Axolotl and Axolittle by Jess Hitchman, illustrated by Sarah Rebar (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 40 pages, ages 3-8). Siblings Axolotl and Axolittle are very different–big sis Axolotl lives life to the max while younger brother Axolittle is quieter and more studious–but they’re still the best of friends. When Axolotl’s boisterous play ends up destroying Axolittle’s painting, though, an axo-squabble ensues. Finally, Axo-dad-l comes in to calm things down, and after a bit of a break, family harmony is restored.
Axolotls seem to be having a moment, due to Minecraft, I guess? Whatever the reason, this book will definitely catch the eye of many a young reader, and they won’t be disappointed by the lively rhymes, clever axolotl (and axolittle) plays on words, and relatable family situations. This would make a great sibling gift for the older child in a family with a new baby.
Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat (Dial Books, 40 pages, ages 4-8). After an introduction to mammals, reptiles, and birds, the narrator gets to fish: DON”T TRUST FISH! There are so many reasons, and those reasons grow more preposterous as the book goes on. Some have gills and some have lungs. Some live in salt water, some in fresh water. Very shifty. They live underwater where you can’t see them. They may be in your home, spying from that aquarium, and reporting back to the king fish! And they like to eat poor, innocent, kind crabs…which readers will learn on the last page is the animal responsible for all the information in this book.
I’ll admit I didn’t love this book the first time I tried reading it, and I only looked at the first few pages. But the four starred reviews and inclusion on possible Caldecott lists led me to take another look, and I’m happy to say that now I get it! It would be a fun story to read aloud and have kids try to guess who the narrator is. Dan Santat’s illustrations, of course, add immeasurably to the fun. It could also be a great introduction to a discussion with older kids about considering sources of information in the news and on social media.
You and Me, Anemone by Rachel Vail, illustrated by Chris Raschka (Greenwillow Books, 32 pages, ages 4-8). Using clever rhyming text, an anemone makes a plea to readers not to BOOP it, then goes on to encourage kids who prefer not to be booped to assertively make their wishes known. The anemone explains that it likes living harmoniously in community with other anemones, and that not being touched doesn’t mean that it doesn’t enjoy the company of others, “to live side by side in our own kind of unity! Resplendent, independently, extending as far as eye can see.” Includes an author’s note about how she learned recently not to touch anemones and giving kids tips for communicating their own preferences as well as noticing those of others.
This is an ingenious book, combining interesting information about anemones with ideas for kids on how to notice what they may or may not want and expressing that. The illustrations are made to look like applique on burlap, with lots of textures and colors.