The story of a little mouse who tricks several animals with the threat of an imaginary monster is fun and captivating.
• Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes or Pete the Cat:This book by James Dean and Eric Litwin tells the story of Pete the Cat and his adventures with his color-changing white sneakers, in a repetitive narrative and with spectacular illustrations.

English stories for 8 years old

Most stories for 8-year-olds are a combination of exciting adventures with valuable lessons and a narrative that manages to maintain interest and curiosity. This is why they often end up being adapted into films, and some clear examples of this are:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Roald Dahl's classic story follows Charlie Bucket's adventures in Willy Wonka's magical factory. This book is ideal for developing reading skills with an engaging plot and memorable characters, as well as a rich and varied vocabulary.

Matilda

Another book by Roald Dahl, "Matilda" which we already mentioned above is an inspiring story that keeps children interested and helps them practice reading in English. Matilda is without a doubt a classic among classics.

The Chronicles of Narnia or The Chronicles of Narnia

This is the first book in C.S. Lewis' series that introduces readers to the magical world of Narnia. With a plot rich with adventure and magic, it is perfect for developing reading skills and vocabulary while exploring themes of bravery and friendship.

The Secret Garden or The Secret Garden

Frances Hodgson Burnett tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl who discovers a hidden garden and transforms her life and the lives of those around her. The detailed narrative and themes of personal growth are age-appropriate and stimulate the imagination.

The Boxcar Children or The Boxcar Brothers

Gertrude Chandler Warner's series follows four orphaned siblings who live in a boxcar and solve mysteries as they search for a better life. It's a great choice for kids who enjoy mystery and adventure stories.

English stories for children aged 10 to 12

For children aged 10 to 12, it is best to encourage independent reading and help them improve their understanding of the text and their ability to analyse stories. Some suggestions for this are:

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Yes, again. This exciting book by Rick Riordan follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is the son of Poseidon and must embark on a quest to prevent a war between the Greek gods. It's a great read with a mix of mythology, adventure, and humor.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone or Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

JK Rowling's first book introduces readers to the magical world of Hogwarts and the adventures of Harry Potter. With a rich narrative and expansive universe, this book is perfect for keeping young readers engaged and motivated to continue with the series.

The Giver or The Giver

Lois Lowry presents a dystopia in which a young man named Jonas receives knowledge of the true nature of his society through a memoirist "Giver." A book that stimulates critical thinking and addresses deep themes such as freedom and conformity.

Anne of Green Gables or Anne of Green Gables

The story of Anne Shirley, an orphan with a lively imagination who comes to live on the Green Gables estate, offers a mix of humor and tenderness. This classic by LM Montgomery is ideal for exploring the formation of character and the importance of friendship.

Wonder or The Lesson of August

RJ Palacio's novel follows August Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he navigates school and learns about acceptance and empathy. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, which enriches the reader's understanding and encourages reflection.

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Conclusion

In short, learning English through stories is a delightful and highly effective way. Incorporating stories into your daily routine will not only enrich your child's vocabulary and understanding of English, but will also provide moments of enjoyment and connection as a family. So, choose some of these recommended stories and start enjoying the magic with your little one.