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  • Published: 16 July 2025
  • ISBN: 9781623545697
  • Imprint: Charlesbridge Children
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $17.99

Not a Monster




The axolotl is not a monster at all. It’s a salamander that will never lose its gills or fins! Now in paperback!

A fun and engaging nonfiction picture book for kids ages 3-7 that includes Spanish vocabulary, a color concept, and life cycle of this popular amphibian.

The axolotl is not a monster at all. It’s a salamander that will never lose its gills or fins! Now in paperback!

A fun and engaging nonfiction picture book for kids ages 3-7 that includes Spanish vocabulary, a color concept, and life cycle of this popular amphibian.

An axolotl may look like one, but it is certainly not a monster. This curious creature, made popular by Minecraft, is actually a salamander that will never lose its gills or fins.

Not a Monster explores the traits of the axolotl, the Aztec origin myth about the species, and the way pollution is affecting its natural habitat: the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City. 

Perfect for preschoolers and pre-readers, this charming and informative read-aloud introduces curious kids to one unique animal that is NOT a monster!

  • Published: 16 July 2025
  • ISBN: 9781623545697
  • Imprint: Charlesbridge Children
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $17.99

Praise for Not a Monster

Praise for Not a Monster

  • A Blueberry Honor Book
  • “Rejoice and rally for the axolotl!”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Praise for Not a Bean
  • "Much like the seed pods' concealed cargo, this informational picture book packs plenty of facts and learning moments into a thoroughly entertaining package. Engaging and fun, as all learning should be."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
  • "This is an excellent read-aloud for elementary school children, especially those who are looking for a gentle introduction to the Spanish language and some accompanying cultural connections."—School Library Journal, starred review
  • "Martínez (from El Paso) attends to the complexity of this desert landscape—a region politically and environmentally fraught—by tenderly centering its beautifully complex life in an engagingly child-friendly way."—Horn Book, starred review
Praise for Pig Park
  • "Martinez uses diversity to her advantage. . . . Overall, this is a quick read that touches on family issues, young love, and the strength that comes when times get tough."—VOYA Magazine, starred review

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