Short bedtime stories for kids.
2 to 5 minutes.
Short bedtime stories work better than long ones for the kids who need them most. Restless kids, over-tired kids, kids whose attention is already running on fumes by 7:30pm. Every story in this collection runs five minutes or less, and ends before bedtime drags out.
Each story is built around something kids are actually working through: learning to wait, sibling jealousy, trying something new, feeling brave when something feels too big. Read any of them free here, or open the Gushi iPhone app for the multi-character narration.
All short bedtime stories
About short bedtime stories
What counts as a short bedtime story?+
Five minutes or less when read aloud. That length works for kids ages 3 to 8: long enough to settle into, short enough to finish before an over-tired child loses focus, and short enough that you can play more than one if needed.
Are short bedtime stories better for kids who can't sleep?+
Short stories work better for restless kids because they finish before bedtime drags on. A long story can pull a tired child back into engagement instead of letting them drift off. Most Gushi stories land in the 2–5 minute range for exactly that reason.
Can I read these short bedtime stories online for free?+
Yes. Every story in the Gushi library is free to read on this site. The Gushi iPhone app adds multi-character audio narration on top: narrator plus characters with their own voices. That's what gives them the feel of a tiny show before bed. Not a podcast.

























