Why the White Hares Have Black Ears
A nature myth retold from The Book of Nature Myths, by Florence Holbrook
This nature myth comes from Florence Holbrook's The Book of Nature Myths (1902), a collection that retells traditional explanatory tales for young children. The story offers a magical reason why some hares are white with black-tipped ears. It teaches a lesson about sharing and gentleness through the consequences faced by the hares. The text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. Holbrook believed folk stories could help children understand both the natural world and the importance of kindness.
- Band
- Purple · Pre-readers and first readersTypical starting range: ages 4–5
- Length
- short · about 362 words in 4 sections · 4 pictures
- Source
- The Book of Nature Myths, Florence Holbrook
- 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
- 3
- Words to Know
- 4
- 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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The same story
Other bands of this story
This story is ready now at the Purple band only. Other bands can be made to order for members after launch.