How the platypus got his shape paves the way for some useful circle time discussion.

The three main themes in How the platypus got his shape are friendship, respecting differences and feeling positive about ourselves. These themes provide opportunities for valuable class discussions. Does it matter what a person (or platypus) looks like? Platypus was very beautiful at the beginning of the story but was he a kind friend that could be depended upon? Was he fun to be with? Did Platypus’s looks get in the way of his personality? Use the story to discuss these issues and to discover strategies for dealing with the issues arising from them.