Library Lion

Proves that every now and then you have to break the rules.—New York Times Book ReviewThis winsome pairing of text and illustration is a natural for storytime and a first purchase for every collection.—School Library Journal (starred review)Knudsen’s gentle tale of a revered yet welcoming community destination will ring true for many readers. Hawkes’s (Weslandia) evocative, soft-hued acrylic-and-pencil illustrations have a timeless feel, depicting a cozy book-filled haven that any story fan would love to visit, rules and all.—Publishers WeeklyKnudsen and Hawkes pick a perfect setting to express the idea that breaking rules can sometimes be a good thing.—Kirkus ReviewsAppealing… . Children will easily see themselves in the wild lion, who yearns to explore and enjoy the library but worries about the constraining rules.—BooklistA beautiful book that is sure to be shared and wept over again and again.—The Bloomsbury ReviewA picture book treat for any library lover.—Nancy Pearl Book Reviews, KUOW Radio “The Beat”Sweetly celebrating all things bookish and guaranteed to tickle young readers’ funny bones.—ChildKevin Hawkes’ illustrations are a brilliant fit, rendering the lion’s softness and a modern library seen from a child’s eye level.—Chicago TribuneThere are lessons here about making assumptions, breaking rules and taking care of friends.—San Francisco ChronicleThe happy ending will leave a smile on children’s faces whether they read it themselves or hear it as a read-aloud.—Kansas City StarThe delights of a small-town library come to life in this charming tale.—Star-LedgerAn old-fashioned, heart-warming storybook.—Louisville Courier-JournalWritten and illustrated in the orderly style of mid-20th century classics such as Andy and the Lion, the story’s special charm is in the characters.—Times-PicayuneWith masterful subtleness, [Hawkes] evokes emotions and movement around this magnificent furry lion.—Sacramento BeeIf you can buy only one book this is the one.—Daily Herald, featured in “Good Reads for Kids”A very gentle book with a good word to say about breaking the rules.—Detroit Free PressGraceful details add to the retro feel of this utterly delightful book. Curl up at your favorite library with this winner of a tale!—BookPageThis beautifully illustrated story will be a joy to read over and over again with your little cubs at bedtime.—Houston Family MagazineThis is a book parent and child will enjoy again and again.—About Family Magazine

Michelle Knudsen is the New York Times best-selling author of Library Lion, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes; Argus, illustrated by Andréa Wesson; Big Mean Mike, illustrated by Scott Magoon; and Marilyn’s Monster, illustrated by Matt Phelan, as well as the Trelian middle-grade fantasy trilogy and the Evil Librarian YA horror-comedy trilogy. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and is terrified of spiders.

Kevin Hawkes is the illustrator of more than forty books for children, including The Three Mouths of Little Tom Drum by Nancy Willard; Weslandia and Sidewalk Circus by Paul Fleischman; and Handel, Who Knew What He Liked and Me, All Alone, at the End of the World by M. T. Anderson. Kevin Hawkes lives in southern Maine.