{"id":8225494860013,"title":"No es un monstruo","handle":"no-es-un-monstruo","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/claudia-guadalupe-martinez\"\u003eClaudia Guadalupe Martínez \u003c\/a\u003e\/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/laura-gonzalez\"\u003eLaura González\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTranslated by Carlos E. Calvo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWith a clever color concept, this poetic picture book shares the life cycle of beloved amphibian—the axolotl—in its natural habitat.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFun 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/no-es-un-frijol\"\u003eNo es un frijol\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/bugs-for-lunch-insectos-para-el-almuerzo\"\u003eBugs for Lunch \/ Insectos para el almuerzo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/spanish-not-a-monster-spread.jpg?v=1695325496\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClaudia Guadalupe Martinez, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaudia 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/claudia-guadalupe-martinez\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Claudia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaura Gonzalez, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/laugonzalez.com\/\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Laura.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOn a journey down a canal, two young conservationists explore the life \ncycle 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\ncultural 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/spanish-not-a-monster-cover.jpg?v=1695065048\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/spanish-not-a-monster-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1695325496\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/not-a-monster-activity-kit.pdf?v=1676306268\"\u003eDownload the Activity Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-303-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-483-6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 3–7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e11 x 8 1\/2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: April 2, 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2023-10-11T11:42:29-04:00","created_at":"2023-09-21T15:40:53-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Nonfiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_Spanish\/Bilingual","Browse by Subject_Concept Books","Browse by Subject_Diversity","Browse by Subject_Humor","Browse by Subject_Science \u0026 Nature"],"price":1799,"price_min":1799,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":44246049063149,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"43037","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":39026646352109,"product_id":8225494860013,"position":2,"created_at":"2023-09-21T15:40:58-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-21T15:45:54-04:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":464,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/not-a-monster-cover_98727b11-99b6-4eef-841b-aba0ce6a52b0.jpg?v=1695325554","variant_ids":[44246049063149]},"available":true,"name":"No es un monstruo - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":482,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":10,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623543037","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":31635651133677,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.293,"height":464,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/not-a-monster-cover_98727b11-99b6-4eef-841b-aba0ce6a52b0.jpg?v=1695325554"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":44246049095917,"title":"Spanish Hardcover","option1":"Spanish Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"44836","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":39026646384877,"product_id":8225494860013,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-09-21T15:40:58-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-21T15:45:54-04:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":464,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/spanish-not-a-monster-cover_b1de36c8-5527-4047-88ca-726ea9d5103f.jpg?v=1695325554","variant_ids":[44246049095917]},"available":true,"name":"No es un monstruo - Spanish Hardcover","public_title":"Spanish Hardcover","options":["Spanish Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":567,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":10,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623544836","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":31635651166445,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.293,"height":464,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/spanish-not-a-monster-cover_b1de36c8-5527-4047-88ca-726ea9d5103f.jpg?v=1695325554"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/spanish-not-a-monster-cover_b1de36c8-5527-4047-88ca-726ea9d5103f.jpg?v=1695325554","\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/not-a-monster-cover_98727b11-99b6-4eef-841b-aba0ce6a52b0.jpg?v=1695325554"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/spanish-not-a-monster-cover_b1de36c8-5527-4047-88ca-726ea9d5103f.jpg?v=1695325554","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":31635651166445,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.293,"height":464,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/spanish-not-a-monster-cover_b1de36c8-5527-4047-88ca-726ea9d5103f.jpg?v=1695325554"},"aspect_ratio":1.293,"height":464,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/spanish-not-a-monster-cover_b1de36c8-5527-4047-88ca-726ea9d5103f.jpg?v=1695325554","width":600},{"alt":null,"id":31635651133677,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.293,"height":464,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/not-a-monster-cover_98727b11-99b6-4eef-841b-aba0ce6a52b0.jpg?v=1695325554"},"aspect_ratio":1.293,"height":464,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/not-a-monster-cover_98727b11-99b6-4eef-841b-aba0ce6a52b0.jpg?v=1695325554","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/claudia-guadalupe-martinez\"\u003eClaudia Guadalupe Martínez \u003c\/a\u003e\/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/laura-gonzalez\"\u003eLaura González\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTranslated by Carlos E. Calvo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWith a clever color concept, this poetic picture book shares the life cycle of beloved amphibian—the axolotl—in its natural habitat.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFun 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/no-es-un-frijol\"\u003eNo es un frijol\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/bugs-for-lunch-insectos-para-el-almuerzo\"\u003eBugs for Lunch \/ Insectos para el almuerzo\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/spanish-not-a-monster-spread.jpg?v=1695325496\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClaudia Guadalupe Martinez, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaudia 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/claudia-guadalupe-martinez\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Claudia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaura Gonzalez, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/laugonzalez.com\/\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Laura.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOn a journey down a canal, two young conservationists explore the life \ncycle 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\ncultural 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/spanish-not-a-monster-cover.jpg?v=1695065048\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/spanish-not-a-monster-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1695325496\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/not-a-monster-activity-kit.pdf?v=1676306268\"\u003eDownload the Activity Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-303-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-483-6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 3–7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e11 x 8 1\/2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: April 2, 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}

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.

Maximum quantity available reached.

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.

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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.

English Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-303-7

Spanish Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-483-6

Ages: 3–7
Page count: 32
11 x 8 1/2

Publication date: April 2, 2024