The Duck-Billed Platypus

Here's a piece written by JW when he was in P6. I really enjoyed reading this as it read like a genuine folktale. So believable.

The Duck-Billed Platypus

by JW Lee

October 2008

A long time ago, there lived many, many animals. The forests were diverse with life, from the smallest ants to the most gigantic mammoths. Among them lived a very peculiar animal, the platypus. This platypus was very vain. He wanted to look outstanding among all other creatures.

So one day, he went to the wise Kingfisher. The Kingfisher was roosted on a branch looking at the morning sun. When he saw the platypus, he asked, "Why have you come to me, so early in the day? All the other animals are sleeping, so why aren't you?"

The Platypus looked at the Kingfisher and said shyly, "I want to look outstanding among animals. Can you help me?"

The Kingfisher was amused by the platypus' answer. The Kingfisher said, "Ah, my friend, you want to look outstanding, you say? Well, then, come back next time when you think you know what you want to look like and I will see if I can grant your wish." The platypus replied, "Oh, thank you, Wise One!"

The Platypus did not go back home until the next day. He was trudging along the riverbank when he saw a dam made of sticks. He walked next to it and saw on the other side of the dam a beautiful looking tail. He made a snatch for it. "Youch!" the Beaver yelped. "Sorry, oh hardworking Beaver. I did not see you there."

The Platypus liked the tail and might ask the Kingfisher about it. Then, the Platypus saw the duck's bill and webbed feet. He liked these too. The Platypus continued walking around and passed by some more animals but did not like them. He decided to go to the Kingfisher's house.

"Ah, my friend, you have come back again. I take it you have what you want?" said the Kingfisher. "Yes!" said the Platypus, "I want the Beaver's tail, the Duck's bill and its feet."

"Very well, go to the wishing pond by my house and your wish will be granted."

The Platypus ran as fast as he could to the pond. He jumped into the pond and slowly, he could see his body changing. When he stepped out, he could hear the slapping of his beaver's tail behind him, his duck's feet slapping on the ground and the "clack clack" sounds his bill produced. He loved how he looked. He went back home and has stayed there for many decades.

And so, to this day, the beaver-tailed, duck-feet-billed platypus looks so outstanding among other animals.