![]() ![]() Distinguished by a change in font, these short paragraphs provide facts that corroborate the essence of the story page by page. It is with mixed feelings that it must be noted, that this book also contains passages of factual information, separate to but still part of, the main body of the piece. Jackson captures not only the colours of Australian gums and bush, the swirling flow of water and the bustling movement of the platypus, but also the dappled light of the undergrowth and the murky shadows underwater. The use of mixed media and his rough, sketchy style suit the rugged nature of the environment he portrays. Providing similarly detailed description are Mark Jackson’s divine illustrations. It is, at once, both a story and an exposition. Detailed descriptions give the platypus a sense of character, although the mannerisms described are typical of the species. Whiting’s language is beautifully crafted, almost poetic in places, and makes great use of similes and metaphors to enhance the reader’s understanding of both the animal and his environment. It appears to follow his movements across the span of a day beginning as he emerges from his burrow and concluding as he eventually succumbs to the need for sleep. In the main it is a story of a single male – exploring his environment, hunting for food, grooming and keeping himself safe from predators. It conveys a knowledge of and love for these animals, with a level of passion so deep you can almost hear the author speak. The story of the platypus is lyrical, highly descriptive and articulate. “Whiting’s storytelling is a beautiful combination of rich descriptions and a recurring reminder of the key characteristics of a platypus, all of which gently ebbs and flows with Jackson’s soothing mixed-media illustrations…definitely an engaging and enlightening read.Sue Whiting (text), Mark Jackson (illus), Platypus (Nature Storybooks), Walker Books, 1 August 2015, 32pp., $27.95 (hbk), ISBN: 9781922077448 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 (US) Collard’s A Platypus Probably, this work will attract readers with its intriguing topic and eye-catching packaging. “Handsome competition for titles such as Sneed B. “Smoothly written and gently informative, this is a nice addition to the elementary-level nature shelf. It is, at once, both a story and an exposition.” Katie Bingham, Reading Time It conveys a knowledge of and love for these animals, with a level of passion so deep you can almost hear the author speak … Whiting’s language is beautifully crafted, almost poetic in places, and makes great use of similes and metaphors to enhance the reader’s understanding of both the animal and his environment. “The story of the platypus is lyrical, highly descriptive and articulate. Walker Books Australia: Nature Storybooksīuy this book from your LOCAL BOOKSHOP or online at Gliding past wallabies and evading a hungry fox His burrow and travels through the night, One of the world’s most puzzling animals. What has a bill like a duck, a tail like a beaver,Īnd walks low to the ground like a reptile? It’s the platypus, of course – ![]()
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