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The Lion and the Unicorn

Quick Answer

A punchy nursery rhyme where a lion and a unicorn tussle “for the crown,” get fed different kinds of bread, and are sent out of town—more chant than story.

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

Its rhythm and repetition make it easy to memorize and recite softly. Great as a quick bedtime verse or a playful ‘goodnight chant.’

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

3-7 years

READING TIME

1 min

THEMES
gentlegentleconsequencesconsequencesshort storyshort storyeasy to understandeasy to understandclassic taleclassic tale
Also available inEspañol

Story Synopsis

“The Lion and the Unicorn” is a short traditional rhyme that sounds like a little chant. A lion and a unicorn fight “for the crown,” tumbling through town in a comically over-the-top way. Then, in a funny turn, people feed them white bread, brown bread, and plum cake—almost as if snacks might solve the problem. Finally, they’re sent out of town, and the rhyme ends quickly, leaving the scene tidy again. For young children, it’s less about meaning and more about sound: strong animal images, bouncy rhythm, and a satisfying ending that feels like ‘and that’s that.’

Story Excerpt

The lion and the unicorn were fighting for the crown; The lion beat the unicorn all round about the town. Some gave them white bread, and some gave them brown; Some gave them plum-cake, and sent them out of town.

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In One Glance

The Lion and the Unicorn is a brief nursery rhyme about two animals fighting for the crown, being offered bread and cake, and then being sent away. It functions like a chant with vivid images and strong rhythm, making it a quick, memorable bedtime verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

A short rhyme: a lion and unicorn fight, get fed, and are sent out of town.

Ages 3–7.

Yes—very short and rhythmic.

Not really; it’s mainly a playful chant.