Why the Crocodile Has a Wide Mouth
A nature myth retold from The Book of Nature Myths by Florence Holbrook
This is a nature myth from The Book of Nature Myths (1902) by Florence Holbrook, an American educator who collected tales that explain features of the natural world. This story comes from an oral tradition and shows how ancient peoples used stories to answer questions about animals. The text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. This myth teaches children about consequences and offers a memorable explanation for the crocodile's distinctive wide jaw—a perfect blend of wonder, justice, and natural observation for young listeners.
- Band
- Purple · Pre-readers and first readersTypical starting range: ages 4–5
- Length
- short · about 320 words in 5 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 8 minutes at this band
- Pause questions
- 4
- 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.