Na m e : ___ Date: _
Directions: One type of story genre is folklore. Folklore includes such types of stories as myths,
fairy tales, legends, fables, and tall tales. Learn the differences below. Then read the
story and answer the questions.You probably pick movies by type—comedy, drama,
action. Stories, too, are classified by type, or genre.
For more reading savvy, learn to recognize these.Myth: explains the forces of nature; often by way of gods and goddesses
Fairy Tale: contains supernatural beings or events; for entertainment
Legend: based on real people but exaggerated events and actions
Fable: animals or people teach a moral, or lesson, for living
Tall Tale: features humor and overly exaggerated acts of heroismBelling the Cat
A large family of mice lived in Farmer Jack’s barn. There was plenty to eat (grain and corn)
and room to play in the fields. The mice could have lived very happily and comfortably
except for one thing. Farmer Jack had a cat.
Many cats are known to sleep all day and not bother with such trivial things as a family of
mice. But not this cat. He was keenly interested in mice and would love to make one or two
his meal.
The mice lived in fear. Each knew that at any moment the cat might pounce on one of
them. The eldest mouse called a council meeting. Each mouse was to offer ideas on how to
solve the cat problem.
The mice were silent as they pondered how they could outwit their enemy. At last, one
spoke up. He explained that the problem was that the cat could sneak up on them. If they
put a bell on his neck, they would hear him coming and be able to escape.
Everyone cheered at the idea, except the eldest mouse. He wrinkled his nose and sighed.
The others looked at him puzzled. “Yes,” he said slowly, “belling the cat is a good idea. But
there’s just one problem. Which of you is going to do it?”
All the mice lowered their heads, realizing that many things are easier said than done.- Which specific type of folklore is this story? ____
- What clues led you to your conclusion? ___
___________________________________________________________________________________- Why isn’t it a myth? ____ a fairy tale? _____
_______________________________ a legend? __________________________________________- What is the moral of the story? ___