As Told to the Westler Valley Voice by Matta A. Rhymes
TOWN HALL, WESTLER — Jack Horner was a shy boy, to be sure. And I got to be honest here, my little rascals, he was a little different from the rest of the children who went to my school. Normally, he was the brunt of all jokes and was commonly made fun of. Not that Jack ever seemed to notice.
He was born to our town librarian, Mrs. Horner, while she was a bit older. Her hair had already started to gray and character lines graced her cheeks. She was a hoot and was known for her politeness in every situation.
Many of the town's people say she was way past her birthin' years, and Jack was adopted. He was a little slow in understandin' things, and he kept to himself.
Around the month of December, he would always bring in a Christmas pie that his ma would make. Even though the pie was for the class, he would always take it to the corner, stick his thumb into it, and yell, "What a good boy am I?!"
Many years had gone by since I last thought of Jack Horner, but then his name literally appeared in my hands. The Westler newspaper had an article about the town council wantin' to discuss Jack Horner's residency in our town. This Friday there was to be a meetin' to decide if he should stay or be kicked out...
READ MORE in The Matta Goose Stories: Season 2 (link at bottom of page)
Beloved Schoolteacher's Final Stand Saves His Home
"Everyone here has their own mistakes that make us all 'different,' as you put it."
— Mrs. Markum
Who's Who in Westler
- Jack Horner — A gentle, misunderstood boy, son of the town librarian.
- Mrs. Markum — Matta's old schoolteacher, stands up for Jack before the council.
Did You Know: "Little Jack Horner" is told differently outside Westler. This is the version recorded in your world.. [Click Here]