The Little Mountain Goat
A circus elephant, distressed over the capture of his friend, Little Jack Rabbit, by Hungry Hawk, seeks help to rescue him. Encountering a little mountain goat, the elephant learns that while the goat cannot confront the hawk, he can assist the elephant in climbing the steep mountain where the hawk's nest is located. The goat uses a lasso to help the elephant ascend, demonstrating agility and teamwork. After a challenging climb, they reach the top and spot the hawk with Jack Rabbit. The goat devises a plan to distract the hawk, allowing the elephant to capture the bird. The hawk, realizing he is outmatched, offers to release Jack Rabbit in exchange for his freedom. The elephant and goat successfully rescue Jack Rabbit, but now face the daunting task of descending the mountain. The elephant carries Jack Rabbit down, with the goat guiding him. Once safely back on level ground, they encounter a firefly that helps illuminate their path through the dark forest. The story emphasizes themes of friendship, bravery, and cooperation, showcasing how different strengths can work together to overcome challenges.
By David Cory · First published 1978 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 2,599 words
First lines
"Oh, dear, oh, dear, what shall I do? I'll never get him with my old lasso! " Cried the Circus Elephant with a sigh, As he looked at Hungry Hawk on high.
Now I hope you haven't forgotten what just took place. How Hungry Hawk had picked up poor Little Jack Rabbit. Of course you haven't! Nor how the big kind Circus Elephant had almost caught this bad robber bird with a long lasso.
What this Textopian page supports
The Little Mountain Goat is listed on Textopian as a short story by David Cory, dated 1978 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: 1978 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 2,599 words
- Structure: 1 section, 62 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Little Mountain Goat 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 Little Mountain Goat?
- 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
- Phoebe Pheasant by David Cory
- The Little Lion by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Mud Turtle Town by David Cory
- Karaway The Cockatoo by Edward S. Sorenson
- Danny Fox by David Cory
- A Perplexed Little Rabbit by David Cory
Genres
- Children's Literature — The book is written in a simple language suitable for children with easy to follow plot themes involving anthropomorphised animals which is characteristic in Children's Literature
- Fantasy — The main characters are animals that possess human-like characteristics, which is typical of Fantasy genre
- Adventure — The story involves the journey and challenges faced by the little mountain goat, which aligns with the Adventure genre
Tags
children's literature · animal story · mountain goat · adventure · nature · friendship · family · growth · exploration · courage · resilience · life lessons
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