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I Am a GREAT Friend!

Illustrated by Lauren Stohler

About The Book

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!

About The Author

Photograph © Gareth Campbell

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.

About The Illustrator

Photograph © Gareth Campbell

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.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (April 25, 2023)
  • Length: 48 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665918343
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and 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."

– Publishers Weekly, 2/20/2023

"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

Awards and Honors

  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle List PrimaryTitle

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Lauren Stohler