“My Brother,” also known as “Crocodile and Hen,” is a West African folktale that originated with the Bakongo people who reside in parts of Angola and the Congo.

Crocodile is determined to eat the delicious-looking Hen! But when he opens his mouth wide to swallow her, Hen calmly says, “My brother, don’t eat me.” Crocodile gets so confused by her calling him her “brother” that he just can’t do it! What does Hen mean? How can Crocodile be her Brother? Does Hen know something Crocodile doesn’t?

My Brother imparts a valuable lesson that teaches children that although we all have our differences, we are all related in one way or another.

Download the SPI K-3 Activities for My Brother