I Am a Great Friend!

A sweet combination of silly and tender.

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. (Apr.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

There's something irresistible about Baby Capybara. . . . 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. A sweet combination of silly and tender. — Kirkus Reviews