Capybaras: Guardians of the Jungle Review
Capybaras: Guardians of the Jungle, a modern eco-fable written by Adam Koss, tells the story of a teacher and his students whose rainforest field trip turns out to be more magical and powerful than they ever imagined.
The five students and their teacher start their field trip joking and playing, until a mysterious capybara appears in the shadows of a tree and invites them to follow her into the rainforest. The class names the capybara “Kapi” and follows her leading, experiencing animals and plant life first-hand before entering a magical “jungle of dreams” through Kapi’s hidden cave.
After her capybara family joins them, Kapi leads the children to a new sight – a construction site hidden deep in the jungle. The children cheer and laugh as they join forces with capybaras, monkeys, birds, and a jaguar to take a stand against those destroying the rainforest.
This chapterbook was an absolute treat for the senses, with the author describing the sights, sounds, and smells of the rainforest in a way that transported me straight into the heart of the Amazon.
It also described the magic of the rainforest. From the eco-fable’s start in a shaman’s hut, to the magical hidden world discovered beyond the capybara’s cave, the story invites readers to connect traditional storybook magic to the natural magic found in nature, creating a sense of oneness with nature and the world at large.
Outside of the allure of the rainforest, Koss also invites young readers to explore the real-world issues facing wildlife today, such as deforestation and lack of public awareness. The story opened up an important discussion with my 10-year-old about how we can help protect wildlife both locally and worldwide.
The children’s conduct throughout the story was also a constant inspiration to my daughter. They knew when to joke and when to be serious, demonstrated respect for nature, and put character into action by helping to defend and support others. It provided such a positive example for young readers!
Overall, this is a magical and inspirational story that kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy. You can find Capybaras: Guardians of the Jungle on Amazon.
Capybaras: Guardians of the Jungle Author Interview
Want to learn more about author Adam Koss? I did too! He was gracious enough to field a few questions and share what’s next for him!
Deb: Capybaras: Guardians of the Jungle offers a magical and inspirational story about the beauty found in nature and the importance of preserving it. What inspired you to write it?
Adam: The inspiration came from my 9-year-old niece, who adores capybaras and knows everything about them. Her passion for these gentle creatures sparked the idea for this eco-fable.
I also made a conscious decision that Capybaras should be the book to reach readers first. I believe it is the right story to be noticed — a warm and meaningful adventure for children, parents, and teachers. Once Capybaras finds its audience, I hope to share more of my writing: my novels, novellas, and screenplays, which explore deeper and often more complex themes.
Deb: The gorgeous description of the Amazon rainforest in this book made me feel like I was there! What inspires an author in Poland to write a story set in the Amazon?
Adam: Although I live in Poland, I see the Amazon as a symbol of all wild places that are disappearing from our planet. Writing about it was my way of reminding children that the fate of the jungle is also our fate. Even if we live far away, the forest breathes for all of us.
And here in Poland, we still have vast forests and primeval wilderness, which we also struggle to protect — so the story connects both worlds.
Deb: Children are often motivated to help endangered wildlife, but don’t always know how to make a positive impact. Do you have any suggestions for young readers who want to make a difference in the world?
Adam: Every small action counts.
Children can learn in schools, parks, or community programs how to care for the environment — through planting trees, growing flowers, or even creating small gardens. These activities not only help nature but also teach responsibility and bring joy.
The most powerful step is to nurture that motivation early, so children grow up knowing they can make a real difference.
Deb: I loved the silly banter between the students and their teacher, and my 10-year-old thought the “King of Bananas” title was hilarious. Was their sense of humor based on your own silly sense of humor? Or was it inspired by someone you know?
Adam: That sense of humor came from real life. My 9-year-old niece, who inspired me to write this story, has a wonderfully playful way of seeing the world — and she loves to joke about bananas and animals. I wanted to bring that same childlike laughter into the classroom scenes — and at the same time show that humor can be a gentle way to educate children about caring for our planet.
Deb: You’ve written other (adult) books, in both Polish and English. Would you mind sharing a bit about those stories and the inspiration behind them?
Adam: My writing journey began in a rather unusual place: during decompression after deep dives at 150 meters. At that depth, a person is suspended between life and death, with plenty of time for reflection.
It was in those moments that my first novel, Across the Immensity to the Stars, was born. Although it has not been translated into English, it is available on my website.
My next book was Inkwizycja Symetrii Istnienia (The Inquisition of the Symmetry of Existence), which continues to inspire much of my later work.
Over time, I also wrote several novellas and screenplays. One of them, Przełomy Motławy (The Currents of the Motława), was distinguished at a film festival in Gdańsk in 2024.
I also draw a lot of inspiration from history, which led me to write Kampania 1410 (The 1410 Campaign), a lesser-known account of the events leading to the Battle of Grunwald.
Deb: What’s your vision for the future of your writing? Do you have more books in the works? Or any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Adam: For me, Capybaras — and my earlier works — are more than stories. They are fragments of my own philosophical path.
To be honest, at this stage of life I am no longer writing new books. I have become more of a manager and promoter, supporting projects and people rather than creating myself. That is why Capybaras is so meaningful: it is not only a fable for children, but also a piece of my journey as a writer and philosopher.
I believe that writing is a gift God has given me — the ability to communicate deeply and vividly through stories. Because of that, I want my works to live their fullest life, even if I am no longer actively creating. My goal is to use this gift to reach as many readers as possible, sharing stories that inspire, provoke reflection, and remain in the heart.
Thanks so much for joining us today, Adam!
You can learn more about Adam and follow his journey either in Polish on his website or in English on his Facebook author page.
Ready to pick up your own copy of Capybaras: Guardians of the Jungle? Find it on Amazon!
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