Bedtime Stories for 5 Year Olds
Five year olds care a great deal about fairness. Who got the bigger piece, whose turn it really is, and whether the rules apply to grown-ups too. Many are also starting school, which means a long day, a lot of new people and a lot to talk about at bedtime. A story for a 5 year old can include a real choice for the hero to make, and it lands best when the right choice is a kind one rather than a lesson read out loud.
The story below is about sharing the last of something, and it reads aloud in about three minutes. To make one starring your 5 year old, choose the 4 to 5 age band, or 6 to 7 if they enjoy longer stories. If your child has just started school, there are also [short stories for kindergarten](/stories/short-stories-for-kindergarten) with questions to ask after each one.
✨ Or make one starring your child, free in seconds ↓
Maya and the Last Strawberry
A free story to read aloud tonight
There was one strawberry left in the bowl. One big, red, perfect strawberry. And Maya and her little brother Sam both saw it at exactly the same time.
“Mine,” said Sam. “I saw it first,” said Maya, which was not quite true, but it felt true.
Dad looked at the strawberry, and then at the two of them. “I am not deciding,” he said. “You two work it out.” And he went to wash the pans, very slowly.
Maya thought about it. She could grab it. She was bigger and faster. But then Sam would cry, and the kitchen would be loud, and the strawberry would not taste as good with all that crying in it.
So she picked up the butter knife, very carefully, and cut the strawberry right down the middle. “Half for you,” she said, “and half for me.” Sam stared at his half. Then he gave Maya a very sticky hug.
That night, Maya told Dad that half a strawberry was actually the perfect amount of strawberry. Dad agreed. Then he read one story, turned off the light, and Maya fell asleep feeling fair and full.
Why is my 5 year old so focused on what’s fair?
Fairness becomes very important to many children around five, as they start comparing themselves with siblings and classmates. Stories where a character finds a fair solution, without anyone being told off, give them a way to think about it that is not about them.
My 5 year old is exhausted after school but won’t settle. What helps?
A long school day can leave a child tired and wound up at the same time. Many families keep the routine short and the same every night, and choose a calm story over an exciting one. If sleep problems go on for weeks, your pediatrician can help.
Which age should I choose for a 5 year old?
Choose 4 to 5 for most five year olds. If yours already enjoys chapter books or longer stories, 6 to 7 gives a richer story.