Drakestail facts for kids

Drakestail, also known as Quackling, is a fun French Fairy tale about a brave duck. This story is special because it uses lots of repetition. This helps you remember the plot. It's like other tales where the hero gathers friends or special items. Then, they use them in the exact order they found them.

The first version of Drakestail was called Bout-d’-Canard in French. It was written by Charles Marelle in 1888. Later, Andrew Lang translated it into English in 1890 for his Red Fairy Book. It was also published as Drakesbill and his Friends in another book.

The Story of Drakestail: A Brave Duck's Adventure

Drakestail is a clever duck who finds a shiny coin. The King asks Drakestail to give him the coin. The King promises to pay him back later. After some time passes, Drakestail decides to go to the palace. He wants to get his money back.

Drakestail's Journey and New Friends

On his way to the palace, Drakestail sings a catchy song:

• Quack! Quack! Quack! When shall I get my money back?

As he travels, Drakestail meets four different friends. First, he meets a clever fox. Then, he finds a useful ladder. Next, he meets a flowing river. Finally, he finds a buzzing bees' nest. Each friend asks where Drakestail is going. He tells them he is going to see the King.

Each friend then asks if they can come along. Drakestail warns them it's a long journey. But each friend has a plan. They make themselves small and go inside Drakestail's throat. This way, Drakestail can carry them safely.

Challenges at the Palace

When Drakestail finally reaches the palace, he asks to see the King. The King had already spent Drakestail's coin. He had also spent many years of taxes. He had nothing to show for it. So, the King tells his guards to throw Drakestail into the chicken yard.

The chickens immediately attack Drakestail. But then, Mr. Fox comes out of Drakestail's throat. He quickly chases away the chickens. Drakestail then returns to the palace gates. He sings his song again:

• Quack! Quack! Quack! When shall I get my money back?

The King gets angry. He orders his guards to throw Drakestail into a deep well. But the ladder comes out of Drakestail's throat. It helps Drakestail climb out of the well. Drakestail goes back to the gates and sings his song.

Next, the King orders Drakestail to be thrown into a hot furnace. But the river comes out and puts out the fire. Drakestail returns to the gates, singing his song once more.

Drakestail Becomes King

Finally, the King decides to sit on Drakestail to stop him. But the bees' nest comes out of Drakestail's throat. The bees sting the King. This makes the King jump out of a window. He is gone.

Drakestail looks for his money but cannot find it. Soon, the people of the town arrive. They were coming to ask the King for help. They are happy to find the King is gone. They decide that Drakestail is brave and clever. So, they make Drakestail their new King!

Why Repetition Makes Stories Fun for Kids

You might think repeating lines in a story is boring. But for kids, it's super fun! Children love stories with repetition. It helps them remember the words and the plot. They can even join in and say the lines themselves.

This repetition also makes the story's structure very clear. It helps kids understand what is happening next. It builds a strong framework for the story to move forward. It's like a familiar tune that makes the whole story easy to follow and enjoy.