Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents, and possibly the most relaxed animals on Earth. They live in groups near rivers and wetlands in South America, are excellent swimmers, and get along with almost everyone. No wonder kids love them! Here are capybara books for curious kids, including stories, board books and fact books.
1. A Cup of Happy: Capybara Bubble Tea
written and illustrated by Helen H. Wu; CapyFun, 2025
Capy, Cali and Cavin make their very own bubble tea in this cheerful picture book about friendship and teamwork.
2. Capybara Party
written and illustrated by Helen H. Wu; CapyFun, coming 2027
A capybara pool party where everything goes wrong, until friends make it even better. Coming in 2027.
3. You Are Loved: A Capybara’s Welcome
written and illustrated by Helen H. Wu; CapyFun, 2026
A capybara parent and little one share a gentle, rhyming celebration of love. Perfect for babies and toddlers.
4. The Capybaras
by Alfredo Soderguit; Greystone Kids, 2021
When a family of capybaras escapes hunters by taking shelter in a chicken yard, the hens are less than welcoming, until a small chick and a brave act of kindness change everything. This picture book, translated from Spanish by Elisa Amado, offers a quietly powerful story about welcoming newcomers and building community.
5. I Am a Capybara
by Michela Fabbri; Princeton Architectural Press, 2020
A thoughtful capybara introduces himself, mixing real facts about his species with his own charming quirks, like a love of soup and dressing up for the opera. The gentle, offbeat humor makes it a delightful read for curious kids and capybara fans of any age.
6. Sleepy Happy Capy Cuddles
by Mike Allegra, illustrated by Jaimie Whitbread; Page Street Kids, 2022
In a noisy rainforest, one calm capybara invites turtles, monkeys, frogs, and even a grumpy crocodile to snuggle up for a cuddle. With its soft oil-paint art and repeated happy "floof," it makes a cozy, giggly bedtime read-aloud.
7. I Am a GREAT Friend!
by Lauren Stohler; Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2023
Baby Capybara wants to be a great friend, like the grown-up capybaras who carry birds on their backs, but his big energy keeps scaring the birds away. A surprising new friendship with a baby caiman makes this a silly and tender story about finding friends who fit just right.
8. Capy Capy Capybara
by Charise Mericle Harper; Union Square Kids, 2026
Capybara has a busy day by the river, eating lunch, splashing, racing, and spending time with jacana and caiman friends. Bright graphic art and simple rhymes celebrate unlikely friendships and looking out for one another, making it a great fit for the youngest capybara fans.
9. Capybara: A First Field Guide to the Biggest Rodent in the World
by Julia Mata, illustrated by Greco Westermann; Neon Squid, 2024
Part of the Young Zoologist series, this illustrated field guide explains how capybaras swim, why birds ride on their backs, and what a zoologist who studies them actually does. It’s a lively, fact-packed pick for kids who want to know everything about the world’s biggest rodent.
10. Capybaras
by Martha E. H. Rustad; Pebble (Capstone), 2020
This early nonfiction reader pairs clear photographs with simple text about where capybaras live, what they eat, and how their families get along. It’s perfect for beginning readers ages 6 to 8 who are ready for a first animal report.
11. Capybaras
by Rachel A. Koestler-Grack; Bellwether Media (Blastoff! Readers), 2019
Part of the Blastoff! Readers "Animals of the Rain Forest" series, this leveled reader introduces young children to capybaras’ bodies, habitats, and daily lives. Its short sentences and colorful photos make it a confidence-building nonfiction choice for kindergarten through grade 3.
For grown-up capybara fans, see my capybara books for kids and grown-ups.
More picture book lists
- Capybara Gift Guide: Books and Coloring Books
- Best Books for Baby Shower Gifts
- 16 Best Children’s Books About Nature
- Picture Books About Dragons for Kids
Browse all of Helen’s picture book lists, or see all of Helen’s books.
