The Talking Parcel facts for kids
The Talking Parcel (also known as The Battle for Castle Cockatrice) is an exciting fantasy book written by Gerald Durrell in 1974. It tells the story of children who travel to a magical land called Mythologia. Their big adventure is to save this special place from scary creatures called cockatrices.
On their journey, the children get help from a talking parrot. They also meet many other amazing and magical creatures, like a mooncalf. This book has been translated into several languages, including Czech, Estonian, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian, so many kids around the world can enjoy it!
Quick facts for kids 
First edition
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| Author | Gerald Durrell |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Liza James |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's |
| Publisher | Collins |
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Publication date
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1974 |
The Talking Parcel Film
This fantastic story was made into an animated TV movie in 1978. It was created by Cosgrove Hall Films and first shown on ITV. The film is a bit different from the book. In the movie, only one human character, a girl named Penelope, goes on the adventure.
| The Talking Parcel | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Brian Cosgrove |
| Produced by | Brian Cosgrove Mark Hall |
| Written by | Gerald Durrell (novel) Rosemary Anne Sisson (writer) |
| Music by | Ravid Rohl Woolly Wolstenholme |
| Editing by | John McManus Dave Street |
| Studio | Cosgrove Hall Films |
| Release date(s) | 26 December 1978 (UK) |
| Running time | (US) 60 min (UK) 40 min. |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Who Voiced the Characters?
Many talented actors lent their voices to the characters in the film:
- Lisa Norris played Penelope.
- Freddie Jones was the voice of the Parrot.
- Mollie Sugden voiced Hortense, the Flying Train.
- Roy Kinnear played Ethelred.
- Edward Kelsey was H.H. Junketbury.
- Windsor Davies voiced the Chief Cockatrice.
- Michael Hordern played Oswald, the Sea Serpent.
- Peter Woodthorpe was the Werewolf.
- Harvey Ashby voiced Duke Wensleydale.
- Raymond Mason also contributed his voice.
- Daphne Oxenford was part of the cast.
