The Capybara Who Couldn’t Stay Calm

Coco Capybara is known as the calmest animal in Willow Marsh—but even the calmest child can have a very big feeling.

When Coco joins her friends in the Willow Marsh Team Challenge, she expects a fun day of puzzles, obstacle courses and raft racing. Instead, everyone talks at once, nobody listens, and small frustrations begin piling up inside her.

Her ears feel hot.
Her chest feels tight.
And then Coco explodes.

Embarrassed and upset, Coco runs to her quiet place, where wise Grandma Pacha helps her understand something important: being calm does not mean never feeling angry, worried or overwhelmed. It means learning how to notice those feelings, express what you need and find your way back.

Through a warm story, gentle humour and detailed pencil-style illustrations, The Capybara Who Couldn’t Stay Calm introduces children to practical social-emotional learning skills, including:

• recognising body clues linked to strong emotions
• naming feelings such as frustration and overwhelm
• pausing and breathing before reacting
• asking clearly for what you need
• apologising and repairing friendships
• practising teamwork, patience and resilience

Perfect for parents, teachers, counsellors and caregivers, this illustrated chapter book offers a reassuring message for children who sometimes struggle with big feelings:

Calm is not something you have to get right every time. It is something you can practise—and return to.

A gentle and engaging SEL story for children ages 7–10 who enjoy animal adventures, friendship stories and books about emotional regulation.