Capybara

Book excerpt: Most rodents, such as mice, rats, and chipmunks, are small animals—but not the capybara! This animal is the biggest rodent in the world. An adult capybara is the size of a large dog, growing to a length of about 4 feet (1.2 m) and weighing about 110 pounds (50 kg). Capybaras live in big groups of 10 to 30 animals and travel together looking for food. As they move, they bark, grunt, chirp, and whistle to keep in touch with one another. These super-sized animals are big communicators! In Capybara: The World’s Largest Rodent, large color photos and grade-appropriate text will engage young readers as they learn about the natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, life cycle, and behavior of this huge rodent. A comparison diagram is also included to show readers the animal in relation to a familiar object.