Scar Tail the Platypus
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
Scar Tail the Platypus is a story about a male platypus who ventures out of a sanctuary to find new territory in the River Onkaparinga, where platypuses have been extinct for a century. Along the way, Scar Tail is helped by Peter, an autistic boy who has a deep connection with wild animals, and his friend Andrew. Over the next 15 years, they observe the recolonization of the valley by wild platypuses. The story is a blend of carefully researched facts about platypuses and their behavior, set in a fictional account of the recolonization of the Onkaparinga Valley in South Australia. This tale is intended for older children and young adults, but it also aims to be enjoyable and informative for adults.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-18
Length
76 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Scar Tail the Platypus learned from his adventure?
How do you think Scar Tail felt when he faced challenges?
What would you have done if you were in Scar Tail’s place during his journey?
Why do you think friendship is important in Scar Tail's story?
How can we help friends who are facing difficulties like Scar Tail did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the book in their own words; this promotes comprehension and recall.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' experiences to enhance emotional understanding.
Link discussions to your child's personal experiences to make the themes of the book more relatable and impactful.
Share your own thoughts, and reactions to the story to model reflective thinking and engage in two-way communication.
Praise your child’s insights and answers to foster confidence and a positive attitude towards reading and discussing books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: Scar Tail the Platypus, through his distinctive features and abilities, teaches children to appreciate the uniqueness in themselves and others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by celebrating differences among their peers and viewing them as strengths rather than weaknesses.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, Scar Tail faces various challenges but does not give up. His determination to overcome obstacles shows the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to persist in solving problems they encounter, whether it's in schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Scar Tail learns to collaborate with other characters to solve problems that he couldn't tackle alone, emphasizing the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize this lesson by working together with classmates in group projects or team sports, learning that combined efforts often lead to greater success.
Example Lesson: Kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, kindness emerges as a recurring theme, with Scar Tail acting with compassion towards other characters, which in turn leads to friendships and alliances.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be integrated into a child’s daily life by encouraging them to be kind to others, helping to foster a positive and supportive environment both at home and school.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Scar Tail encounters various puzzles and dilemmas during his adventures, each requiring creative thinking and problem solving to navigate.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this skill in real life when faced with challenges, understanding that analyzing and approaching problems step-by-step can lead to effective solutions.