I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review here and on my blog Samwise Reviews. I love capybaras, and this was a really cute story explaining them. I enjoyed the artwork and how simple and straightforward the narrative was. I would have liked a bit of adventure and a bit more plot, but the capybara’s description of himself is quite enjoyable. I was able to use this in the "Published in 2020" part of my 2020 reading challenge. ( )

Adorable first-person account of what a capybara is and does, but veers into a lot of fiction (the character wears a bow-tie and likes opera and wears a whale costume, etc.) that doesn't really enhance readers' understanding. Could enhance their empathy, though, showing the capybara as an individual with individual likes and personality. ( )

When I saw this book reviewed, I knew it was one I'd love. The pen and crayon (I think) drawings are so charming and the capybara has a dry sense of humor and a positive, quiet outlook on life. A single line of capybara prints track across the endpapers. Unusually, there is no title page or copyright information, so I looked up the publisher (printed on the back cover). The prose is thoughtful, too, as the capybara states that he loves the poetry of things even though he doesn't read or write it. He is both neighborly and independent. Readers learn facts about capybaras (they love water and can even fall asleep in it), while also seeing many similarities to our own race, and gentle references to caring and acceptance. This capybara is a wise being. ( )