Review: Archie the Amazing Axolotl by Lana Johnson

 Archie the Amazing Axolotl is a gentle book about championing your differences. It's a book not only for children with busy brains but also the adults and children around them to help them understand and support each other.

illustrated by Katherine Richardson

Publisher: Busy Little Bee Books

Publication date: 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $24.95AU (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

Archie attends Wigglebottom School of Wonder but he's not like all the other sea creatures. He was always flipping, flapping and thinking big thoughts and that's what made him so amazing.

Archie the Amazing Axolotl is a book that celebrates neuro-diversity. Archie is never still, always fidgetty and thinking lots of different thoughts. Sometimes he wanted his brain to slow down.

I loved that Archie's mother explained to him that his super active brain was his super power but she also gave him strategies for when he was overwhelmed. His 'busy brain toolbox' is full of items to help him do his best thinking and harness his super brain. 

Archie the Amazing Axolotl is all about acceptance and support. The teacher explains to the class how some brains work slowly and some work fast, some like busy noise and some like calm. His classmates champion his quick thinking and instead of feeling too much Archie feels amazing.

Katherine Richardson's water colour sketches are showcased in soft and calm pastels giving busy brains a relaxing environment to follow on the page.

The use of anthropomorphism helps children to open up and discuss the topic in a non-threatening, slightly distanced way.

Sharing the book between children and caregivers provides ample opportunity for meaningful discussions on how everyone is unique and all have something important to give. 

Archie the Amazing Axolotl is a thoughtful and tender tale that encourages self confidence in children who may have been targeted for being different.

Lana Johnson has included notes for parents, caregivers and educators.

Questions for readers. More information on Archie. Activities and questions to discuss in a group. Quick tips to support busy brains.

Archie the Amazing Axolotl is a valuable resource for not only caregivers of a neuro-divergent child but also educators and anyone wanting to teach their neuro-typical child empathy and understanding of others.

My rating 5 / 5 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟

Recommended age: 3 - 10 years

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