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The Wee Bannock

A Scottish folk tale from More English Fairy Tales, collected by Joseph Jacobs

This folk tale comes from More English Fairy Tales, collected by Joseph Jacobs in the nineteenth century from Scottish traditional stories. The original story uses many old Scottish words for tools and trades; a few have been simplified here to suit young readers. This tale is remembered for its clever characterisation: each character who chases the bannock acts just as you would expect someone of that occupation to act. Like many cumulative folk tales, it teaches children to be wary of flattery and tricks. The wee bannock's confidence is its undoing, and the fox's cunning wins the day—a story pattern found in folk traditions around the world. This text reflects its era.

Band

Purple · Pre-readers and first readersTypical starting range: ages 4–5

Length

short · about 327 words in 5 sections · 4 pictures

Source

More English Fairy Tales, Joseph Jacobs and John Dickson Batten

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 (6 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Colouring page
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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