Spike, the Mixed-up Monster

Written by Susan Hood · Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

A scary salamander learns fear isn't the key to friendship.

5.8/7 Bookroo expert·3.8/5 Goodreads · 470 ratings

40 pages· 438 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Spike, a misunderstood axolotl in Mexico, tries to make friends by scaring others. But when his tactics fail, he must discover a new way to connect. Can Spike find friendship without fear? This charming tale, sprinkled with Spanish words, offers a heartwarming lesson and insights into the endangered axolotl.

From the publisher

Meet Spike, a lovable monster—and a real-life salamander—who’s looking for friends in this lively picture book that includes Spanish vocabulary. Spike is a scary-looking salamander who keeps trying to frighten other animals—until he finds that using fear is not the best way to make friends. And since Spike lives in Mexico (he is an endangered species called the axolotl), this story is peppered with easy-to-understand Spanish words. In addition to a charming tale of friendship, this picture book contains nonfiction information about the axolotl and a Spanish/English glossary.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Words: 438
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD540L

Themes & topics

Books about friendship Books about smiling Books about spanish Books about languages Books about making friends

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.8

out of 7

5.8

“Poor Spike, a monster that no one is afraid of. He's just too cute! This is a great picture book to introduce some Spanish, as well as talk about the difference it can make just to smile at others. :)”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

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