Priya the Platypus - On the Move - Dave Adair - Bog

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 who 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 that is explored 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 off on 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.