Review Detail

CAPYBARA IS FRIENDS WITH EVERYONE is a sweet and silly picture book about friendship. Capybara has 4,382 friends, and he loves to go the extra mile for them (sometimes literally). However, soon, he comes across a sloth that he is not yet friends with. Capybara performs his new friend song and tries his best to make this new friend. However, Sloth does not react - until he does, as he was just a bit slow. Capybara then realizes the lengths he does not need to go to in order to make a new friend.

What I loved: This is such a cute and silly read that is sure to appeal to young readers. Friendships can definitely be complicated and making new friends is tough. Although they may not have 4,382 friends like Capybara, his story will resonate with children. The twist with Sloth is really fun, and the message about the lengths you do not have to go to for friends is an important one. While it is great to help your friends, boundaries are also critical.

Adorable illustrations with colorful animals and settings add to the fun of the read. Large, clear font makes this easy to read aloud. Cute touches with font, creative panels, and the new friends song add to the silly and engaging nature of the story.

What left me wanting more: While I appreciated the overall message of the story, the switch to the definition of being a good friend and boundaries felt a bit abrupt when it was mostly about the making of the new friend. It was a small thing, but it may have been helpful to show how all the other things added to his exhaustion or something along those lines, instead of just about making a new friend - but also the lengths he was going to maintain his friendships.

Final verdict: CAPYBARA IS FRIENDS WITH EVERYONE is an adorable and entertaining picture book about friendships and boundaries.