The Capybaras

A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year | “Featuring a cast of adorable animals, this is a simple but multilayered tale of overcoming prejudice, learning to question the status quo, and creating community.”—Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review

In this storybook for elementary school-aged kids (ages 4-8), a lovely chicken coop full of contented hens and their chicks is disrupted by the arrival of … the capybaras. The hens think the capybaras are too big, wet, and hairy, but it’s hunting season, and the capybaras need somewhere safe to hide. So they are allowed to stay if they follow the rules: don’t come out of the water, don’t go near the food, and stay away from the hens and chicks.

One day, a brave little chick approaches a baby capybara. “Chirp chirp!” Together, they travel over the water, the chick riding on the capybara’s back. Sadly, their friendship is cut short by an angry mama hen. But when a barking dog gets into the coop, the valiant capybaras rescue the chickens, and everything changes…

This funny and feel-good book has a surprise twist ending that kids will love. The Capybaras shares the importance of being yourself and making friends. By sticking together, we can overcome prejudice and live happily ever after.