The Little Red Hen is a fable with a moral that is helpful. However, the character of the Little Red Hen has been maligned and her story demoralized. In this episode, we are going to take a look at the author and her life, along with the moral and theme of this little fable, to see if we can set the record straight.

The Little Red Hen is an American fable first published by Mary Mapes Dodge in St. Nicholas Magazine in 1874. St. Nicholas was a popular monthly American children's magazine, founded by Scribner's in 1873. Dodge was the first editor of the magazine, and she continued her association with the magazine until her death in 1905.

The characters and structure of the story are meant to teach children that hard work and personal initiative are the foundation of success. The tale is based on a story Dodge was often told by her mother. Originally the other animals besides the hen consist of a rat, a cow, a cat, a dog, a duck, and a pig. Later adaptations, like the illustrated version by Florence White Henderson, often reduce the number of other animals to three- the cat, the rat, and the pig.

Discussion Points:

Resources: 

Thinking Curious Project

Thinking Curious Review 

Cognitive Development Coaching with Jessica at Purposed Pathways 

The Little Red Hen Origin and Background

A Negative View of the Fable

Mary Mapes Dodge Profile

Mary Mapes Dodge Bio

St. Nicholas Children’s Magazine

Peek Inside An Issue of St. Nicholas

Themes vs. Morals

Get The Little Red Hen illustrated eBook by Florence White Williams

John Locke and His Writing