Spanish Fables – Short Stories for Beginners

spanish fables short stories for beginners, children and adults

I know it’s hard to find a good Spanish book to read for beginners. You know how to read, but you can’t understand the Spanish words in print. It’s frustrating to bridge that gap. The fables are an excellent option for a beginning reading book in Spanish. They are simple and short stories perfect for beginning Spanish learners.

What are fables in Spanish?

The Spanish fables are short stories with a moral message. The Spanish word for one fable is “la fabúla”. Similarly, “las fabúlas” is the Spanish word for more than one fable, usually in a collection. Here are more words to describe fables in Spanish:

la fabúla — the fable (noun – feminine, singular)
las fabúlas — the fables (noun – feminine, plural)
la moralaje — the moral (noun- feminine, single)
las fabúlas en español — the Spanish fables
las fabúlas de esopo — Aesop’s fables

Simple Spanish Stories – Fables

Most importantly, the fables are easiest short stories to read for beginning Spanish learners. They are written in simple Spanish. All are jam packed with basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures. Also, the length of each story is ideal for a beginner.

Features of the fables

  • Stories told in simple Spanish
  • An entire story in 2-3 short paragraphs
  • Full plot, characters and setting
  • Problem and solution
  • Sentence giving the moral of the story at the end

Spanish Fables for Beginners

Every fable is a short story with a message. The main characters are different animals who think, talk and make decisions. At the end, the message or moral of the story is summed up in one sentence. They are a great source for new vocabulary and example sentences.

Aesop’s Fables in Spanish

Most well known, Aesop fables were originally oral stories passed down over centuries. Later, they were recorded into every language and printed into books in every language. They are simple stories and truly ethical guides.

Fábulas de Esopo

This ebook has 365 fables, one for each day of the year. Most are 2-3 paragraphs for a quick read. No illustrations, and a very inexpensive option.

100 Fábulas de Esopo

The text is very clear and focused. One fable is on each page. The last sentence, the moral of the story is in large print which makes it a great source for copy work. No illustrations.

Spanish Fables for Children

Fábulas contadas a los niños

A collection of twenty Aesop fables. It is also available in English. Small book rewritten to be easily understood. At level for preschool to grade 5.

El ratón de la ciudad y el ratón del campo

Large font and illustration of the story on each page are ideal for beginning Spanish learners. Great for reading aloud. At 2-3 grade level.

Famous Spanish Fables

Equally, if not more important, many Spanish authors wrote their own fables. Here are a couple Spanish fable options:

Fábulas contadas a los niños

Classic fables Félix María Samaniego with beautiful illustrations. It is written at a beginning reader level.

Spanish Fables for Adults

Fábulas literarias

Written in 1782, the language is dated yet contains the fables of Spanish author, Tomas de Iriarte.


My favorite book of fables

The selection of fables is amazing. The collection has the work of more than 28 classic authors. Famous writers — Bello, Campoamor, Hartzenbusch, Lope de Vega, Samaniego, and other notable authors through recent history. The word choice is exquisite and rich, as well as the graphics and illustrations. 

La fabúla a traves del tiempo

la-fabula-a-traves-del-tiempo

Where can I find fables online or free?

At the moment, a World Cat search will tell you where you can find any book online in your local libraries. Also, project Gutenberg many free ebooks, including Fairy Tales from Spain by J Escomez. Do a search on either one and see what you find.

Tips for Reading in Spanish

Read Aloud Activities

Spanish Chapter Book – Celia Series

Spanish Alphabet Sounds

Setting and Tracking Goals for Language Learners

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