Axolotl and Axolittle

by Jess Hitchman, Sarah Rebar (illustrator)

Axolotl snacks-alotl.

And lives life to the max-alotl.

Little brother Axolittle

likes to study facts a little.

For total opposites like these two, sometimes differences can lead them to poke-a-little and joke-a-little, then shout-a-lotl and pout-a-lotl. This axo-lutely hilarious new read-aloud about fighting and making up is a must-buy for siblings and friends who need to chill their gills and learn to get along.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Family, Storytime, Juvenile, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

Published July 8, 2025

Reviews

[Alexa Rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve read this book but it’s so precious

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axolotl's really mad-l. Axolittle's really sad-l.
Things are getting really bad-l. It's time to call for...
AXO-DAD-L!

My two kids love axolotls a lot-l, so a story about two sibling axolotls getting into a fight and learning how to play together is pretty much the perfect story for them. The illustrations are cute and brightly colored, and the Seussian rhymes give it a catchy rhythm and make it fun to read.

What the axo-fiffle-fuffle?!
Why the axo-skiffle-scuffle?

While I appreciate the dad's awesome 'stache, I don't think his technique —back rubs, letting them cry it out, and then tickling them— is actually the best approach (It doesn't really address the problem, does it? So, it wouldn't teach them how to prevent future escalations. However, I don't think parents (or kids) are going into this book expecting game-changing advice for how to handle sibling bickering, and apologizing and hugs are always a great place to start.

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsessed with this one and the "what's the axo-fiffle-fuffle" line.

[Steff Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axolotl and Axolittle by Jess Hitchman, illustrated by Sarah Rebar, is a delightful and creative children's book that introduces the two siblings in a charming and playful way. The author uses rhyming and clever wordplay, especially focusing on the "L" sound at the end of "axolotl" and "axolittle," which makes the story engaging and fun for young readers. The whimsical tone of the narrative is enhanced by Sarah Rebar’s colorful and vibrant illustrations, bringing the world and its adorable characters to life.

The artwork in this book is absolutely beautiful and complements the playful tone of the story perfectly. The soft, pastel-like illustrations bring the characters and scenes to life in a way that's both visually striking and comforting. The adorable details—like the quirky dad’s mustache—really make the characters feel personal and memorable.

While the musicality of the rhyming flow feels a little strained in the middle of the book—likely due to the author running out of ways to play with the axolotl sound—the rhythm is quickly restored by the end, bringing the story back into its groove. One of the sweetest moments in the story comes when the dad steps in to help the siblings resolve their fight, adding a heartwarming touch to the resolution. Though simple, the book’s message about sibling relationships and the importance of making up is delivered in an endearing way. Axolotl and Axolittle is a perfect read for younger children, offering a playful yet meaningful experience with plenty of charm and warmth.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda Carrico · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been many cool and trendy animals that have had their “moment” in the past (llama, narwhal, sloth, etc.), but the axolotl has been on top for quite some time now and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. I am confident that my students will love this book because they request axolotl books all the time! That being said, this book is not my cup of tea (which is ok since I’m not the target audience!) I don’t like the stretch that all of these rhymes take, and it just seems like they’re trying too hard with this one; it doesn’t have a natural flow. The conflict between the siblings isn’t very interesting. It feels like the conflict and resolution were supposed to be important, but they just really weren’t. But once again, that’s ok. Sometimes children’s books are just meant to be fun and silly and don’t have to have a big moral lesson or rhyme or reason beyond reading for fun. And that’s where this one fits in. I could see this being a very fun read aloud for my kindergarten classes and maybe 1st grade, but beyond that I could see students thinking it’s too “little kid”-ish. That being said, I think you could play around with a read aloud of this book and make it fun and silly with the little ones. The illustrations are bright and beautiful. I will definitely be adding this to our collection. Thank you to Source Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance reader copy for review.

[Noodlenuts Kids Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

When my grandmother was very old (in her 90s!) and her great-granddaughters (my nieces) were very young, one of their favourite things to do was to cuddle up together for a story. And the read-aloud that they loved most was Bruce Degen's "Daddy Is a Doodlebug" (1998), with it's ridiculous wordplay about doodlebugs, poodlebugs, and "padoodling" their canoe as "canoedlebugs". It never failed to get everyone giggling.

That book is now out of print (though still available secondhand for those who are interested), but I've recently discovered a very worthy successor to its silly wordplay in a story of family: "Axolotl and Axolittle" (2025).

This adorable story of sibling strife is a fast-paced and funny read-aloud with the same silly, tongue-twisting wordplay that kids delight in, from the opening lines: "Axolotl snacks-a-lotl/And lives life to the max-a-lotl". And underneath it all is a great story about patience and understanding.

I do suggest a quick read-through before you attempt a storytime so you don't stumble, but it's so worth it! This is one your kids will be asking for on repeat.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axolotls are everywhere and kids just can’t get enough of those cute critters! Author Jess Hitchman and illustrator Sarah Rebar give preschool-younger elementary readers and listeners a fictional look at two cartoonish sibling Axolotls who are the best of friends…until they are not. Axo-sis loves to play the sax-a-lotl, do jumping jacks-a-lotl and other loud playtime activities while younger brother Axolittle likes to read books and relax a little. When Axolotl gets too loud and quacks-a-lotl and way too loudly, the pair explodes into a giant axo-squabble and need the intervention of Axo-dad-l who help the two calm down, reconnect and axo-pologize.

My seven year old grandson enjoyed the silliness but the nearly four year old thought it was hilarious and in two days had me read the book to him no less than ten times and did his own word twisting with axo- and -lotl. I can only hope the messages of two siblings enjoying each others’ company even when they like different things plus solid conflict resolution sank in nearly as well.

Highly recommended picture book for home, school, classroom and public libraries just for the fun of it and as a resource in SEL lessons for ages 4-7.

Thanks for the print arc, Sourcebooks Kids.

[Lindsay McDella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

We really enjoyed Axolotl and Axolittle! The story about axolotls was such a hit in our house—axolotls are such a popular topic right now, and it was fun to see them featured in a book for kids. As an educator, I also really appreciated the themes of conflict resolution and embracing differences. These are such important concepts for kids to learn, and the way the story explored sibling relationships was both relatable and heartwarming.

The illustrations were absolutely vivid and awesome—they really brought the characters to life and held my attention for a long time. Honestly, I wish the book was even longer! My child even said he’d love it if there was a graphic novel version that expanded on the story—that’s how much we loved it.

The wordplay throughout the book was so clever and fun—there were lots of laugh-out-loud moments, especially the part with Axodadl, which we thought was hilarious!

I would absolutely recommend this book for families and educators who are looking for a fun but meaningful story—one that encourages empathy, understanding, and acceptance. Axolotl and Axolittle would be a valuable addition to any school or home library!

[Indecent Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axolotl and Axolittle by Jess Hitchman, illustrated by Sarah Rebar

Axolotl and Axolittle is an "axo-lutely" adorable picture book that my axolotl-loving 4th grader absolutely adored! Bright, colorful illustrations bring cheerful characters to life, while the playful rhyming text makes it a delight for readers of all ages.

The story concentrates on two sibling axolotls navigating their differences, learning to embrace what makes them unique, and finding a way to resolve their conflict (with a little help from their dad with a quirky moustache!)

This sweet, feel-good read is perfect for bedtime or classroom story time, for families with siblings, or really for anyone who adores axolotls!

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Kids and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨
⭐️Axolotl and Axolittle ⭐️

Synopsis: 
A brother and sister who are opposites learn to get along.  

My thoughts: 
🤔 This is a cute story.  It is very playful with funny moments and some sweet moments.  
🤔 Axolotls are wildly popular. Combine that with illustrations that are bright and colorful, and this book is sure to be a hit with young readers.  
🤔 Lots of clever rhymes can be found in this one. Many of which are invented words, which I usually don’t love, but I think these invented words fit this story. 

Who is going to love it? Children who ….
❤ …love AXOLOTLS.
❤️ …love STORIES THAT RHYME.
❤️ …love FAMILY STORYTIME.  This one is good for the whole family!  

🥰Thank you to Sourebooks Kids @sourcebookskids and @NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.  

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So freaking cute!!! One might be able to say that the axolotl puns and jokes went a little far, but I honestly really enjoyed it! The author went all-in with that idea, and it worked really well. It made the whole story fun and whimsical while still making a lot of sense. It was also great how the author took two very opposite characters and showed young readers that even they can meet in the middle and get along. The illustrations defintely helped to convey this smoothly, and the words and pictures fit together flawlessly. The colors that the illustrator used were also beautifully vibrant and added to the joyful mood of the book. This book is going to be meaningful and a fast favorite for so many kids out there. Bravo!!

[Mindy Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axolotl and Axolittle are siblings that do things different way, sometimes play, and sometimes get upset.

Mom review: My kids loved this alotl! It reminded them of each other, while they can be quite the opposite alotl the time, and can squabble, they still love each other alotl!

Kid review: the littlest loved that the words all ended in -lotl and my oldest liked the word play.

Educator review: sometimes we just need a fun book with fun word play. Kids love axolotls and would love this book. Can easily incorporate lessons on opposites, puns, and learning to get along and make up even with friends and people we care for.

Thank you @NetGalley and @SourcebookKids for the advanced digital copy

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 101 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟

1) I loveeee axolotl, and I so want some as pets.
2) I am glad that I am an only child.
3) Axo-fiffle-fuffle needs to be added to my vocabulary and dictionary ASAP.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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[Inga Hein Andree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Publishing, and Jess Hitchman for allowing me to preview this title before its publication date on July 8, 2025.

What a fun book! My 6 yr old giggled the whole time reading this. It is a story about a big sister and a little brother who are very much opposites. Chaos ensues and they end up arguing, but (spoiler!) it all works out in the end.

The author manages to use "axo-" throughout the story. I asked her what her favorite part was and she laughed and said, "axo-pickle." IYKYK The illustrations were mostly a bright yellow and pink. There was enough detail to complement the story but not enough to overpower the entertaining words.

I absolutely recommend this sweet and fun book.

[Sarah Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute and heartwarming children’s book!

I love axolotls and seeing them get recognition in a children’s book is so special and memorable. This story is told in such a cute and entertaining way for children with so many plays on the word “axolotl” and it doesn’t come off as annoying or being too much. It’s sweet and cute each time.

The artwork is beautiful and mesmerizing on each and every page. I love all of the colors and the designs for each axolotl. They are all just so freaking cute.

Overall, this story, while very adorable, also has a message for those little ones who clash with their sibling’s personality. It’s such a charming book with lots of heart and axolotl love!

Thank you netgalley for gifting me an early copy!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother of two here, and we absolutely LOVED Axolotl and Axolittle, by Jess Hitchman! Axolotls are so popular right now and this book was so clever and creative! The story follows an older sister, Axolotl, and her little brother Axolittle. The writing was so fun and we all laughed out loud when the kids yelled for their Axo-Dad-L. My kids and I loved the illustrations, by Sarah Rebar. Everything was so creatively done! This was the perfect book for my axolotl-loving 8-year-old and 5-year-old, we would definitely recommend this to another family.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks kids for this eARC!

[Ashley Healey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Kids, for giving me the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

With axolotyls being all the range among my elementary readers, I was instantly drawn to the title and cover art. This book will be a hit based on topic and art alone. That being said, I did find the word play a bit over the top and a bit much, but also recognize that young, independent readers, will find it enjoyable. The message of sibling differences and working through conflict was a positive one and I especially enjoyed the dad being the mediator (and not the mom, which seems to be a lot more common in many available texts).

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that shows just what I mean when I say that ones to go the extra length are those more likely to get five full stars – this has such a wonderful, and wonderfully sustained, rhyming narrative that it really does stand out. The story is a simple, but very recognisable one, of two chalk-and-cheese siblings, who happen to be axolotls, having a falling-out. Luckily, someone is on hand to get them back together, for this is a family that can do that. Fun and vibrant art and just the sheer joy of the wordplay make this something to receive very warmly – so much so I can actually see quibbles rising from having to share it. I really hope it sells an axo-lot-l.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book. Axolotl and Axolittle are siblings in this neon-colored book filled with wordplay. The color palette is bright pink and yellow, with a calmer teal and black mixed in. Axolotl the older sister is a boisterous child, while Axolittle has quieter hobbies. When one costumed dance performance results in a glass spilled on Axolittle's painting in progress it results in "a giant axo-squabble!" They call in Axo-dad-l for reinforcements and are able to make up. The rhyming and rhythm of the text make this a fun read aloud, appropriate for reading in smaller groups or a preschool storytime crowd. This would relate to themes of playing with words, family, or feelings.

[Kourtnee Blow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homeschool mom honest review!
We read this for bed time tonight and my son (and me) loved it! The whole book is full of fun rhymes, Jess Hitchman put in the WORK to find so many ways to rhyme words with Axolotl and Axolittle. My son is not always the most engaged reader, but the is story is fun and had him trying to guess what the next rhymes were going to be. Axolotl (big sister) and Axolittle (baby brother) are relatable characters that any brother and sister duo can see themselves in!

Pre-order Axolotl and Axolittle today! On shelves July 8th!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so cute and even more clever!! Both a silly way to get more familiar with words and an adorable way to get more familiar with Axolotls, I'll be looking for this one to add to my son's library!

I highly recommend this to anyone, especially those w a little who loves axolotls. (Or a mom who wants their littles to love axolotls bc she does bc why wouldn't you?? (me! that mom is me!))

{Thank you bunches to Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, Jess Hitchman, Sarah Rebar and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for my honest review!}

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute read! The illustrations by Sarah Rebar, were adorable!

Jess Hitchman did such a good job showing the differences between siblings and how they are learning to combine interests so they can play together. I liked how it showed them getting a little frustrated with each other, like all siblings, and how they knew when to ask for help from an adult.
Also the word play and rhyming were so creative and fun!

*Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks kids for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads program, for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Overview: Axolotl likes to do things in a big way. Her younger brother, Axolittle, is more of a shy, out of the way, type. What happens when their personalities clash? Let's find out.

Likes: The word play lends itself to fun little rhymes, and cute imagery.

Conclusion: This was a cute and fast story. It will challenge your child, while allowing them to have fun. Enjoy the read with your little axolotls, perfect for the ages 4 and up.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this rhyming story Axolotl and Axolittle are siblings who enjoy playing together. Axolotl is an exuberant extrovert while Axolittle is an introvert. When they get in a dispute sparked by Axolotl’s a lot-ness, Axo-Dad-L steps in to help smooth things over. While sibling conflict and conflict resolution strategies are familiar storylines, the fun, vibrant artwork, rhyming scheme, and wordplay make the story fresh and engaging. This sweet story will ring true with many readers with siblings and with their parents, too.

[Callie Saldana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axolotl and Axolittle is such a delightful book! I got it for my daughter and she absolutely loved it. The illustrations are colorful, adorable, and full of charm, and the story itself is sweet and engaging. It quickly became a favorite read in our house for a while (she swaps out every week or two). Jess Hitchman has created a book that’s both fun and heartwarming, and it’s perfect for young readers (and parents who enjoy reading along). Highly recommend for anyone looking to add a cheerful and beautifully illustrated story to their child’s collection!

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love loved this book. First of all-this is the dynamic of my household. My daughter is a little older and very loud. My son loves her until something happens. This is a great book about sibling squabbles and you know what I love the best? That it’s not mom who saves the day. About time someone else steps up!

Also there are very cute illustrations.

Thank you SourceBooks Kids, Jess Hitchman and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions stated are my own.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book olotl! It was an adorable and heartwarming book prefect for toddlers all the way up to lower elementary age children! The story introduces the readers to topics such as feelings and emotional growth. It has fun rhymes and colorful high quality illustrations that really draw the readers/listeners in. It is a prefect book for any teacher, librarian, or parent's bookshelf.

Thank you to Net Galley and Jess Hitchman for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Alexis Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 3 kids (ages 3, 6, and 8) found this book to be very cute and funny. They love axolotls and this book features a brother, sister, and dad axolotl. The brother and sister have fun together, but get into a squabble and have to work it out. The book is a little bit of a tongue twister as most of the words end in “a-lotl” or “a little,” but the kids got a kick out of it. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this fun children’s title.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siblings Axolotl and Axolittle don't always get along. Sometimes they aren't very nice to one another. Sometimes they even have to ask Dad to step in and help them sort out their feelings.

The vibrant colors Sarah Robar used to create the illustrations will be sure to catch the eyes of children and the rhyming and silly names will hold their attention to the end. This is a good story to remind siblings or friends that while they might not always get along, they can work things out.

[Liz Benbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun rhyming book. The cover is very visually appealing and will catch the eyes of young readers. I loved all the play on words and it’s also a great book to teach conflict resolution. I’ll be buying this book for my elementary library!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.