Many years ago there was a group of Australian animals arguing about who was the most unique.

The magpie started by saying that he was the most unique because he had the best colours, which were black and white, and that he could fly to the moon and back.

The emu had a different opinion.  He believed he was the most unique animal because he was tall and his feathers were worth a small fortune.

The wombat disagreed with this.  He said that he was the most unique because he was cute and cuddly and that everybody loved him.

The fish said that they were obviously the most unique because they could swim to Britain and back.

The crocodile then had his turn to contribute.  His ability to lay eggs and swim, made him the most unique animal.

Next to speak was the Koala who said that because of his cuteness he was obviously the most unique animal.

The marsupials were represented by a wallaby who said that they were the most unique animal in the world because of their pouch.

At this point another animal joined the discussion group.  It was a platypus.  All the other animals looked at her and then began to argue as to which group she belonged to.

The birds thought she belonged to their group because she had webbed feet, a bill, and laid eggs.

The reptiles thought she was one of their own, because she laid eggs and wasn't a bird because she didn't have wings.

The mammals disagreed.  They believed she belonged to their group because she had fur and suckled her young.

The fish said that she had to be a fish because she swam and found her food in the water.

The marsupials were the last to disagree.  They said that because she was such an odd animal and because she cared for her young, she must belong to their group.

After all this debate, the platypus felt it was time for her to speak.  She said that she could relate to each group of animals because of certain similarities, but that she didn't belong to any of them.  She went on to say that they were all different and because of that they were all unique.  She finished by saying that she didn't know why they were all different, but they should accept it and become friends.

After a short silence all the animals cheered.  Happy in the knowledge that they were all unique.