How Old Mr. Toad Learned to Sing

From Mother West Wind "How" Stories, by Thornton W. Burgess

Thornton W. Burgess was an American naturalist and author who wrote gentle animal stories for children in the early twentieth century. This tale comes from Mother West Wind "How" Stories, a collection of pourquoi (why) tales about the woodland creatures of the Green Meadows. Like many of Burgess's stories, it gently teaches that faithful work and kindness bring their own rewards. The story remains a charming introduction to the real spring chorus of American toads, whose trilling song is one of the sweetest sounds of early spring.

Band

Yellow · Emerging readers, about 6 to 8

Length

medium · about 528 words in 6 sections · 4 pictures

Source

Mother West Wind "How" Stories, Thornton W. Burgess · Project Gutenberg

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 (8 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Colouring page

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