AXL THE AXOLOTL IS NOT A FROG

An uncertain axolotl searches for his place in the world.

Axl is confused. It’s the first day of school, and he doesn’t know what kind of animal he is or where he belongs. The fish greet each other and head to fish school, the frogs hop to frog school, and the lizards scurry to lizard school, but Axl shares traits with all three groups. Where should he go to school? In his attempts to fit in, things go awry: His gills turn “an alarming shade of purple” when he tries to emulate the lizards by breathing air, for instance. But all the lake creatures gather in concern, ultimately celebrating his uniqueness. Spanish phrases appear naturally throughout (“¡Pobrecito!” “¡Estoy bien!”), adding cultural texture without explanation. Morales’ digital illustrations depict Axl as an endearing pink creature with feathery gills, a long tail, and wide, expressive eyes that effectively convey his worry and eventual relief. The artwork employs varied compositions: Some spreads feature Axl alone against spacious backgrounds emphasizing his isolation, while others use vignettes to show his predicament from multiple perspectives. The underwater scenes are colorfully rendered with deep greens and blues, creating an inviting aquatic world. The backmatter includes more axolotl facts for curious readers.

An affirming story about self-acceptance that will reassure young readers struggling to carve out their niche.