Mr. Fox
From English Fairy Tales, collected by Joseph Jacobs
Joseph Jacobs collected this tale and published it in English Fairy Tales in 1890, drawing on traditional oral sources. The story is a variant of the Bluebeard tale-type, in which a woman's curiosity and courage expose a violent predator. This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. The tale rewards close reading: the inscriptions, the repetition, and Lady Mary's careful strategy at the feast all reveal how intelligence and nerve can overcome deceit and danger. It is included because it shows a heroine who observes, thinks, and acts—essential qualities at every stage of life.
- Band
- Blue · Independent readers, confidentTypical starting range: ages 12–14
- Length
- long · about 1062 words in 5 sections · 2 pictures
- Source
- English Fairy Tales, Joseph Jacobs
- First published
- see the About page in the reader
- Regions
- Canada · United States
Included formats
- · Web reader and PDF
- · EPUB for e-readers
- · Home-print sheet
- · Folded booklet
- · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
- · Worksheet
- · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
- · Read-aloud script
- · Teacher’s Edition (members)
Lesson at a glance
- Reading
- about 10 minutes at this band
- Pause questions
- 1
- Words to Know
- 10
- Quick Check
- 10 questions, with the answer key
- Let’s Talk
- 2 questions for afterwards
- Worksheet
- questions, an activity and a drawing prompt
About 40 minutes with one story, all of it.
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The same story
Other bands of this story
This story is ready now at the Blue band only. Other bands can be made to order for members after launch.