The Magpie's Nest

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

Cozy and gently funny, with a ‘why’ ending. It’s a great bedtime reminder about patience and staying to learn the whole thing.

Story Synopsis

Long ago, all the birds decide they want to build nests as well as Madge Magpie. They gather around her branch and ask her to teach them. Madge begins a careful lesson: first twigs for the base, then weaving and tucking, then strengthening the edges, then making the inside snug. But the birds grow impatient. One flies off early to try with mud. Another leaves to copy only the sticks. Another thinks she’s learned enough after a single step. Soon the circle gets smaller and smaller. Each bird builds a nest using only the part they bothered to learn, and that is why nests look so different today. The story gently reminds us: if you want the whole skill, stay for the whole lesson.

Story Excerpt

Once upon a time when pigs could speak in rhyme and monkeys chewed tobacco and hens took snuff to make them tough and ducks went quack quack quack O all the birds of the air had a question They fluttered and swooped and perched close together and they went to Madge Magpie Magpie they chirped and twittered will you teach us how to build nests You are the cleverest nest builder of all Madge Magpie lifted her bright head She liked being busy She liked making things neat and strong So she chose a good spot and she said Come close Watch carefully All the birds made a circle around her Feathers brushed feathers Little feet held tight to the branch First Madge Magpie found some soft wet mud She patted it and pressed it Pat pat pat She made a round muddy cake The thrush leaned forward Oh that’s how it’s done said the thrush And away it flew flap flap flap And that is why thrushes make their nests with a simple muddy start Madge Magpie did not look up She kept working Next she picked up thin twigs One by one she set them around the mud…

In One Glance