Well, there's 'Three Little Pigs'. These three pigs build houses of different materials to protect themselves from the big bad wolf. It teaches kids about the importance of hard work and planning. 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' is another favorite. Goldilocks enters the bears' house and tries their things until she finds the ones that are just right for her. It's a simple yet engaging story that kids love.
Well, 'Hansel and Gretel' is a well - known favorite children story. It's about two siblings who get lost in the forest and find a house made of gingerbread. 'The Ugly Duckling' is also a great one. It shows how a little duckling that is different from the others grows up to be a beautiful swan. And 'Pinocchio' is very popular. The story of a wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy and his adventures along the way.
One of the favorite stories is 'The Legend of the Lake of the Restored Sword'. It's a story full of magic and heroism. The main character retrieves a magic sword from the lake, which has been passed down through generations in Vietnamese folklore.
There are also many folk tales that are favorites. Tales about talking animals, like the story of the clever fox who outwits other animals, are quite common. These simple yet engaging stories have been passed down through generations and are a significant part of Indian children's cultural upbringing.
One popular Filipino children's story is 'The Monkey and the Turtle'. It's about the clever turtle outwitting the mischievous monkey. Another is 'Mariang Makiling', which tells of a beautiful and kind-hearted diwata (fairy) in the mountains. And 'Si Pagong at Si Matsing' (The Tortoise and The Monkey) is also well - loved, teaching kids about the value of hard work and honesty through the actions of the tortoise and the monkey.
Some Chinese children love the story of 'The Monkey's Paw'. Although it has a bit of a spooky element, it's very engaging. In this story, a family gets a monkey's paw that can grant wishes, but each wish comes with a horrible consequence. Then there is 'The Story of Meng Jiangnv'. Meng Jiangnv's great love and her journey to find her husband are very touching. And 'The Crane with the Red Crown' is also among the favorites. It's a story full of magic and wonder.
One popular story could be 'The Monkey King'. It has exciting adventures that appeal to children. The Monkey King is very mischievous yet heroic, which kids find fascinating.
Well, 'The Polar Express' is much - loved by children. It's about a boy's magical journey to the North Pole on a train. Then there's 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'. The Grinch, who hates Christmas at first, has a change of heart. Also, 'Frosty the Snowman' is a classic. It's about a snowman that comes to life, bringing joy and fun during Christmas time.
Many Korean children enjoy 'The Story of Princess Bari'. It is a story full of adventure as Princess Bari goes on a journey to save her family. 'The Crane and the Turtle' is also popular. It has a moral lesson about not being greedy. 'The Stone Boy' is another favorite. It tells the story of a boy who was turned into a stone and his subsequent adventures.
Among Indonesian children's favorite stories, 'Lutung Kasarung' stands out. This story is about a prince who is transformed into an ape - like creature and his journey to regain his true form. It has elements of magic, adventure, and love. Stories related to the local gods and goddesses, like Dewi Sri, are also loved by children as they are filled with cultural significance and interesting tales of creation and protection.
There are also stories about the nymphs or celestial beings in Balinese mythology. These stories often involve their interactions with humans, teaching children about the spiritual world that exists parallel to the human world. They are usually filled with magic and wonder, like how the nymphs might help a poor farmer or punish a greedy villager.