The Story of Tommy Tucker

Name: The Story of Tommy Tucker
Author: L. Frank Baum

This story revolves around a young boy who is born with the ability to sing. He becomes famous for his singing and is eventually discovered by a wealthy patron who helps him develop his talent further. However, Tommy's success comes at a cost, as he struggles with the pressures of fame and the expectations placed upon him.

By L. Frank Baum · First published 1890 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Fable · 2,417 words

First lines

Little Tommy Tucker sang for his supper. What did he sing for? white bread and butter. How could he cut it, without any knife? How could he marry, without any wife?

LITTLE TOMMY TUCKER was a waif of the streets. He never remembered having a father or mother or any one to care for him, and so he learned to care for himself. He ate whatever he could get, and slept wherever night overtook him -- in an old barrel, a cellar, or, when fortune favored him, he paid a penny for a cot in some rude lodging-house.

What this Textopian page supports

The Story of Tommy Tucker is listed on Textopian as a short story by L. Frank Baum, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Fable, Adventure, Humor
Length: 2,417 words
Structure: 1 section, 72 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Story of Tommy Tucker by L. Frank Baum
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 Story of Tommy Tucker?
How does this short story by L. Frank Baum 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 story is aimed at a young audience, featuring a child protagonist and themes of adventure and moral lessons.
Fantasy — Elements of whimsy and imaginative scenarios, such as talking animals and clever problem-solving, are present.
Fable — The narrative conveys moral lessons through the experiences of the protagonist, akin to traditional fables.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey filled with challenges and encounters that shape his character.