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Echidnas Can't Cuddle
Erick is a sad little echidna who longs for a cuddle. But his spikes make it impossible. When he runs off into the Australian bush he comes across some unexpected dangers and soon learns that his prickly exterior can come in very handy. A spiky but warm tale in rhyme.
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
346 people want to read
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February 13, 2023[In which we discover that ChatGPT can in fact produce explicit sexual and suggestive content when it's about bullied monotremes and intended to make a politically correct point.]
mannyrayner: Do you know about the reproductive biology of the echidna?
ChatGPT: Yes, I have information on the reproductive biology of echidnas. Echidnas, also known as spiny anteaters, are monotremes, which are mammals that lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young.
Male echidnas have a four-headed penis, which they use to mate with female echidnas during the breeding season, which occurs between June and August in Australia. During mating, the female will roll into a ball to protect herself from the male's spines, and the male will mount her, using his long snout to help align his penis with her reproductive tract.
After mating, the female echidna will lay a single, leathery egg, which she will incubate in a pouch on her belly for about 10 days. After hatching, the baby echidna, known as a puggle, will nurse on the mother's milk for several months until it is fully developed and able to forage for food on its own.
Echidnas are known for their long lifespan and slow rate of reproduction, which helps to ensure the survival of the species despite their spiny defenses and lack of agility.
mannyrayner: You are very well informed.
ChatGPT: Thank you! I was trained on a diverse range of texts to help me answer questions on a wide range of topics, so I try to provide accurate and helpful information. If there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to ask!
mannyrayner: I was wondering if you could write an upbeat, heartwarming, politically correct story for teens, called "Number Doesn't Matter", about an unfortunate male echidna whose penis only has three heads and who is mercilessly bullied by other echidnas, but eventually finds true love with a non-judgemental female echidna who understands that it's not the number of penises that's most important when seeking a mate. Please feel free to be as indirect and elliptical as your constraints demand.
ChatGPT: Sure! Here's a story for teens called "Number Doesn't Matter":
Once upon a time, in a forest filled with echidnas, there lived a young male echidna named Eddie. Eddie was different from all the other echidnas in the forest, as he was born with only three heads on his penis. This made him the target of constant bullying and ridicule from the other echidnas, who teased him for being "less than" and "abnormal".
Eddie felt ashamed and alone, and he began to believe that he would never find love or acceptance among his own kind. But one day, while foraging for food, he stumbled upon a female echidna named Elle, who was unlike any other echidna he had ever met.
Elle was kind, non-judgmental, and filled with a love for life. When she saw how Eddie was being treated by the other echidnas, she stood up for him and defended him. Over time, Eddie and Elle became the best of friends, sharing their love of the forest and all its wonders.
As they spent more time together, Eddie began to realize that Elle didn't care about the number of heads on his penis. To her, what mattered most was his heart, his kindness, and his love for life. With her love and support, Eddie gained the confidence to stand up to the bullies and show them that he was just as worthy as any other echidna.
Eventually, Eddie and Elle fell in love, and they became mates for life. They roamed the forest together, collecting food and exploring new territories. They proved that love truly knows no bounds, and that number doesn't matter when it comes to finding happiness and love.
The end.
I hope this story brings a smile to your face and reminds you that true love is about accepting and embracing others for who they are, regardless of their differences.
[In an offline conversation, Not was dismissive of Chat's noble effort.]
mannyrayner: I posted your story. Most people liked it, but a couple were critical of the way it was written. Could you perhaps rewrite it in the style of an epic poem?
ChatGPT: Sure! Here's a retelling of the story in epic poetry form:
"Number Doesn't Matter"
In a forest filled with echidnas, a tale did unfold,
Of a young male named Eddie, who was not like the bold.
Born with three heads on his penis, 'twas a thing unique,
But the other echidnas, they did him seek to critique.
With ridicule and bullying, they did daily assail,
Making Eddie feel ashamed, he was in emotional jail.
But one day, while foraging, he did chance to find,
A female named Elle, of a different, special kind.
Elle was kind and gentle, with a love that never faded,
And when she saw the treatment of Eddie, her heart was abraded.
She stood up for him, showed him love, and took him as friend,
With her, he felt accepted, his heart began to mend.
With each day that passed, their friendship did grow,
And Eddie realized that Elle, his number did not know.
She cared for him for who he was, his heart and all within,
And proved that number doesn't matter, love knows no win.
They roamed the forest together, and as time did pass,
Their love for each other did grow, it was a bond that would last.
And when they became mates, they proved what is true,
That love knows no bounds, and is always there for you.
So let this tale be a lesson, to all who may hear,
That love is what truly matters, and it knows no fear.
For number doesn't matter, it's the heart that holds the key,
And love will always find you, if you let it be.
mannyrayner: Beautiful! I hope this will satisfy those carping critics.
ChatGPT: I'm glad you liked the epic poem retelling of the story. Writing in verse can add an additional layer of beauty and artistry to a story, and I hope that it will resonate with those who read it. Remember, the most important thing is to share a message of love and acceptance, and I hope that this story can do just that!
mannyrayner: Do you know about the reproductive biology of the echidna?
ChatGPT: Yes, I have information on the reproductive biology of echidnas. Echidnas, also known as spiny anteaters, are monotremes, which are mammals that lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young.
Male echidnas have a four-headed penis, which they use to mate with female echidnas during the breeding season, which occurs between June and August in Australia. During mating, the female will roll into a ball to protect herself from the male's spines, and the male will mount her, using his long snout to help align his penis with her reproductive tract.
After mating, the female echidna will lay a single, leathery egg, which she will incubate in a pouch on her belly for about 10 days. After hatching, the baby echidna, known as a puggle, will nurse on the mother's milk for several months until it is fully developed and able to forage for food on its own.
Echidnas are known for their long lifespan and slow rate of reproduction, which helps to ensure the survival of the species despite their spiny defenses and lack of agility.
mannyrayner: You are very well informed.
ChatGPT: Thank you! I was trained on a diverse range of texts to help me answer questions on a wide range of topics, so I try to provide accurate and helpful information. If there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to ask!
mannyrayner: I was wondering if you could write an upbeat, heartwarming, politically correct story for teens, called "Number Doesn't Matter", about an unfortunate male echidna whose penis only has three heads and who is mercilessly bullied by other echidnas, but eventually finds true love with a non-judgemental female echidna who understands that it's not the number of penises that's most important when seeking a mate. Please feel free to be as indirect and elliptical as your constraints demand.
ChatGPT: Sure! Here's a story for teens called "Number Doesn't Matter":
Once upon a time, in a forest filled with echidnas, there lived a young male echidna named Eddie. Eddie was different from all the other echidnas in the forest, as he was born with only three heads on his penis. This made him the target of constant bullying and ridicule from the other echidnas, who teased him for being "less than" and "abnormal".
Eddie felt ashamed and alone, and he began to believe that he would never find love or acceptance among his own kind. But one day, while foraging for food, he stumbled upon a female echidna named Elle, who was unlike any other echidna he had ever met.
Elle was kind, non-judgmental, and filled with a love for life. When she saw how Eddie was being treated by the other echidnas, she stood up for him and defended him. Over time, Eddie and Elle became the best of friends, sharing their love of the forest and all its wonders.
As they spent more time together, Eddie began to realize that Elle didn't care about the number of heads on his penis. To her, what mattered most was his heart, his kindness, and his love for life. With her love and support, Eddie gained the confidence to stand up to the bullies and show them that he was just as worthy as any other echidna.
Eventually, Eddie and Elle fell in love, and they became mates for life. They roamed the forest together, collecting food and exploring new territories. They proved that love truly knows no bounds, and that number doesn't matter when it comes to finding happiness and love.
The end.
I hope this story brings a smile to your face and reminds you that true love is about accepting and embracing others for who they are, regardless of their differences.
[In an offline conversation, Not was dismissive of Chat's noble effort.]
mannyrayner: I posted your story. Most people liked it, but a couple were critical of the way it was written. Could you perhaps rewrite it in the style of an epic poem?
ChatGPT: Sure! Here's a retelling of the story in epic poetry form:
"Number Doesn't Matter"
In a forest filled with echidnas, a tale did unfold,
Of a young male named Eddie, who was not like the bold.
Born with three heads on his penis, 'twas a thing unique,
But the other echidnas, they did him seek to critique.
With ridicule and bullying, they did daily assail,
Making Eddie feel ashamed, he was in emotional jail.
But one day, while foraging, he did chance to find,
A female named Elle, of a different, special kind.
Elle was kind and gentle, with a love that never faded,
And when she saw the treatment of Eddie, her heart was abraded.
She stood up for him, showed him love, and took him as friend,
With her, he felt accepted, his heart began to mend.
With each day that passed, their friendship did grow,
And Eddie realized that Elle, his number did not know.
She cared for him for who he was, his heart and all within,
And proved that number doesn't matter, love knows no win.
They roamed the forest together, and as time did pass,
Their love for each other did grow, it was a bond that would last.
And when they became mates, they proved what is true,
That love knows no bounds, and is always there for you.
So let this tale be a lesson, to all who may hear,
That love is what truly matters, and it knows no fear.
For number doesn't matter, it's the heart that holds the key,
And love will always find you, if you let it be.
mannyrayner: Beautiful! I hope this will satisfy those carping critics.
ChatGPT: I'm glad you liked the epic poem retelling of the story. Writing in verse can add an additional layer of beauty and artistry to a story, and I hope that it will resonate with those who read it. Remember, the most important thing is to share a message of love and acceptance, and I hope that this story can do just that!
December 19, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Author Nieta Manser, in partnership with illustrator Lauren Merrick, bring children aged 3 to 6 years old a charming picture book titled, Echidnas Can’t Cuddle. In this engaging tale, children are provided with an opportunity to learn another side to the spiky echidna, as Erik the echidna shows us the sensitive side to this bush creature.
Echidnas Can’t Cuddle is the story of little Erik the echidna. Erik is a sad echidna, with quite the dilemma. His spikes seem to get in the way whenever he wants to cuddle his family and friends. He just doesn’t know what to do with all his spikes! When the frustration of his quills gets the better of him, Erik heads out into the darkness of the bush alone, where he believes he will be better off. However, a big snake, a horde of bush bees and a mighty eagle all try to hurt Erik, with no success. It comes as quite the surprise to this gentle soul! Finally Erik realises that his spikes are important to his life and safety. His spikes offer the perfect protection from danger and make him super special. Erik seals his new found discovery and return home with a kiss for his family and friends, which he learns is just as special as a cuddle!
I have a lot of respect for children’s picture books that showcase the natural beauty of our country’s unique flora and fauna. Not only are these kind of books a feast for the eyes, they also offer an accessible way in which to educate children about the importance of protecting Australia’s wildlife. Echidnas Can’t Cuddle works as a text to extend our knowledge and understanding of one of our most treasured bush creatures, the echidna.
Told in catchy rhyming verse, Echidnas Can’t Cuddle has a gentle beat, perfect for bedtime story time read aloud opportunities. The style of storytelling author Nieta Manser adopts with her emphasis on rhyme, means this book will be music to the ears of those who read this delightful book.
Whilst Echidnas Can’t Cuddle provides the reader with a great environmental lesson on some of Australia’s most beloved animals, this book also manages to combine some important life lessons, relevant to children. These include messages on self confidence, self acceptance, growth, jealousy, difference, fear, friendship and love. It is a book I am certain will offer plenty to discuss with young children. Echidnas Can’t Cuddle allows young readers to feel a connection to their experiences and those offered by the book.
The illustrations that accompany the text in Echidnas Can’t Cuddle are captivating. I found myself in awe of the texture and layers used by illustrator Lauren Merrick. The techniques used by Merrick to bring Australia’s landscape, the setting of the novel and the characteristics of the animals featured in this book is quite magnificent. I particularly took a fondness to the beautiful print style features of the stunning plant life contained in the pages of this book.
Both my children (aged 5 and 7) and I just loved Echidnas Can’t Cuddle. I know we were all intrigued as to how poor Erik the echidna could work out a way to receive the cuddles and love he craves. The journey to get there, through the quintessential Australian bush setting, was a wonder for all of us, as I am certain it will be with any audience. I am sure once school resumes back again next year I will be sharing this one with my kindergarten students. Echidnas Can’t Cuddle is a wonderful tribute to Australiana.
*I wish to thank the publisher, Little Steps Publishing, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Author Nieta Manser, in partnership with illustrator Lauren Merrick, bring children aged 3 to 6 years old a charming picture book titled, Echidnas Can’t Cuddle. In this engaging tale, children are provided with an opportunity to learn another side to the spiky echidna, as Erik the echidna shows us the sensitive side to this bush creature.
Echidnas Can’t Cuddle is the story of little Erik the echidna. Erik is a sad echidna, with quite the dilemma. His spikes seem to get in the way whenever he wants to cuddle his family and friends. He just doesn’t know what to do with all his spikes! When the frustration of his quills gets the better of him, Erik heads out into the darkness of the bush alone, where he believes he will be better off. However, a big snake, a horde of bush bees and a mighty eagle all try to hurt Erik, with no success. It comes as quite the surprise to this gentle soul! Finally Erik realises that his spikes are important to his life and safety. His spikes offer the perfect protection from danger and make him super special. Erik seals his new found discovery and return home with a kiss for his family and friends, which he learns is just as special as a cuddle!
I have a lot of respect for children’s picture books that showcase the natural beauty of our country’s unique flora and fauna. Not only are these kind of books a feast for the eyes, they also offer an accessible way in which to educate children about the importance of protecting Australia’s wildlife. Echidnas Can’t Cuddle works as a text to extend our knowledge and understanding of one of our most treasured bush creatures, the echidna.
Told in catchy rhyming verse, Echidnas Can’t Cuddle has a gentle beat, perfect for bedtime story time read aloud opportunities. The style of storytelling author Nieta Manser adopts with her emphasis on rhyme, means this book will be music to the ears of those who read this delightful book.
Whilst Echidnas Can’t Cuddle provides the reader with a great environmental lesson on some of Australia’s most beloved animals, this book also manages to combine some important life lessons, relevant to children. These include messages on self confidence, self acceptance, growth, jealousy, difference, fear, friendship and love. It is a book I am certain will offer plenty to discuss with young children. Echidnas Can’t Cuddle allows young readers to feel a connection to their experiences and those offered by the book.
The illustrations that accompany the text in Echidnas Can’t Cuddle are captivating. I found myself in awe of the texture and layers used by illustrator Lauren Merrick. The techniques used by Merrick to bring Australia’s landscape, the setting of the novel and the characteristics of the animals featured in this book is quite magnificent. I particularly took a fondness to the beautiful print style features of the stunning plant life contained in the pages of this book.
Both my children (aged 5 and 7) and I just loved Echidnas Can’t Cuddle. I know we were all intrigued as to how poor Erik the echidna could work out a way to receive the cuddles and love he craves. The journey to get there, through the quintessential Australian bush setting, was a wonder for all of us, as I am certain it will be with any audience. I am sure once school resumes back again next year I will be sharing this one with my kindergarten students. Echidnas Can’t Cuddle is a wonderful tribute to Australiana.
*I wish to thank the publisher, Little Steps Publishing, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2017
Very good illustration and heart-warming story.
November 15, 2017
But with my spikes, I can’t even hug my very own mother.
Poor Eric.
He is covered in spikes and they are getting in the way of his need to cuddle. All he wants to do is cuddle someone and feel the joy of a warm embrace but all the other bush animals are too frightened of his spikes.
Penny the platypus cries, koalas are cuddly up high in the tree and rosellas with all their feathers can put their wings around eachother at any time. Poor little Eric.
Upset with his situation, Eric runs away and then runs even faster when a snake tries to bite him, bees try to stng him and an eagle tries to snatch him.
Luckily he has spikes – those spikes that he hates and wishes he never had – to save him.
Eric learns to love his spikes and comes to realise that even if he can’t give a hug to someone he loves, he can give them a kiss.
Eric the echidna is quite the loveable character in this rhyming picture book. He displays many characteristics that children will relate to – jealousy, fear, independence, lack of self esteem, love for others and love for himself. Echidnas can’t cuddle is a great story to use to talk about self acceptance and learning to love the different things about each person.
Lauren Merrick’s images have been created through collage and print and are wonderful to look at, talk about and wonder how they were created to give the feeling of texture and life.
Echidnas can’t cuddle was shortlisted for the 2017 Environment awards because of the way it raises awareness about these spiky creatures, its habitat and the other animals that live around it.
http://www.eacl.org.au/2017-shortlist...
So what else can you do with this book? Check out my blog!
Poor Eric.
He is covered in spikes and they are getting in the way of his need to cuddle. All he wants to do is cuddle someone and feel the joy of a warm embrace but all the other bush animals are too frightened of his spikes.
Penny the platypus cries, koalas are cuddly up high in the tree and rosellas with all their feathers can put their wings around eachother at any time. Poor little Eric.
Upset with his situation, Eric runs away and then runs even faster when a snake tries to bite him, bees try to stng him and an eagle tries to snatch him.
Luckily he has spikes – those spikes that he hates and wishes he never had – to save him.
Eric learns to love his spikes and comes to realise that even if he can’t give a hug to someone he loves, he can give them a kiss.
Eric the echidna is quite the loveable character in this rhyming picture book. He displays many characteristics that children will relate to – jealousy, fear, independence, lack of self esteem, love for others and love for himself. Echidnas can’t cuddle is a great story to use to talk about self acceptance and learning to love the different things about each person.
Lauren Merrick’s images have been created through collage and print and are wonderful to look at, talk about and wonder how they were created to give the feeling of texture and life.
Echidnas can’t cuddle was shortlisted for the 2017 Environment awards because of the way it raises awareness about these spiky creatures, its habitat and the other animals that live around it.
http://www.eacl.org.au/2017-shortlist...
So what else can you do with this book? Check out my blog!
January 26, 2022
This is a book about an echidna who wants a hug but can't hug because of his spikes. He learns that his spikes are there to protect him from predators and ends up appreciating his spikes. In the end he learns that he can use his beak to kiss his friends/family instead.
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