The Messenger by David Cory (1984)

A young rabbit named Jack wakes up to a lively morning in Turnip City, where he enjoys breakfast with his Uncle John Hare and Mrs. Daisy Duck. Their peaceful routine is interrupted by a knock at the door, revealing a note from the ominous Mr. Trouble Man, demanding a million carrot cents. Uncle John, flustered, struggles to open his safe to retrieve the money. With the help of a friendly robin named Bobbie Redvest, Jack learns the combination and successfully opens the safe, releasing the carrot cents. They fill a bag and hand it to a dwarf messenger, who departs for the Fairy Forest. After the messenger leaves, Uncle John expresses concern about the potential return of the Ragged Rabbit Giant. Jack, eager for adventure, contemplates visiting the Fairy Forest but is advised by Uncle John to heed the robin's warning. Jack bids farewell to his uncle and Mrs. Duck as he takes the stagecoach home, reflecting on his enjoyable visit. The story concludes with a promise of more adventures to come in a future tale, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation for Jack's next journey.

By David Cory · First published 1984 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery · 2,116 words

First lines

Wake up, wake up! It's morning now, The Farmer is milking the little black cow, The Rooster is blowing his shiny tin horn And Billy Breeze's whistling a tune in the corn.

Goodness me! Up jumped Little Jack Rabbit. You remember that the tired little bunny boy had been too sleepy to hop upstairs after playing a game of pinochle with Uncle John Hare, and had fallen asleep in a big arm chair for the night. That's where we left him, and now we find him wide awake.

What this Textopian page supports

The Messenger is listed on Textopian as a short story by David Cory, dated 1984 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: 1984 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery
• Length: 2,116 words
• Structure: 1 section, 60 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Messenger 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 Messenger?
• How does this short story by David Cory fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• Trouble by David Cory
• The Chasm by Bryce Walton
• Dreamers World by Bryce Walton
• The Rescue by David Cory
• The Ordeal by Rafael Sabatini
• Friend Island by Francis Stevens

Genres

• Science Fiction — The book belongs mainly in the science fiction genre due to its premise revolving around extraterrestrial life and high-end futuristic technology.
• Adventure — Elements of adventure are apparent as the protagonist embarks on perilous journeys and challenges.
• Mystery — Elements of mystery are introduced as the protagonist unfurls multiple secrets and truths about his mission and origin.

Tags

adventure · mystery · friendship · courage · loyalty · sacrifice · coming-of-age · exploration · conflict · trust · communication · journey

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