
audiobook
by E. Louise (Emma Louise) Smythe
A PRIMARY READER - Old-time Stories, Fairy Tales and Myths Retold by Children - By - E. LOUISE SMYTHE
PREFACE.
THE UGLY DUCKLING.
THE LITTLE PINE TREE
THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL.
LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD.
THE APPLES OF IDUN.
HOW THOR GOT THE HAMMER.
THE HAMMER LOST AND FOUND.
THE STORY OF THE SHEEP.
Designed for first‑grade readers, this anthology gathers beloved folk tales, fairy tales, and ancient myths that have been reshaped by the very children who first heard them. Simple sight‑word vocabulary blends with the familiar rhythm of oral storytelling, making each page feel like a shared adventure between teacher, child, and the story itself.
Within its pages, young listeners meet a shy duckling that wonders if it might be a turkey, a brave little girl strolling through the woods, and heroic figures from distant Norse legends. The retellings keep the core wonder of the originals while trimming complex language, allowing early readers to follow the plot with confidence.
The book also offers gentle prompts for discussion and dramatization, encouraging kids to act out scenes and explore the meanings behind the tales. By pairing timeless narratives with a child‑friendly reading level, it sparks curiosity and builds a foundation for a lifelong love of literature.
Language
en
Duration
~43 minutes (42K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Apr 1, 2005
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1858–1915
A pioneer of child-centered reading, E. Louise Smythe transformed classic fairy tales, myths, and animal stories into accessible lessons for young readers. Her work invites children to meet old favorites in a fresh, lively voice.
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