The Tale of Hetty and the Dragon
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Hetty and the Dragon explores the concept of size and relative size. In this tale, you will meet two fascinating creatures. If you are very lucky you may even discover one of these creatures visiting your own back garden one day. The story is a teeny bit scarey with a surprising twist at the end. It is mostly tall and a tiny bit true.
The Tale of Hetty and the Dragon
Please scroll down to read the story.
The track beside the river was winding and steep. Hetty walked carefully around the rocks and puddles, travelling as quickly as she could and trying to be brave. She peered over her shoulder every now and then to make sure that she was alone.
Hetty was afraid. Everyone knew the tale of the dragon who lived beside the river.
Her heart pounded as she walked. THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
Was the dragon waiting around the corner? Was he waiting for her on the other side of the hill? 
Would the dragon scoop her up with his pink, sticky tongue before she had time to run?
Click the play button for dramatic music. You may need to adjust the volume.
THUMP, THUMP, THUMP pounded Hetty’s heart. Hetty could hear her heart pounding. Could the dragon hear it too?
Suddenly there was movement up ahead. There was the dragon – he was crouching behind an enormous tree! How fierce he looked with his strong back legs and his long, thick tail.
Sharp spines traveled all the way from his head right down to the tip of his tail. A splash of bright red decorated his chest. 
Hetty slipped quietly behind a clump of grass and hoped that he could not see her. She poked her head out just a little so that she could watch the dragon.
The dragon was busy. He too seemed to be trying to hide. He was peering upwards – UP, UP, UP. The dragon was afraid too!
There must be an EVEN BIGGER MONSTER, one that Hetty could not see.
What do YOU think?
Would YOU like to meet Hetty?
Click here if you would like to meet Hetty
Meet Hetty! Hetty is an ant. Isn’t Hetty beautiful!
Would YOU like to meet the DRAGON?
Click here if you would like to meet the DRAGON
Meet the DRAGON. The dragon is an Eastern Water Dragon. Isn’t he handsome? Eastern Water Dragons live on the coastal fringe of eastern Australia. They are not dangerous, and some people keep them as pets.
Would YOU like to meet the MONSTER?
Click here if you would like to meet the MONSTER.
Meet the ‘MONSTER’! The monster is a young girl! Isn’t she SCAREY!
Please scroll down for videos, music and printable activities related to the story.
Hetty and the Dragon Related Videos
Note: The following videos are third party creations published externally.
1. How to Make An Ant Farm
2. How to make an Ant Farm from CD Cases NOTE: Adult supervision required.
2. Ant Behaviour – suitable for older students.
3. Australian Water Dragons
4. A commercial ant colony
5. Make an Origami Dragon Head
Hetty and the Dragon related music.
6. Puff the Magic Dragon, a folk song recorded by Peter Paul and Mary.
7. The Ants go Marching One by One A song for young children
Hetty and the Dragon, Notes & Printable Activities
