Priya the Platypus - On the Move follows in the webbed feet steps of an eight year old
platypus named
Priya.
The story takes place in the countryside of
New South Wales, Australia. It is told from the
point of view of an eight year old platypus named Priya. Priya and her fellow platypus friend Prunella, lead a nomadic life due to environmental threats, such as land clearing and bush fires. A range of different
wildlife that calls New South Wales their home is also impacted by these environmental concerns. These creatures include
Bruce the brushturkey and a green and golden bell frog called
Georgina.
The reader gets to explore the interesting habitat of the
platypus, whilst at the same time, enjoying a true to life based story featuring the wondrous creatures of
Australia.
Laney the long-nosed bandicoot will delight with her intriguing
pouch, as she tries to find a forever home. This is where the theme of nature lending a helping hand is thoroughly explored, as Prunella, Laney, and Bruce the brushturkey assist the other creatures forced to flee from land clearing or bush fire devastation.
The theme of nature sticking together and that the life of New South Wales creatures isn't always what you read in nature books, flows through the story like a stream.
Friendship is also covered thoroughly through
Priya's relationship with
Bruce, Georgina and
Prunella, alongside others.
There is an environmentally conscious theme through warnings about the devastation that land clearing and bush fires can cause to habitats. The main theme of
pulling together to get through trouble and strife, comes out as a range of animals group together to find new homes.
This book is aimed to support independent reading for those aged seven and upwards. It is a great story to start independent reading, and to begin a journey in
habitat learning.
*Advisory Note This story is designed to reflect the reality of
nature in the habitat in which it is set. Therefore, some scenes such as
Priya's fight for survival against Walter the water rat, in the first chapter, may require some parental commentary. This said the chapter goes to great lengths to explain the events that are happening and the rules of nature dictating this
behaviour.
