The word axolotl stems from the Aztec god of monstrous things, but this myth-busting science text explains how the axolotl, an amphibian unique to the canals of Mexico City, is anything but a monster. Soft watercolor illustrations convey the life cycle of the gentle axolotl, from egg to full-grown salamander. Two children (Latine) are shown in a canoe observing an axolotl in its native habitat. These characters serve to introduce the pollution issues facing wild axolotls, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting the Xochimilco canals. Spanish vocabulary is used for many key terms, including colored text for color-related words. An author’s note discusses the differences between axolotls in captivity versus axolotls in the wild. Information about preservation efforts is also provided. (Ages 4-10)