DjamgaMind Bedtime
DjamgaMind Bedtime
African folktales have been told around fires and at bedsides for hundreds of years, and they still do the job better than almost anything else: a hen outwits a crocodile, a tortoise teaches patience, a baobab tree whispers advice. The stories below are retold for children aged 4 to 8, each about two to three minutes to read aloud, with a narrated audio version you can play at bedtime.
Every tale ends with a moral your child can repeat in their own words, and we've added three questions for parents to ask afterwards. Many of these stories come from West, Central and East African traditions; others are Caribbean cousins of the same tales, carried across the ocean and reshaped. They are all free to read here, and all of them are in the DjamgaMind Kids app with offline listening.
20 stories
Anansi's Cozy Silver WebWhen we share our gifts with others, our hearts grow warm and our dreams grow sweet.
Ani's Sparkling WebSharing what you have makes your whole world shine brighter.
Busi's River PuzzleClever thinking and quiet ideas can solve problems that strength alone cannot.
Kaldi and the Dancing Goats of EthiopiaPaying close attention to the world around you can lead to amazing discoveries.
Kofi and the Wind's DrumListening carefully with your heart is the best way to share a beautiful story.
Nsan and the Song of PeaceBeing calm, peaceful and helpful is the strongest way to change a scary situation.
Tabah Ki's Great GiftThe effort and love behind a gift matter more than the gift itself; sometimes the journey is the gift.
The Adventures of Labo: A Tale of Cunning and Courage in the African SavannahCleverness and courage together can overcome challenges that strength alone cannot.
The Baobab Tree and the Little RaincloudHolding everything for yourself makes you lonely, but sharing your gifts brings life and beauty to the world.
The Cicada and the AntPlanning ahead and working hard matter, but music and joy have their place too; friends can learn from each other.
The Curious Case of Tchikou the MouseTrue courage is not being fearless; it is facing your fear and acting anyway.
The Elephant Who Forgot How to TrumpetYour worth does not come from being the loudest; gentleness and your unique voice are superpowers.
The Hen and the CrocodileWhen we look for what we share with others, enemies can become family and friends.
The San of the Kalahari and the Road of AshesOne small act of care can light the way home for others.
The Talking GourdTricking your friends comes back to you; loyalty and honesty make friendships last.
The Tortoise and the HareSlow and steady wins the race; perseverance and humility beat overconfidence.
The Whispering BaobabWe are all connected like the roots of a baobab, so we must respect nature and share wisdom.
The Wisdom of the Talking DrumTrue wisdom comes from listening deeply, not from being the first or loudest to speak.
Tobi's Glowing GardenTaking your time helps you discover the beautiful magic hidden all around you.
Zola and the Starry BlanketKindness can wrap the whole world in a warm, comforting hug.They are written for children aged 4 to 8. Younger children enjoy the animals and the narration; older children can read the text themselves and discuss the moral.
Yes. Every story has a free audio narration on its page, and the DjamgaMind Kids app lets you download them for offline listening at bedtime.
Most are retellings of traditional folktales from Africa and the Caribbean, written fresh for young children. A few are original tales in the same spirit.