When a hungry boy wishes for an egg he gets a surprise – a magic egg that makes everything he wishes for come true with hilarious consequences. But in the end does he ever really get what he wants? This traditional tale is beautifully illustrated by Karen Donnelly to set the scene and encourage discussion.

This is a Red A/Band 2A book in the Collins Big Cat reading programme which offers predictable text with familiar objects and actions, combined with simple story development for early readers.
This story has a predictable structure and patterned language. A circular story map on pages 14-15 shows the boys journey and the consequence of each of his wishes, providing a wealth of speaking and listening opportunities. This book would link well with personal, social and emotional development curriculum topics. This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.


The Magic Egg is one of the top 10 books found to be ‘easiest’ to read – most accessible and appropriate for the reading level – in the 2019 What Kids are Reading report from Renaissance Learning. Other top 10 ‘easiest’ books to read from the report include Bad Bat (9780007412891), No, Sid, No! (9780007421923), Sam and the Nut (9780007334995), Best Bird (9780007412853), Cat and Dog in a Mess (9780007235827), Get Fit (9780007421961) and Got It! (9780007421930).

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