Bedtime stories for kids aged 3 to 8 Picture books that
read themselves aloud.
Storyboat is a library of original illustrated stories. A warm voice reads every page while the words light up, or turn the voice off and read it together.
Let’s try a bedtime story.
The Cookie Thief
Ages 4 to 8 · 7 mins
Cookies keep disappearing from Leo's kitchen jar, and even the dog looks innocent. With a bell, some string, and a dusting of flour, Leo sets out to catch whoever is taking the treats.
One picture, one sentence, read aloud.
Every Storyboat story is a picture book that can read itself. Play follows the pictures with narration and highlighted words. Read lets you turn the pages at your own pace.
Deep in the green jungle lived a bear named Bramble.
From Bramble's Bakery.
A picture on every page
Each page is one illustration and one sentence, so the story moves at a small child’s pace.
Read aloud, word by word
A warm narrator reads each sentence, and every word lights up as it is spoken so early readers can follow along.
Soft music underneath
Most stories have a gentle score under the voice, with its own volume.
Free bedtime stories
Make a free account and these are yours to play or read.
What parents say.
My 3-year-old and I both absolutely love Storyboat. I’ve become his favorite parent because of this app!
My wife and I found ourselves saying ‘Awww’ while listening to Bramble’s Bakery. Our daughter absolutely loved it!
The kids absolutely love Storyboat! It’s become part of our bedtime routine, and now they bargain with me every night over how many stories we should read before sleep.
Big adventures that land softly.
Children ask for adventures, not lullabies. Storyboat stories give them a real one, and still finish calm enough for sleep.
- The start
A small hero sets off on a big quest
Every story gives its hero something to find, fix or reach, so a child has a reason to lean in.
- The middle
Somewhere new, page after page
The journey keeps moving from place to place, and any peril stays mild and kind.
- The end
It lands softly
The last pages slow down and settle on a quiet picture, so the story finishes calm even when the middle was an adventure.
On the shelf now
- Kindness
- Friendship
- Helping others
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Change
- Curiosity
- Empathy
- Family
- Imagination
What to know before tonight.
Made for the last ten minutes of the day: a steady voice, soft colours, and nothing that plays on to the next thing.
Also on iOS and Android
- Ages
- 3 to 8. Every story shows its own age range.
- Length
- About 4 to 6 minutes a story.
- Ads
- None, anywhere in Storyboat.
- Autoplay
- None. A story ends on its last page and waits for you.
- Cost
- Some stories are free with a free account. A subscription unlocks the whole library.
- Devices
- Web, iOS and Android, all on one account.
Bedtime guides for parents
What is Storyboat?
Storyboat is a bedtime story app with a growing library of original, read-aloud illustrated stories for kids. Play follows the pictures with narration and highlighted words. Read lets you turn the pages at your own pace.
What ages are the bedtime stories for?
The current library includes stories recommended for ages 3 to 8. Check each story’s age recommendation before choosing.
Are the stories right for toddlers and preschoolers?
Many are. Several stories are recommended from age 3, with short sentences, gentle pacing and a picture on every page. Each story page shows its age range, so you can pick one that suits your child.
How long is each bedtime story?
Most stories take about 4 to 6 minutes to play with narration, a comfortable length for bedtime or a quiet moment together. Each story page shows its length.
Are the stories narrated out loud?
Yes. In Play mode, every story is narrated word by word, with each word highlighted as it is read, so children can follow along. You can also switch to Read mode and read aloud together in your own voice.
Is Storyboat free?
You can create an account and play or read a selection of stories for free. A premium subscription unlocks the full library across web, iOS, and Android.
Are there free bedtime stories on Storyboat?
Yes. Create a free account and a selection of stories is yours to play or read, any night.
Does Storyboat have ads?
No. There are no ads anywhere in Storyboat, and a story never plays on into another one. It ends on its last page and waits.
What devices does Storyboat work on?
Storyboat works in any web browser and as an app on iOS and Android. Sign in with the same account on each one, and a subscription started on any device works on all of them.