I Am a GREAT Friend! by Lauren Stohler

Abstract

Reviewed by: I Am a GREAT Friend! by Lauren Stohler Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Stohler, Lauren I Am a GREAT Friend!; written and illus. by Lauren Stohler. Atheneum, 2023 [48p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781665918336 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781665918343 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-7 yrs A group of capybaras grazing at the edge of a pond are so chill that birds settle upon their still bodies to hang out. Unfortunately, Baby Capybara is not at all chill but doesn’t understand why he has no avian pals for himself: “I am FUN! I am FASCINATING! I AM A GREAT FRIEND!” When he follows the calming guidance of his mother to be still and gentle, he does indeed get a flock of friends, but they soon fly off as he gallops away, climbing rocks, jumping the pond, etc. Despairing, he goes to mope alone in the water where he finds a little caiman who finds Baby Capybara’s antics delightful, and the two become fast friends. This is a joyful celebration of finding your people—er, reptiles—and it balances the idea of respecting others’ preferences while still honoring your own. Capybara’s frustration with his fellow capybaras and his subsequent dejection at their dismissal will be keenly felt by any kid who hasn’t found a pal who shares their interests, while the enthusiastic, quirky caiman is simply a hoot. The digital illustrations with cool sky blues and lush greens make a visually appealing setting for the rotund, gleeful Baby Capybara to run amok through, and varying compositions convey the early serenity of the pond and its resting capybaras with the energized chaos of the two new friends. This makes an obvious pair to Frost’s Capybara is Friends with Everyone (BCCB 02/22) for a hilarious storytime centered around this adorable, portly rodent. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois