Joseph Jacobs (1854–1916) was an English folklorist who collected folk and fairy tales, including stories from England and India. Here you’ll find his stories to read or listen to, from familiar favourites such as “The Three Little Pigs” and “Jack and the Beanstalk” to Indian tales and fables; every story is free to read or listen to on Pagehush.
The Three Little Pigs
Three little pigs set out to seek their fortune and build houses of straw, sticks and bricks.
The Story of the Three Bears
While three bears are out walking, waiting for their porridge to cool, a nosy visitor walks into their house, tastes the porridge, tries the chairs and falls asleep…
The Talkative Tortoise and Other Indian Fables
Two old Indian fables of clever animals and foolish ones: a tortoise who cannot keep his mouth shut, and a tiger, a Brahman and a very clever jackal.
Why the Fish Laughed
A fish laughs out loud when the queen walks by, and the king orders his vizier to find out why, or die.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack swaps the family cow for five magic beans. His mother throws them out of the window, and by morning a beanstalk reaches the sky, and the castle of a giant who…
Harisarman and Other Indian Tales
Five Indian folk tales: Harisarman, the poor Brahman who pretends to be a great fortune-teller and keeps getting lucky; the clever little Lambikin; the dreamer and…
Where can I read Joseph Jacobs stories for free?
You can read Joseph Jacobs stories for free on Pagehush, with no ads. You can also read on your phone.
Can I listen to Joseph Jacobs stories?
Yes. Any story on Pagehush can be read aloud in a natural voice, including Joseph Jacobs stories.