Tallie was the tallest and most graceful girl in her whole village. She had bright eyes, a warm smile, and the best dance moves around. People loved seeing her at celebrations, and her parents often said, “One day, Tallie will be a queen.”

But not everyone was happy for her. Tallie had many sisters, and they started to feel jealous. Everyone noticed Tallie first. Everyone praised her the most. The sisters whispered and came up with a plan.

“Let’s go collect red clay from the big hill,” one said. “We need some for new pots.”

Tallie smiled. “Great idea!” she said.

The girls grabbed their tools and walked together through the tall grass, laughing as they went. After a long walk, they reached a deep red clay pit. One by one, the girls jumped in, scooped up some clay, and climbed back out. When it was Tallie’s turn, she jumped in and gathered a big lump of clay.

But when she looked up, her sisters were gone.

“Hey!” she called. “Wait for me!”

No answer.

Tallie tried to climb out, but the walls were too steep and slippery. The clay was sticky, and she kept sliding back down. After a while, her arms grew tired, and she sat in the soft dirt, alone and scared.

Hours passed. Then—ribbit!—a loud croak echoed above her. A huge frog peeked over the edge.

“Hello down there!” he said. “What are you doing in that pit?”

Tallie stood up quickly. “Oh! I’ve been stuck down here all day. My sisters left me!”

The frog blinked his big eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you.”

With a big leap, the frog jumped into the pit. Then, to Tallie’s surprise, he opened his wide mouth and said, “Step in. I’ll carry you out.”

It felt strange, but Tallie trusted the frog. Carefully, she stepped into his mouth, and with one huge hop, he landed back on the path above.

Safe at last!

The frog didn’t stop there. “Let’s keep going,” he said. “Do you have family nearby?”

“My grandmother lives far away,” Tallie said. “She’ll help me.”

“Perfect,” said the frog. “Let’s go.”

They traveled together for many days. When it was hot, they rested under trees. When Tallie was hungry, the frog croaked, and a bowl of warm porridge appeared like magic. When birds flew close, the frog would sing:

“Don’t bother me,
I carry a guest,
A kind and lovely girl in need of rest.”

No one ever gave them trouble.

Finally, they reached the grandmother’s village. The frog hopped to the center of the yard and sang loudly:

“I’ve brought back Tallie,
The tall and kind girl
Who was left behind.”

The grandmother rushed out. “Tallie, my dear!” she cried, hugging her tightly. “I missed you so much!”

Everyone listened to the story. They were amazed by the frog and wanted to thank him.

“What can we do to show our thanks?” the grandmother asked.

“I’d love a feast,” the frog said. “One with singing, dancing, and sweet potatoes.”

So they had a big celebration with food and music. The frog sat beside Tallie and smiled the whole time.

The next morning, he was gone.

Tallie looked around for him, but he was nowhere to be found.

Still, whenever she heard a frog croak near the pond, she smiled and said, “Thank you, my friend.”

And from then on, she always made sure frogs were welcome near her home.

_{“Tallie and the Talking Frog” by Nina D. Smith, published by Bright Bunny Books © 2025. Retelling of “The Fairy Frog” from Fairy Tales from South Africa by E. J. Bourhill and J. B. Drake, originally published in 1908.}

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“Tallie and the Talking Frog” is ideal for students in grades 3–5, offering accessible language, imaginative adventure, and a gentle lesson about kindness, jealousy, and bravery.