Billy Bunny and the Peacock

Name: Billy Bunny and the Peacock
Author: David Cory

A curious little rabbit discovers a high stone wall and is intrigued by a beautiful peacock who tells him about a magical garden on the other side. The peacock describes a place filled with a fountain that plays enchanting music and flowers that sing. Eager to experience this wonder, the rabbit searches for a way in and eventually finds a gate adorned with intricate carvings. He squeezes through and arrives at the garden, where he is mesmerized by the fountain's sparkling water, which appears like precious gems due to the sunlight. The rabbit requests a tune, and the fountain plays a sweet melody while the peacock displays his vibrant tail. The flowers join in, singing harmoniously. However, when the peacock attempts to sing, the rabbit is taken aback by the unpleasant sounds, realizing that beauty in appearance does not guarantee beauty in voice. Disturbed by the cacophony, the rabbit quickly hops away, escaping the peacock's dreadful singing. The story highlights themes of curiosity, the allure of beauty, and the contrast between appearance and reality.

By David Cory · First published 1980 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy · 584 words

First lines

Well, if it hadn't been for Robbie Redbreast who saw little Billy Bunny hopping away from the lily pond, as I told you in the last story, I never would have found out what he did after that, and so there would have been no story to-night. So the next time you see Robbie Redbreast, please thank him.

And now this is what he told me. After the little rabbit had hopped along for maybe a mile or three, he came to a high stone wall. "I wonder what's on the other side? " he said to himself, and then a beautiful peacock looked over and said: "I'll tell you, little rabbit.

What this Textopian page supports

Billy Bunny and the Peacock is listed on Textopian as a short story by David Cory, dated 1980 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: David Cory
Date: 1980 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy
Length: 584 words
Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Work identity for Billy Bunny and the Peacock by David Cory
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — This is a story featuring anthropomorphized animals as characters, a common feature in children's literature. It is designed using simple language and adventurous plotlines that are typically found in children's literature.
Adventure — The book traces the exploits and adventures of the character, Billy Bunny, making 'Adventure' a key genre of this book.
Fantasy — The book employs elements of make-believe and has anthropomorphic characters, characteristic of the Fantasy genre.