The Story of Little Boy Blue

Name: The Story of Little Boy Blue
Author: L. Frank Baum

A young boy is born to a poor family and is given the name Little Boy Blue. He grows up with a strong sense of justice and becomes a leader among his peers. When he discovers that his father has been murdered, he sets out to avenge his death. Along the way, he meets various characters who aid or hinder his progress. Ultimately, he confronts the killer and exacts revenge.

By L. Frank Baum · First published 1904 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fairy Tale, Adventure · 3,385 words

First lines

Little Boy Blue, come blow your horn, The sheep's in the meadow, the cow's in the corn; Where's the little boy that minds the sheep? He's under the haystack, fast asleep!

THERE once lived a poor widow who supported herself and her only son by gleaning in the fields the stalks of grain that had been missed by the reapers. Her little cottage was at the foot of a beautiful valley, upon the edge of the river that wound in and out among the green hills; and although poor, she was contented with her lot, for her home was pleasant and her lovely boy was a constant delight to her.

What this Textopian page supports

The Story of Little Boy Blue is listed on Textopian as a short story by L. Frank Baum, dated 1904 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: L. Frank Baum
Date: 1904 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fairy Tale, Adventure, Drama, Fable
Length: 3,385 words
Structure: 1 section, 65 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Story of Little Boy Blue by L. Frank Baum
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The story is aimed at a young audience, featuring a child protagonist and themes of innocence, family, and moral lessons.
Fairy Tale — The narrative includes elements of fantasy and idealized characters, resembling traditional fairy tales with a moral conclusion.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey of responsibility and personal growth, facing challenges that test his character.
Drama — The story explores emotional themes such as love, sacrifice, and hardship, particularly in the relationship between the boy and his mother.