Book Review of Who Am I? Axolotls and Other Amphibians
The Children’s Book Review
Who Am I? Axolotls and Other Amphibians
Written by Jody Jensen Shaffer
Illustrated by Travis Foster
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Highlights Press (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-63962-436-21234
What to Expect: Animals, amphibians, riddles, science, nature, puzzles.
This riddle-filled puzzle book invites young readers to identify various amphibians through playful rhymes and intriguing scientific facts.
Who Am I? Axolotls and Other Amphibians engages children in a guessing game that introduces them to the diverse world of amphibians, from the unique limb-regenerating axolotl to the brightly colored but toxic poison dart frog. Each section begins with a rhyming riddle describing an animal’s physical traits and behaviors, followed by a reveal that includes fascinating details about its diet, habitat, and survival mechanisms. The book encourages active learning by challenging readers to solve these mysteries before moving on to a matching game and a knowledge quiz at the end.
Both educational and entertaining, Jody Jensen Shaffer utilizes rhythmic verse to make animal characteristics memorable for young audiences, effectively balancing simple, accessible language in the riddles with more detailed, “did you know” style facts that expand a child’s vocabulary and scientific understanding. The inclusion of a glossary at the end further supports learning by defining complex terms like “secrete,” “toxic,” and “predator”.
A blend of playful art by Travis Foster combines with high-quality photography from sources like Getty Images and Alamy to create visually engaging pages. Foster’s artistic touches provide a vibrant, whimsical backdrop that matches the book’s lighthearted tone, while the detailed photographs allow children to see the actual textures and colors of species like the fire salamander and red-eyed tree frog. This combination helps young readers bridge the gap between imaginative play and real-world scientific observation.
Who Am I? Axolotls and Other Amphibians is an excellent resource for budding naturalists and any child who enjoys puzzles and animals. It is particularly well-suited for early readers and classroom settings where interactive learning is encouraged. Readers who enjoy this title may also be interested in other books in the series that focus on tigers, pandas, or sharks.
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About the Author
Jody Jensen Shaffer is an award-winning poet and the author of more than 50 books of fiction and nonfiction for children, including Prudence the Part-Time Cow, A Chip off the Old Block, It’s Your First Day of School, Busy Bus!, Emergency Kittens!, and more. When she’s not writing, Jody can be found watching baseball or walking her rescue dog, Sophie.
Visit her at jodyjensenshaffer.com.
About the Illustrator
Travis Foster is a children’s book author and illustrator who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Travis has written and illustrated several children’s books. His work has been featured in Highlights, Forbes, Reader’s Digest, and The Wall Street Journal. Publishers include Highlights Press, Penguin Random House, Chronicle Books, and Disney.
