To celebrate our 50th Storytime issue, we’re not only running an awesome 50-Word Story writing competition for kids (find out more here), we’ve also put together a definitive guide, which reveals the ultimate library of 50 Stories to read before you’re 10. The shortlist comprises folk tales, fairy tales, myths, legends, fables, and stories from around the world.

We selected these 50 stories from over 350 tales we’ve published in Storytime in the last four years. They made the cut for a number of reasons – some are classics or come with great moral lessons. Others are packed with subtle but clever devices that aid early literacy skills, such as repetition, rhythm, interesting vocabulary or inspiring characters. Several teach children about different cultures, and some are just funny. (Never underestimate the power of funny stories.) In short, they’re all fantastic stories – the kind you’ll remember and cherish forever.

Our full guide is divided into different types of stories – from fairy tales to myths and legends – and comes with a brief explanation for why we’ve carefully considered and chosen each story. You can download it here.

If you’ve missed any of these 50 stories in our Storytime issues, the list below shows you what issue they appeared in with a handy link to our Back Issue Shop. We hope you enjoy our selection and take on the challenge to read them to or with your child before they turn 10. Even better, ask them to read all 50 stories to you!

50 STORIES TO READ BEFORE YOU’RE 10

Top 10 Fairy Tales

• 1. Goldilocks and the Three Bears – Storytime

Issue 1

• and a new version in

Issue 49

• 2. Cinderella – Storytime

Issue 3

• 3. Hansel and Gretel – Storytime

Issue 13

• 4. Jack and the Beanstalk – Storytime

Issue 5

• 5. Jack the Giant Killer – Storytime

Issue 45

• 6. Three Little Pigs – Storytime

Issue 6

• 7. The Three Billy Goats Gruff – Storytime

Issue 10

• 8. Little Red Hen – Storytime

Issue 47

• 9. The Emperor’s New Clothes – Storytime

Issue 30

• 10. The Gingerbread Man – Storytime

Issue 2

Top 10 Fables

• 1. The Tortoise and the Hare – Storytime

Issue 1

• 2. The Lion and the Mouse – Storytime

Issue 2

• 3. The Dog and his Bone – Storytime

Issue 3

• 4. The Four Harmonious Animals – Storytime

Issue 4

• 5. The Wind and the Sun – Storytime

Issue 12

• 6. The Boy Who Cried Wolf – Storytime

Issue 14

• 7. The Blind Friends and the Elephant – Storytime

Issue 16

• 8. The Crow and the Pitcher – Storytime

Issue 19

• 9. The Goat and the Fox – Storytime

Issue 30

• 10. Little Mouse Makes Friends – Storytime

Issue 42

Top 10 Myths and Legends

• 1. The Midas Touch – Storytime

Issue 8

• 2. Hercules and the Lion – Storytime

Issue 24

• 3. Pegasus the Winged Horse – Storytime

Issue 32

• 4. Thor’s Stolen Hammer – Storytime

Issue 3

• 5. Finn MacCool – Storytime

Issue 7

• 6. The Sword in the Stone – Storytime

Issue 13

• 7. Robin Hood and the Silver Arrow – Storytime

Issue 9

• 8. Cupid and Psyche – Storytime

Issue 17

• 9. White Buffalo Calf Woman – Storytime

Issue 34

• 10. Ganesha the Elephant God – Storytime

Issue 25

Top 10 Folk Tales

• 1. Lazy Jack – Storytime

Issue 9

• 2. Stone Soup – Storytime

Issue 11

• 3. The Wish Fish – Storytime

Issue 17

• 4. The Clever Carpenter – Storytime

Issue 43

• 5. The Three Wishes – Storytime

Issue 3

• 6. Elidor and the Golden Ball – Storytime

Issue 30

• 7. Half a Blanket – Storytime

Issue 33

• 8. The Farmer and the Boggart – Storytime

Issue 8

• 9. Jack and the Leprechaun – Storytime

Issue 31

• 10. The Green Children of Woolpit – Storytime

Issue 26

Top 10 Around the World Tales

• 1. Anansi and the Turtle – Storytime

Issue 4

• 2. The Rainbow Snake – Storytime

Issue 5

• 3. The Mouse Merchant – Storytime

Issue 8

• 4. The Polar Bear Son – Storytime

Issue 16

• 5. Wolf Lullaby – Storytime

Issue 25

• 6. The Four Dragons – Storytime

Issue 10

• 7. Nana Miriam and the Hippo – Storytime

Issue 34

• 8. The Bear and the Trolls – Storytime

Issue 27

• 9. Zuleika’s Gift – Storytime

Issue 47

• 10. The Flower and the Hummingbird – Storytime

Issue 38

Of course, we promise you many more fantastic stories to come. Bedtime stories, educational stories, cuddle-up stories, circle-time stories, stories to share with classmates and friends. Stories to make you think, help you escape, ignite your imagination, give you a new understanding of the world around you, empower you, enable you or change you. At Storytime, we believe that stories have that power.

Make sure you download our full 50 Stories to Read Before You’re 10 pack and enjoy ticking them off as you read them.

Happy reading as always,

The post 50 Stories to Read Before You’re 10 appeared first on Storytime Magazine.