Meet Platypus, a darling little character created by Chris Riddell for pre-schoolers with an appetite for fun. Platypus stars Platypus, one of the cutest children's books characters you are ever likely to encounter, with his button eyes, big flappy bill and webbed feet that allow him to flip-flop through the pages with an air of innocence and humour.

In this story, Platypus decides to head for the beach to collect something special to put in his box of favourite things. After much searching he finds an almost perfect shell, takes his prize home and tucks it safely under his pillow. But when he wakes, the shell has disappeared, and young Platypus gets himself in a terrible tizzy...

Bold illustrations, large easy-to-follow text and an engaging toddler-times story with a homespun familiarity that will charm small children, Platypus is an appealing little gem. (Ages 2 and over.) --Susan Harrison