Some books seem to carry a memory of the fun their creators must have had conceiving them and the latest from Scottish author/illustrator Ross Collins – about a platypus enduring a series of job interviews with some snooty zoo animals – is shot through with a particular brand of mischief. Told in rhyming couplets with beautifully expressive illustrations, it bounces along, a pleasure to read aloud.

First to grill the platypus is Chi Chi the panda, who resembles a podgy, ageing star, surrounded by his own merchandise: “I’m special, rare/ and famous too/ To get me here/ was quite a coup/ But you don’t even eat bamboo!/ I think, this zoo/ is not for you.” And it’s downhill from there: to the flamingos the platypus looks like “a worn-out shoe”, while the monkeys target him with poo.

Like Rod Campbell’s classic lift-the-flap book, Dear Zoo (celebrating its 35th birthday this year), Collins’s tale explores how the differences between things can be described, but has added bite. After the dawning realisation that they’ve been rude, however, the animals apologise and the story evolves into one about acceptance and understanding.

There’s a touch of Tim Minchin about Collins, who has worked on more than 100 children’s books and won several awards: his tone is funny but heartfelt and a little bit rock’n’roll. Here, the book’s final scenes are a riot of glitter balls, costumes and cocktails as it transpires the platypus had visited the zoo to deliver a party invitation, not apply for a job, and the animals make friends before hitting the dancefloor. Clearly Collins knows how to throw a good party – young children should find the invitation irresistible.

• This Zoo Is Not For You by Ross Collins is published by Nosy Crow (£11.99). To order a copy for £10.19 go to bookshop.theguardian.com or call 0330 333 6846. Free UK p&p over £10, online orders only. Phone orders min p&p of £1.99