The Little Red Hen An Old English Folk Tale

In a lively barnyard, a hardworking Little Red Hen spends her days scratching for worms and caring for her hungry chicks. Nearby, a lazy Cat naps, a fat Rat wanders about, and a Pig thinks of little beyond eating and growing fatter. Their peaceful routine changes when the Hen discovers a wheat seed and learns that it could eventually become flour and bread.

Determined to make use of her find, she asks her barnyard companions who will plant it. One by one, they answer, “Not I,” leaving the busy Hen to take responsibility herself. As the seed grows through the summer, she must balance the work with feeding and protecting her chicks, while the idle animals watch from the sidelines. Told with playful repetition and warm humor, this classic folk tale invites listeners to follow the Hen’s patient efforts and consider the value of initiative, cooperation, and sharing the work.