Platypus and the Lucky Day by Chris Riddell

Platypus

by Chris Riddell

Platypus is certain today will be special. Then . . . his kite gets caught in a tree, the wind ruins his beautiful new painting, and it starts to rain--very hard. Everything is going wrong. But even though this not-so-perfect day hasn't turned out quite like he'd hoped, Platypus finds just the right way to make it a truly lucky one. In his second adventure of this endearing series, the thoughtful, lively, and completely irrepressible Platypus shows once again that he is the ideal companion for every young child.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Chris Riddell was born in Cape Town, South Africa, where his father was an Anglican priest and a member of the ANC. The family moved to England in 1963, when Riddell was one year old, and he spent his childhood in a number of different locations, as his father moved between parishes. Both of Riddell's parents continued to be active in the anti-apartheid movement.

Chris Riddell is an internationally acclaimed writer and illustrator whose many awards include the Nestlé Gold Award and two Kate Greenaway Medals—the most prestigious prize for illustration in the UK. He is the creator of more than one hundred books for all ages, including the immensely popular series the Edge Chronicles and his latest chapter book series, starring the irrepressible Ottoline Brown, which School Library Journal called "exceptional." Chris lives in Brighton, England, with his wife and three children where he invents his amazing characters in a very tidy shed in his yard.

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Chris Riddell’s illustrations and got a bunch of his children’s books out from the library, so I’m about the have the best couple of weeks of my life.

Platypus thinks he’s having a lucky day but then everything starts going wrong, and I’ve never felt more represented in a book than when Platypus just gives up and goes back to bed. In bed he finds a banana and his favorite stuffed animal, which begins to make him feel better, which again is exactly me. Looking forward to seeing how Chris Riddell writes me as a platypus in his other books.

[Brian Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter loves this book. She sometimes makes some of the sound effects and has adopted "lucky day" as a phrase, often repeating it any time anyone says the word "lucky." The illustrations are cute. It's not too long. There aren't too many words for a toddler on any page. The short sentences are broken up with good spacing and multiple illustrations are present on some pages.

I only wish that this were a board book.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't tell you how cute this book is. Platypus has no name of his own, BUT he has a stuffed platypus named Bruce, which cracks me up. ❤ But what I love most is that Platypus has such a good attitude, even when things aren't going so well.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about having a positive attitude

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Platypus wakes up he decides it's his Lucky day. . . but what happens when everything seems to go wrong- can it still be a lucky day? Great story about looking on the bright side.

[Miss Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Platypus wakes up he decides it's his Lucky day. . . but what happens when everything seems to go wrong- can it still be a lucky day? Great story about looking on the bright side.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this because I love platypuses, but was pleasantly surprised to find it has a cute story that goes along wonderfully with the adorable pictures.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

We loved this book- Platypus goes through some emotions that I think Cassie enjoyed working out. He really tried to be positive, but then gives up, only to be cheered up by his favorite banana and doll. One of Cassie's favorties.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one irrepressible Platypus. He wanted so badly to believe he was having a lucky day, that he refused to look the facts in the face. Everything had a positive spin in his mind. It was hilariously single-minded. Great book.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this because I love platypuses, but was pleasantly surprised to find it has a cute story that goes along wonderfully with the adorable pictures.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Platypus's optimism in this book when life isn't quite as perfect as he hopes.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

both the third graders and kindergarten classes LOVED this book and the other two in the "series"

[Deeanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another laugh out loud book! Platypus is so cute.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute platypus story about how sometimes things going wrong can turn out right.

Nice illustrations.