Axolotl and Axolittle

The salamander sibs of this animated picture book's title couldn't be more different. Bright pink older sister Axolotl is a big personality who "lives life to the max-a-lotl." Bespectacled and yellow-hued younger brother Axolittle is quieter by comparison--"he loves to just relax a little." A series of snapshots depicting the duo's activities highlights their deep mutual affection and complementary strengths--as Axolotl thrashes on the guitar, Axolittle avidly plays along on the triangle. But when Axolotl's exuberance goes too far, and she inadvertently wrecks Axolittle's in-progress painting, their relationship devolves into squabbles. It's time for Axodadl to step in, take the pair on his lap, and forge a reconciliation ("They wipe their axolotl eyes/ and then they axo-pologize"). Clean-lined, limited-palette digital art by Rebar emphasizes the characters' distinct personalities, while consistent rhyming lines by Hitchman provide amusing ear tickles alongside gentle lessons about connection and conflict resolution. Ages 4--8. (July)

K-Gr 2--As far as creatures go, they don't get much cuter than the axolotl. The older sister, Axolotl, is outgoing and energetic--she "lives life to the max-a-lotl." Younger brother, Axolittle, is more reserved and "loves to just relax a little." One day Axolotl's exuberance ruins Axolittle's artwork, and Axolotl shouts while Axolittle pouts. The father is called to help the two siblings work through their feelings, and the "axo-skiffle-scuffle" is successfully resolved. They end the story cuddling "to the max-a-lotl." The comedic digital illustrations, featuring a vivid yellow and a fuchsia color inspired by Mexican pink (honoring the habitat of the endangered axolotl), are effective at capturing the energy and emotions of the text. Unfortunately, the repetitive endings "-otl" and "-ittle" as well as their variations wear thin by the story's conclusion. VERDICT Cute-as-can-be axolotls engaging in sibling squabbles don't save the text that forces rhymed endings.--John Scott

Two siblings' antics add up to a whole lot of cuteness. Plum-colored Axolotl doesn't do things by halves. You might say she goes full throttle, living life "to the max-a-lotl," whether she's skateboarding or playing her "sax-a-lotl while doing jumping jacks-a-lotl." Artsy, lemon yellow younger brother Axolittle is a bit more subdued; he enjoys studying "facts a little," "dances, sings, and acts a little," and "loves to just relax a little." The sibs generally get along until one day, while pretending she's a duck, Axolotl accidentally ruins Axolittle's painting; he squirts paint on her in retaliation. Axolotl's mad-l; Axolittle's sad-l. The next step? Call in Axo-Dad-l! That wise intercessor calms his weepy kids down, helping them reach an accord "in the axo-middle." The contrite kids apologize and are soon reading, snacking, and cuddling "to the max-a-lotl." This hilarious tale, expressed via frisky rhymes that read and scan well, is chock-full of nimble wordplay. Adults sharing this winner should encourage children to take inspiration from the text and make up their own similarly nonsensical (yet somehow logical) terms. Kids may also wish to learn about real axolotls (aquatic, gilled salamanders). The illustrations, incorporating some very creative typography, zing with color and energy and feature protagonists brimming with personality. No need to wonder what-l to read next. Grab this axo-lent charmer!(Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.