No es un monstruo

By: Claudia Guadalupe Martínez / Illustrated by: Laura González Translated by Carlos E. Calvo With a clever color concept, this poetic picture book shares the life cycle of beloved amphibian—the axolotl—in its natural habitat. An axolotl may look like one, but it is certainly Not a Monster. This curious creature, made popular by Minecraft, is actually a salamander that will never lose its gills or fins. Not a Monster explores the traits of the axolotl, the Aztec origin myth about the species, and the way pollution is affecting its natural habitat: the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City.  Fun and engaging, this playful and informative read-aloud introduces curious readers on one cool character who is NOT a monster! Now available in Spanish and in English with Spanish vocabulary. If you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: No es un frijol Bugs for Lunch / Insectos para el almuerzo [TABS] Look Inside Author & Illustrator Claudia Guadalupe Martinez, author Claudia Guadalupe Martínez grew up in sunny El Paso, Texas where she learned that letters form words from reading the subtitles of old westerns with her father. She now lives with her husband and 3 children in Chicago. Read more about Claudia. Laura Gonzalez, illustrator Read more about Laura. Awards & Honors Coming soon! Editorial Reviews Booklist On a journey down a canal, two young conservationists explore the life cycle of an aquatic creature that is “not a monster.” This Spanish translation of the original 2023 title delivers a lesson about a beaming salamander called the axolotl. Native to Xochimilco, Mexico City, the axolotl hatches out of its egg, sprouts fins and gills, and, when it is fully developed, finds a mate. The two protagonists make it their mission to clean up the polluted river and protect the natural habitat of these animals to prevent their extinction. In the author’s note, Martínez provides cultural context for the axolotl's symbolism and connection to the Aztec god Xolotl. Illustrations by González are done in traditional media and Photoshop with soft hues that emphasize the gentleness of this critter. In the text itself, color words, such as “azul” or “anaranjado,” are printed in their appropriate hues to aid young readers who are in the stages of deciphering their colors. A captivating read-aloud for early childhood storytimes with an emphasis on environmentalism. School Library Journal This Spanish-language edition of Not a Monster portrays the life cycle of the axolotl or “el monstruo del agua.” Through simple and poetic text, readers meet this distinct amphibian, an endangered species that inhabits the Xochimilco canals of Mexico City. A palette of pastel colors accompanies this informational text, showcasing the variety of fauna and flora that this unique creature encounters throughout its life. Two children rowing through the canals are incorporated into the narrative and present briefly the Aztec history and myth of this animal as well as humanity’s role in taking care, preserving, and advocating for the axolotl's existence and future in its natural habitat. Color concepts are integrated throughout the story, which enhances and provides an interactive and playful approach to this nonfiction picture book. An author’s note and photographs of Martínez's own axolotl pets are included in the back matter. VERDICT An ideal Spanish-language, informational picture book for young children. Downloadables Download the Cover Download the Activity Kit Details English Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-62354-303-7 Spanish Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-62354-483-6 English Paperback ISBN: 978-1-62354-569-7 Spanish Paperback ISBN: 978-1-62354-561-1 Ages: 3–7 Page count: 32 11 x 8 1/2 Publication date: April 2, 2024 [/TABS]