Axl the Axolotl Is Not a Frog

"An uncertain axolotl searches for his place in the world. . . . 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 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."--Kirkus reviews


"Axl, the main character, does not know exactly who he is or where he belongs. He tries to go to a school for fish, then for lizards, and finally for frogs, only to find out that he is none of those things. Through his journey, he does learn what makes him unique. There are hints of bullying, not belonging, and finding what’s special in oneself, which happens to be another physical trait that is inherent to his species. The illustrations are well done, particularly the main character whose animal face is speckled as if the axolotl has freckles; the lake is depicted in shades of greens, oranges, and pinks that make Axl and his friends stand out. The use of natural background like lily pads and lake plants to frame many compositions brings balance to many illustrations. This is a pleasant book in a crowded field about axolotls, for larger collections where there is a high interest in books about animals." --School Library Journal