Cockyloo by Louisa May Alcott (1856)

Name: Cockyloo
Author: Louisa May Alcott

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 · 3,245 words

First lines

In the barnyard a gray hen sat on her nest, feeling very happy because it was time for her eggs to hatch, and she hoped to have a fine brood of chickens. Presently crack, crack, went the shells; "Peep, peep! " cried the chicks; "Cluck, cluck! " called the hen; and out came ten downy little things one after the other, all ready to run and eat and scratch, -- for chickens are not like babies, and don't have to be tended at all.

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Cockyloo is listed on Textopian as a short story by Louisa May Alcott, dated 1856 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Date: 1856 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fable, Adventure, Fantasy, Moral Tale
Length: 3,245 words
Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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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 animals and moral lessons suitable for children.
Fable — The narrative includes anthropomorphized animals and conveys moral lessons about kindness, bravery, and consequences of actions.
Adventure — The plot involves various adventures of Cockyloo, including encounters with danger and acts of bravery.
Fantasy — The story features talking animals and fantastical elements, creating a whimsical setting.