Max, a Little Axolotl #1 (an Original Graphic Novel) - by Joey Spiotto (Hardcover)

About the Book

"It's Max's first day at Coral Elementary school. The school is filled with marine animals, like dolphins, crabs, and octopus. But none of the other students have ever seen an axolotl before... and they have SO MANY QUESTIONS. Where did Max live before? Is it true he can regrow any of his limbs? What happened to his old friends? This is too much attention for Max! Hiccup! Uh-oh... Max gets the hiccups when he's nervous. Can this little axolotl adjust to his new underwater school or will the pressure just be too much? This silly and sweet graphic novel explores themes of friendship, nature conservation, and so much more!"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Meet Max, a Little Axolotl! He's new to school and just a little bit shy, but he's already making waves. This graphic novel is perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly!

It's Max's first day at Coral Elementary school. The school is filled with marine animals, like dolphins, crabs, and octopus. But none of the other students have ever seen an axolotl before... and they have SO MANY QUESTIONS. Where did Max live before? Is it true he can regrow any of his limbs? What happened to his old friends? This is too much attention for Max! Hiccup! Uh-oh... Max gets the hiccups when he's nervous. Can this little axolotl adjust to his new underwater school or will the pressure just be too much? This silly and sweet graphic novel explores themes of friendship, nature conservation, and so much more!

Perfect for kids seven and up.

Review Quotes

Praise for Max, a Little Axolotl

2026 TX Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List: Grades K-5

A 2026 Ringo Award Nominee!

"Charming and relatable... Early elementary readers will pick this book up for the -axolotl and stay for the cute, informative, and engaging story." - School Library Journal

"A wonderfully entertaining story about the cutest creature ever!" - Dan Santat, National Book Award Winner

"In artwork maximized by bright colors and cartoonishly shining eyes, Spiotto takes readers on an adventure that encapsulates conservation and belonging all in one beautiful, silly story. This book is perfect for elementary-school marine lovers and anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong." - Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

"Readers ready to graduate from Bondestam's picture book My Life at the Bottom: The Story of a Lonesome Axolotl (BCCB 5/22) will appreciate this chance to build both their reading skills and their axolotl knowledge." -The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Joey Spiotto is the author and illustrator of Grumpy Unicorn, as well as Alien Next Door and Firefly: Back from the Black. He has created artwork for numerous clients, including Disney, LucasFilm, Marvel, Microsoft, Rare, Loot Crate, and more. Joey is a regularly featured artist at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles, where he's had several solo exhibitions. He's worked as a concept artist in the film and video game industry on such titles as The Polar Express for Warner Bros. and Dead Space and The Sims for Electronic Arts. He lives in Southern California with his wife and two sons. Visit him online at jo3bot.com.