Kersplatypus Book

When a strange little creature appears out of nowhere after the big rains, Australian animals wonder what in the world he could possibly be! His fur, feet, tail, and duck-like bill remind each animal of something different. But with a "down-under" spirit, they all pitch in to help him discover where he belongs. Kersplatypus is the story of one creature's journey to find his place in the world and how he sometimes falls flat on the way there. A heart-warming story with an unmistakable Aussie flare, Kersplatypus proves that with a little determination (and some really good friends) you can pick yourself up when you fall and keep on going.

Publishers Weekly

This labored story centers on a small, furry, web-footed creature with a "scoopy duck bill" who appears on the Australian outback after heavy rains without knowing how he got there. He is a novelty to the other animals, one of whom, a blue-tongued skink, snidely comments, "You're the craziest looking thing I've ever seen.... What are you supposed to be?" While attempting to discover where he belongs-in a tree, in the air, on the ground-the lost animal repeatedly falls ("kersplat!"). An old bandicoot finally identifies him as a platypus and the skink derisively dubs him "Kersplatypus." Eventually Platypus feels drawn to the river's edge and, "before you could say 'Waltzing Matilda,' " jumps into the water and "flipped and flopped and felt right at home." The bullying skink gets his comeuppance, falling on a slippery rock with a "kersplash!" Rogers's mixed-media art offers detailed renderings of Australian species, but also anthropomorphizes them: the bandicoot walks with a cane, a possum wears a flower behind her ear, etc. Back matter introduces a schoolroom flavor, with some educational activities and discussion starters ("Has anyone ever made fun of you? Did you like it? What did you do?"). Ages 3-7. (Feb.)

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