Penny Platypus lends a hand by Chelsea Schar-Grant. Illus. by Aaron Pocock

A number of well-known Australian animals show how they help out either in their community or home. Penny Platypus plants trees, Sam Snake helps out in the surf, Collin Cockatoo is a coach, Kristina Koala helps at home, Dan the Dingo leads at dancing, Kevin Kangaroo jumps for fundraising, Emma Emu tidies up her home and her neighbourhood, Billy Bilby is a volunteer, Chris Crocodile looks after his neighbour, Andy the Australian Sheepdog joins in a fundraising walk, Ed the Echidna helps his mate and Kate Kookaburra helps herself by having a bath!

The full page illustrations are bright, colourful and full of detail. There is quite a lot to see on each page and children will enjoy the visual images throughout the book. This book lends itself to promoting discussion with young children about how they might be able to help and show kindness to others.

Themes: Australian Animals, Helping, Community, Making A Difference.

Kathryn Beilby