The hens are used to a predictable life in their coop. One day, some capybaras arrive, seeking safety from hunters in the wild. The hens are shocked and lay down rules to avoid interaction with the unwanted rodents. This all changes when a capybara saves a little chick from a fierce dog, establishing trust between the groups and leading to a questioning of circumstances. Themes link to the core competency of Social Awareness and Responsibility, as acceptance leads to surprising reciprocity. The sweet, simple images in this delightful picture book are mostly black and white with red and brown accents. The text is minimal, allowing young readers to observe and add detail to the story based on the pictures. | This is the second book written by Alfredo Soderguit, an award-winning illustrator of many books as well as a film animator. Originally published in Spanish as Los Carpinchos. Translated by Elisa Amado.

48 pp., 8.5 × 10", colour illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Alfredo Soderguit's profile page

ALFREDO SODERGUIT is an award-winning author and illustrator with more than forty books published throughout Latin America, Spain, France, and Italy. He also makes animated films with Palermo Estudio, a collective, which he founded with other illustrators and animators. His prize-winning animated film, Anina, is available on HBO and YouTube in English and Spanish.

“[A] gem… Soderguit’s beguiling picture book offers a direct-enough message: find community in embracing others—even those that seem unfamiliar at first…. Purely exquisite.”
—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review

“A call to love and welcome each other, no matter our differences.”
—Booklist 

“Soderguit’s work makes adept use of illustration and design elements to convey meaning, truly honoring the picture book form. Featuring a cast of adorable, expressive animals, this is a simple but multilayered tale of overcoming prejudice, learning to question the status quo, and creating community.”
—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

“The understated narration pairs brilliantly with the simple but expressive illustrations. Soderguit draws in shades of black on cream paper with accents of red to tell a gentle but subversive story of a community of animals coming together to survive.”
—Horn Book

“A beautiful, articulate, delicately illustrated tale of survival, acceptance and comradery. Alfredo Soderguit manages to simultaneously educate and entertain the reader in this special edition translated from the original Spanish. A powerful story that’s more relevant than ever”
—Barnes & Noble

A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids 2020 

“A heartwarming story of acceptance and friendship. The simple line drawings lend a sense of innocence to the story, and young readers will learn that caring for others is just as important as caring for themselves. Recommended.”
—School Library Connections

“The spare text of this title by Uruguyuan author/filmmaker Soderguit provides a quiet parable on the immigrant or refugee experience, avoiding overwrought browbeating, and the delicate art.”
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, STARRED review

“Young children will be delighted by the final double spread of this beautifully designed picture book with black-and-white drawings with touches of red and a gentle message about accepting others and community building.”
—International Literacy Association’s Children’s Literature Reading and Special Interest Group