A Platypus, Probably - Hardcover

Collard III, Sneed B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1570915830 ISBN 13: 9781570915833

Publisher: Charlesbridge, 2005

Synopsis

What has a bill like a duck's and the body of a beaver? A platypus, probably. Engaging text follows a female platypus through her life, while sidebars offer in-depth information about this unique monotreme and her environment. Vivid, accurate illustrations capture the wonder of this amazing creature.

About this title

About the Author

Sneed B. Collard III has been a biologist and a computer scientist. He's put his knowledge and experience to use by writing more than thirty children's books, including MANY BIOMES, ONE EARTH; BEAKS; and TEETH. He began writing after graduating with honors in marine biology from the University of California at Berkeley. After earning his master’s in scientific instrumentation at the University of California at Santa Barbara, he continued to hone his craft while serving as a computer consultant for biologists. He lives in Missoula, Montana.

Review

Parallel texts and colorful, detailed illustrations introduce the curious Australian mammal, the platypus, to younger readers. Collard presents basic information in short lines; details that are more complex are added on the same page in a smaller font. So while the younger reader learns that this nocturnal Australian mammal breathes air but feeds under water, the older reader learns how long it can stay under while foraging and is introduced to monotremes, mammals that lay eggs and have patches of milk-oozing skin. The reader will learn facts about the history, physiology, feeding behavior, range and reproductive habits, but not find the answer to the basic question: How big is it? The veteran illustrator, trained in zoology, has paid special attention to details of the animal's habitat in the beautiful double-paged spreads, and brought the platypus back into the child's world with the final silhouette of a fishing father and son, noticing a ripple in otherwise calm waters. An interesting informational read or read-aloud for the young animal lover. --Kirkus Reviews

This informational picture book introduces the platypus, which lives only in Australia, and describes the physical characteristics and behaviors of this unusual animal. Comparing its appearance in water to that of a lizard and a beaver, Collard explains that the platypus is a toothless, egg-bearing mammal that lives in and around streams, burrows in the earth for a safe place to sleep and bear young, and finds its food by sensing electricity in the bodies of its animal prey. The main text, in large type, includes the everyday experiences of a female platypus that mates and raises her young, while text in smaller typeface offers added facts for children who want to know more. Richly detailed and atmospheric, the acrylic-and-gouache paintings illustrate the text with many large-scale, horizontal spreads. On the last page, the author discusses efforts to save the platypus and other monotremes by restoring their habitats. A glossary and one Web site are appended. --Booklist

Exploring the characteristics of one of the most primitive of extant mammals, primary students will appreciate the platypus s adaptations and unique role in the ecosystem. The platypus s life cycle is described through a narrative story, which is accompanied by detailed illustrations. Each page tells part of the story through text and pictures.

The book's layout also includes an additional level of more detailed text inset for more advanced readers or adults who want more background as they share the story. End notes and a glossary also help explain this unique animal. This was named an NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book. --NSTA Recommends

About this edition

• Publisher: Charlesbridge
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1570915830
• ISBN 13: 9781570915833
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Plant Andrew