Sunshine by David Cory (1977)

Name: Sunshine
Author: David Cory

A conversation unfolds between Little Jack Rabbit and Red Bird, who is adorned in a striking red coat. The rabbit inquires about the coat's origin, leading Red Bird to recount a family legend tied to the Great Flood. During this calamity, Mother Noah expressed despair, prompting Red Bird's ancestor to whistle, which brought forth a beam of sunshine that transformed him and his descendants, giving them their vibrant red feathers. The tale emphasizes courage and positivity, as the little bird's act of bravery inspired hope among those in the ark. As the dialogue continues, Little Jack Rabbit expresses concern about the upcoming winter, questioning Red Bird's decision to stay. Red Bird remains optimistic, stating he will find food at the Old Farm House. The rabbit admires Red Bird's sunny disposition, suggesting that the warmth of the sunshine that colored his feathers has also filled his heart. The exchange highlights themes of resilience, the importance of a positive outlook, and the legacy of courage passed down through generations. Ultimately, the story concludes with Little Jack Rabbit returning home, eager to share the uplifting tale with his mother.

By David Cory · First published 1977 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy · 507 words

First lines

"WHERE did you get your red coat? " asked Little Jack Rabbit, looking up from the Old Bramble Patch.

"Oh, that's my secret," answered Red Bird from the Old Rail Fence. "There's been a legend in our family about it ever since the Flood."

What this Textopian page supports

Sunshine is listed on Textopian as a short story by David Cory, dated 1977 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: 1977 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Fantasy
Length: 507 words
Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Sunshine by David Cory
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Sunshine?
How does this short story by David Cory fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The book, written by David Cory, is often categorized as Children's Literature due to its simple language, colorful descriptions, and imaginative narratives, which are all written from a child-centric perspective.
Adventure — Sunshine takes readers on an array of imaginative journeys, leading them through a variety of environments and situations. This element of the plot is commonly found in Adventure genre stories.
Fantasy — The narrative of the book introduces fantastical elements, experiences, and settings that are not found in the real world and hence categorizes this book as Fantasy.