
A lively little cockatoo finds himself perched in a bustling Victorian household, where he constantly debates his own behavior with a chatty gray parrot and the ever‑watchful Master Herbert. The birds’ banter is filled with humor and gentle sarcasm, as the cockatoe laments his “shame” while the parrot, Mrs. Polly, teases him about his youthful “history.” Their exchanges reveal a world where pets are treated almost like members of the family, each with distinct personalities and secret grievances.
Through witty dialogue and charming illustrations, the story explores themes of pride, misunderstanding, and the desire to please a kind but demanding child. As the cockatoo wrestles with his own stubbornness and the temptation of a tempting piece of cake, listeners are invited into a whimsical portrait of domestic life where every feathered resident has a voice and a lesson to learn. The tale’s gentle humor and endearing characters make it a delightful listen for anyone who loves a touch of classic charm.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (87K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Janet Blenkinship and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of public domain works in the International Children's Digital Library.)
Release date
2007-06-05
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1839–1898
A prolific Scottish storyteller, she wrote dozens of books for young readers and also had a gift for making science feel clear and approachable. Publishing as “Mrs. George Cupples,” she built a wide-ranging career that blended adventure, curiosity, and Victorian family reading.
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