Free to read · Illustrated · Narrated
Nine-year-olds can handle a story that sits with a feeling: a cat at a new school who misses her old friend, a hero who chooses a friend over a medal, and a princess who has to win back trust. Read them together, or hand over the book.
Every book here is free to read, no account needed.
Juniper tries being loud, funny, and agreeable at her new school. Naming a rain sound with Ash gives her something of her own to say—and something to write to her old friend.
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“On her first morning at the new school, Juniper kept reaching for the place beside her where…”
Ari wants her medal, and Calder wants one whole day at the sea. Staying with the marble lion means missing something she had hoped for.
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“On parade morning, Captain Ari polished her boots twice. Today the city would give her a med…”
Sora wins a prize with a story Ravi asked her to keep private. Returning the prize is only the start; Ravi decides when he is ready to tell her another story.
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“Princess Sora had entered the palace storytelling contest every spring and never won. This y…”
Choosing tonight’s book
Juniper’s new-school story is the gentlest place to start. Ari and Calder’s story is quiet, with a choice that costs her something. Sora’s story is longer and has an uncomfortable middle on purpose; choose it on a night when there is room to talk about it.
Make your own
Start with this idea, or swap in their name, a favorite toy, or tonight’s worry. You’ll read the story, with its first pictures, before you sign up.
Questions, answered
Fifteen to twenty minutes suits many nine-year-olds, or longer when they are reading it themselves. The books here run ten to eighteen pages, and an Epic Storybook (16 to 20 pages) gives a full adventure.
Many can, at least a page or two. The words are pitched for the age you choose, and highlighted words follow along with the narration, so nine-year-olds can read, listen, or both.
Real choices, mysteries, humor with a little bite, and characters who feel like people they know. They are ready for endings that aren’t perfectly tidy.
Yes. Put their name and what they’re into right now in your idea—“Leo solves the mystery of the missing school bell”—and choose age 9. Your first illustrated, narrated Storybook is free.
Your first illustrated, narrated Storybook is free. Read it before you sign up, no credit card required.