In a barnyard, a gray hen proudly hatches ten chicks, including two cockerels: Cockyloo, a kind and brave chick, and Peck, a selfish and quarrelsome one. As the chicks grow, Cockyloo helps his sisters and earns the admiration of the hens, while Peck's jealousy leads him to act maliciously. After causing the drowning of three chicks, Peck is expelled from the barnyard and finds himself in the woods, where he befriends a cunning fox. Peck, unaware of the fox's true intentions, reveals secrets about the henhouse, while Cockyloo, concerned for his brother, continues to bring him food. Peck's betrayal culminates in a plan to have the fox catch Cockyloo. However, the fox mistakenly captures Peck instead, leading to his demise. The hens, relieved by Peck's absence, celebrate Cockyloo, who matures into a magnificent rooster, known for his loud crowing and protective nature. One night, when robbers plot to steal from the farmer, Cockyloo overhears their plan. He bravely alerts the farmer's boys by crowing loudly, which leads to the capture of the thieves. Cockyloo is hailed as a hero, and a brass weathercock is erected in his likeness on the courthouse to commemorate his bravery. Years later, a fire breaks out in the henhouse due to a boy's negligence. Cockyloo sacrifices himself to save the remaining chicks, covering them with his wings. After the fire is extinguished, he is found dead, having protected the vulnerable chicks. The community mourns his loss, holding a funeral to honor his bravery and loyalty, marking his grave with a heartfelt epitaph that celebrates his noble spirit.
By Louisa May Alcott · First published 1856 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fable, Adventure