Comments on: Book Review: Capyboppy by Bill Peet

By: bill peet

bill peet — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:50:08 +0000

[...] peet Capybara Madness Book Review: Capyboppy by Bill PeetThe story starts with teenage Bill Jr. getting a juvenile capybara to … impressed by the world's [...]

By: It’s Perfect! « No Small Feet

It’s Perfect! « No Small Feet — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 06:44:28 +0000

[...] quite impressed by the world’s largest rodent, the capybara, featured in Bill Peet’s Capyboppy. This capybara is a bit shy; he’s resting towards the back of the frame. Note the [...]

By: Francine Rossi

Francine Rossi — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:22:22 +0000

This is just unbearably sad. I guess it hits me more because it’s a capy, after all, folks all over the world take on exotic animals and abandon them! I am really grateful that you are sharing your life with Caplin and providing an example of what life with a wild thing is REALLY like!

(grey Jed would be nodding wisely at this point—he lives large!)

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:15:08 +0000

Yes, I know the true story. Maybe you remember, we talked about it earlier? You can feel their grief – it struck me when I read the phrase “Margaret burst into tears”.

I don’t know why I keep thinking about this story for two years since I’ve read it, and it still hurts.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:57:15 +0000

I think it is possible that much of what happened in real life was left out of the book. I’m sure the true story is more complicated than this. We have communicated with Bill Peet Jr. and he is a very nice man. I think their whole family was devastated when they had to give up Capyboppy, especially Mrs. Peet.

Here is a link to the final end of the story and it is even sadder than the book:

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:10:03 +0000

It is, really, a very sad book. I have a great respect to Peets family, but I can not understand how could they neglect their dependent, Capyboppy. I was shocked when I read that Capyboppy was lying, not responsive, and they left him in the street, in his den, for two nights. I can not imagine Caplin’s owner leaving him outside without help.

And it is very clear that they loved Capy dearly, so it all just does not match together. It’s more of a story of good, well-intended people who made a lot of mistakes. I am sure they cried over Capy more than any of us.

Anyway, it’s a heart-breaking story, and, honestly, I would be cautious when giving it to the child. Though, we have to teach kids that life is sometimes unfair and sad…

By: jans funny farm

jans funny farm — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:15:02 +0000

sounds like a very sad book.