Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

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The Rainbow Bridge

Stella the unicorn uses her magical rainbow to spread happiness and love to all creatures.

Try this story at a different level?

 

Once upon a time, in a magical world, there was a little unicorn named Stella who lived in a lush meadow surrounded by tall mountains. Stella had a unique ability to create rainbows whenever she wished. Every time she would jump and spin in a circle, her bright mane would emit shimmering colors that arched across the sky, forming a beautiful rainbow. Stella loved creating rainbows, and it brought joy to all the creatures in the meadow.

One sunny morning, Stella woke up and found an unusual message attached to her horn. It was an invitation to a magical contest happening at the end of the rainbow bridge. The message stated that the winner would receive a bag of enchanted rainbow dust, granting them any wish they desired. Excited about the opportunity, Stella set off on a thrilling adventure towards the rainbow bridge, watching as her rainbow trailed behind her.

As Stella approached the bridge, she noticed something unexpected. The path to the bridge was guarded by a mischievous troll named Grumble. Grumble had a rotten tooth that he would use to scare away anyone trying to cross the bridge. Determined to win the contest, Stella approached Grumble with a smile. She complimented his troll-ificent hair, making him forget all about his rotten tooth. The troll, flattered, allowed Stella to pass.

Once on the bridge, Stella encountered a mighty gust of wind that threatened to carry her away. Her rainbow was fading, and she needed something to hold onto. In a burst of creativity, Stella shaped her rainbow into a lasso and skillfully caught hold of a passing cloud. With the cloud as her anchor, she traveled safely across the bridge, much to the amazement of the other contest participants who were watching.

Finally, Stella arrived at the destination of the contest. She saw squirrels riding on golden leaves, birds singing magical tunes, and even a friendly dragon. All the creatures showcased their unique talents, hoping to win the enchanted rainbow dust. When it was Stella’s turn to perform, she created the most magnificent rainbow the world had ever seen. The crowd gasped in awe and cheered her on, making her feel incredibly proud.

In the end, Stella was victorious. She received the bag of enchanted rainbow dust, but instead of using it for herself, she wished for all the creatures to be filled with happiness and love forevermore. The meadow became a place of laughter and friendship. Stella learned that the true magic of rainbows lies not in the colors they create, but in the joy they bring to those who see them. From that day forward, every time Stella created a rainbow, she did it with the intention of spreading happiness and reminding everyone that kindness and love can make the world a better place.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1magicalPossessing or using supernatural powers
2unicornA mythical creature often depicted as a horse with a single horn
3shimmeringGlistening or sparkling with a soft radiance
4invitationA formal or polite request to attend or participate
5enchantedFilled with or influenced by magic
6mischievousPlayfully causing minor trouble or annoyance
7trollA mythical creature typically known for being large and formidable
8flatteredPleased or gratified by praise or admiration
9gustA strong, sudden rush of wind
10lassoA tool used for catching animals, consisting of a rope with a loop
11anchorA device or piece of equipment used to provide stability or support
12squirrelsSmall, agile rodents with bushy tails
13magnificentExtremely beautiful or impressive; splendid
14victoriousHaving won a competition or battle
15intentionA plan or aim that guides one’s actions

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What was Stella’s unique ability?
2. What did Stella find attached to her horn one morning?
3. What was the prize for winning the magical contest?
4. How did Stella convince Grumble to let her pass?
5. What did Stella use to hold onto and safely cross the bridge?
6. What did Stella wish for when she won the contest?
7. How did the meadow change after Stella won the contest?
8. What was the lesson Stella learned about rainbows?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time, in a magical world, there was a little unicorn named (1)______ who (2)______ in a lush (3)______ surrounded by tall mountains. Stella had a unique ability to create (4)______s whenever she wished. Every time she would jump and spin in a circle, her bright mane would emit shimmering colors that arched across the sky, forming a beautiful rainbow. Stella loved creating rainbows, and it brought joy to all the creatures in the meadow.

One sunny morning, Stella woke up and found an unusual message attached to her horn. It was an invitation to a magical contest happening at the end of the rainbow bridge. The message stated that the winner would receive a bag of enchanted rainbow dust, granting them any wish they desired. Excited about the opportunity, Stella set off on a thrilling adventure towards the rainbow bridge, watching as her rainbow trailed behind her.

As Stella approached the bridge, she noticed something unexpected. The path to the bridge was guarded by a (5)______ troll named (6)______. Grumble had a (7)______ tooth that he would use to scare away anyone trying to cross the bridge. Determined to win the contest, Stella approached Grumble with a smile. She (8)______ his troll-ificent hair, making him forget all about his rotten tooth. The troll, flattered, allowed Stella to pass.

Once on the bridge, Stella encountered a mighty gust of wind that (9)______ to (10)______ her away. Her rainbow was fading, and she needed something to hold onto. In a burst of creativity, Stella shaped her rainbow into a lasso and skillfully caught hold of a passing cloud. With the cloud as her anchor, she traveled safely across the bridge, much to the amazement of the other contest participants who were watching.

Finally, Stella arrived at the destination of the contest. She saw squirrels riding on golden leaves, birds singing magical tunes, and even a friendly dragon. All the creatures showcased their (11)______ talents, hoping to win the enchanted rainbow dust. When it was Stella’s turn to perform, she created the most (12)______ rainbow the (13)______ had ever seen. The crowd gasped in awe and cheered her on, making her feel incredibly proud.

In the end, Stella was victorious. She received the bag of enchanted rainbow dust, but instead of (14)______ it for herself, she (15)______ for all the creatures to be filled with happiness and love forevermore. The meadow became a place of laughter and friendship. Stella learned that the true magic of rainbows lies not in the (16)______ they create, but in the joy they bring to those who see them. From that day forward, every time Stella created a rainbow, she did it with the intention of spreading happiness and reminding everyone that kindness and love can make the world a better place.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is the significance of rainbows in different cultures and traditions?
2. How would you feel if you had the ability to grant any wish you desired?
3. Do you think it’s important to use our unique abilities to bring joy to others? Why or why not?
4. What is the role of creativity in overcoming obstacles, like Stella did with the gust of wind?
5. How would you feel if you encountered a mischievous troll like Grumble? Why?
6. Do you think compliments can have a powerful impact on someone’s behavior? Why or why not?
7. What unique talents do you possess that you could showcase in a contest like Stella did?
8. How would you feel if you were able to create the most magnificent rainbow the world had ever seen? Why?
9. Do you believe in the power of wishes and magical dust? Why or why not?
10. How do you think the creatures in the meadow felt after Stella’s wish for happiness and love?
11. What is the role of kindness and love in making the world a better place?
12. How would you feel if you had the ability to spread happiness and remind others of the importance of kindness and love? Why?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. magical
2. unicorn
3. shimmering
4. invitation
5. enchanted
6. mischievous
7. troll
8. flattered
9. gust
10. lasso
11. anchor
12. squirrels
13. magnificent
14. victorious
15. intention

Meanings:
(A) Extremely beautiful or impressive; splendid
(B) Filled with or influenced by magic
(C) A plan or aim that guides one’s actions
(D) Glistening or sparkling with a soft radiance
(E) A strong, sudden rush of wind
(F) A device or piece of equipment used to provide stability or support
(G) A formal or polite request to attend or participate
(H) Playfully causing minor trouble or annoyance
(I) Possessing or using supernatural powers
(J) A mythical creature typically known for being large and formidable
(K) A mythical creature often depicted as a horse with a single horn
(L) Having won a competition or battle
(M) Pleased or gratified by praise or admiration
(N) A tool used for catching animals, consisting of a rope with a loop
(O) Small, agile rodents with bushy tails
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was the name of the little unicorn in the story?
(a) Luna
(b) Sparkle
(c) Stella
(d) Rainbow

2. What was Stella’s unique ability?
(a) Flying
(b) Talking to animals
(c) Granting wishes
(d) Creating rainbows

3. What did Stella receive as a prize for winning the contest?
(a) A golden crown
(b) A magical wand
(c) A bag of enchanted rainbow dust
(d) A new set of wings

4. Who guarded the path to the rainbow bridge?
(a) Grumble the troll
(b) Sparkle the fairy
(c) Luna the unicorn
(d) Luna the dragon

5. How did Stella convince Grumble to let her pass?
(a) By complimenting his hair
(b) By bribing him with gold
(c) By challenging him to a race
(d) By casting a spell on him

6. What did Stella use to safely cross the bridge?
(a) A rope
(b) A cloud
(c) A magic carpet
(d) A pair of wings

7. What did Stella wish for when she won the contest?
(a) A lifetime supply of rainbow dust
(b) The ability to create rainbows without jumping
(c) To become the ruler of the meadow
(d) Happiness and love for all the creatures

8. What did Stella learn about the magic of rainbows?
(a) It can grant any wish
(b) It lies in the joy it brings to others
(c) It can make you fly
(d) It can turn you invisible

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Stella wishes for all the creatures to be filled with sadness and hate forevermore.
2. Stella performs and creates the most terrible rainbow, disappointing the crowd.
3. Stella receives an invitation to a magical contest at the end of the rainbow bridge.
4. Stella encounters a friendly troll named Grumble who guides the path to the bridge.
5. The winner of the contest will receive a bag of enchanted rainbow dust granting any wish.
6. Stella is a big dragon who has the ability to destroy rainbows.
7. Stella compliments Grumble’s hair, distracting him from scaring her away.
8. Stella uses her rainbow as a lasso to catch hold of a passing cloud and safely crosses the bridge.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this story in two sentences. Here are some hints:
Who are the main characters?
What happens in the story?

Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What was Stella’s unique ability?
Stella had the ability to create rainbows whenever she wished.

2. What did Stella find attached to her horn one morning?
Stella found an invitation to a magical contest attached to her horn.

3. What was the prize for winning the magical contest?
The prize for winning the magical contest was a bag of enchanted rainbow dust, granting the winner any wish they desired.

4. How did Stella convince Grumble to let her pass?
Stella complimented Grumble’s hair, making him forget about his rotten tooth and allowing her to pass.

5. What did Stella use to hold onto and safely cross the bridge?
Stella used a cloud that she shaped into a lasso to hold onto and safely cross the bridge.

6. What did Stella wish for when she won the contest?
Stella wished for all the creatures to be filled with happiness and love forevermore.

7. How did the meadow change after Stella won the contest?
The meadow became a place of laughter and friendship after Stella won the contest.

8. What was the lesson Stella learned about rainbows?
Stella learned that the true magic of rainbows lies not in the colors they create, but in the joy they bring to those who see them.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Stella
(2) lived
(3) meadow
(4) rainbow
(5) mischievous
(6) Grumble
(7) rotten
(8) complimented
(9) threatened
(10) carry
(11) unique
(12) magnificent
(13) world
(14) using
(15) wished
(16) colors
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. magical
Answer: (I) Possessing or using supernatural powers

2. unicorn
Answer: (K) A mythical creature often depicted as a horse with a single horn

3. shimmering
Answer: (D) Glistening or sparkling with a soft radiance

4. invitation
Answer: (G) A formal or polite request to attend or participate

5. enchanted
Answer: (B) Filled with or influenced by magic

6. mischievous
Answer: (H) Playfully causing minor trouble or annoyance

7. troll
Answer: (J) A mythical creature typically known for being large and formidable

8. flattered
Answer: (M) Pleased or gratified by praise or admiration

9. gust
Answer: (E) A strong, sudden rush of wind

10. lasso
Answer: (N) A tool used for catching animals, consisting of a rope with a loop

11. anchor
Answer: (F) A device or piece of equipment used to provide stability or support

12. squirrels
Answer: (O) Small, agile rodents with bushy tails

13. magnificent
Answer: (A) Extremely beautiful or impressive; splendid

14. victorious
Answer: (L) Having won a competition or battle

15. intention
Answer: (C) A plan or aim that guides one’s actions
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What was the name of the little unicorn in the story?
Answer: (c) Stella

2. What was Stella’s unique ability?
Answer: (d) Creating rainbows

3. What did Stella receive as a prize for winning the contest?
Answer: (c) A bag of enchanted rainbow dust

4. Who guarded the path to the rainbow bridge?
Answer: (a) Grumble the troll

5. How did Stella convince Grumble to let her pass?
Answer: (a) By complimenting his hair

6. What did Stella use to safely cross the bridge?
Answer: (b) A cloud

7. What did Stella wish for when she won the contest?
Answer: (d) Happiness and love for all the creatures

8. What did Stella learn about the magic of rainbows?
Answer: (b) It lies in the joy it brings to others
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Stella wishes for all the creatures to be filled with sadness and hate forevermore. (Answer: False)
2. Stella performs and creates the most terrible rainbow, disappointing the crowd. (Answer: False)
3. Stella receives an invitation to a magical contest at the end of the rainbow bridge. (Answer: True)
4. Stella encounters a friendly troll named Grumble who guides the path to the bridge. (Answer: False)
5. The winner of the contest will receive a bag of enchanted rainbow dust granting any wish. (Answer: True)
6. Stella is a big dragon who has the ability to destroy rainbows. (Answer: False)
7. Stella compliments Grumble’s hair, distracting him from scaring her away. (Answer: True)
8. Stella uses her rainbow as a lasso to catch hold of a passing cloud and safely crosses the bridge. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

Milo the mischievous monkey and Polly the Parrot become best friends, spreading laughter and joy throughout the jungle.

The Mischievous Monkey

Milo the mischievous monkey and Polly the Parrot become best friends, spreading laughter and joy throughout the jungle.

A jolly jellyfish named Finley gets lost in the deep sea but finds new friends along the way.

The Jolly Jellyfish

A jolly jellyfish named Finley gets lost in the deep sea but finds new friends along the way.