A Platypus, Probably

by Sneed B. Collard III, Andrew Plant (Illustrator)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781570915840
Publisher:	Charlesbridge
Publication date:	07/01/2005
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	633,685
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.13(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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.

Editorial Reviews

K-Gr 2-A simple text in a large font describes the history and lifestyle of that problematic assortment of body parts known as the platypus. Paragraphs in smaller print give additional data to satisfy enquiring minds. Physiology, diet, mating, egg-laying, and raising young are among the topics covered in this attractive work, illustrated with realistic acrylic gouache spreads. While similar in scope to Pauline Reilly's Platypus (S & S, 1994), Collard's inviting, informative book on a unique animal is worthy of a place on your shelves.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

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. (author's note, glossary) (Picture book/nonfiction. 4-9)

Kirkus Reviews