“Spike was a monster. Or so he thought.” He has a “slithery tail, spiky crown, stumpy teeth.” Still, Spike is completely unsuccessful at scaring anyone. In fact, the other animals, el pato, el armadillo , and el campañol , think Spike, who’s “no bigger than a lily pad,” is adorable. But they take off in fear the day a real monster—a Gila Monster!—shows up at the lake. Spike stands his ground, shaking his spikes, baring his teeth, and swooshing his tail. The Gila Monster isn’t scared. In fact, he thinks Spike is smiling at him! Spike’s disappointment turns to pleasure when he discovers he can help the Gila Monster, who’s trying to find his way to his cousin’s fiesta. Spanish words are incorporated throughout a narrative distinguished by terrific pacing and word choice and featuring animals indigenous to Mexico. A two-page photo essay at story’s end provides more information about “Spike and His Amigos.” (Spike, it turns out, is an axolotl, a type of salamander.) Playful illustrations by Melissa Sweet are a wonderful backdrop for Susan Hood’s sprightly story. Highly Commended, 2013 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 3–7)

Meet Spike, a lovable monster—and a real-life salamander—who’s looking for friends in this lively eBook with audio 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.