See reference below. HTH


What Is a Pourquoi Tale?

Pourquoi [por-kwa] means "why" in French. Pourquoi tales are old legends told to explain why certain events happened. These tales often start in the past, e.g. A long, long time ago..., and end when the explanation is complete. Pourquoi tales are most often concerned with animals and the natural world. As you begin to read pourquoi tales together, encourage your students to discover similarities and differences in the various stories. Keep a large class chart labeled "What We Discovered About Pourquoi Tales." As you talk about each story, record the class's new discoveries on your list.

When you have children...you soon learn what it is! The translation is awkward!