Have you ever seen or wondered about a capybara—the world’s largest, furriest rodent?
Meet Tito, a cheeky capybara with chubby cheeks and webbed toes. With his shiny fur and bold personality, Tito thinks he is king of the swamp. However, when a giant green crocodile slides into the swamp, it tests Tito’s confident personality. Beto, the wise heron, warns Tito to be careful. Even so, Tito doesn’t listen. Tito quickly learns that sometimes, listening is the best choice of all.
This engaging story, with expressive dialogue and playful humor, makes a delightful bedtime companion. The Cheeky Capybara, with lessons about friendship and humility, makes an excellent addition to a classroom library.
If your little one enjoys The Selfish Crocodile or Giraffes Can’t Dance, they’ll adore The Cheeky Capybara.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and live near rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes, as shared in the animal’s bio after the story’s conclusion. In The Cheeky Capybara, we meet one overconfident rodent who, after a close encounter with a crocodile, learned a valuable lesson: “Caution is wiser than too much confidence.”
Tito, the capybara, radiated confidence and appointed himself the king of the swamp. He pushed other animals around and loved looking adoringly at his reflection in the water. Beto, the heron, warned him that his behavior was dangerous, but the arrogant rodent didn’t heed the warning. That arrogance was tested when a crocodile visited their watering hole. All the other animals reacted smartly when the reptile appeared; they quickly exited. Tito’s sense of superiority led him to act recklessly, which, in turn, almost cost him his life.
Tito and the crocodile had comical interactions that were beautifully conveyed in the colorful illustrations. Young readers will laugh seeing the rodent on top of the reptile’s back. Kids will also be quick to understand and voice that the capybara was making bad choices throughout the story.
The Cheeky Capybara teaches lessons in humility, caution, and making smart choices. As kids watch Tito push the other animals around, his behavior might prompt them to share similar experiences they’ve endured.
This picture book offers suspense, humor, and lessons on proper behavior, including opportunities to discuss bullying, safety, and the importance of cautious decision-making with children. Though babies and toddlers will enjoy the colorful illustrations, such as the monkeys with very long, thin arms and legs, children aged 3-9 will comprehend the story’s purpose and its valuable lesson: “Caution is wiser than too much confidence.” Share this story with your family and/or students. Let Tito’s story inspire kids to make good choices!
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score:❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Meet the Author
Kateryna Dronova is a children’s writer who loves turning imagination into playful and heartfelt stories. Growing up surrounded by rich traditions and storytelling, she draws inspiration for her tales that nurture curiosity, courage, and kindness in young readers.
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