Max, a Little Axolotl #2: Breaking Out! (An Original Graphic Novel)

Say hello to Max, a Little Axolotl! He's back for another silly and sweet story. This young graphic novel is perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly!
Max has been attending school for a few months now and has really settled in at the aquarium. He absolutely loves his new friends and teachers! When a new axolotl arrives at the tank, Max jumps at the chance to show her around. The new axolotl is shy and is having trouble adjusting to this new life away from home. When Max discovers she's gone missing one morning it's up to him and his friends to journey through the aquarium and find her.

This silly and sweet graphic novel explores themes of friendship, nature conservation, and so much more!

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

Praise for Max, a Little Axolotl

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

"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