Pip and the Sleepy River A Story from Animal Friends of the Australian Bush By Karen Armstrong At the bend of a sleepy river, where the water moves slowly and the bush listens, lives Pip, a small platypus who notices what others miss. While the river hums and flutters with life, Pip drifts, and listens. When something in the water feels wrong, Pip’s quiet way of remembering how rivers move helps the bush find its balance again. Set in the heart of the Australian bush, Pip and the Sleepy River is a lyrical picture book about curiosity, calm courage, and the power of paying attention. Through rich Australian landscapes and warm storytelling, this story celebrates difference, cooperation, and the idea that even the smallest actions can help to restore harmony. Perfect for Kindergarten to lower primary readers, this book is ideal for shared reading, classrooms, and bedtime. It invites children to slow down, notice the natural world, and discover that listening carefully and caring can help both themselves and the world around them. Why families and teachers love this book Celebrates Australian wildlife and bush environments - Supports mindfulness, empathy, sustainability and social-emotional learning - Encourages care for rivers and natural places - Written in calm, rhythmic language ideal for read-aloud