Henny-Penny (Chicken Little)
Quick Answer
An acorn bumps Henny-Penny’s head and she panics: ‘the sky is falling!’ She gathers friends to warn the king—until a fox uses their fear to lead them into a trap.
Why This Story Works for Bedtime
Rhythmic and memorable, with a gentle lesson about worry thoughts: pause, look around, and don’t let fear or rumors lead you.
Story at a Glance
RECOMMENDED AGES
6-10 years
READING TIME
7 min
Story Synopsis
Henny-Penny pecks in the cornyard when—whack!—something taps her head. Startled, she decides the worst: “The sky is a-going to fall!” She sets off to warn the king. On the path she meets Cocky-Locky, then Ducky-Daddles, Goosey-Poosey, and Turkey-Lurkey. Each one hears the scary news and joins the parade, repeating the same worried message. Then they meet Foxy-Woxy, who speaks sweetly and offers a shortcut to the king. The friends follow him toward a dark, narrow place. One by one, the group goes in, trusting the fox’s friendly tone. In the end, Henny-Penny’s panic shows how fear can spread—and why it’s wise to pause, look for facts, and choose safe guides.
Story Excerpt
One bright day Henny Penny was in the cornyard pecking up little bits of corn Peck peck peck she was very busy Then whack Something tapped her right on the head Goodness gracious me cried Henny Penny blinking fast Her heart fluttered like a small drum The sky’s a going to fall I must go and tell the king So she hurried out of the cornyard and onto the path She went along and she went along and she went along until she met Cocky Locky Where are you going Henny Penny said Cocky Locky tipping his head Oh I’m going to tell the king the sky’s a falling said Henny Penny May I come with you said Cocky Locky Certainly said Henny Penny So Henny Penny and Cocky Locky went together to tell the king the sky was falling The sun shone the leaves stirred and still Henny Penny hurried because she felt sure something terrible was about to happen They went along and they went along and they went along until they met Ducky Daddles who was waddling near a puddle Where are you going to Henny Penny and Cocky Locky said Ducky Daddles Oh we’re going to…
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In One Glance
An acorn hits Henny-Penny’s head and she panics, believing the sky is falling. She gathers several birds to warn the king. A fox offers a shortcut and leads them to a dark hole. One by one the birds enter and disappear, and Henny-Penny finally runs away and returns home. The tale warns against panic, rumors, and blindly following someone who seems helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
A hen spreads a panic and learns to think before following a ‘helpful’ stranger.
Ages 6–10.
About 6–8 minutes.
It’s lively, but it ends with a clear, comforting lesson.
There’s a dark-hole trap; it’s not graphic, but it can feel tense.