Here is another story about an American legend…

Paul Bunyan is America character who is famous in folklore.

The character Paul Bunyan, and stories about who he is, were first told among lumberjacks* in the Northeastern part of the United States and Canada. The first printed story about him was published in the state of Michigan in 1906.

Paul Bunyan’s birth was the first sign of how unusual his life would be.  It is said that it took five storks* to deliver him to his home. He was a very BIG baby. When he was old enough to clap his hands, his clapping shook houses, and his laughing broke windows. Overtime Paul Bunyan grew up to become a lumberjack and one day while out in the woods he met his best friend. This friend would become his constant companion. Paul’s best friend was a big blue ox, that he named Babe.

There are many stories about Paul Bunyan and Babe. But first you should know that Paul is reported to have been bigger, taller and stronger than any man. He is said to have cut down entire forests with a single swing of his axe! Paul and Babe are also reported to have created most of the unique landscape in the United States as they traveled around the country. Paul supposedly dug out the Grand Canyon by dragging his axe behind him while he walked. Paul and Babe are reported to have created the land of 1,000 lakes by walking in the snow and leaving behind footprints, that later turned into lakes. Paul also created the Grand Teton Mountains while playing around with Babe.  He supposedly built Mount Hood by piling rocks on top of his campfire to put it out. Some tales even say Paul made the Great Lakes as a watering hole for Babe.

As I am sure you have figured out, these stories about Paul Bunyan are what we call “tall tales.” They aren’t really true, but they are fun stories.

Now that you have read about Paul Bunyan why not take a look at this set of old Disney cartoons with more tales of Paul and Babe and practice your listening comprehension.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoG94ieN828

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyDAr-hjw80

If you have any questions about Paul Bunyan or these videos please ask them below.

* lumberjack = a person who cuts down trees
**storks = a large, long-legged, long-necked bird, often said to deliver babies to people’s homes (this is told to children instead of telling them where babies really come from)