30 Free Online Classic Storybooks for Kids

Do you remember when our parents read stories to us during leisure or bedtime? As 21st-century parents, we’re often too swamped to read to our kids, but it’s crucial to know the many benefits of reading storybooks. While enjoying classic storybooks, it’s great to have resources that grow with your child’s abilities. Here’s the best list of story books to read online that adapt to your child’s growing reading skills, along with a collection of timeless classics.

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12 Best Online Storybooks for Kids by Different Levels

1. Read Alouds

Read Alouds

Expand vocab | Develop Early Literacy | Boost Reading Confidence

These books are made for reading out loud. They help kids improve their listening skills, understand what they hear, and learn new words. Parents or teachers can use them to make reading sessions interactive and educational.

2. Leveled Readers

Leveled Readers

Skill Progression | Read & Grow | One Story at a Time

These books match different reading levels with specific phonetic patterns, sentence structures, and vocabulary. As children become better readers, they move on to more complex books, helping them progress step by step.

3. Decodable Books

Decodable Books

Phonics Fun | Decode & Learn | Early Reading

Ideal for beginners, these books focus on phonics. They help kids practice sounding out words on their own, building their confidence and independence in reading.

4. Bedtime Stories

Bedtime Stories

Cozy Bedtime Reads | Wisdom Stories | Inspirational Characters

A collection of calming tales perfect for bedtime. These stories help children relax at the end of the day and promote bonding time between parents and children.

Each book comes with “Read to Me” or “Read by Myself” features, allowing your child to read independently. You can also track your child’s progress while they independently read. By signing up, you can access all these features. Here is how your child’s dashboard will look:

30 Classic Online Story Books for Kids of Different Age Groups

1. Mr. McKay – the Winter Coat Thief

Who is it for: Ages 5-7
If you ever feel a warm breeze on a freezing winter day, keep your coat on because it could be Mr. McKay at work! The best part about this story is that it is a rhyming bedtime tale about keeping your jacket on when it’s bitterly cold outside.

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2. Becca’s Wild Moose Chase

Related Reading: Amazing Short Stories for Kids That Teach Beautiful Lessons

Who is it for: Ages 3-5
The narrative of Becca’s Wild Moose Chase is about a bumblebee and a moose. Following an unfortunate first encounter and a chase across the prairie, the pair forgets their differences and become best friends, viewing each other as family.

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3. The Guardians of Lore

Who is it for: Ages 6-12
If you are looking for popular story books to read online for kids, this might be the perfect one for you. While drawing in class, Cal, a 12-year-old student at Stanwood School, observes a frog staring at him through the glass. The actuality that this frog is wearing spectacles is even weirder. Cal and his best friend, Soy, investigate that the frog known as Deli has shown up to them for a reason. Filled with mystery, action & much more, this storybook promises heaps of fun to your little ones!

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4. The Rescue

Who is it for: Ages 3-5
The plot revolves around a lonely street dog who has no friends & is alone. But soon, he meets a companion. Read this story to your kids and help them discover the true power of Jesus Christ’s love.

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5. The Hike

Who is it for: Ages 3-5
In this story, Mandy and Grandpa explore the woods together. They also learn to be in harmony with nature and discuss important issues. To help kids understand the special bond between grandparents & grandchildren, read this fantastic & free illustrated children’s book to your little one. 

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6. The Journey of the Marmabill

Who is it for: Ages 3-6
Follow Marmabill on her journey through the rainforest, where she encounters fantastical creatures such as wugs, tankadiggies, and flying feathers. Through her journey, Marmabill discovers the true meaning of home.

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7. Fox + Chick: The Sleepover

Who is it for: Ages 5-8
This collection of short stories follows two friends – Frog and Chick, as they work out their differences and eventually come to terms. Fox and Chick have a sleepover, look for a lost hammer, and throw a surprise party in this third book in the series. The relatable storylines and humorous tone make this an enjoyable way for young readers to learn about friendship.

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8. Gemma

Who is it for: Ages 5 and up
Gemma is a middle-grade novel about a curious explorer and her ring-tailed lemur, Milo, as they search for the world’s greatest treasure. Gemma’s adventures take her from a young girl to a brave captain whose only limits are the stars as she solves riddles, battles a bell-wearing jaguar and travels the Eight Seas.

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9. Thumbelina

Who is it for: Ages 2-6
A couple who cannot have children is miraculously blessed with a baby girl—but not just any baby girl. This Hans Christian Andersen classic, updated by Tom Roberts, will encapsulate your child’s heart and fantasy.

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10. Sofa Boy

Who is it for: Ages 4-8
A young child discovers that spending all day on his sofa playing computer games is fun. His disregard for good hygiene, clean air, and exercise wreaks havoc on his young body, and before long, the little lad becomes a prisoner of his design. Sofa Boy is a humorous and beautifully illustrated narrative that teaches children moral values & promises laughter.

Related Reading: Best Bedtime Stories for Kids of Every Age Group

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11. Ivy+ Bean

Who is it for: Ages 5-7
Bean, one of the story’s protagonists, pulls a prank on her sister, and she receives unexpected support from Ivy, the new neighbor. Characters that are vibrant and full of humor make this a charming and addictive start to a new series.

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12. The Calico Cat

Who is it for: Ages 5-10
Carmen, a rather mean and demanding cat, is distraught when a new family member arrives. She is even more upset when a very active kitten joins the household. A beautifully illustrated story with rhymed text that demonstrates the benefits of treating pets with love and patience.

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13. Diary of the 5th Grade Outlaw

Who is it for: Ages 8-12
This is a hilarious diary-style illustrated novel. A bully at school rules recess with an unfair playground tax in this first book. After a disastrous summer, all Robin can think about is regaining her best friend, Mary Ann. But to do so, she must become a legendary outlaw at Nottingham Elementary at any cost.

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14. Anne Bonny: Pirate Queen of the Caribbean

Who is it for: Ages 8-12
According to many sailors, women were once considered bad luck on ships. But Anne Bonny quickly disproved them! This fearless pirate holds her own during raids and battles, wielding a pistol and a dagger to dispatch foes.

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15. Book 1 of Unicorn Island

Who is it for: Ages 8-10
The story’s protagonist, Sam, first emerges in Foggy Harbor, a suburb of only 3,230 people. All she sees is a tiny, boring town far from home. And knowing she’ll be stuck there all summer with her grumpy Uncle Mitch only adds to her misery. Read this fascinating storybook & help your kids explore their adventures.

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16. Opposites! And The Life Lessons They Teach Us 

Who is it for: Ages 4-8
This one-of-a-kind book dives deep into the idea of opposites by investigating the life lessons that opposites can teach us. What, for example, can we learn from the opposites, build and destroy? We cry when something is damaged, but we don’t give up: we rebuild it, bigger and better this time! With this charming book, you can give your child a simple beginning to significant life lessons.

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17. Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone

Who is it for: Ages 6-12
When the great owl is struck by a mysterious illness, Topaz and his companions enter a forbidden land to search for the stolen magical cure. This story is sure to keep young readers turning pages from beginning to end.

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18. Hide and Seek

Who is it for: Ages 2-5
Hide and Seek is based on the adventures of a girl (Sally) and her friends, who first fell into a deep dark hole in the ground, and then found a treasure.

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19. The Little Gingerbread Man

Who is it for: Ages  2-6
An older woman, who lives with her husband, bakes a gingerbread man, who escapes from the oven and runs away. The woman and her husband follow him but are unsuccessful in catching him.

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20. Stop & Go

Who is it for: Ages 5-7
This fun book explores the words’ stop’ and ‘go’ in various situations to develop a feeling of caution in the kids.

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21. Learning about ‘No’

Who is it for: Ages 2-8
This story is about the word ‘No.’ Many individuals believe that “No” is not a positive word & that children should not use it. Although the world is increasingly becoming a “Yes” world, “No” may still have a place.

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22. Jessie The Rabbit

Who is it for: Ages 2-8
The forest animals tease Jessie, the rabbit, about his shy behavior. However, when a friend is in danger, the nervous Jessie saves the day because of his bravery and quick thinking.

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23. Invisible Alligators

Who is it for: Ages 3-8
Little Sari realizes that unseen alligators are silently causing problems for her and everyone else.

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24. Catch a moon

Who is it for: Ages 6-10
This is the story of a brother and sister who desire to catch the moon and discover an innovative way to fly using their imaginations.

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Related Reading: Storytelling for Kids: Benefits, Books, and More

25. Up in the Air

Who is it for: Ages 6-10
This is a story about a little boy who loves all the things that can fly. It will undoubtedly make your kids wish for a pair of wings & give them the confidence to fly in life.

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26. The Monkey and The Crocodile

Who is it for: Ages 3-5
Once upon a time, the monkey and the crocodile became friends, but the crocodile’s evil wife had other motives. She desires to eat the monkey’s heart.
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27. I found a Frog

Who is it for: Ages 4-10
I Found a Frog is a fairy tale about a tadpole’s transformation into a frog. It’s entertaining, and educational, and will bring a wide smile to your child’s face.
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28. A Dog on a Log

Who is it for: Ages 3-8
Once upon a time, on a lovely sunny day by the sea – a dog, flea, and hog met.
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29. Buzzy Bee’s Night Out

Who is it for: Ages 3-5
This is one of the best story books to read online. It is a fantastic story of a buzzy bee who is unlike any other and travels out at night searching for a delectable flower.

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30. Jimmy’s first day of school

Who is it for: Ages 2-6
Jimmy’s first day of school is a story of a boy ‘Jimmy’ who starts school for the first time. It is a story that prepares young readers for different life transitions that they will face.

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Related Reading: Best Classic Fairy Tales For Your Kids

Conclusion

In conclusion, our selection of online story books for kids offers a variety of options to match different reading levels and preferences. Whether you need leveled readers, decodable books, bedtime stories, or read-alouds, you’ll find the perfect story books to read online. Enjoy quality reading time with your child and watch their love for reading grow!

Related Reading: Best Funny Short Stories for Kids to Read