Every child’s bookshelf should be a gateway to adventure, wonder, and imagination. But too often, those shelves are filled with the same familiar stories, all from the same handful of authors. What if bedtime could take kids on a journey to new countries, introduce them to different cultures, and let them see the world through a fresh lens? Enter translated children’s fiction—stories originally written in other languages that have made their way into English so kids everywhere can enjoy them.
These books offer more than just a good story. They open kids’ minds to different ways of thinking, storytelling styles, and perspectives. Plus, they’re often a fun departure from the typical fairy tales and school adventures found in many English-language books. Here are some fantastic translated children’s books that will make storytime a truly global experience.
Pippi Longstocking – Astrid Lindgren (Sweden)
If your kid loves wild, independent characters, Pippi Longstocking is an absolute must-read. Originally written in Swedish, this classic follows the misadventures of a girl who lives in a house without any parents, has a pet monkey, and is stronger than any grown-up in town.
Why kids will love it:
- Pippi does exactly what she wants—no rules, no limits.
- She’s endlessly funny and full of surprises.
- The story is packed with humor, adventure, and a touch of chaos.
The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (France)
This French classic is one of the most translated books in the world, and for good reason. The Little Prince is a poetic and philosophical tale about a young boy who travels from planet to planet, learning about love, loss, and the strange ways grown-ups think.
Why kids will love it:
- The illustrations are simple yet magical.
- It teaches big life lessons in a way that’s gentle and beautiful.
- The prince’s adventures feel both dreamy and relatable.
Moominland Midwinter – Tove Jansson (Finland)
The Moomins are beloved in Finland, and their stories have been translated into dozens of languages. This particular tale follows Moomintroll as he wakes up from hibernation and experiences winter for the first time. It’s a cozy, magical read full of wonder and adventure.
Why kids will love it:
- The Moomins are quirky, lovable creatures with big personalities.
- The story captures the feeling of discovering something new and unfamiliar.
- It’s the perfect winter read, full of charm and warmth.
The Wild Book – Juan Villoro (Mexico)
Translated from Spanish, this adventure follows a boy named Juan who is sent to stay with his uncle in Mexico City—a place full of books that seem to have a mind of their own. It’s a story about the magic of reading, but with a fun, action-packed twist.
Why kids will love it:
- The idea of books coming to life is pure fun.
- It’s fast-paced and filled with humor.
- It makes libraries and reading feel like an adventure.
Kiki’s Delivery Service – Eiko Kadono (Japan)
Most kids know Kiki’s Delivery Service from the famous Studio Ghibli film, but the original Japanese book is just as delightful. It follows Kiki, a young witch, as she sets off to live on her own and start a flying delivery service.
Why kids will love it:
- It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in magic.
- Kiki is strong, independent, and fun.
- The world is cozy, whimsical, and full of little life lessons.
My Sweet Orange Tree – José Mauro de Vasconcelos (Brazil)
This Brazilian classic is a deeply moving story about a mischievous yet kind-hearted boy named Zezé and his friendship with an orange tree. It’s an emotional read but one that’s packed with heart and beauty.
Why kids will love it:
- Zezé’s imagination makes the story feel magical.
- It shows the world from a child’s perspective with honesty and warmth.
- It’s a reminder of the power of friendship—even with a tree!
The Brothers Lionheart – Astrid Lindgren (Sweden)
Another gem from Astrid Lindgren, this book is an epic, emotional fantasy about two brothers who find themselves in a magical land where they must fight against an evil tyrant. It’s adventurous, heartfelt, and packed with big themes.
Why kids will love it:
- It’s full of excitement, adventure, and bravery.
- The sibling bond at the heart of the story is beautiful.
- The world-building is rich and immersive.
The Rainbow Fish – Marcus Pfister (Switzerland)
For younger readers, The Rainbow Fish is a gentle, beautifully illustrated story from Switzerland about sharing and kindness. The shiny, colorful scales on the fish make it a visually stunning read.
Why kids will love it:
- The artwork is gorgeous, with holographic scales.
- The message about sharing and friendship is simple yet powerful.
- It’s a perfect bedtime read for little ones.
The Adventures of Pinocchio – Carlo Collodi (Italy)
Most kids know Pinocchio from Disney, but the original Italian book is full of even more adventure, mischief, and magical moments. Pinocchio’s journey is about learning responsibility while having fun along the way.
Why kids will love it:
- It’s packed with action, humor, and quirky characters.
- Pinocchio’s mishaps make him easy to relate to.
- It’s a fun mix of fantasy and moral lessons.
The Legend of the Wandering King – Laura Gallego García (Spain)
This Spanish fantasy novel is inspired by Arabian Nights and follows a prince on a journey of redemption and adventure. It’s a mix of history, magic, and mystery.
Why kids will love it:
- The setting feels exotic and exciting.
- It’s an epic adventure with a deep, meaningful story.
- The writing is poetic and captivating.
Reading books from other cultures isn’t just about learning new words or settings—it’s about experiencing different ways of seeing the world. These translated stories introduce kids to new ideas, traditions, and adventures, all while being just as fun and engaging as their favorite English-language books. So, next time you’re looking for a new bedtime story, why not let your child travel the world through the pages of a book?
