The First Train by David Cory (1970)

In a vibrant forest setting, the Little People of Shady Forest and Sunny Meadow eagerly anticipate the arrival of a new railroad. As construction progresses, various woodland creatures observe the changes with curiosity and trepidation. Little Jack Rabbit, a naive young bunny, imagines the process of leveling the hill as akin to slicing bread, reflecting his innocence and lack of understanding about railroads. The excitement builds as the hill is excavated, and the railroad sleepers are laid down, with Busy Beaver contemplating their potential use for his dam. The community is abuzz with anticipation as the final touches are made, culminating in the completion of the railroad. On the day of the inaugural train run, the rabbits dress in their best attire and gather at the Old Rail Fence to witness the event. As the train approaches, a cloud of smoke signals its arrival, and despite his initial fear, Little Jack Rabbit watches as the train passes by, revealing the Farmer's Boy proudly waving from the last car. This moment marks a significant change in their world, symbolizing progress and the excitement of new adventures ahead. The story captures themes of curiosity, innocence, and the impact of modernization on a close-knit community.

By David Cory · First published 1970 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 469 words

First lines

Look out for the Choo-choo cars! Don't you hear the thunder jars? First the whistle, then the bell Clanging through the Forest Dell.

FOR weeks and weeks there was great excitement among the Little People of the Shady Forest and Sunny Meadow. From behind trees and bushes, rocks and stumps, they watched the building of the railroad.

What this Textopian page supports

The First Train is listed on Textopian as a short story by David Cory, dated 1970 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: 1970 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Children's Literature, Adventure, Historical Fiction
• Length: 469 words
• Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The First Train by David Cory
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering The First Train?
• 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

• An Airship Ride by David Cory
• A Thousand Miles An Hour by Herbert Strang
• Luckymobiling by David Cory
• The Story Of The Rippling Train by Mary Louisa Molesworth
• The Iceberg Express by David Cory
• The Radio Alarm by David Cory

Genres

• Children's Literature — The book is written in simple language with a straightforward plot which is common in Children's Literature.
• Adventure — The story revolves around a thrilling journey on the first train, giving it elements of the Adventure genre.
• Historical Fiction — As the story is set in a past era and showcases the first train in history, it can be considered Historical Fiction.

Tags

train · history · transportation · adventure · innovation · technology · steam engine · journey · exploration · childhood · imagination · narrative

More by David Cory

• The Adventures Of Puss In Boots (1900)
• The Iceberg Express (1987)
• The Cruise of the Noah's Ark (1894)
• Little Jack Rabbit and the Squirrel Brothers (1940)
• The Magic Soap Bubble (1978)
• Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe (1792)
• Puss in Boots, Jr., and the Good Gray Horse (1987)
• Hawk Eye (1970)
• All works by David Cory