20 Stories

Krishna Stories for Kids TotsName Kids Studio

Stories of Krishna’s childhood in Gokul and Vrindavan — the butter thief, Govardhan hill, Kaliya and his friendship with Sudama.

Suitable for: 3–10 years

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Moral stories by value — honesty, kindness, courage…

Featured stories

Illustration for The Stormy Night Crossing

Story The Stormy Night Crossing On a stormy night, Vasudeva carries baby Krishna across the rising Yamuna river to safety. Ages 3–10

Illustration for The Little Butter Thief

Story The Little Butter Thief Little Krishna loves butter so much that he and his friends steal it from every pot in Gokul. Ages 3–10

Illustration for The Universe in Krishna’s Mouth

Story The Universe in Krishna’s Mouth Krishna’s friends say he ate mud. When Yashoda looks in his mouth, she sees the whole universe. Ages 3–10

Who is Krishna?

Krishna is one of the most beloved figures in Hindu tradition. Stories of his childhood and youth are told especially in the Bhagavata Purana and in devotional poetry and songs. They are celebrated at festivals such as Janmashtami and are loved by children for their fun, courage and warmth.

What can children learn?

Friendship and sharing
Courage and protecting others
Love of family
Festivals such as Janmashtami

All stories

All ages 2–3 yrs 3–4 yrs 4–5 yrs 5–6 yrs 6–8 yrs 8–10 yrs 10–12 yrs

The Stormy Night Crossing On a stormy night, Vasudeva carries baby Krishna across the rising Yamuna river to safety. Ages 3–10

The Little Butter Thief Little Krishna loves butter so much that he and his friends steal it from every pot in Gokul. Ages 3–10

The Universe in Krishna’s Mouth Krishna’s friends say he ate mud. When Yashoda looks in his mouth, she sees the whole universe. Ages 3–10

Tied to the Mortar Yashoda tries to tie naughty Krishna with a rope — but every rope is two fingers too short. Ages 3–10

Illustration for Krishna and the Serpent Kaliya

Krishna and the Serpent Kaliya A giant poisonous serpent spoils the Yamuna river — until Krishna dances on its heads. Ages 3–10

Lifting Govardhan Hill When a great storm floods Vrindavan, Krishna lifts Govardhan hill like an umbrella to shelter everyone. Ages 3–10

Illustration for Krishna and the Forest Fire

Krishna and the Forest Fire A forest fire surrounds the cowherd boys and their cows. Krishna tells them to close their eyes. Ages 3–10

Illustration for Brahma and the Hidden Calves

Brahma and the Hidden Calves Lord Brahma hides Krishna’s friends and calves to test him — and Krishna becomes every one of them. Ages 3–10

Illustration for Krishna and the Fruit Seller

Krishna and the Fruit Seller Little Krishna pays for fruit with a handful of grain — and the fruit seller’s basket fills with jewels. Ages 3–10

Krishna’s Flute When Krishna plays his flute in Vrindavan, cows, birds and people all stop to listen. Ages 2–8

Illustration for Krishna at Sandipani’s School

Krishna at Sandipani’s School Krishna and his brother Balarama go to study with Sage Sandipani — where Krishna also meets his dear friend Sudama. Ages 3–10

Krishna and Sudama Poor Sudama visits his childhood friend, now King Krishna, with only a handful of flattened rice as a gift. Ages 3–10

Illustration for Sage Garga Names the Boys

Sage Garga Names the Boys The wise Sage Garga quietly visits Gokul and gives Krishna and Balarama their names. Ages 3–8

Illustration for Holding the Calves’ Tails

Holding the Calves’ Tails Baby Krishna and Balarama crawl all over Gokul and hold on to the calves’ tails until they learn to walk. Ages 3–6

Illustration for The Brahmin Wives’ Feast

The Brahmin Wives’ Feast When proud priests ignore Krishna’s hungry friends, the priests’ kind wives bring them a feast. Ages 5–10

Illustration for Balarama and the Palm Grove

Balarama and the Palm Grove Balarama and Krishna open up a palm grove guarded by a bad-tempered donkey so everyone can enjoy its fruit. Ages 4–10

Illustration for Kubja’s Sandalwood Gift

Kubja’s Sandalwood Gift In Mathura, a young woman with a bent back gladly gives Krishna her fragrant sandalwood paste, and Krishna makes her stand tall. Ages 5–10

Illustration for Krishna and the Giant Crane

Krishna and the Giant Crane While the cowherd boys play by the river, a huge crane swoops down and swallows little Krishna — but not for long! Ages 4–8

Illustration for Krishna and the Syamantaka Jewel

Krishna and the Syamantaka Jewel When a dazzling jewel goes missing, people whisper that Krishna stole it. Krishna sets out to find the truth. Ages 6–12

Illustration for Krishna and the Cave That Was a Snake

Krishna and the Cave That Was a Snake The cowherd boys find a huge, dark cave in the forest and run inside to play. But the cave is breathing… Ages 4–8