Quick! What springs to mind when you heard the word “Capybara”? Teeth? Golden fur? The world’s largest rodent? A semi-aquatic mammal; living in South America? All of these are correct. But there’s so much more to these fascinating animals as Adam Koss’s lovely eco-adventure points out in Capybaras: Guardians of the Jungle.

Our story opens in the Brazilian town of Vila do Sol. Here we meet, Luma, “a wise, indigenous shaman.” The children of Vila do Sol are fascinated by Luma and all the tiny glass bottles in her hut.

We next join five young children on a bicycle ride into the Amazon rainforest. (Don’t forget the bananas!) Stopping for a swim, the children return to shore to find their backpacks and clothes are gone. They discover a capybara. And not just any capybara. This creature seems to carry a message. Following “Kapi,” the children dash into a cave to escape a black jaguar. Their adventure is about to begin as they enter a “Jungle of Dreams.”

This is where it gets extra good. Think Alice down the rabbit hole good. Frodo and Sam exiting The Shire good. The Pevensie children through the wardrobe good. I won’t give anything away. But let’s just say that the kids enter a beautiful, magical rainforest world that is also threatened.

What is the jungle trying to tell them?

This book is just Too. Much. Fun! Ther title is explained - beautifully - in Chapter 8 and again in Chapter 9. We rejoin Luma in Chapter 9. The artwork is terrific! Rich colors and warm hues bathe every chapter heading. The illustration of the kids swimming in the river heading Chapter 3 elicits joy, excitement, and motion. Ditto the illustration heading Chapter 8, Voice of the Jungle.

Strong writing conveys a narrative that’s lithe, agile, and purposeful. The story moves quickly and will keep young readers turning pages to find out what happens next! You can almost taste the passion fruit and smell the orchids! Guests in the capybara’s world, the children have, shall we say, an “eye-opening” adventure?

Beautifully written with pitch-perfect pacing, this charming children’s story is a perfect blend of action, adventure, education and inspiration. It’s informative without feeling like school. Think The Magic Treehouse meets Narnia meets Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Or maybe The Amazon: Life at the River's Edge.

I especially loved how the author expertly weaves information about the Amazon, the rainforest and its unique eco-systems into the story. Also themes of conservation, preservation, courage and empathy. And how anyone can become a protector of what truly matters.

Besides. The covert art? Well. Who can resist that?

This book will surely appeal to its target audience of children ages seven to ten years old. It can be read as a stand-alone or as a read-aloud with a parent, teacher, or guardian. It would make a welcome addition to any school or home library. Because sometimes, “it takes the eyes of a child to see what truly matters. This isn’t just an adventure. It’s a fairy tale full of truth.”

The jungle always needs it guardians.

I loved it! You will, too!