About

The Great Cocky is a short, illustrated allegory about how a flock can talk itself into trouble — and how it might yet talk itself out again. It’s written for kids, and for the grown-ups who still read with them.

The book

A parable in verse, told in the voice of an old kookaburra looking back on the rise and fall of a charismatic cockatoo. It’s about fear, flattery, and the quiet power of people who keep their wits about them.

Who made it

Story — Paul Upperton.

Illustrations — Paul Brandner.

Why it’s free

The book is published online under a Creative Commons licence so anyone can read it, link to it, and share it with the people in their life. You’re welcome to forward the link, embed the preview, or read it aloud. Commercial use and derivative works are not permitted.

Get in touch

If you’d like to reach the authors, or tell us where the book has travelled, write to us. Updates and new work will be posted here.