The Little Red Hen
By Jerry Pinkney
What's special about this book?
Imagine a vibrant farm filled with colorful animals, where the determined Little Red Hen is on a mission to grow her wheat! Children will love the playful illustrations by Jerry Pinkney that make the story come alive, while parents and educators appreciate the timeless lesson about teamwork and the importance of hard work. This delightful folktale not only entertains but also teaches kids about the value of contributing to a collective effort, making it a cherished addition to any child's library.
Read-aloud tips
Settle down in a cozy corner that resembles a sunny farm setting to immerse your child in the story of The Little Red Hen. Use a cheerful and animated voice for the Little Red Hen, contrasting it with a lazy tone for the other animals to highlight their lack of willingness to help. Encourage your child to join in by making animal sounds or mimicking the actions of the characters, such as planting seeds or baking bread, to create a fun and interactive reading experience.
Discussion questions
- What did the Little Red Hen want to do at the beginning of the story?
- Have you ever worked on a project where you felt like you were doing all the work? How did that make you feel?
- If you were the Little Red Hen, how would you feel when the other animals didn’t help, and what would you do next?
Fun activities
After reading The Little Red Hen, gather some paper and crayons for a fun activity where your child can draw their own farm animal and create a story about what that animal would do to help grow a garden. This connects to the book's theme of teamwork and allows for creativity while reinforcing the importance of working together. Alternatively, you can bake a simple bread recipe together, discussing each step as a team, which not only brings the story to life but also teaches valuable skills in cooking and cooperation.