Max, a Little Axolotl #2: Breaking Out!

Max, a Little Axolotl #2

by Joey Spiotto

Say hello to Max, a Little Axolotl! He's back for another silly and sweet story. This young graphic novel is perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly!Max has been attending school for a few months now and has really settled in at the aquarium. He absolutely loves his new friends and teachers! When a new axolotl arrives at the tank, Max jumps at the chance to show her around. The new axolotl is shy and is having trouble adjusting to this new life away from home. When Max discovers she's gone missing one morning it's up to him and his friends to journey through the aquarium and find her.This silly and sweet graphic novel explores themes of friendship, nature conservation, and so much more!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Middle Grade, Animals

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2026

About the author

Joey Spiotto is the author and illustrator of Grumpy Unicorn as well as Alien Next Door and Firefly: Back from the Black. He has created artwork for numerous clients including Disney, LucasFilm, Marvel, Microsoft, Rare, Loot Crate, and more. Joey is a regularly featured artist at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles where he’s had several solo exhibitions. He’s worked as a concept artist in the film and video game industry on such titles as The Polar Express for Warner Bros. and Dead Space and The Sims for Electronic Arts. He lives in Southern California with his wife and two sons.

(source: Amazon)

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this graphic novel series is full of vivid colors and Max, the little axolotl who is the best friend to anyone. Nayeri is a new axolotl in the aquarium after being plucked from the waters of Lake Xochimilco and all she wants to do is go back home so she's looking to "break out". Max is concerned for his new friend and he and Shrimp go on an aquarium adventure to find Nayeri and let her know that she's safe where they encounter fish and lobsters and eels all trying to help (or even provide sustenance as Max takes a seaweed shake from one of them). They actually discover that the aquarium is building a new axolotl exhibit and maybe Nayeri will be okay to stay.

For the youngest graphic novel readers, who doesn't love Max the axolotl. And there are even some axolotl facts at the back of the book. I will continue to read this delightful series.

[Shireen Hakim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this fun and educational kid's graphic novel about Mexic's amphibian the axolotl. The book takes the young reader on a Finding Nemo- coded adventure with Nayeli.

My only question is whether she could actually be friends with Shrimpy since axolotls eat crustaceans.

Thank you Scholastic for the adorable hard copy.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new Axolotl arrives at Max's school. He remembers what it was like when he first came to the school so he jumps in to help the new girl. But she really has no desire to live there and just wants to escape and return home. As she finds a way out Max and his friends go to find her. On the way they discover more about their habitat and meet new friends. In the end a happy solution is found.

[Jgramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was because of a student's love of axolotls that I started looking for more books with them to get her reading more. I can not wait to let my students know there is a sequel to a beloved series. Thank you Joey for creating a fun series that educates readers as well

[Victoria Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son was so thrilled when this arrived in the mail. He loved the first book and was literally counting down the days for the second book to be released.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the story line and graphics

[Nevins Memorial · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome second volume.