Not A Monster

by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez, Laura Gonzalez (Illustrator)

With Spanish vocabulary and a clever color concept, this poetic picture book shares the life cycle of beloved amphibian—the axolotl—in its natural habitat.

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.

Fun and engaging, this playful and informative read-aloud introduces curious readers on one cool character who is NOT a monster!

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nonfiction, Childrens, Spanish Literature, Nature, Environment

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 9, 2023

About the author

Claudia is the award winning author of The Smell of Old Lady Perfume, Pig Park, Not A Bean, Spirit Untamed: Movie Novel, Still Dreaming, and several books for the educational market. She grew up in sunny El Paso (TX), but now lives and writes in Chicago.

Reviews

[Mai H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still can't pronounce axolotl, which is fine. No one is surprised. Shoutout to Xochimilco, where I got shitfaced on pulque, which I thought was a smoothie. That was unrelated to everything. I mean, they mention Xochimilco in the book. You should go. Super close to CDMX. Amazing city. But also, this book is so so cute and has beautiful illustrations.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute. A story that is a mix of science and history about the axolotl, as well as environmental/human affects on the animal. Mixed in with the story is Spanish vocabulary about the animal, as well as colors. I loved the watercolor style illustrations and that the vocab was highlighted- each color was in that color font. I loved the inclusion of a vocabulary list at the back. This would be great for a science lesson or art project with kids, I would love to practice painting axolotls with kids after reading this. So cute!

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for the e-arc to review.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one.

You learn as the story goes along and get to learn some Spanish vocabulary too.

I think this book would be great for elementary aged children maybe 2nd to 5th grade would be best. Although it’s appropriate for your listeners too but isn’t something I think they could read on their own at the younger ages. However a teacher could totally read this to younger children and keep them engaged.

The illustrations were really nice in this one too.

[L M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Claudia Guadalupe Martínez’s text is a wonderful mixture of biology (axolotl), ecology, folklore, and Spanish vocabulary. The “not a monster” refrain worked so well. The backmatter of Spanish terms and axolotl information was informative and well presented

Laura González’s illustrations are gorgeous - scientifically clear while also gentle and lively

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An axolotl isn't a monster! It's actually a type of salamander that lives in the canals around Mexico City. Once plentiful, now pollution in the water has made them rare - but the community is doing its part to restore the canals, and make them more environmentally friendly - better water = more axolotl.

Laura Gonzalez's illustrations are beautiful! The axolotl is so cute, at every stage of life - my goodness! There's Spanish throughout the text, with a vocabulary list at the back. Also contains an author's note and photographs!

crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[T.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This super cute bilingual read is alllll about axolotls. Included in the back is a glossary for the Spanish words used. Perfect for those kiddos who love to learn about new animals or for homes who love to be culturally inclusive.

Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge for allowing me the chance to read and review this title.

[Ashley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using both English and Spanish, this lovely picture book shares the mythology of the axolotl and encourages ecological activism to save endangered species.

[Sierra Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book combining active, beautiful art, lyrical writing, cultural connections, and heart. The story follows the life-cycle of an axolotl while including facts about axolotl conservation status, cultural legends, and more. I highly recommend this book.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a book about axolotls (more please!). This book is great for recognizing colors and their Spanish names. What I loved most was that every page had an opportunity to use context clues to find meaning and improve comprehension.

[Ami Schroder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pairing of cultural legends and nonfiction about the axolotl!

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lurking face of this gentle axolotl was what attracted me to the book as well as the fact that someone would suggest calling this charming salamander a monster.

The book starts off by exploring a small axolotl as he hatches (guessing a gender from the model in the back of the book but I could be wrong) then follows him as he develops into what can only be described as a adult formed juvenile. The reader follows his adventures as he zips around the other watery denizens while the text weaves around the reader with some inclusion of Spanish words and colors to possibly encourage readers to step outside their comfort zones just a bit.

Not A Monster then provides a brief summary on how the Aztecs considered this unique salamander to have originated before exploring some friends as they along with their community work on rehabilitating the axolotl's home. And then the heartwarming message that wraps all of this together.

The illustrations were quite gorgeous, full page and full of wonderful details including the inclusion of native elements to showcase the changing of the story's plot. Furthermore there is included in the back of the book more information about the animals, their usage in the human world and the rehabilitation of their environment alongside the actual models of the axolotl characters in this book. At the same time there are two glossaries providing translations for the Spanish words and a separate glossary that translates the Spanish colors.

It was cute, informative and a sweet story of hope that I would most definitely recommend to axolotl fans no matter their age. Even with the inclusion of Spanish words, it is still an easy enough read that one shouldn't be discouraged at this mix of storytelling.

**I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Amy Dalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a monster takes you through the life cycle of an axolotl. Starting from an egg, it shows the different stages of development an axolotl goes through. This book discusses what a full-grown axolotl looks like, what they eat, and even how they lay their own eggs. One thing that is really special about this book is that it incorporates different Spanish phrases throughout the entire book. The author has incorporated Spanish words for colors, feelings, nature, and even the moon! As the story continues, this story discusses the folklore of how an Aztec God jumped into a lake and became an axolotl. It also discusses how pollution caused the axolotls to disappear from the lake. Two children clean out the lake and are surprised when they see an axolotl and eggs! This book is a combination of informative and folklore. I love the interchanging use of English and Spanish. Although I do not speak Spanish, the author provides a Spanish to English vocabulary chart in the back of the book. I love how this book takes you from a tiny egg to an axolotl laying their own eggs. As a science teacher, the illustrations are so beautiful (specifically the different stages of the embryo)! If we ever did a lesson about embryos, this is a great book to use! I also really appreciated how the author included the "origin" story of where axolotls came from and how important it is to keep our water sources clean. Not only do we need clean water, but all other life forms need clean water too! A great story with stunning pictures. I would recommend this for elementary students from 3rd to 5th grade!
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[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mexican American author Claudia Guadalupe Martínez and Mexican illustrator Laura González join forces in this charming picture book about the axolotl, Mexico City's aquatic salamander, whose name in Nahautl (Aztec) means "water monster." As the narrative here makes plain however, they are no monsters, but wonderful creatures living in a watery world—salamanders who never went through metamorphosis, and who retained their gills. The narrative uses Spanish vocabulary, glossed at the rear, and highlights the different colors in an axolotl's world. The author's note at the rear discusses this species, which is often kept as a pet, but endangered in the wild...

Published last year (2023), Not a Monster is the second collaboration between Martínez and González, following upon Not a Bean (2019), which explored the life of the Mexican jumping bean. It is a book I sought out after seeing its cover online, and finding it both lovely and intriguing. I am glad I did, as it was educational and fun, teaching a little bit about the axolotl, as well as some Spanish vocabulary. The accompanying artwork, described on the colophon as being created using "traditional media" (no specifics given) and Photoshop, is beautiful, with a wonderful use of color (driven, of course, by the colors highlighted in the text) and charming axolotl figures. Recommended to young animal lovers, particularly those interested in axolotls specifically and amphibians in general.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a small, watery habitat resides one of the most enigmatic and awe-inspiring creatures in the world: the axolotl. Growing from a tiny egg, it goes through several changes that transform the axolotl into the unique aquatic creature the world has come to know. Despite its many differences from other animals, however, the axolotl is not a monster. Rather, it is a rare and wonderful creature that must be protected in order to survive. This beautiful, narrative nonfiction picture book introduces readers to the axolotl through vibrant, colorful illustrations and highly approachable text. The axolotl's story is told through short blocks of words that, despite their brevity, nonetheless paint a memorable image for readers of all ages. Throughout the story, Spanish words are woven in with the English, enhancing readers' understanding of the culture from which the axolotl hails. Additionally, while biology is a focal point of this book, the Aztec folklore accompanying this creature is also incorporated. Together, these elements help readers understand the perpetually happy axolotl within the context of both science and culture. At the end of the book, readers will find a glossary of the Spanish words used within the text in order to enhance comprehension, along with an author's note that encourages conservation efforts of these charming creatures. Despite their origin story, axolotls are not monsters: they are beautiful animals that deserve protection in order to ensure their ongoing survival. This is a fantastic addition to nonfiction library collections for young readers.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a Monster is a claim Claudia Guadalupe Martinez acknowledges we will contend with--see title--because she knows most people think the axolotl, a rare salamander, is in fact monstrous. She loves them, though, and shares pictures of her two pet Not Monsters, which kinda creeped me--narrow-minded me--out!

These Not Monsters we learn are connected to some Aztec origin myth, and we learn lots about them inlcuding that their natural habitat is the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City. Cool!? Sure, but they still creeped me out. Though I liked the picture book and the art is great!

Here's a picture of one:

https://www.bing.com/images/search?vi...

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:

I would rate this book more like a 4.5 star read as the book had random spots with Spanish in it and it took me away from the story when I didn’t understand those parts (I took Spanish in high school and knew a few of the meanings on my own, but not all). I discovered that there is a section in the back with the translations for the Spanish words used after reading the whole story, which is why I bumped it up to 4.5 (rather than just leaving it at 4 stars for sites that allow half ratings).

Despite that, I loved the premise of the story! It was in the nonfiction section of my library, and while it did have true facts in it the author told it to the reader through a story of sorts. I loved the artwork and learning about the myth surrounding the axolotl. It might be good for a story time, but only if those listening understand both English & Spanish or if the English words are given right after the Spanish ones for the kids.

Summary:

What is that? Is it a monster? If not, what could it be?

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction book is a great addition to elementary science curriculum, for a class read aloud or independent student reading. The book teaches readers about the scientific development of the axolotl, and how it grows into an adult form. Showing each stage with descriptive, clear language and pictures to match, it is easily understandable. The latter half of the book covers conservation of axolotl habitats, and the need to preserve them. The author then weaves in traditions from Latinx culture, and how this is reflected in the axolotl's life and home itself. Woven throughout the English writing are Spanish words. Readers can often figure out the meaning of the words from the context clues and pictures included. Additionally, there is a glossary at the end of the book to aid readers. The author also includes information about the tradition and folklore of the axolotl itself. This darling and important book is not to be missed, especially by animal lovers.

[Amy Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book has a lot of great instructional connections: colors in Spanish, basic Spanish vocabulary, and the life cycle of an Axolotl. This would be a great lesson starter for Spanish, Science, and Language Arts classes.

The illustrations are beautifully done, and I liked how the Spanish colors showed up in colored text to aid in comprehension. However, there were several Spanish words that were dropped into the text (patas, ciudad, raya, luna, etc.) with a translation guide only at the end of the book. This would be no big deal for a Spanish teacher using this story, but it may present a challenge for an average reader.

Overall, this was a very informational story written in a poetic way. The Author's Note gave lots of great information, and now I'm inspired to buy an axolotl!

[Dione Basseri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several new books of late which are about axolotls, but which never really mention that the axolotl is from, and ONLY from, Mexico! But this book takes great pleasure in interweaving Spanish language and local vistas.

The book follows the life cycle of an axolotl, from its egg hatching all the way up until its children’s eggs hatch. On the way, we focus on different colors, given in Spanish, along with a few other keywords, like “lago,” “abuelos,” and “amigos.”

The illustrations are pretty much full-page. There’s very little whitespace, and what there is is usually meant to denote sky and also serve as a simple backdrop for the text.

A great book to learn about an interesting animal and the importance of conservation and renaturing.

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Brittney Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might just be my daughters favorite book of the year so far!
We loved learning about the life of the Axolotl and the aztec myth behind the creature. Along with learning the words that were written in Spanish throughout the story. It was so well done, mixing languages and still making it accessible to kids/parents who's primary language is English. It even provides the vocabulary in the back of the book.

I want to add how beautiful the color pallet and illustrations in this book are. Each page flowed beautifully onto the next. I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what she had drawn next.

I can not wait to donate this book to my daughters class! Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge publishing for an early copy of this book.

[Jenny Blacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an utterly adorable picture book aimed at kids, full of lovely watercolour illustrations of the life cycle of an Axolotl.

I liked how it flowed between the factual life cycle, into folklore, and touched on environmental issues impacting their natural habitats.

The only even slight negative I could say it that, in ebook format, the glossary is inaccessible whilst reading. I have almost zero Spanish and a couple of the words weren't easy to guess (the colours being in their colour was a nice touch though!). If you had the physical book, or a smattering of Spanish, this wouldn't be an issue though.

I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a book about what some might call a monster, well, from the title, evidently "Not A Monster", by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez, filled with the description of how they live their life on gorgeous double-page spreads by Laura González. It is a salamander, an asolotl, but onw that will never lose its gills or fins. Glaudia includes Spanish words as readers watch the growing from egg to full-grown, hiding from a predator and explains the Aztec origin myth of this unusual amphibian. It is endangered in its native waters and some clean-up of the story is shown, too. There is more information added in the backmatter, an intriguing, compelling story of one animal among many we do not want to lose!
Thanks to Charlesbridge for this copy!

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids have really been into learning about Axolotls, but there really aren’t very many books about them. This is such a great book about them. It is told in a lyrical story format, but includes so much information about their life cycle, where they live, and their diet. The illustrations are gorgeous. Along the way you learn some words in Spanish, including colors. I loved that the color names were in that particular colored font. The author’s axolotls are included in the back with more information about them. I loved that they were named after characters from Harry Potter. My kids enjoyed the book so much they immediately asked me to read it again.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can't go wrong with a book about unique animals. Axolotl seem to be the trendy new pet these days but there aren't enough elementary level books about them to satisfy kids. This is a great little bilingual (Español) story about the life cycle and unique attributes of the Axolotl. If reading this out loud be sure to brush up on your pronunciations if, like me, you haven't studied Spanish in a while. This also includes discussion about the habitat and conservation problems facing them in the wild. My only caveat is be prepared for the questions when you get to the page on the mating dance and egg fertilization. I would recommend this for a small group or home read rather than a group read at the library.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Charlesbridge and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely children's book that gives us a combination of science/biology and cultural history about the axolotl, as well as present-day environmental effects. I still don't know exactly how axolotl is pronounced, but we had a lot of fun reading this, learning a bit of Spanish vocabulary and looking at the gorgeous illustrations. At the back of the book, there is more information included about the animals and the rehabilitation of their environment, as well as glossaries which provide translations for the Spanish words in the book. Highly recommend!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a Monster is an engaging nonfiction picture book that interweaves facts with the traditional Mexican folklore associated with the axolotl. Facts about the axolotl are presented with soft, muted illustrations and use of Spanish terms. In addition to information about the axolotl’s life cycle, the book includes information about how their habitat is being impacted by humans. A glossary in the back provides translations for the Spanish words. With its beautiful illustrations and information-laden text, Not a Monster will engage early readers in learning about an animal that they may not be familiar with and in building an understanding of the larger world around them.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonfiction picture book. The axolotl on the cover immediately draws you in, and if you open to the title page you are rewarded with a delightful smile. This book examines the axolotl in a narrative text. There are facts, legends, information about conservation, and photographs of the author's two pets. Filled with watercolor illustrations, this is a beautiful book to look at. There is lots of white space around the text and Spanish words sprinkled throughout, including color vocabulary that is color-coded. A Spanish glossary is in the back matter for other terms used. An author's note discusses the axolotl in more detail.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a book about the Axolotl!!! This is one of my favorite animals, they have the cutest little faces with their frilly gills. I love that the amigos in this book were trying to keep the lake clean so that the Axolotl's would continue to reproduce and live. The folklore surrounding the Axolotl in this book was cool and I had never heard that before.

I love that the author included Spanish words in this book with a translated vocabulary at the back of the book. It is a great way to introduce a new language to young readers.

Overall, a fantastic picture book and I highly recommend.

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Charlesbridge for the ARC of this!

Axolotls are ridiculously cute, in my opinion, and my kids were very excited to read a book about them. I like that it included Spanish words and a guide at the back, but as always, I wish pronunciations were also immediately after a word in parenthesis. I don’t usually flip back and forth to the end to be sure I’m saying it right and I only have HS French to try to use to puzzle out the other Romance language sounds 😂 I bet it’s awful. Overall very cute and interesting!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me son pick our 7 books from the library yesterday so we are on a quest to read them all and return them before the due date (never happens). He got a little toy bath axolotl for Easter so we were excited to pick this book up when we saw it! It is beautifully illustrated, and gives us a little Spanish lesson and cultural lesson on axolotls which I enjoyed. It was easy to read and understand for a 4 year old but might be better for 5+ because I just assume that’s when they introduce multiple languages in school. Anyway, overall would recommend and giving it 4/5 stars ⭐️