Short Stories
Short children’s stories, free to read online. Illustrated and narrated in audio in the Volpi app — perfect when time is short.
The Princess and the Pea
A prince travels the world in search of a true princess, but none of them seem to be quite what he is looking for. Until, on a stormy night, a soaking-wet young woman arrives at the palace gates claiming to be a real princess. Still unsure, the queen comes up with a curious test to discover the truth: an enormous bed, twenty mattresses, twenty featherbeds… and one tiny pea hidden beneath them all. A gentle and charming adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, perfect for enjoying a simple, playful story full of warmth and wonder.
The Elves and the Shoemaker
A kind shoemaker works tirelessly, but despite all his effort, he can barely afford enough leather to make one final pair of shoes. With hope fading, he carefully prepares the pieces and leaves them on his workbench for the next morning. But during the night, two tiny mysterious elves sneak into the workshop and create the most beautiful shoes anyone has ever seen. As the magical helpers return night after night, the shoemaker’s fortunes begin to change. But when he and his wife finally discover who has been helping them, they decide it is time to give something back. A warm and magical classic tale about kindness, gratitude, and the joy of helping others.
Clever Gretel
A clever and very hungry cook named Gretel is asked to prepare two delicious partridges for a special dinner guest. But while she waits for their arrival, the tempting smell of the roast — and a few trips down to the wine cellar — become too hard to resist. Between tasty bites, funny excuses, and a wildly improvised plan, the dinner soon turns into a hilarious mix-up full of misunderstandings, frantic chasing, and ears in serious danger. A playful classic tale filled with humor and mischief, perfect for sharing laughs and discovering just how far someone will go to escape a sticky situation.
Jack and the Magic Beans
Jack lives with his mother and their old cow, Daisy, their only source of income. But when they are forced to sell her, a mysterious encounter changes everything: in exchange for the cow, Jack receives a handful of magic beans that will grow all the way up to the sky. There, a daring adventure awaits—full of mystery, danger, and courage—where Jack discovers that sometimes the most unexpected choices can change everything.
The Three Little Pigs
Three little pigs set out to build their own homes and start a new life away from home. But each of them makes a different choice: while some look for quick and easy solutions, another chooses patience and hard work. When the big bad wolf appears, their decisions will be put to the test… proving that not all choices keep you safe. A timeless classic filled with suspense, adventure, and a lesson that never grows old.
The Seven Little Goats
The Seven Little Goats and the Wolf (H. Grimm): A children's classic that has captivated generations. Mother goat warns her seven little ones about the cunning wolf and his tricks (soft voice, white paws). Will the kids be able to escape danger and recognize the truth behind the deceptions? A tale of prudence, ingenuity, and maternal love. Ideal for family enjoyment and learning. Available in text, audio, and video
Frequently asked questions
This collection includes The Princess and the Pea, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Clever Gretel, Jack and the Magic Beans, The Three Little Pigs and The Seven Little Goats — all short enough to read in a few minutes.
They’re Volpi’s shortest stories, around 5 to 9 minutes narrated — ideal when time is short or before bed.
Right here: every short story can be read online for free, no sign-up. And to listen to the full audio narration, just download the free Volpi app.