Platypus
This fantastic new addition to the Nature Storybooks series is about one of Australia's most puzzling and unique animals - the platypus.
Platypus leaves his burrow in the riverbank and dives into the cool green pool. It is dusk and he is hungry. Platypus is always busy, always moving, looking for his next meal. Follow platypus as he plays, swims, dives and scurries around his riverbank home.
Creators
Sue Whiting started her working life as a primary school teacher with a special interest in literacy education and children’s literature. In 2005 Sue left teaching to pursue a career in children’s book publishing. She is also a successful author who has written numerous books for children and young adults: fiction and nonfiction, picture books through to YA. Her picture book, A Swim in the Sea, illustrated by Meredith Thomas, was the Speech Pathologists’ 2014 Book of the Year, 3–5 years category. Platypus will be published in the US in 2016 (Candlewick Press).
Mark Jackson is an illustrator based in Melbourne. He has co-illustrated several books with his wife, Heather Potter, and their work has been featured in several exhibitions. Mark has three previous titles published by Walker Books Australia: The Truth About Penguins written by Meg McKinlay, 2010; Not Like Georgie written by Scott Hatcher, 2009; and Stuck! written by Charlotte Calder, 2009, which was short-listed in the Young Children Category of the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards 2010, and received a Notable mention in the Picture Book Category, Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards, 2010. For more information and samples of his artwork, please visit his website: http://www.jackpot-art.com/
Reviews
The language is wonderful, using the correct terminology and not talking down to the audience, making the reader ask questions.
ReadPlus
well researched by the author Sue Whiting
Creative Kids Tales
The verbals- both the descriptive story, and the technical detail are excellent
103.1FM Grafton
This is a beautiful book that children will enjoy as a read aloud (aged 5 to 8 years) or read to themselves to find out about this fascinating creature (ages 6-9 years).
Literacy, families and learning
The gentle text is informative, but is also poetic, with the feel of the nighttime meanderings. This is reinforced in the dusky colours of the mixed media illustrations.
Aussie Reviews
Platypus is essentially an older children’s informative picture book – perfect for mid/upper primary independent readers and as a teaching tool for junior grades. It is a must include in Australian school libraries.
Reading Time
The attractive picture book format encloses a readable, informative glimpse of one of the stranger creatures to be found on planet Earth.
School Library Journal
this is definitely an engaging and enlightening read.
Booklist
A fascinating close-up of the life of the amazing platypus.
Pinerolo
Smoothly written and gently informative, this is a nice addition to the elementary-level nature shelf.
Kirkus
Jackson…creates a lush marshland environment in mixed-media images rendered in smudgy earth tones.
Publisher's Weekly
