Book by Ekaterina Kosevich, Axolotl: The Legend of a Cowardly Aztec God

The publishing house Nestor-Istoriya (St. Petersburg) has released a book by Ekaterina Kosevich—an expert on Latin America, PhD in Political Science, and Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS), HSE University—titled Axolotl: The Legend of a Cowardly Aztec God. Ekaterina Kosevich is both the author of the text and the illustrator: the edition includes 20 original author’s drawings.

Axolotl: The Legend of a Cowardly Aztec God is an unusual and captivating book written and illustrated by Ekaterina Kosevich, a Russian specialist on Latin America, scholar, and science communicator. Drawing on original historical sources, the author recreates a compelling legend about Xolotl—an Aztec god who, in an attempt to avoid being sacrificed for the creation of the Universe, took the form of the salamander axolotl. The book opens up for readers—both young and not so young—the fascinating world of the mythology of the great Aztec civilization. By immersing the audience in pre-Hispanic Mexican history, the author introduces readers not only to the fate of the little axolotl, but also to Aztec philosophy, in which every life holds a special meaning within the eternal movement of the Universe. The story will appeal to children and teenagers who love myths and legends, adult readers interested in the history of ancient civilizations, as well as educators, parents, and science communicators seeking informative and inspiring books for exploring the cultural heritage of Mesoamerica.

Publication details:
Kosevich, E. Yu. Axolotl: The Legend of a Cowardly Aztec God. St. Petersburg: Svet, 2025. 52 pp.

Purchase link:
https://nestorbook.ru/kosevich-e-yu-aksolotl-legenda-o-truslivom-atstekskom-boge