A Platypus, Probably. By Sneed B. Collard III. Illustrated by Andrew Plant. Charlesbridge. 2005. 32 pages. $16.95 hbk. 9781570915833. Ages 3-9.

With its innate peculiarities and defiance of biological categorizations, the platypus makes an excellent subject for an illustrated children’s book. Collard gives an overview of the platypus’s lifecycle and everyday existence, touching upon a variety of interesting facts and ending with an afterword on conservation (offering great potential for the introducing the topic for young children). Lush, soft gouache illustrations covering the entirety of every page draw the reader into the daily lives of platypuses: Plant showcases a gentleness and playfulness in his detailed paintings of this one-of-a-kind Australian mammal. The text almost feels secondary, falling a little flat due to its halfhearted attempt at poetic structure, but it does get information across in an age-appropriate manner: each page offers larger text that creates a complete arc for young children, as well as smaller fact boxes that go into more detail for older or more curious readers. Kids in search of new facts about the animal kingdom will enjoy this book as a one-on-one read-aloud, and the book’s conservation aspect, which introduces the effects of humans on the natural world, is a welcome touch of solemnity that merits frank discussion and further investigation with young readers. Recommended. ( )

This is two books in one: a poetic rendering of a platypus' life cycle, with beautiful illustrations. In smaller print are scientific facts about the fascinating platypuses. By asking a question in the beginning, and then tying it together with the silhouette image of a little boy and his fisherman father on the last page, a feeling of proximity with this exotic animal is created, and I liked that. The problem with the book is trying to read and enjoy both the story, the art and the facts all at the same time, and I would suggest not to, rather leave the factoids for a second reading of the book, in order better to enjoy the text. Although not in rhyme, the the text has a hint of lyricism here and there, but if one starts reading the fine print it will never take off.
This is an interesting little book, and it rather stands out compared to the typical non fiction platypus book, in the same way that I enjoyed for instance [b:New Questions and Answers about Dinosaurs|3771549|New Questions and Answers about Dinosaurs|Seymour Simon|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1266908902s/3771549.jpg|3815555] ( )

Written in a style similar to that of Sarah Weeks, this book is a clever mix of poetry, solid non-fiction, and clever phrasing. I learned a little more about the platypus from this and I was carried along nicely by the overall flow of the text. Very impressive book. ( )

Stunning rendition of a little-known oddity of nature, the little platypus. The lovely text and gorgeous illustrations make children forget this book is educational. Reads like a story, and not an encyclopedia entry. Good model book for children to demonstrate their knowledge of an animal in a literary manner. ( )