Max, a Little Axolotl

K-Gr 2–Axolotl Max’s peaceful lake-dwelling lifestyle is rudely disrupted by habitat harming construction and a quick-thinking conservationist intervenes giving Max a fresh start at a nearby aquarium. Much to standoffish Max’s chagrin his new tank is brimming with freshwater fauna including Milo the turtle and Sheila the snail. The social and academic pressures of aquarium life prove to be a lot for shy, hiccup-prone Max to handle. During a game of kickball he ventures into a nearby cave to find a rogue ball and he comes face to face with the ominous Water Monster. Surprisingly this unexpected encounter makes Max realize his new life might not be so bad after all. Early elementary school graphic novel readers will find Max and company to be charming and relatable, and creator Spiotto (Grumpy Unicorn) cleverly sprinkles axolotl facts and lore throughout the text. The no-frills, boldly outlined panels are an ideal match for the straightforward narrative, and Spiotto’s cliffhanger ending propels the series forward.