February 1, 2023
Baby Capybara searches for friends while embracing his individuality. Calm and peaceful, the capybaras walk around with birds perched serenely on their backs--except Baby Capybara. Anthropomorphically energetic, with hobbies like playing the drums, blowing bubbles, and rock climbing, the little one scares off would-be bird friends, and he soon grows exhausted and upset in his efforts to attract avian pals ("I AM FUN! I AM FASCINATING! I AM A GREAT FRIEND!" he pouts). Even though the story of a quirky animal searching for acceptance is a prevalent one in picture books, there's something irresistible about Baby Capybara. Perhaps it's his blue goggles and muddy belly. Or maybe it's because he waits to find his match in odd Baby Caiman, who greets Baby Capybara with a blunt compliment, making it clear that they see Baby Capybara's true colors and delight in them. A palette of sky blue, spring green, and warm brown makes the bright yellow birds pop off the page along with the action. The highs, lows, and in betweens of seeking connection are laid out humorously yet truthfully. This could easily be read just for entertainment or as a conversation starter around a variety of social-emotional skills. It is nimble, just like Baby Capybara. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sweet combination of silly and tender. (Picture book. 4-6)
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February 20, 2023
Birds of a feather do indeed flock together in this comedic friendship tale by Stohler (The Problem with Pajamas). Baby Capybara’s family takes “long, luxurious naps,” floats “peacefully in the water, swirling their cute webbed toes,” and calmly carries a bevy of equally sedate bird friends on their backs. Baby Capybara, on the other hand, who wears blue goggles, arrives at the pond like a rambunctious wrecking ball, crashing, skidding, and shouting. “I DON’T GET IT,” indicates the mirthful rodent; he engages in enjoyable activities, including bubble blowing, drum playing, and making obstacle courses. “SO, WHERE’S MY BIRDS?” When his mother advises that the key to attracting others is to do things that they enjoy, he gives it a go, napping so efficiently that “I GOT BIRDS!” But the curious flock that assembles doesn’t stick around when he tries to take them “pond jumping, fruit squishing, and capybara dodging.” Back at the watering hole, and more certain than ever of his stellar friend-appeal, Baby Capybara happens upon a critter who likes him and his loud ways just the way they are. Comics-style digital art portrays numerous sunny pondside scenes, while well-timed speech bubbles and kinetic images capture the way that boisterous and tender-hearted Baby Capybara makes an impression, playing out an endearing, very relatable journey about finding a true friend to click with. Ages 4–8. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary.