Hello, I'm an Axolotl

Meet the Wild Things #4

by Hayley Rocco, John Rocco (illustrator)

Meet the axolotl in this clever, funny, and informative nonfiction picture book, part of a series that focuses on endangered species.

“Wild, fun, and truly eye-opening, Meet the Wild Things gets us up close and personal with some of the world's most amazing creatures. With this series, Hayley and John Rocco are doing more than entertaining our kids—they’re inspiring them to care about the future of our planet.” —Brad Meltzer, bestselling author of the Ordinary People Change the World series

Did you know that axolotls have a superpower? They can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their hearts and brains!

And they sparkle! That's because they have special cells in their bodies that reflect light like glitter. Pretty neat, huh?

But did you also know the axolotl is endangered and needs our help? While there are about a million axolotls in tanks and aquariums around the world, there are fewer than 500 left in the wild.

Chock-full of amazing, kid-friendly facts and inviting artwork from the #1 New York Times bestselling, Caldecott Honoree illustrator of Blackout, the Meet the Wild Things series introduces young readers to endangered animals from around the globe, told from the points of view of the animals themselves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Science, Animals, Childrens, Stem

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Ann Haefele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally I now know what an axolotl is and why it is endangered. My grandkids have been talking about these creatures for a couple of years , but I’d never heard of them. It was interesting that the book mentioned their surging popularity, in books , toys and even on the 50 peso bill in Mexico! Plus I always enjoy books by Hayley and John Rocco.

[Holly Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must buy book for elementary libraries. With lots of information and adorable illustrations including maps and detailed drawings, elementary students will flock to the book. Now I want to read the whole series.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

HELLO, I'M AN AXOLOTL teaches children all about the nature of these popular amphibians. It takes the reader through the time from when their born to when they grow. They also have an odd habit of snacking on each other, which they apparently don't always grow out of. While teaching their habits, it also teaches the things people are doing to try to save this species. Axolotl's are endangered so one thing they're doing is making the water safer by introducing floating gardens.

HELLO, I'M AN AXOLOTL is the perfect picture book for children who love animals and who are also intrigued by this odd looking creature. The illustrations are realistically detailed and I love the humor the speech bubbles add to the book. I love how the story is narrated by an axolotl and the comic relief it adds. It's was a nice touch to also show how popular axolotls are and how they're featured on the Mexican 50 peso bill. There's an added bonus in the back of the book that dives a little deeper into facts about axolotls, why their endangered, and organizations who are working to help save them.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged four and older who enjoy learning about animals or who are obsessed with axolotls like my daughter. It's a great reference to expand on a child's knowledge of the world around them and to encourage them to look at nature in a more positive light. It'll maybe even inspire new environmentalists.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the other books in the series, Hello I'm an Axolotl, combines gorgeous art with fascinating information in a kid-friendly style. Facts related to habitat, physical appearance, and eating habits are shared with young readers by the main character of the book, the axolotl itself. The inclusion of questions for the reader to answer makes the book seem like a conversation between friends. Perfect for sharing with young animal lovers, the book also highlights the challenges the animal faces as well as the efforts being made to help the animal. The back matter includes additional information about axolotls and suggestions for places to go to find out how to contribute to their conservation. It's sad to think that it's estimated that only 50-500 of them remain in the wild while there's thought to be a million in captivity. An informative, beautiful book great for sharing with young readers or listeners. Highly recommended.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

An introduction to axolotls, their attributes, where they come from, the different coloration between wild and captive ones, why scientists are intently studying them, and why the wild population is so low and what’s being done to fix that.

This was hands down the most informative book on axolotls I’ve come across. It was a super interesting read. I learned quite a bit from this little book, from axolotls’ crazy regenerative abilities that has scientists studying them to the fact that the “pretty” colored ones are only found in captivity to the way they are employing ancient Aztec farming methods to help rebound the wild population. The illustrations were excellent (as you’d expect from a Caldecott-winning illustrator) and the information was relayed in an engaging and easy to digest format for young readers. An excellent nonfiction read.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author: Hayley Rocco
Title: Hello, I'm an Axolotl
Publication date: 2025
Category: TBD
Brief Annotation: Learned about the Axolotl with the Axolotl narrating the story. There is back material about axolotls and where readers can learn more.
Interest Level: K to 2nd grade
Themes: Axolotl, Mexico
Ways to use this book with children: It can be used in science class about different animals. It could also be used for reader's advisory for animal lovers.
Diversity: N/A
Where/how you found the book: Searching for new books.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear Putnam: Please approve and pay for the Roccos' books to be longer. There is SO MUCH in the back matter that I would have loved to see in the main text. Which is why I'm only giving 3 stars. But I will totally buy and read to my students.

I only this year realized that people had axolotls as pets. I thought they only lived in a Mexican lake. BUT ONLY 50-500 TOTAL are still there. That's insane.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy to understand book filled with axolotl facts, narrated by an axolotl! Learn about where they are from, some unique superpowers they have, how they may help us humans, why they are struggling to survive in the wild, and what is being done to help them.

I really enjoyed how inviting and engaging this was to read. This will be a good resource for our first graders who do an animal project during the year.

[Ellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars (I loved it)

I have a lot of students who are really obsessed with axolotls and I didn't really get it until reading this book. They are so cool! I like how there are a lot of facts in the book but also questions to get the reader to think more about what they are reading. I'd love to check out other books in this series.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An axolotl takes the reader on a tour of all things axolotl - starting with how to pronounce the name, who the creatures are named after, where they live, how they have become endangered, what humans are doing to help save them and their habitat, and all the very cool abilities these delightful and cute creatures have!

[Imagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book from the growing Meet The Wild Things series. As always, I love the art style from the Roccos; and I’ve learned some neat things about another animal. Axolotls have been pretty popular recently so this would make a great for kids who love axolotls and want to learn more about them.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The axolotl is fascinating! Young kids will learn a lot in a short time. Cute illustrations and humor. Lots of facts in the back matter. I could see kids getting interested and wanting to find out more - especially the research surrounding the regeneration of limbs.

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful blend of story and science! This axolotl book sparked so much curiosity — from their shimmering skin to their amazing power to regrow limbs. The conservation message makes it both inspiring and informative. Truly a WOW read!

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative axolotl book that has charm and will please the growing axolotl-loving community of young readers!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting facts about axolotls. My kids found the illustrations a little creepy but I thought they were good.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

With its skillfully created illustrations and great information told from the first person perspective of an axolotl, this was a great non-fiction picture book that completely engaged my kids.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had thought an axolotl was a made-up animal in a video game. I learned a lot and more. Reading with elementary students was fun.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

fine for a kids nonfiction picture book