Axolotl

Bearport does such a nice job with these short nonfiction books. With gorgeous photos balancing out the straight-forward text, young readers can focus on the the information in the book rather than the book itself. Axolotl’s are a kind of salamander that looks a lot like a fish. Since they use gills rather than lungs like many amphibians they are completely water-bound. Using large glossy photographs of the different colors and habits of the axolotl the author gives the reader a fabulous introduction to a rather unusual animal. The book includes a glossary, index, and places to look for more information. I especially appreciated the pronunciation help because I had no idea how to say the animals name going in. This is a fun book that young animal lovers are bound to enjoy.

With a few sentences per page and a variety of well-chosen photos, these books introduce animals that will be new to many readers. Children’s books on axolotls, snub-nosed monkeys, and Polish chickens are particularly hard to find. The text provides general data on physiology, behavior, and life cycles while also highlighting unique features, such as the platypus’s hunting techniques and the healing ability of the axolotl. Related species are noted and sometimes pictured, and there are images and brief descriptions of more “weird animals” at the end of each book. Visual support is effective: each book opens with an impressive two-page photograph; subsequent pages include large pictures, inset images, and size comparison diagrams, with captions and labels included where needed. VERDICT: Strong appeal for curious kids interested in unusual creatures and to fill subject holes in more comprehensive animal collections.