English Year 1/2 Autumn Traditional Tales and Fables

The sad donkey

This tells the tale of a donkey who wants to become a better animal. However, he is forced to re-consider when his wish looks like being granted! A cautionary tale, children can read this, follow the simple narrative and sympathise!

Goat’s sore tummy

This is a great story which children will love. Using only words which are easily decodable, the text can be read by those just starting to read and the pictures will certainly make children laugh!

Chicken and Shark

This is a very simple fantasy story which has the sort of surreal context which often appeals to young children’s humour.  Easily decodable, children can access this text with ease, drawn in by the quirky illustrations. 

The alien egg

This is a fantasy story about a mysterious egg.  With a very simple text, suitable for those just starting to read, it is the beautifully appealing illustrations which help carry the narrative. All readers will be keen to read on to find out what is in the egg!

Tom has feelings

This story describes in words and pictures how an outsider (a rat!) feels when everyone else seems to be loved or accepted and not him. It is suitable for use alongside any book or poem about feelings and emotions.

Sunilla and the dolphins

This is a re-telling of a traditional tale which has iterations in several cultures. The story is exciting, and the striking artwork gives it a real vibrancy. This is a book for children just starting to read independently.

Three little monsters

This story provides an original re-take on a traditional tale (Three Little Pigs).  The text is kept really simple but the pictures add a layer of sophistication as well as humour which makes the text truly appealing, especially to children whose comprehension is more advanced than their ability to decode.

Tiddalik

This story is a simplified version of a traditional Aboriginal tale about a giant frog. The story is told through words and pictures in language accessible to children who are not yet fluent readers.

Hansel and Gretel

This is a great new version of the traditional tale.  Hansel is a dog and Gretel is a cat and the story has all the usual excitement plus an added twist of the animal characters to entertain.  Suitable for beginning readers.