The Capybaras
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus and the New York Public Library
“Purely exquisite.”—Kirkus (Starred)
For kids ages 4-8, a charming and hilarious tale about capybaras: the beloved animal sensation capturing children’s hearts!
Hens and their chicks love their warm, snug home. Life is simple and comfortable in the chicken coop, where everyone knows their place and worries are far away.
Until one day, when the capybaras appear.
To the hens, the capybaras are too big, too wet, and too hairy. They don’t even follow the rules! But it’s hunting season, and the capybaras need somewhere safe to hide. Can the hens learn to get along with their unexpected guests?
This delightful story shares the importance of opening our hearts to each other, no matter our differences, and the marvelous surprises that can happen along the way.
An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A multigenerational group of sweet-faced capybaras seeks refuge during hunting season in a gently drawn story that parallels human concerns. From the opening spreads of a well-fortified chicken yard from which humans occasionally take chickens, it is clear that Soderguit's text, which introduces readers to a "safe, agreeable place" where "life was comfortable and everyone knew what she was supposed to do," is less reliable than it seems. As the capybaras become gentle companions to one brave chick, and then its fierce protectors, the illustrations tell a subtler and more dangerous story of individuals who come to realize that their home is more prison than safe haven, and who slowly find safety and solidarity in the company of "wild animals." Employing a thoughtful economy of line and a palette limited to shades of gray, orange, and red, Soderguit's work makes adept use of illustration and design elements to convey meaning, truly honoring the picture book form. Featuring a cast of adorable, expressive animals, this is a simple but multilayered tale of overcoming prejudice, learning to question the status quo, and creating community. Ages 3–8.
