The Oscar Wilde Stories Every Child Should Know
Oscar Wilde wasn't just a playwright and poet — he was an extraordinary storyteller for children. His two collections, The Happy Prince and Other Tales (1888) and A House of Pomegranates (1891), contain some of the most beautiful and moving stories in children's literature. Here's your guide to the best ones to share with your kids.
The Happy Prince — The Story That Makes Adults Cry
Recommended age: 6–8 | Themes: generosity, sacrifice, love
A golden statue and a swallow team up to help the city's poor. The prince donates his jewels piece by piece, and the swallow delays her journey south to serve as his messenger. It's a story about sacrifice for others that moves both children and adults alike.
Why read it: It's Wilde's most famous tale and one of the most beautiful in world literature. Perfect for conversations about empathy and generosity.
👉 Listen to The Happy Prince on Cuentautor
The Selfish Giant — When Sharing Brings Spring
Recommended age: 6–8 | Themes: selfishness, compassion, friendship
A giant builds a wall to keep children out of his garden. Result: eternal winter. Only when he opens the gates and shares his garden does spring return. It's a perfect parable about selfishness and its consequences.
Why read it: Short, visual, and with a crystal-clear message children grasp instantly.
👉 Listen to The Selfish Giant on Cuentautor
The Canterville Ghost — Humour and Tenderness
Recommended age: 6–8 | Themes: humour, bravery, forgiveness
An American family buys an English castle that comes with a resident ghost. But instead of being frightened, the American children couldn't care less about the ghost — and it's the poor ghost who ends up terrified. It's Wilde's funniest story, with a surprisingly tender ending.
Why read it: Perfect for children who enjoy "spooky" stories with plenty of humour. It teaches that sometimes the person who seems frightening is the one who needs the most help.
👉 Listen to The Canterville Ghost on Cuentautor
The Devoted Friend — A Lesson in Real Friendship
Recommended age: 6–8 | Themes: friendship, manipulation, generosity
Little Hans is the most generous gardener in the village, but his "best friend" the Miller only asks for favours without giving anything back. It's a story that teaches children to recognise the difference between true friendship and manipulation.
Why read it: It helps children identify unbalanced relationships — a crucial social skill.
👉 Listen to The Devoted Friend on Cuentautor
The Young King — Justice and Humility
Recommended age: 6–8 | Themes: justice, humility, inner beauty
A young man about to be crowned discovers in dreams the suffering of those who made his luxurious garments. He renounces the gold crown and presents himself to the people dressed as a shepherd.
Why read it: A powerful story for discussing social justice and the idea that true wealth isn't material.
👉 Listen to The Young King on Cuentautor
The Birthday of the Infanta — Beauty and Cruelty
Recommended age: 6–8 | Themes: appearance, cruelty, empathy
At the princess's birthday party, a small dwarf dances for her without knowing everyone is laughing at his appearance. It's one of Wilde's most bittersweet tales, perfect for talking with children about how our actions can hurt others.
👉 Listen to The Birthday of the Infanta on Cuentautor
How to Read Oscar Wilde with Your Children
Wilde's tales are more emotionally complex than those of other classic authors. Some tips:
- Start with The Selfish Giant — it's the most accessible with a clear happy ending
- Follow with The Happy Prince — moving but not frightening
- The Canterville Ghost is perfect if your child enjoys humour
- Talk about the endings — Wilde doesn't always have happy endings, and that's okay
Also read: 5 Values from Oscar Wilde's Fairy Tales for Children