Hello, I'm an Axolotl, by Hayley and John Rocco. G.P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Random House. 2025. $23.50 ages 3 and up

 

"Axolotls in captivity are all sorts of colors.
In the wild, we are mostly gray or brown.
But we all sparkle. That's because 
we have special cells in our skin that
reflect light like glitter.

Amazing, right?" 

Amazing, indeed. There are a lot of other things to learn about this new addition to Hayley Rocco's Meet the Wild Things series. If you have met a sloth, a pangolin, and a quokka previously, you will know that the author has much to teach her readers about these animals that are not necessarily common to many. I am sure they will agree when it comes to learning more about the axolotl. 

The axolotl introduces itself on the first page, telling its young audience that its name means water monster. It is named after the Astec god of fire and lightning. On page after page, as is the format for this valuable series, the creature continues on in first-person voice to provide its many attributes. 

It explains how it breathes, then poses a personal question to the reader: How many ways can you breathe? It shows its life cycle, including the fact that new hatchlings are so hungry they might eat another hatchling. Their amazing superpowers include growing new body parts, and they are used by scientists to help them understand how that might work for human healing. 

While millions of axolotls live in captivity, there are not nearly so many in the wild. That number is believed to be between 50 and 500. Quite a disparity! Smaller habitats, polluted waters, and invasive species pose constant threats. Scientists are using unique garden farming methods to help grow the numbers. Knowing more about axolotls means that people have more of an interest in them, and then are more likely to try to help. 

Back matter offers a bulleted list of other things to know about them, why they are endangered, and where to look to find ways to help. John Rocco's realistic mixed media artwork captures attention and gives life to these quite tiny creatures. One illustration shows it actual size. This is another lively addition to the series. Now, be prepared to meet a toucan in June.