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Bedtime Stories | Free 5 Min Bedtime Stories for Kids Online Bedtime Stories

The Classic fairytale of Cinderella: a young girl, mistreated by her step-mother and step-sisters, who finds out that dreams really can come true.

The Classic Fairytale Story of Snow White with a Modern Twist: Who is the “fair”est of them all? Snow White of course!

A Bedtime Story of Honesty, Courage and Truth.  If Pinocchio is to become a Real boy he needs to learn how to be honest, brave and true.

A Grimm’s Brother Tale: A miller tells a tale that his daughter can turn straw into gold. A strange little man is willing to help…for a price. Guess his name and he will be gone…but what is his name?

Goldilocks and the Three Bears ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids. Goldilocks finds the three bears cottage in the woods. Should she make herself comfortable?

Hansel and Gretel Bedtime Stories for Kids. When Hansel and Gretel go in search of food, they find a gingerbread house. But who is inside?

A Story of Friendship, Love and Courage. Rapunzel’s Story ~ A Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale. An evil witch has trapped Rapunzel in a tower. Can her long hair or love save her?

A Story of Courage, Justice and Self-Awareness.  Merlin the Magician places a magic sword in a stone…whomever can pull it out is the rightful king.

A Bedtime Story of Acceptance and Self-Awareness. A Mama Duck is proud when her six ducklings hatch from their eggs. But one duckling does not look like the others? Is he truly an Ugly Duckling?

The classic Brother’s Grimm fairytale that sparked the Disney adaptation.

A Story of Courage, Learning and Love. The Classic fairy tale: The Little Mermaid falls in love with a prince on shore and she makes a deal with the Sea Witch to become human. But without her voice, how can the prince fall in love with her?

This Classic Folktale is adapted from the original story of “Aladdin” from The Arabian Nights. Aladdin, the Genie and the Magic Lamp work to impress the princess who wishes to be a commoner.

A Story of Courage, Kindness to Animals and Learning.  The Classic Tale of a male deer, Bambi, his mother and his adventures learning in the woods.

A Story of Charity, Compassion and Justice, from England. Robin Hood takes part in an archery contest thrown by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Will he realize its a trap before it is too late? One of the many Tales of Robin Hood.

This is the Legend Tale of Maui the Demi-God from Moana. It is part of our Classic Bedtime Stories for Kids Collection. It has been adapted from the Tales of Maui as well as Disney’s version of Moana.

A Bedtime Story in Simple English for Kids. A toy rabbit learns that through a child’s love it can become real.

The Classic Tale of the Snow Queen: Gerda and Kai struggle to fight the Snow Queen and find the balance between Good and Evil.

The Classic Fairy Tale of Sleeping Beauty. Princess Aurora has been cursed by Maleficent. When she  pricks herself on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday, she is put into a deep sleep for 100 years. Who can save her?

Bedtime Story for Kids: The Gift of the Magi, A Christmas Story. Della and Jim wish to give each other the perfect Christmas present, but how will they come up with the money?

A Bedtime Story of Friendship, Courage and Acceptance. . The story tells of the time Pocahontas saved the life of settler John Smith from her father, Powhatan.

A Cinderella Story ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids

The Classic fairytale of Cinderella: a young girl, mistreated by her step-mother and step-sisters, who finds out that dreams really can come true.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Story ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids

The Classic Fairytale Story of Snow White with a Modern Twist: Who is the “fair”est of them all? Snow White of course!

Pinocchio Story ~ Fairy Tale Bedtime Stories in English for Kids

A Bedtime Story of Honesty, Courage and Truth.  If Pinocchio is to become a Real boy he needs to learn how to be honest, brave and true.

Beauty and the Beast Classic Tale ~ Fairy Tale Stories for Kids

The classic fairy tale of a beautiful woman and the monstrous beast.

Rumpelstiltskin ~ A Fairy Tale Bedtime Story for Kids

A Grimm’s Brother Tale: A miller tells a tale that his daughter can turn straw into gold. A strange little man is willing to help…for a price. Guess his name and he will be gone…but what is his name?

Goldilocks and the Three Bears ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids

Goldilocks and the Three Bears ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids. Goldilocks finds the three bears cottage in the woods. Should she make herself comfortable?

Hansel and Gretel ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids

Hansel and Gretel Bedtime Stories for Kids. When Hansel and Gretel go in search of food, they find a gingerbread house. But who is inside?

Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm ~ Bedtime Stories

A Story of Friendship, Love and Courage. Rapunzel’s Story ~ A Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale. An evil witch has trapped Rapunzel in a tower. Can her long hair or love save her?

The Sword in the Stone: a King Arthur Legend of the Sword Story

A Story of Courage, Justice and Self-Awareness.  Merlin the Magician places a magic sword in a stone…whomever can pull it out is the rightful king.

The Ugly Duckling Story ~ Fairy Tale Story for Kids in English

A Bedtime Story of Acceptance and Self-Awareness. A Mama Duck is proud when her six ducklings hatch from their eggs. But one duckling does not look like the others? Is he truly an Ugly Duckling?

The Frog Prince: The Story of the Princess and the Frog ~ Bedtime Stories

The classic Brother’s Grimm fairytale that sparked the Disney adaptation.

The Little Mermaid Story ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids in English

A Story of Courage, Learning and Love. The Classic fairy tale: The Little Mermaid falls in love with a prince on shore and she makes a deal with the Sea Witch to become human. But without her voice, how can the prince fall in love with her?

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp from The Arabian Nights ~ Bedtime Stories

This Classic Folktale is adapted from the original story of “Aladdin” from The Arabian Nights. Aladdin, the Genie and the Magic Lamp work to impress the princess who wishes to be a commoner.

Bambi Story: A Life in the Woods ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids in English

A Story of Courage, Kindness to Animals and Learning.  The Classic Tale of a male deer, Bambi, his mother and his adventures learning in the woods.

Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow Story ~ Legend Stories for Kids

A Story of Charity, Compassion and Justice, from England. Robin Hood takes part in an archery contest thrown by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Will he realize its a trap before it is too late? One of the many Tales of Robin Hood.

Maui from Moana: Tales of the Demi-God ~ Legend Stories for Kids

This is the Legend Tale of Maui the Demi-God from Moana. It is part of our Classic Bedtime Stories for Kids Collection. It has been adapted from the Tales of Maui as well as Disney’s version of Moana.

The Velveteen Rabbit Story ~ Bedtime English Story for Kids

A Bedtime Story in Simple English for Kids. A toy rabbit learns that through a child’s love it can become real.

The Snow Queen Fairy Tale Story ~Bedtime Story for Kids

The Classic Tale of the Snow Queen: Gerda and Kai struggle to fight the Snow Queen and find the balance between Good and Evil.

Sleeping Beauty Fairy Tale Story ~ Bedtime Stories for Kids

The Classic Fairy Tale of Sleeping Beauty. Princess Aurora has been cursed by Maleficent. When she  pricks herself on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday, she is put into a deep sleep for 100 years. Who can save her?

The Gift of the Magi Story ~ A Holiday Story for Kids

Bedtime Story for Kids: The Gift of the Magi, A Christmas Story. Della and Jim wish to give each other the perfect Christmas present, but how will they come up with the money?

Pocahontas and John Smith Story ~ Folktales Stories for Kids

A Bedtime Story of Friendship, Courage and Acceptance. . The story tells of the time Pocahontas saved the life of settler John Smith from her father, Powhatan.

The Emperor’s New Clothes Story ~ Bedtime Stories

A Bedtime Story in Simple English for Kids. The Emperor is fooled into believing he is wearing magic clothes which can’t be “seen”.

Mulan Story ~ Tale of Hua Mulan Bedtime Stories | English Story for Kids

A Bedtime Story in Simple English for Kids. Based on the “Ballad of Mulan” and Disney’s Mulan, this is a legend tale about a girl who goes in disguise as a boy and joins the army in her brother’s place.

Short Stories for Kids ~ Folk tales, Fairy Tales, Riddles, Legends, Poems

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More From Stories to Grow By

You will find a story you love. Did you know that Stories to Grow By also provides a collection of World Tales? Folktales, fairytales, fables, and more! Whether you are looking for a story from your own country or culture, or a want to learn about a new one! We have you covered. Check out our special collection of world tales by clicking HERE.

We are strive to provide more. If you would like to see additional stories, content, and materials, or maybe even have some of your own you would like to share - drop us a line! Contact us directly by clicking HERE.

Join our blog by clicking HERE.

Teaching Resources from Stories to Grow By

In addition to our bedtime stories, we also offer a multitude teaching resources! This includes over 100 free bedtime stories, fairy tales, folk tales, readers theater play scripts, and performance notes!

You will find the bedtime stories and the materials you need for your classroom with Stories to Grow By.

Search by Theme, Age, Read Time, Genre, Holiday and More!

Not sure what to read or share? Search on this page by theme, age, genre, and more to find exactly what you are looking for!

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We are always striving to provide more. If you would like to see additional stories, content, and materials, or maybe even have some of your own you would like to share - drop us a line! You can contact us directly by clicking HERE.

Join our blog by clicking HERE.

In addition to our bedtime stories, we also offer a multitude teaching resources! This includes over 100 free bedtime stories, fairy tales, folk tales, readers theater play scripts, and performance notes!

You will find the bedtime stories or the materials you need for your classroom with Stories to Grow By.

Interesting short stories in English with translation

Reading short stories in English is one of the most effective language learning methods. Interesting stories in English with translation help to expand vocabulary and improve grammar. It is also the best practice for practicing learned words and reinforcing the rules.

Here are the benefits of reading stories and stories in English:

• reading stories in English expands vocabulary, allows you to understand the specifics of using many idioms, colloquial phrases, artistic techniques;
• while working with stories in English, the ability to understand the main idea of ​​what is written develops;
• reading stories in English allows you to see the practical application of grammatical structures;
• when reading stories in English, the reader has the opportunity to learn to understand the author's style.

Reading stories in English can significantly increase motivation for learning: understanding a text in a foreign language inspires further learning. When studying English, it is useful to read stories to test your knowledge and ability to understand and interpret foreign speech.

Page Quick Navigation

1. Stories Technique
2. A Good Lesson
3. The Shoebox
4. Hit the Floor!
5. Will's experience at the airport
6. Fortune and the man
7. Wrong car
8. A Magic Ring

Methodology for working with stories

The chosen story should be read briefly for the first time: try to understand the general idea of ​​what was read, not try to understand every word;
while reading the story in English for the second time, pay attention to interesting words and structures, the use of grammar;
interesting phrases and words from history can be written out in a separate notebook in order to be able to return to them in the future.

If you have difficulty reading comprehension or do not understand much of what you read, then most likely you lack theoretical knowledge. In this case, we recommend that you improve your level by taking a free English course from zero to a conversational level for busy people.

For beginners, stories in English with a simple plot and simple grammatical constructions are suitable. These can be stories, fairy tales, comic stories, simple stories and stories about animals, children, travel. We have prepared for you short but interesting stories in English with translation. But the translation is hidden so that you don't peek while reading. Try to understand on your own what the story is about, and only then open the translation.

A Good Lesson

Once a rich Englishwoman called Mrs Johnson decided to have a birthday party. She invited a lot of guests and a singer. The singer was poor, but he had a very good voice.
The singer got to Mrs Johnson's house at exactly six o'clock as he had been asked to do, but when he went in, he saw through a door that the dining-room was already full of guests, who were sitting round a big table in the middle of the room. The guests were eating, joking, laughing, and talking loudly. Mrs Johnson came out to him, and he thought she was going to ask him to join them, when she said, “We’re glad, sir, that you have come. You will be singing after dinner, I'll call you as soon as we're ready to listen to you. Now will you go into the kitchen and have dinner, too, please?”

The singer was very angry, but said nothing. At first he wanted to leave Mrs Johnson's house at once, but then he changed his mind and decided to stay and teach her and her rich guests a good lesson. When the singer went into the kitchen, the servants were having dinner, too. He joined them. After dinner, the singer thanked everybody and said, "Well, now I'm going to sing to you, my good friends." And he sang them some beautiful songs.
Soon Mrs Johnson called the singer.
"Well, sir, we're ready."
Ready? asked the singer. "What are you ready for?"
"To listen to you," said Mrs Johnson in an angry voice.
Listen to me? But I have already sung, and I'm afraid I shan't be able to sing any more tonight. "
"Where did you sing?"
"In the kitchen. I always sing for those I have dinner with."

TRANSLATION OF THE TEXT

One day a wealthy English woman named Mrs. Johnson decided to throw a birthday party. She invited many guests and a singer. The singer was poor, but he had a very good voice.
The singer arrived at Mrs. Johnson's house at exactly six o'clock, as requested, but when he entered, he saw through the door that the dining room was already full of guests who were sitting at a large table in the middle of the room. The guests ate, joked, laughed and talked loudly. Mrs. Johnson came out to him and he thought she was going to ask him to join them, as she said, “We are glad, sir, that you have come. You will sing after supper, I will call you as soon as we are ready to listen to you. Will you go to the kitchen now and have dinner too?”

The singer was very angry but didn't say anything. At first he wanted to leave Mrs. Johnson's house immediately, but then he changed his mind and decided to stay and teach her and her wealthy guests a good lesson. When the singer went to the kitchen, the servants were also having dinner. He joined them. After dinner, the singer thanked everyone and said: "Well, now I will sing to you, my good friends." And he sang some beautiful songs to them.

Soon Mrs. Johnson called the singer.
"Well, sir, we're ready."
"Ready?" asked the singer. "What are you ready for?"
"To listen to you," Mrs. Johnson said in an angry voice.
"Listen to me? But I've already sung and I'm afraid I won't be able to sing more tonight."
"Where did you sing?"
“In the kitchen. I always sing for those I dine with.”

The Shoebox

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoebox in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover.

In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoebox and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two knitted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.

He asked her about the contents.

‘When we were to be married,’ she said, ‘my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and knit a doll.’

The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.

‘Honey,’ he said, ‘that explains the dolls, but what about all of this money?

Where did it come from?’

‘Oh,’ she said, ‘that’s the money I made from selling the dolls.’

TRANSLATION OF THE TEXT

A man and woman have been married for over 60 years. They shared everything. They talked about everything. They kept no secrets from each other, except that the old lady had a shoe box on her closet, which she warned her husband about never to open or ask about.

In all these years, he never thought about the box, but one day the old lady became very ill and the doctor said she would not recover.

Trying to sort out their affairs, the old man took off the shoebox and carried it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time for him to know what was in the box. Opening it, he found two knitted dolls and a wad of money totaling $95,000.

He asked her about the contents.

“When we were to get married,” she said, “my grandmother told me that the secret to a happy marriage is never to argue. She told me that if I ever get mad at you, I should just keep quiet and knit a doll.

The old man was so touched; he had to hold back his tears. There were only two exquisite dolls in the box. She was angry with him only twice in all these years of life and love. He almost burst with happiness.

“Honey,” he said, “that explains the dolls, but what about all that money?

Where is this from?’

“Oh,” she said, “this is the money I made selling dolls.”

Hit the Floor! (Muzzle to the floor!)

Jenny and Robert Slater were on holiday in America. They were young and it was their first time away from home in England. They had a car and visited many famous and interesting places.

‘I want to see New York,’ Jenny said one morning. ‘Let’s go there.’

‘Mmm, I don’t know, love. Everybody says New York’s a dangerous place and there are a lot of very strange people there,’ her husband answered.

‘We’ll be careful,’ said Jenny. ‘Then we won’t have any problems.’

So they arrived in New York early in the evening and found a hotel. Later they went out and drove around the streets. They didn't have any problems. ‘See,’ Jenny said. ‘Nothing to be afraid of.’

They had dinner in a good restaurant and then went to a cinema. They arrived back at their hotel at midnight. Under the hotel was a garage so they drove into it and left the car. It was quite dark there and they couldn't see very well.

‘Where’s the lift?’ Jenny asked.

‘Over there, I think, near the door,’ Robert answered. ‘Come on, let’s go. I don’t like this dark place.’

Suddenly they saw a very tall young man with a big black dog. They were nervous and walked past him as fast as they could to the lift. The door of the lift opened and Jenny and Robert got in. Before the doors closed the man and the dog jumped in – three people and one big black dog in the lift.

‘On the floor, Girl!’ the tall man said. Jenny and Robert were afraid now, so they quickly got down on the floor. When the lift stopped at the next floor, they stood up, gave the man all their money and got out fast.

‘That man was a robber! Perhaps he had a gun… It’s dangerous here!’ Robert said. ‘We’re going to leave New York now!’

‘Yes, you’re right. ’ Jenny answered. ‘There are some dangerous people in New York.’

First thing next morning they took their room key to the desk and gave it to the woman.

‘There’s nothing to pay, Mr Slater,’ she said. ‘A tall young man with a nice dog came to the desk late last night and paid for your room. Oh, wait a minute – he left this for you, too.’ She gave Robert an envelope.

He opened it carefully and took out a letter. They read it together: ‘Here’s your money and I’m very sorry you were afraid in the lift last night. “Girl” is the name of my dog.’

Jenny and Robert Slater were on vacation in America. They were young and it was their first time away from home in England. They had a car and visited many famous and interesting places.

"I want to see New York," Jenny said one morning. ‘Let’s go there.’

‘Mmm, I don’t know, love. Everyone says that New York is a dangerous place and there are a lot of strange people there,” her husband replied.

"We'll be careful," Jenny said. "Then we won't have any problems."

So they arrived in New York early in the evening and found a hotel. Later they got out and drove through the streets. They didn't have any problems. "See," Jenny said. "Nothing to be afraid of."

They had dinner at a good restaurant and then went to the cinema. They returned to their hotel at midnight. There was a garage under the hotel, so they drove into it and left the car. It was quite dark in there and hard to see.

"Where is the elevator?" Jenny asked.

"There, I think, near the door," replied Robert. 'Let's go. I don't like this dark place.

Suddenly they saw a very tall young man with a large black dog. They were nervous and walked past him as fast as they could to the elevator. The elevator door opened and Jenny and Robert entered. Before the doors closed, a man and a dog ran in—three people and one big black dog in the elevator.

"On the floor, girl!" the tall man said. Jenny and Robert got scared so they quickly sank to the floor. When the elevator stopped at the next floor, they got up, gave the man all their money, and quickly exited.

“That man was a robber! He might have had a gun... It's dangerous here!" Robert said. "We're leaving New York now!"

"Yes, you're right," Jenny replied. "There are dangerous people in New York."

The first thing they did the next morning was to take the key to their room and give it to the woman.

"Mr. Slater has nothing to pay," she said. "A tall young man with a handsome dog came to the counter last night and paid for your room." Oh, wait a minute - also he left it to you. She gave Robert an envelope.

He carefully opened it and took out the letter. They read together: “Here is your money, and I am very sorry that you got scared in the elevator last night. "Girl" is the name of my dog.

Will’s experience at the airport

After his return from Rome, Will couldn't find his luggage in the airport baggage area. He went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that his bags hadn't shown up on the carousel.

She smiled and told him not to worry because they were trained professionals and he was in good hands.

Then she asked Will, “Has your plane arrived yet?”

TRANSLATION OF THE TEXT

After returning from Rome, Will couldn't find his luggage in the luggage compartment of the airport. He went to the lost and found office and told the woman who worked there that his bags never showed up on the carousel.

She smiled and told him not to worry because they were professionals and he was in good hands.

Then she asked, “Has your plane already arrived?”

Fortune and the man

One day a man was walking along the street. He carried an old bag in his hands. He was wondering why people who had so much money were never satisfied and always wanted more. “As to me,” he said, “if I had enough to eat, I should not ask for anything else. ”Just at this moment Fortune came down the street. She heard the man and stopped.

“Listen,” she said, “I want to help you. Hold your bag, and I shall pour diamonds into it. But every diamond which falls on the ground will become dust. Do you understand?"

“Oh, yes, I understand,” said the man. He quickly opened his bag and stream of diamonds was poured into it. The bag began to grow heavy. Is that enough? asked Fortune. “Not yet.” The man's hand's began to tremble.

“You are the richest man in the world now.” Said Fortune.

“Just a few more, and a few more,” said the man. Another diamond was added and the bag slipped. All the diamonds fell on the ground and became dust.

Fortune disappeared, leaving the man in the street.

TRANSLATION OF THE TEXT

One day a man was walking down the street. In his hands was an old bag. He walked and thought: “Why are people who have a lot of money never satisfied and always want to have more money. ”
"As for me," he thought, if I only had enough to live on, I would not need anything more.
At that moment, Fate was passing by him. She heard the poor man and stopped.
“Listen,” she said, “I want to help you. Give me your bag, I'll fill it with diamonds. But if even one diamond falls to the ground, the entire contents of the bag will turn to dust. Understand?
"Of course I understand," the poor man replied. He quickly opened his bag and the diamonds fell into his bag. The bag was getting heavy.
"Enough?" Fate asked.
"Not yet," the peasant replied, his hands trembling.
"You are the richest man in the world," said Fate.
"More! Some more!" said the poor man.
At this moment, another diamond fell into the overflowing bag.
The bag slipped out of the hands of the poor man and fell to the ground, and the diamonds turned into dust in the same instant.
Fate has disappeared, leaving the poor on the street.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Everyone has heard of Sherlock Holmes. Everyone has read stories about Sherlock Holmes at one time or another. Sherlock Holmes was a famous detective. Actually, he was the most famous detective of all times. The author of the Sherlock Holmes stories was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Once Sir Arthur arrived in Paris. He took a cab and asked the cabman to take him to the Ritz, the hotel where he was going to spend the night. When he received the fare he said:
“Thank you very much, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”
“How do you know who I am?” asked Sir Arthur. He was very much surprised.“Well, sir, I read in the newspaper yesterday that you were coming to Paris from the South of France. I also noticed that your hair was cut by a barber in the South of France. Your clothes and especially your hat told me that you were English. I put all the information together and quessed that you were Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”

“That is wonderful,” said Sir Arthur.
“You could recognize me though you knew very few facts.”

“Besides,” added the cabman. Your name is on both of your travel bags. That also helped.”

So, the cabman played a good joke on Conan Doyle.

TEXT TRANSLATION

Everyone has heard of Sherlock Holmes. Everyone has read the Sherlock Holmes stories at one time or another. Sherlock Holmes was a famous detective. In fact, he was the most famous detective of all time.
The Sherlock Holmes stories were written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. One day Sir Arthur arrived in Paris. He took a taxi and asked the taxi driver to take him to the Ritz, to the hotel where he was going to spend the night. The driver brought him to the hotel. When he got the fare he said
"Thank you very much, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle."
"How do you know who I am?" Sir Arthur asked. He was very surprised.
“Well, sir, I read in the paper yesterday that you were going to Paris from the south of France. I also noticed that you had your hair cut by a barber in the south of France.
Your clothes and especially your hat indicate that you are English. I put all these facts together and realized that you are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
"Wonderful," said Sir Arthur. "You were able to recognize me by knowing very few facts."
"Besides," the driver added, "Your name is on both of your travel bags. That helped too."
So the driver played a good joke on Conan Doyle.

A present from the son
Long ago there lived an old woman in England. She had a son who was a sailor. He went to different countries and always brought presents for his old mother.Once he went to China and brought some tea from that country.
At that time tea was very expensive and only rich people could buy and drink it. So the old woman was very happy to have such a nice present. But she didn't know what to do with it as she had never bought tea before. She thought it was a vegetable. She told her friends about her son's present and invited them to taste it with her. At last the day of the tea-party came. The woman called her guests to the dining-room and put a big dish of tea leaves on the table. The guests began to eat the leaves with salt just as they ate vegetables. Nobody liked it but didn't tell the woman about it and continued to eat the leaves. Some tome later the sailor came into the room. When he saw that all the guests were eating leaves, he smiled. Why are these leaves? Where is the tea?”
“Here it is, my son,” the old woman said.
“And where is the water in which you have boiled the leaves?” asked the man laughing.
“I threw it away, of course,” answered the woman.

TRANSLATION OF THE TEXT

A long time ago there lived an old woman in England. She had a son who was a sailor. He traveled to different countries and always brought gifts for his old mother. Once he went to China and brought tea from that country. At that time, tea was very expensive, and only rich people could buy and drink such tea. Therefore, the old lady was very happy to have such a nice present. But she did not know what to do with such tea, since she had never bought it before. She thought it was a vegetable.

She told her friends about her son's gift and invited them to try the tea. Finally the day of the tea party arrived. The woman called her guests into the dining room and placed a large dish of tea leaves on the table. The guests began to eat the leaves with salt, as they did when they ate vegetables. No one liked it, but no one told the old woman about it, but continued to eat the leaves.
Some time later, the son entered the room.
When he saw that all the guests were eating the leaves, he smiled.
"What are you doing?
Why are you eating these leaves?
Where's the tea?

"Here he is, my son," said the old woman.
"Where is the water in which you boiled the leaves?" asked the son, laughing.
"Of course I poured it out," replied the mother.

Wrong car

It happened about a year ago. Our family bought a new car, and parents decided to celebrate it all together in the cafe. We enjoyed great food, had a conversation and a lot of fun. Dad was happy and he told us many jokes, everybody laughed more and more. We played the fools and couldn't stop. When it was time to go, Dad paid and left cafe to warm up the car, and Mom, her friend, my brother and I lingered in the cafe. When we went out, we realized that it was already dark outside - so we couldn't see well. And the second thing we railsed was the fact that nobody can remember exactly what our new car looks like! But Mom confidently went towards the black car, that was standing nearly. "Oh, Dad is waiting inside, it's ours. Come on".
Just imagine: the company of four very noisy people, singing, talking loudly, laughing out, get into car. Mum turn to driver and exclaimed cheerfully: “Sasha, let’s go!”…The driver looked at us with eyes full of fear and cried out desperatly: “I am not Sasha, I am Egor!!! Who are you?!” Then we, absolutly confused and quiet, get in the right car, we told Dad about it. He couldn't drive for 5 minutes becouse of laughing.

TRANSLATION OF THE TEXT

This happened about a year ago. Our family bought a new car and parents decided to celebrate it in a cafe with the whole family. We ate delicious food, chatted and laughed. Dad was happy and told jokes one after another, everyone laughed non-stop. We played the fool and couldn't stop. When it was time to leave, my dad paid and went to start the car, but my mom, aunt, brother, and I were delayed. When we left, we realized that it was already dark, and in the dark we were not very good at orienting ourselves. The second thing we found was that no one remembers exactly what our new car looks like! But Mom walked confidently to the nearest black car. “So dad is already waiting for us, this is our car, let’s go.”
Just imagine: a company of four very noisy people, singing, talking loudly and laughing, tumble into a car. Mom turns to the driver and joyfully exclaims: “Sasha, let's go!” ... The driver looked at us with eyes full of horror and cried out desperately: “I'm not Sasha, I'm EGOR! Who are you all?!” And we, completely embarrassed and hushed, finally got into the right car and told dad about it. For another 5 minutes he could not move from his place from laughter.

A Magic Ring

Once upon a time there lived a young farmer. He worked very hard but was very poor. One day when he was far from home in the forest, an old woman looking like a peasant came up to him and said, “I know you work very hard, and all for nothing. I will give you a magic ring! It will make you rich, and your work won't be in vain. When you turn the ring on your finger and say what you wish to have, you'll have it at once! But there is only one wish in the ring, so think carefully before you wish."

The astonished farmer took the ring given to him by the peasant woman, and went home. In the evening he came to a big city. There he went to a merchant and showed him the magic ring. When the merchant heard the astonishing story, he thought of a plan. He invited the farmer to stay in his house for the night. At night he came up to the sleeping peasant, carefully took the ring off the man's finger, and put on another ring, which looked exactly like the one he had taken off.

In the morning when the farmer had gone away, the merchant ran into his shop, shut the door, and said while turning the ring on his finger, "I wish to have a hundred thousand pieces of gold." And down they came, on his head, shoulders, and arms, like a rain of gold! The frightened merchant tried to get out of the shop, but in vain. In a few minutes he was dead.

When the farmer returned home, he showed the ring to his wife. "Take a look at this ring," he said. "It's a magic ring! It will make us happy.”

The astonished woman could hardly say a word "Let's try. Maybe the ring will bring us more land,” she said at last.

“We must be careful about our wish. Don't forget there's only one thing that we may ask for," he explained. “Let’s better work hard for another year, and we’ll have more land.”

So they worked as hard as they could and got enough money to buy the land they wished to have.

Then the farmer's wife thought of asking for a cow and a horse. They discussed the matter more than once.
“My good wife,” said the farmer, “we shall get a horse and a cow without the ring.”
They went on working hard for a whole year and again bought the things they wished to have.

"What happy people we are!" said the farmer.

“I don’t understand you,” answered his wife angrily. "There's nothing in the world that we can't have, and still we spend days and nights working as hard as before, because you don't want to use your magic ring!"

Thirty, then forty years had gone by. The farmer and his wife had grown old. Their hair became as white as snow. They were happy and had everything they wanted. Their ring was still there. Although it was not a magic ring, it had made them happy. For you see, my dear friends, a poor thing in good hands is better than a fine thing in bad hands.

TRANSLATION OF THE TEXT

There once was a young farmer. He worked very hard, but was very poor. One day, when he was away from home in the forest, an elderly woman who looked like a peasant came up to him and said: “I know you work very hard, and everything is in vain. I will give you a magic ring! It will make you rich and your work will not be in vain. When you turn the ring on your finger and say what you want to have, you will get it right away! But there is only one wish in the ring, so think carefully before you wish.”

The surprised farmer took the ring given to him by the peasant woman and went home. In the evening he arrived in a big city. There he went to the merchant and showed him the magic ring. When the merchant heard the amazing story, he conceived a plan. He invited the farmer to stay at his house for the night. At night, he approached the sleeping peasant, carefully removed the ring from the man's finger, and put on another ring, which was similar to the one he had taken off.

In the morning, when the farmer left, the merchant ran to his shop, closed the door, and turning the ring on his finger, said, "I want to have one hundred thousand gold pieces." And they rained down on his head, shoulders and arms like golden rain! The frightened merchant tried to get out of the store, but in vain. A few minutes later he died.

When the farmer returned home, he showed the ring to his wife. “Look at this ring,” he said. "It's a magic ring! It will make us happy."

The surprised woman could hardly utter the words “Let's try. Maybe the ring will bring us more land,” she said at last.

“We must be careful what we wish for. Don't forget that we can only ask for one thing," he explained. "Let's work hard for another year, and we'll have more land."

So they worked hard and got enough money to buy the land they wanted to own.

Then the farmer's wife decided to ask for a cow and a horse. They discussed this issue more than once.
"My good wife," said the farmer, "we will get a horse and a cow without a ring."
They continued to work hard for a whole year and again bought the things they wanted to have.

“What happy people we are!” said the farmer.

"I don't understand you," his wife replied angrily. "There is nothing in the world that we don't have, and yet we spend our days and nights working as hard as ever because you don't want to use your magic ring!"

Thirty, then forty years passed. The farmer and his wife are old. Their hair turned white as snow. They were happy and had everything they wanted. Their ring was still there. Although it was not a magic ring, it made them happy. You see, my dear friends, a bad thing in good hands is better than a good thing in bad hands.

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Funny short stories in English

The child and his mother

A curious child asked his mother: “Mommy, why are some of your hairs turning grey?”

The mother tried to use this occasion to teach her child: “It is because of you, dear. Every bad action of yours will turn one of my hairs grey!”

The child replied innocently: “Now I know why grandmother has only gray hairs on her head.”

Translation:

A child and his mother

A curious child asks his mother, "Mommy, why are some of the hairs on your head turning gray?"

The mother tried to take advantage of the situation and teach her child a lesson: “It's all because of you, dear. Every bad deed of yours makes one of my hairs gray!”

The child answered innocently: "Now I know why my grandmother has only gray hair on her head."

Wrong email address

A couple going on vacation but his wife was on a business trip so he went to the destination first and his wife would meet him the next day.

When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email.

Unfortunately, when typing her address, he mistyped a letter and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher’s wife whose husband had passed away only the day before.

When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint.

At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen:

Dearest Wife,
Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow.

Sure is hot down here.

Translation:

Wrong e-mail

When he got to the hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email.

Unfortunately, when he typed her address, he missed a letter, and his letter went instead of his wife to the elderly priest's wife, whose husband had passed away just a day before.

As the grieving widow was checking her email, she glanced at the monitor once, let out a scream of horror, and fell to the floor in a deep faint.

Hearing this sound, the relatives rushed into her room and saw a note on the screen:

Dear wife,
Just checked in. Everything is ready for your arrival tomorrow.

PS: It's hot in here.

Will’s experience at the airport

After his return from Rome, Will couldn’t find his luggage in the airport baggage area. He went to the lost luggage office and told the woman there that his bags hadn't shown up on the carousel.

She smiled and told him not to worry because they were trained professionals and he was in good hands.

Then she asked Will, “Has your plane arrived yet?”

Translation:

Will's incident at the airport0002 After returning from Rome, Will couldn't find his luggage in the airport's luggage compartment. He went to the lost and found office and told the woman who worked there that his bags never showed up on the carousel.

She smiled and told him not to worry because they were professionals and he was in good hands.

Then she asked, “Has your plane arrived yet?”