The Three Billy Goats Gruff
by Traditional Norwegian folktale; collected by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe · Grade K-2 · Ages Ages 4-8
Three billy goats want to cross a bridge to reach a hillside full of fresh, green grass. But something grumpy is waiting under the bridge, so each goat must figure out how to get across.
Key vocabulary
Gruff means rough or deep-sounding. A gruff voice might sound scratchy or growly.
A billy goat is a male goat. In the story, the billy goats are the main characters.
A bridge is a path built over water, a road, or a gap. It helps people or animals cross safely.
A hillside is the sloping side of a hill. Grass and flowers can grow there.
A meadow is a field with grass and wild plants. Animals may like to graze there.
A troll is a make-believe creature from old stories. In this tale, it lives under the bridge.
Hooves are the hard feet of animals like goats, horses, and cows. They make tapping sounds when the animal walks.
Gobble means to eat something very quickly. You might gobble a snack if you are super hungry.