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The Old Woman and her Pig

From English Fairy Tales, collected by Joseph Jacobs

Joseph Jacobs published English Fairy Tales in 1890, collecting traditional tales told across England for generations. "The Old Woman and her Pig" is a cumulative tale—a story that builds by repeating and adding to a pattern, like a song that gets longer with each verse. This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. The story rewards a reader's patience and memory: every refusal matters, and the solution comes not from commanding but from trading something small for something needed. It is a playful introduction to cause and effect, and to the idea that persistence and generosity can unlock a problem that force cannot.

Band

Green · Independent readers, earlyTypical starting range: ages 9–11

Length

medium · about 832 words in 6 sections · 3 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)

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