I Am a GREAT Friend!

by Lauren Stohler, Lauren Stohler (Illustrator)

Overview

A baby capybara learns the best way to make true friends is by being yourself in this whimsically wonderful picture book from the author of The Problem with Pajamas.

Baby Capybara is a great friend. After all, no one else can create obstacle courses, follow treasure maps, or make perfect mud pies. So why is he the only capybara without a beautiful bevy of birds perched on his back? He tries to be more like the other capybaras: he floats calmly, he naps quietly, and he even chews slowly—still no flock!

But when an unexpected critter splashes onto the scene, Baby Capybara realizes that, instead of changing himself to fit in, maybe there’s someone out there who loves the same things he does!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781665918343
Publisher:	Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	04/25/2023
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	48
Lexile:	540L (what's this?)
File size:	72 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Lauren Stohler lives and works with her husband Gareth in Connecticut, where they create art and pug poetry under their top-secret internet pseudonym, @Inkpug. When not writing stories or drawing pictures, they are probably on a walk to the ice cream shop. Lauren is the author of picture books The Best Worst Poet Ever, The Problem with Pajamas, and I Am a GREAT Friend!. Find out more at Inkpug.com.

Editorial Reviews

"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."

2/20/2023 - Publishers Weekly

"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

2023-01-12
Baby Capybara searches for friends while embracing his individuality.

Calm and peaceful, the capybaras walk around with birds perched serenely on their backs—except Baby Capybara. Anthropomorphically energetic, with hobbies like playing the drums, blowing bubbles, and rock climbing, the little one scares off would-be bird friends, and he soon grows exhausted and upset in his efforts to attract avian pals (“I AM FUN! I AM FASCINATING! I AM A GREAT FRIEND!” he pouts). Even though the story of a quirky animal searching for acceptance is a prevalent one in picture books, there’s something irresistible about Baby Capybara. Perhaps it’s his blue goggles and muddy belly. Or maybe it’s because he waits to find his match in odd Baby Caiman, who greets Baby Capybara with a blunt compliment, making it clear that they see Baby Capybara’s true colors and delight in them. A palette of sky blue, spring green, and warm brown makes the bright yellow birds pop off the page along with the action. 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. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A sweet combination of silly and tender. (Picture book. 4-6)

Kirkus Reviews