
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
~48 minutes (46K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-04-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
b. 1858
Best known for adapting classic tales for young readers, this little-known 19th-century writer helped turn myths and animal stories into simple, readable books for children. Her surviving work has the feel of an early classroom reader: direct, lively, and built to invite new readers in.
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