Michelle Knudsen

Sometimes the best way to fit in is to find someone who loves exactly who you are. Luigi is a large, hairy spider looking for a dark, quiet corner to spin his webs. But when he creeps into an old house, a sweet lady scoops him up and declares that he is the adorable kitten she has always wanted! At first, Luigi is very confused. But after getting tasty breakfasts and being tucked snugly into bed, he decides that being a kitten is wonderful. He will just have to pretend! How long can a spider keep up the act before his new owner discovers the eight-legged truth?

A lion walks into the library, and nobody knows which rule applies. Miss Merriweather has rules for running, rules for being quiet, and rules for behaving properly among the books. But there are no rules about lions. This lion turns out to be a careful visitor. He pads quietly through the library, listens at story hour, and becomes a gentle helper to the children and librarians. Still, even the best rule-following lion may face a moment when helping someone matters more than staying quiet. Library Lion is a warm, memorable picture book about libraries, kindness, and knowing when a rule should bend. With a tender story and expressive illustrations, it is especially appealing for young readers who love animals, books, and gentle classroom read-alouds.

Meet Mike. He is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He drives a big, mean car and loves his tough reputation. But one day, something terrible happens to Mike. A tiny, cute, and very fuzzy bunny suddenly shows up in his car. Then another one appears, and then another! What is a big, tough dog supposed to do with a bunch of adorable little bunnies? You will laugh out loud as Mike tries everything to get rid of his new fluffy friends so he can stay looking tough. But you might also discover that true friends come in all shapes and sizes, and that it is much more fun to be yourself than to worry about what everybody else thinks. Ride along with Mike and his fuzzy passengers in this hilarious story about self-acceptance.

Marilyn is still waiting for her monster. Everyone knows a monster has to find its child, not the other way around. Marilyn tries to be patient. She tries to act like the kind of girl a monster would choose. But all around her, other children already have their perfect monsters, and Marilyn’s still has not arrived. Maybe the rules are not as fixed as everyone says. With a brave heart and a little impatience, Marilyn begins to wonder whether finding what belongs to you sometimes means taking the first step yourself. Warm, funny, and quietly empowering, Marilyn’s Monster is a picture book about friendship, longing, and the courage to go looking for your own kind of magic.

Sally’s class is hatching chicks for a science project, but her egg looks different from the start. When it cracks open, out comes Argus: green, scaly, yellow-eyed, and definitely not a chick. Argus does not act like the other classroom pets. He does not eat what they eat. He keeps getting bigger. He causes trouble. And while the other children cuddle their soft little chicks, Sally is stuck with a creature no one quite understands. With sly humor and a tender heart, Argus turns a classroom surprise into a story about accepting someone unusual. This funny picture book is a strong choice for readers who enjoy school stories, oddball animals, and gentle lessons about empathy and belonging.

Carl can find something to complain about almost anywhere, but one problem really matters: the town park closes too early. Instead of simply grumbling, Carl and his friends begin to learn how people can speak up and ask leaders for change. Their plan takes them beyond everyday complaints and into real civic action, as they work to persuade the town council to extend the park’s hours. Along the way, Carl discovers that a strong opinion can become more powerful when it is shared clearly and respectfully. Carl the Complainer is an accessible early-grade story that connects kids’ daily lives to civics, petitions, communication, and community problem solving. It works well for readers who enjoy realistic school and neighborhood stories with a practical social studies theme.

Step into the thrilling world of journalism with Nellie Bly, a woman who risked everything to uncover the truth! Long before women were widely accepted as reporters, Nellie Bly was determined to write stories that mattered. She did not just sit at a desk. She went undercover to expose unfair working conditions, investigate hidden wrongs, and shine a light on people who needed help. She even famously raced around the entire globe just to prove she could beat a fictional record, writing about her incredible adventures for her newspaper along the way. Reaching for her dreams was never easy, and plenty of people told her that a woman could not be a serious investigative journalist. But Nellie refused to give up. Part of the inspiring She Persisted chapter book series, this exciting biography explores how Nellie Bly broke the rules, faced down every obstacle, and paved the way for future generations of female reporters. Complete with engaging illustrations and a special introduction by Chelsea Clinton, this book will inspire you to speak up, seek the truth, and make your own mark on the world.