Kuratko the Terrible: the Story of an Ungrateful

Name: Kuratko the Terrible: the Story of an Ungrateful Chick
Author: Parker Fillmore

An elderly couple longs for a child, and their wish is granted when a hen hatches a chick. The grandmother dotes on the chick, naming it Kuratko, while the grandfather expresses concern about its peculiar appearance. As Kuratko grows, he develops an insatiable appetite, demanding food incessantly. The grandmother indulges him, leading to their own hunger. One day, Kuratko, feeling hungry, devours the grandfather and grandmother, swallowing them whole. He continues his rampage, consuming a washerwoman and a group of soldiers, boasting about his growing crop. Each victim is taken by surprise and quickly eaten. Kuratko encounters Kotsor, a cat, who is also astonished by the chick's size. However, when Kuratko threatens to eat Kotsor, the cat fights back from within Kuratko's crop, ultimately causing the chick's demise. The victims, including the grandfather, grandmother, washerwoman, and soldiers, emerge unharmed and return to their lives. Kotsor, the cat, requests Kuratko for dinner, and both grandparents agree, acknowledging the chick's ungratefulness. Kotsor enjoys a satisfying meal, relishing the experience. The story concludes with a moral about ingratitude and the consequences of excess.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1930 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fable, Fantasy · 1,060 words

First lines

There was once an old couple who had no children.

"If only we had a chick or a child of our own! " Grandmother used to say. "Think how we could pet it and take care of it!"

What this Textopian page supports

Kuratko the Terrible: the Story of an Ungrateful Chick is listed on Textopian as a short story by Parker Fillmore, dated 1930 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Parker Fillmore
Date: 1930 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fable, Fantasy, Humor, Adventure
Length: 1,060 words
Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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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 chick and moral lessons about greed and ingratitude.
Fable — The narrative conveys a moral lesson through anthropomorphized characters, typical of fables.
Fantasy — The story includes fantastical elements, such as a talking chick and exaggerated events.
Humor — The absurdity of the chick's actions and the exaggerated consequences provide comedic elements.