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

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

Oscar and multi-Grammy, Tony, and Emmy winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are songwriters and producers best known for the films La La Land and The Greatest Showman and the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen. In 2024, they achieved EGOT status when they won an Emmy for Only Murders in the Building.

Their screen credits include Trolls; Spirited; Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile; the live-action Aladdin and Snow White; Pink: All I Know So Far; Harlem; Smash; The Flash; Dear Edward; Welcome to Wrexham; and Sesame Street. For theater, they are the composers of Dogfight, A Christmas Story, James and the Giant Peach, the song cycle Edges, and co-producers of Pulitzer Prize winner A Strange Loop.

Among countless honors, they won the Olivier Award and the ASCAP Vanguard Award. They are co-authors of the New York Times bestseller Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel.

John Paul Brammer

John Paul Brammer is an author and illustrator from rural Oklahoma currently based in Brooklyn, New York. He is the author of the popular advice column Hola Papi!, as well as a memoir in essays of the same name, published in 2021. He is the winner of the 2022 Brooklyn Public Library Prize for nonfiction, as well as the Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and more. His forthcoming illustrated young adult novel, Samara, is to be published with Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Vanessa Morales

Vanessa Morales is a Mexican illustrator and character designer with a deep love for nature and all things whimsical. She is the illustrator of Diego Fuego the Firefighting Dragon by Allison and Rafael Rozo and Monster Baker written by Laura Lavoie. Vanessa also works in animation for companies including Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Kodansha VR Lab Japan. Vanessa was born and lives in the south of Mexico in Chiapas, and her artwork draws from the rich nature, culture, and legends of Mexico.

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