Kersplatypus

Reviewed by Evan Weldon (age 6) for Reader Views (12/08) "Kersplatypus" by Susan K. Mitchell is a about a little lost animal who is trying to find out what he is and where he belongs. Brushtail Possum, Kookaburra, Wallaby, and Old Bandicoot all try to help him. Kookaburra says he should fly, Brushtail Possum says he should climb; Wallaby says he should bounce, but each time he tries to do these things he falls flat on his face. Kersplat! Blue Tongued Skink makes fun of him and teases him but when he finds out that the lost creature is a platypus and lives in the water, he tumbles into the water and discovers what it is like to fall flat. This book will teach people a lot about animals from Australia. I learned about unusual mammals like marsupials and monotremes. There are even some activities about animals in the back of the book. I really like the pictures because they were funny and kind of realistic. I would recommend "Kersplatypus" by Susan K. Mitchell to people who like animals.

Down under, in Australia, there is a creature who doesn't know who he is or where he belongs. His friends, Bushtail Possum, Wallaby, Blue-Tongued Skink, and Kookaburra kindly try to help him, but he just keeps falling "KERSPLAT!" Old Bandicoot says he's a Platypus, but where does he belong? Young readers will enjoy following Kersplatypus' adventures as he searches the Australian landscape for his identity. Author Susan K. Mitchell has brought some of the animals and the geography of Australia alive for children in a most delightful way. The illustrations by Sherry Rogers highlight the story, plus give an extra depth and richness, so that you feel as if your are right there with the animals. The story is not only fun to read, but also informative. The activities in the back give children and classrooms added fun in animal recognition and geography. This book is highly recommended for children ages 3-7.

Kersplatypus is a children's picturebook about a young platypus who doesn't know where he belongs. Other Australian wildlife try to introduce him to climbing trees, flying the skies, or bounding along the ground, but the platypus just doesn't take to it. At last he discovers his natural home - in the water with his beloved mother. Additional pages of fun facts about the platypus and other animals native to Australia round out this delightful, enthusiastic, and educational picturebook.

Sherry Rogers has done it again: another beautifully illustrated children's book that teaches a little about wildlife, this time in a unique ecosystem that not many children are lucky enough to visit: Australia! Her drawings are infused with a joyous energy.

Sylvan Dell Publishing publishes the best in children's literature. Their books are entertaining, tell a grand story, educate children (and adults) and are oh so appealing to the eye with their fun, quirky, colorful and delightful illustrations. Kersplatypus is the exciting adventure of a strange little creature that suddenly appears after the big rains in Australia. The animals wonder what `he' is (even the little creature doesn't know what `he' is). But the animals do know he has fur, a tail, feet and a duck-like bill. With the clues they have, the animals band together to help the little creature discover who he is and where he belongs. Sometimes good friends, tenacity and spirit go a long, long way in finding the answers to the questions that don't seem to have answers. I love Kersplatypus. He's the cutest little platypus. And I love the cozy, caring feel of the story. The illustrations add tremendously to the flavor of the story and are so beautiful that children and adults will be drawn to them. I also love that the book contains some fun facts about the platypus-and that there are activities for the children. This book is also a great gift to give those special little ones in your life. I suspect the kids will wear out the book from use. It's that good. Armchair Interviews says: Kersplatypus is a must have!