Once in a great while I write a picture book that I just love.
And once in an even greater while—a much greater while—a publisher loves the story, too.
So I am absolutely delighted to reveal the cover of my next picture book, Sleepy Happy Capy Cuddles!
It is the story of a capybara whose advanced cuddling skills calms the horrible hubbub of a rainforest rumpus.
And the story is sort of true to life! Capybaras, the worlds largest (and most chill) rodent, are often willing to cuddle most anything. Don’t believe me? Here’s proof!
Sleepy Happy Capy Cuddles is published by Page Street Kids, a company just about as committed to capy awareness as I am. In fact, immediately after buying the manuscript, the publisher laid out a donation to sponsor a capybara through the World Wildlife Fund. Isn’t that awesome?
Sleepy Happy Capy Cuddles won’t be out until October—and, needless to say, I will have plenty more to say about the book before the release date—but, hey, if you wanna preorder it, I’m totally not gonna stop you.
So, until next time, viva la capybara!
Hey, Look! A Writer Fellow! 
Congrats, Mike! The cover is adorable.
Thanks, Robin! I’m really happy with Jaimie’s illustrations!
Congrats, Mike. The story sounds wonderful, the cover is sweet, and I loved the link. I just added snuggling a capybara to my bucket list. 😀
You’re a wise woman, D. Wallace. I have already scheduled a capy snuggle for later this spring.
I showed the images to the hubby. Now he wants to snuggle with a capy too. 🙂
Of course I’ll need an autograph………….
And you shall get it, Boo!
YEsssssssssss! Awesome cover! That’s one happy, snuggly capy! Congrats! And as we all know, the rainforest is where it’s at!
Thanks, Jil!
Snuggliness is in a capy’s DNA, I think.
Kudos to capybara awareness. I tune in the documentary and get lost in their chill mess.
Which documentary is this, now?
It’s a station that runs animal documentaries—mostly Aussie critters. Next time it reruns I’ll try to get the production company.
Congratulations!
Thanks, Pam! And welcome to the blog!
Capybaras are one of my favorite animals!
And the cover is amazing!
Anyone who is pro-capy is a good person! I can tell we’re gonna be bloggy buddies!
Yay! I’d like that 😊
Beautiful, Mike. Congrats!
David! My pal! It’s been forever! How are you? What have you been doing?
That’s wonderful news, Mike. Congratulations! Now all I have to do is find a kid to buy it for 😉
You’re so silly. You don’t need a child to buy a children’s book, Michelle! You can buy it for YOU!
I have done in the past with your books but, I like to share them with a young one.
Aw! You’re good people, Michelle!
viva la capybara! – that’s brilliant!
‘Tis my new catchphrase.
Congratulations Mike!
It looks like an amazing book.
Good on ya.
Thanks so much, JAS! I’m really happy with the way this one turned out!
Viva la capybara indeed! So exciting, Mike! And the capy adoption is truly cool. What a great publisher!
Page Street really is great. In fact, over the summer they bought another picture book, this one about a pirate and a penguin.
But that is a story for another day… 🙂
A pirate and a penguin?! That sounds like an awesome combination! And, Mike! That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you! I look forward to hearing more about that one, too.
This is a new one to me. The book looks great!
This is the first time you’ve heard of capybaras? Oh, then you’re in for a treat, Becky! Capys are the definition of awesomesauce.
Excellent!
I pre-ordered and can’t wait to read your story to my future grandchildren! God bless you!!!
You are so wonderful! Thanks and God bless you, too!
Aww, thank you! ❤️
The cover is so vivid and satisfying. Can’t wait to hear more about the book.
I’ll be sure ta tell you all about it, PresentPerfect! Thanks for visiting!
October isn’t that far away. What a great Christmas present that will be (for me)! The cover is absolutely delightful, Mike 🤗
I like how you think, Lyn. The best Christmas presents are the ones you give yourself!
My DD and I are looking forward to this! We love capys!
Capys are the coolest, aren’t they?
Congratulations! To judge by the cover this is a mind blowing story!
I don’t know if it’ll blow your mind, but it’ll be sure to entertain and amuse!
Excited to read this one!
Thanks so much, Muse! Don’t be a stranger!
Congrats Mike!!! That is so awesome for you! And I LOVE Capybaras. Your publisher is a good person to do something for their donation. I might have to look into that one myself. Kudos friend!! ❤️
I had a feeling you were a capy lover! (All good people are capy lovers.) And you’re from Texas, right? You live in one of the few states that allow capys to be kept as pets.
Yep… live in TX. I don’t know anyone who has one as a pet but I have seen them at our zoo. 🐒
They do require a lot of grazing land and a pretty large pool or pond, so that’s probably just as well.
😊
BIG Capybara Congrats on this, Mike!!! 😀 The cover is just fantastic…that animal looks SO lovable, it’s irresistible ❤ And I checked out that link. It's like animals are just DRAWN to them! Amazing 🙂