Clara Capybara — Aleesah Darlison

With their unflappable expressions, large, striking eyes, and cuddly appearance, capybaras are undeniably cute and appealing. They’re intelligent and emotionally sensitive and one of the world’s most loved and recognised animals. These charming creatures are easy-going and are well-known for being one of the most friendly and sociable animals on the planet. In Clara Capybara, young Clara – like the rest of her species – is friendly and amiable and loves to please others. But with her ‘can do’ attitude, it’s easy for Clara to be taken advantage of. When Clara finds herself unable to say no to the constant demands on her time, Mama imparts some wise words to help Clara implement a plan that involves diplomacy and better self-care. Carrying essential themes of self-care, mental health, diplomacy, navigating relationships, manners, setting boundaries, and social anxiety, Clara the Capybara possesses layers of meaning that will appeal to both children and adults. Woven into the story are language and literacy elements teaching synonyms and alliteration and, of course, a study in the nature of delightful capybaras.