The Origin of the Robin
A legend retold from The Indian Fairy Book by Cornelius Mathews
This legend comes from The Indian Fairy Book by Cornelius Mathews, a nineteenth-century collection of Native American stories. It explains why the robin has a red breast and why robins live near people and sing cheerful songs. The story teaches about listening to those we love and finding joy even when things do not go as we planned. Fasting—going without food for a spiritual purpose—was an important tradition in many Native cultures. This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised.
- Band
- Purple · Pre-readers and first readersTypical starting range: ages 4–5
- Length
- short · about 390 words in 5 sections · 4 pictures
- Source
- The Indian Fairy Book: From the Original Legends, Cornelius Mathews
- 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)
Lesson at a glance
- Reading
- about 9 minutes at this band
- Pause questions
- 4
- Words to Know
- 5
- Quick Check
- 6 questions, with the answer key
- Let’s Talk
- 3 questions for afterwards
- Worksheet
- questions, an activity and a drawing prompt
About 35 minutes with one story, all of it.
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This story is ready now at the Purple band only. Other bands can be made to order for members after launch.