Gushi

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

25 stories · sorted shortest first
Miko’s Little Hops

Miko’s Little Hops

cultivating patiencegrowth mindset
2:19·3-6
Luma the Little Cloud

Luma the Little Cloud

handling feeling left outfinding quiet calm
2:25·3-6
Bubble by BubbleNew Drop

Bubble by Bubble

small improvementspatience
2:29·3-6
Yummy Delicious Wait

Yummy Delicious Wait

cultivating patiencefocus
2:30·3-6
Pia and the Slushy Hill

Pia and the Slushy Hill

managing disappointmentflexibility
2:39·3-6
The Sunflower & Leo

The Sunflower & Leo

empathyreciprocity
2:45·4-7
Planet Picnic

Planet Picnic

science thinkingobservation
2:49·4-7
Mood Balloon Parade

Mood Balloon Parade

empathykindness
2:50·4-7
Snack Dojo

Snack Dojo

self-controlmindfulness
2:56·4-7
Taylor's Quiet Shell

Taylor's Quiet Shell

handling overstimulationfinding inner quiet
2:58·3-6
The Runaway Sandwich

The Runaway Sandwich

identityinclusion
3:13·4-7
Popcorn Blackout

Popcorn Blackout

family bondingcreativity
3:15·4-8
Keep Waddling

Keep Waddling

building braverymanaging performance nerves
3:23·3-6
Echo Cave

Echo Cave

mindfulnesscommunication
3:27·4-7
Rainbow Feathers

Rainbow Feathers

confidencegrowth mindset
3:32·4-8
Dancing Stickers

Dancing Stickers

empathykindness
3:38·3-6
Jack & the Wondervine

Jack & the Wondervine

resourcefulnessimagination
3:38·4-8
The Bedtime Routine Race

The Bedtime Routine Race

responsibilityself-care
3:39·3-6
Counting Clouds with Coco

Counting Clouds with Coco

emotional regulationbreathing
3:42·3-6
Lemonade Lane

Lemonade Lane

saving habitsresponsibility
3:48·5-8
Fair Pair Adventure

Fair Pair Adventure

fairnessempathy
3:55·5-8
Marigold & the Shiny Smile Club

Marigold & the Shiny Smile Club

self-worthjoy
4 min·4-8
Pluto & the Dwarf Planets

Pluto & the Dwarf Planets

identityconfidence
4:15·5-8
The Ladder Club

The Ladder Club

self-advocacyempathy
4:17·4-7
The Great Tahoe Tumble & Glide

The Great Tahoe Tumble & Glide

social-emotional growthtrying new things
4:24·4-7

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.

Hear them narrated.Free to read here. The multi-character audio is in the Gushi iPhone app.
Try Gushi Free