Pourquoi Tales�
What are Pourquoi Tales?
Pourquoi is French
for why.
Pourquoi stories
are the genre of
Tales/legends that
explain
why something
in the natural world
is the way it is.
Characteristics of Pourquoi Tales
Pourquoi is French for why��
Characteristics of Pourquoi Tales
Explain why things are the way they are
Characteristics of Pourquoi Tales
Usually describe something in nature, especially animals
Characteristics of Pourquoi Tales
The entire story is fictitious, up until the very last sentence
Characteristics of Pourquoi Tales
These tales often start in the past, e.g. A long, long time ago . . . and end when the explanation is complete
Which of the following characteristics were found in the pourquoi tale we just read?
Writing your pourquoi tale
Write your own pourquoi tale. Be imaginative and think of your own topic or use one of the ideas below.
Why does the moon change shape? • Where does thunder come from? • Where does lightning come from? • Why do leaves change color in the fall? • Why do roses have thorns? • Why do squirrels bury their acorns? • Why do caterpillars change into butterflies? • Why do bees make honey? • Why do snakes have no legs? • Why does an owl hunt at night? • Why does a seashell hold the roar of the ocean? • Why is the ocean salty? • Why does the raccoon wear a mask? • Why is the raven black? • Why do male peacocks have such colorful feathers? • Why do turtles have a shell on their back? • How did lizards learn to climb walls? • How did porcupines get their quills?