Platypus 4

Platypus

by Riddell Chris

Determined to find the perfect item to complete his special collection (which includes, among other things, an old blue sneaker, a Popsicle stick, a bottle cap, and an acorn), little Platypus sets off to the beach. "He didn't know quite what he was looking for, but he was sure he'd know it when he saw it." After hemming and hawing over various treasures--seaweed, a big rock, a deflated beach ball--Platypus finds exactly the right a lovely curly seashell. Unfortunately, what our funny little hero doesn't know (and what sharp-eyed readers might figure out sooner than he) is that the shell is currently occupied. Young readers in a collecting phase of their own will enjoy watching Platypus's bewilderment as his prize item keeps sneaking out at night and creeping back to the beach. Chris Riddell's cute watercolors and cheerful story will please platypuses and humans alike. (Ages 3 to 6) --Emilie Coulter

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Animals

Hardcover

First published August 23, 2001

Reviews

[Mizzy Mint · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple day collecting at the beach where a little platypus finds a shell that keeps disappearing every night. The big surprise it's a hermit crab. He returns it to the ocean and then finds another shell to let him hear the ocean. Pretty cute and teaches children to check before they take nature finds home. It would also be a good conversation starter about habitats.

[Huratio · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part was when the crab pinched him.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Platypus is adorable and it is fun having a change from the typical animal protagonist. The little mystery is fun and there is a great message about being mindful of others --especially if you go collecting shells ;-)

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Platypus does something inadvertently and puts it right. Then he goes on to be more careful in the future. I love that! I love books that show us we can learn from our mistakes. I love books that show us that every mistake isn't intentional.

*Talking points: Do you tend to be a person who learns from your mistakes or keeps repeating them? Platypus is obviously a compassionate creature, how do you think that compassion is learned? Are you happy with your level of compassion or are you trying to be more compassionate? Have you ever hurt someone unintentionally? What did you do to fix the situation? Has anyone ever hurt you? What could you do to fix the situation? How would this story be different if the crab would have spoken up the first time Platypus picks up his shell?

**Essential Oil Tip: When we have made a mistake or hurt someone, forgiveness (along with setting things right) is often exactly what is needed. At times like this why not support your ability to forgive by diffusing or putting on doTERRA's Forgive essential oil blend?

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLATYPUS IS SO DARN CUTE. I mean just look at him. How could you not love this book just based on how adorable Platypus is? He also is into collecting and when he makes a mistake (taking a hermit crab away from its home) he learns from it and is more careful the next time.

[Sarah Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like to say the plot twist was insanely predictable for adult readers, since I had to read this to my daughter, cuz she can't read yet. It was still cute, and added bonus, my daughter was very intrigued by the Platypus.

[Courtney Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I would read to very young children because I feel they would be able to relate to the platypus very well.

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super great book

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story. I love the illustrations.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I got this book and another in the series on sale and fell in love with them! They were a Christmas gift to friends and their families a few years ago. Our little boy has fallen in love with them too. I love reading and and have a cute little Platypus voice that I do when I read it. Platypus is an endearing little character!

[Skylar Burris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little platypus collects things...but little does he know what's in that shell! My daughter wanted me to read it twice...in a row. Cute. Not deep, but very cute.

[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.

[Aerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, sweet, with an adventurous main character and fun illustrations. A good gift for a younger child you don't know very well, since it has wide, wide appeal.

[Travis S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastically gentle book with a little mystery. Loved it.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book of my childhood. My dad read it to me every night for 3 consecutive years. I never grew tired of reading it, and to this day is still one of my most treasured possessions.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little story about a platypus who goes out collecting an adds a shell to his collection only to find it turn up missing.

Very fun illustrations.

[Deeanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids laughed hysterically at this book!! The illustrations are awesome!

[Romelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple and sweet.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe I'm just a sucker for cute animals having regular adventures, but I like this book.