{{short description|American writer}} {{infobox writer |name=Michelle Knudsen |image=Michelle Knudsen author photo.jpg |caption=Knudsen in May 2015 |occupation=Author |nationality=American |education=[[Cornell University]]<br>[[Vermont College of Fine Arts]] ([[Master of Fine Arts|MFA]]) |genre=[[Children's literature]] |website={{URL|https://www.michelleknudsen.com}} }} '''Michelle Knudsen''' is a ''[[The New York Times|New York Times]]'' best-selling American children's author.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/17/books/bestseller/0617bestchildren.html?_r=0 |title=New York Times Children's Best Seller List |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 2007 }}</ref> She has written 50 books for children, including the multiple-award-winning ''[[Library Lion]]'', the Trelian middle grade fantasy trilogy, and the Evil Librarian young adult horror/comedy/romance trilogy.
Knudsen graduated from [[Cornell University]] and received an [[Master of Fine Arts|MFA]] in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the [[Vermont College of Fine Arts]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.writingclasses.com/FacultyBios/facultyBioByInstructor.php/TeacherID/169880 |title=Author Biography, Gotham Writers |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408224505/http://www.writingclasses.com/FacultyBios/facultyBioByInstructor.php/TeacherID/169880 |archivedate=2014-04-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bethanyhegedus.blogspot.com/2011/03/inside-writers-studio-with-michelle.html |title=Interview with Author Bethany Hegedus |date=March 2011 }}</ref> She currently teaches in [[Lesley University]]'s MFA program in creative writing.
== Biography == {{promotional section|date=September 2024}} Knudsen is a ''New York Times'' best-selling author of 50 books for young readers, including board books, picture books, early readers, and middle grade and young adult novels. Her best-known book to date is the award-winning picture book ''Library Lion'', which has been translated into fourteen languages, is currently{{as of?|date=August 2022}} being performed as a musical stage production in Israel and South Africa, and was selected by ''Time'' Magazine as one of the 100 Best Children's Books of All Time. She is also the author of the Trelian trilogy of fantasy novels (''The Dragon of Trelian'', ''The Princess of Trelian'', and ''The Mage of Trelian'') and the Evil Librarian trilogy of young adult novels, the first of which was awarded the 2015 [[Sid Fleischman]] Award for Humor. Michelle also works as a freelance editor and writing teacher, and is a member of the Writing for Young People MFA faculty at Lesley University. She lives in [[Brooklyn]], New York City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.michelleknudsen.com/bio.htm|title=Biography - Michelle Knudsen|website=www.michelleknudsen.com|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref>
== Bibliography == === Young adult novels === * ''Evil Librarian'' (2014) * ''Revenge of the Evil Librarian'' (2017) * ''Curse of the Evil Librarian'' (2019)
=== Middle grade novels === * ''The Dragon of Trelian'' (2009) * ''The Princess of Trelian'' (2012) * ''The Mage of Trelian'' (2016)
=== Chapter books === * ''She Persisted: Nellie Bly'' (2021)
=== Trade picture books === * ''Library Lion'', illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (2006) * ''Argus'', illustrated by Andréa Wesson (2011) * ''Big Mean Mike'', illustrated by Scott Magoon (2012) * ''Marilyn's Monster'', illustrated by Matt Phelan (2015)
=== Short stories === * "The Bridge to Highlandsville" in the MG anthology I Fooled You (2010)
=== Beginning readers === * ''Raymond Briggs' The Snowman'' (1999) * ''Dinosaur Days: Road to Writing'' (2001) * ''Colorful Chameleons!'' (2001) * ''Cat Hat'' (2001) * ''Hit or Myth: Road to Writing'' (2001) * ''The Case of Vampire Vivian'' (2003) * ''A Slimy Story'' (2004) * ''Fish and Frog'' (2005) * ''Carl the Complainer'' (2005) * ''A Moldy Mystery'' (2006) * ''Bugged!'' (2008) * ''Smart Shark'' (2017)
=== Board books and novelty === * ''Noah's Ark'' (1999) * ''Valentine's Day'' (2001) * ''Love'' (2001) * ''Happy Halloween'' (2001) * ''Merry Christmas'' (2001) * ''Easter Basket'' (2002) * ''Easter Egg'' (2002) * ''Happy Easter!'' (2003) * ''Princess Party'' (2003) * ''Fairy Friends'' (2003) * ''Mother's Day Ribbons'' (2005) * ''Hearts and Kisses'' (2006) * ''Easter Fun'' (2006)
=== Mass market picture books === * ''Angel Babies'' * ''Old MacDonald's Farm'' * ''Autumn Is for Apples'' (2001) * ''Winter Is for Snowflakes'' (2003)
=== Coloring and activity books === * ''Godzilla: Monster Coloring Fun!'' (1998) * ''Godzilla: Adventures to Color!'' (1998) * ''Godzilla: Monster Coloring, Puzzles, and Codes!'' (1998) * ''Godzilla: Monster Coloring, Mazes, and Games!'' (1998) * ''Star Wars Episode I: Heroes and Villains Coloring Book'' (1999) * ''Star Wars Episode I: Anakin's Adventures to Color'' (1999) * ''Star Wars Episode I: Jar Jar's Coloring Fun'' (1999) * ''Star Wars Episode I: Galactic Puzzles and Games'' (1999) * ''Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Missions to Color'' (1999) * ''Star Wars Episode I: Droids, Creatures, and Vehicles Coloring Book'' (1999)
== Awards ==
=== Library Lion === * One of ''Time'' magazine's 100 Best Children's Books of All Time<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://time.com/100-best-childrens-books/|title=The 100 Best Children's Books of All Time|website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * [[Junior Library Guild]] Selection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763622621&pix=n |title=Candlewick Press }}</ref> * NAIBA (New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association): 2007 Picture Book of the Year * ''[[School Library Journal]]'' Best Books of 2006 * [[Amazon (company)|Amazon.com]] Best Picture Book of 2006 * Time of Wonder Award from the [[Maine Discovery Museum]] * [[Book Sense Book of the Year]] Children's Illustrated Honor Book * ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' Cuffie Award * Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2007 Platinum Award * ''Nick Jr. Family Magazine'' Best Books of the Year * [[Child (magazine)|''Child'' Magazine's]] Best Children's Book Award * Winter 2006–2007 Book Sense Children's Picks List Selection * 2006 Wilde Picture Book Award * Irma S. and James H. Black Honor Book<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bankstreet.edu/center-childrens-literature/irma-black-award/list-winners/ |title=Bankstreet College of Education |date=4 March 2024 }}</ref> * Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award Honor Book (2008-2009) *Patricia Gallagher Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominee (2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oregonread.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Patricia-Gallagher-Nominees_Winners_98_14_R.pdf|title=Patricia Gallagher Nominees and Winners 1998-2014|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref> * The Sakura Medal (2008)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sakuramedal.com/winners.html|title=Winners!|website=Sakuramedal|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * [[Nebraska]] Golden Sower Award (2008-2009)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://guides.library.unk.edu/c.php?g=510618&p=3725844|title=Research Guides: Handy Topics in the Curriculum Department: Golden Sower Award|last=Kofoed|first=Sharon|website=guides.library.unk.edu|language=en|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * Norfolk Libraries' Children's Choice Award (2008)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Books/By-Award/Norfolk-Libraries-Childrens-Book-Award|title=Norfolk Libraries' Children's Choice Award|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref> * Show Me Readers Award Nominee (2008-2009)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maslonline.org/?ArchivedShowMe|title=Archived Show Me Information - Missouri Association of School Librarians|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref> * Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Nominee (2009)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.librarything.com/bookaward/Pennsylvania+Young+Reader's+Choice+Award+Nominee|title=Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Nominee - Book Awards - LibraryThing|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref> * South Carolina Picture Book Award nominee (2008-2009)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.librarything.com/bookaward/South+Carolina+Picture+Book+Award+Nominee|title=South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominee {{!}} Book awards {{!}} LibraryThing|website=www.librarything.com|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://michelleknudsen.blogspot.com/2008/03/scasl.html|title=SCASL|last=Michelle|date=2008-03-15|website=Michelle Knudsen|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * ABC Best Books for Children Catalog Selection<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.candlewick.com/bookxtras.asp?isbn=0763622621&view=xtras|title=Candlewick Press - awards/reviews/quotes|website=www.candlewick.com|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.michelleknudsen.com/library_lion_77788.htm|title=LIBRARY LION - Michelle Knudsen|website=www.michelleknudsen.com|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * Kentucky Bluegrass Award nominee (2008)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kba.nku.edu/participate/master_lists/2008_kba_master_lists.shtml|title=2008 Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master Lists|last=Smith|first=Jennifer|website=kba.nku.edu|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * Utah Beehive Picture Book Award nominee (2008)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://afcity.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/5086|title=Beehive Book Awards list of winners and nominees|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref> * Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award Master List (2008-2009)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/awards/view.dT/state-awards/tennessee/volunteer-state-book-award|title=Junior Library Guild|website=www.juniorlibraryguild.com|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * Montana Treasure State Award winner (2009)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.montanareads.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26&Itemid=178|title=TSA History|website=www.montanareads.org|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref>
=== Big Mean Mike === * Junior Library Guild Selection * Amazon.com Best Book of the Year * [[Eric Carle]] Museum Picture Book of Distinction (2012)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.carlemuseum.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Bloom_list_2012_alpha.pdf|title=Eric Carle Museum Picture Books of Distinction 2012|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref> * Irma S. and James H. Black Award winner (2013)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bankstreet.edu/center-childrens-literature/irma-black-award/list-winners/|title=Bank Street - List of Past Winners|website=www.bankstreet.edu|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * CBC Children's Book Council Children's Choice Book Award finalist (2013)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbcbooks.org/cbc-book-lists/2013-finalists/|title=2013 Winners and Finalists {{!}} Book Lists {{!}} Children's Book Council|website=www.cbcbooks.org|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * Mississippi Magnolia Award winner (2014)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usm.edu/childrens-book-festival/magnolia-award-past-recipients|title=Magnolia Award Past Recipients {{!}} The University of Southern Mississippi|website=www.usm.edu|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * Wisconsin Golden Archer Award winner (2014)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wemta.org/programs/goldenarcherwinners.cfm|title=Golden Archer Winners - WEMTA|website=www.wemta.org|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref>
=== Marilyn's Monster === * Junior Library Guild Selection * NPR's Best Books of 2015<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://apps.npr.org/best-books-2015/#/book/marilyns-monster|title=NPR's Book Concierge|newspaper=NPR.org|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * Kansas State Reading Circle Selection (2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.knea.org/home/rccitem.htm?rccitemid=5573|title=KNEA - RCC Item|website=www.knea.org|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * WSRA Children's Literature Committee Picture This! Selection (2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wsra.org/assets/Convention/Handouts2016/picturethis2015finallistconv2016.pdf|title=WSRA Children's Literature Committee Picture This! List 2016|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref>
=== Evil Librarian === * Sid Fleischman Award for Humor (2015)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scbwi.org/sid-fleischman-award-winners/|title=SCBWI {{!}} Sid Fleischman Award Winners|website=www.scbwi.org|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * YALSA 2015 Best Fiction for Young Adults<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2015-best-fiction-young-adults|title=2015 Best Fiction for Young Adults|last=NGILBERT|date=2015-02-03|newspaper=Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)|access-date=2016-11-27|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512184356/http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2015-best-fiction-young-adults|archivedate=2015-05-12}}</ref> * New England Book Show Winner (2015)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newenglandbookshow.org/winners-circle-archive.html|title=Winners Circle Archive|website=the new england book show|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * Green Mountain Book Award Master List (2015-2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://libraries.vermont.gov/sites/libraries/files/CBEC/BookAwards/GreenMt/GMBAMasterlist15-16with_images.pdf|title=GMBA Master List 2015-2016|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref>
=== The Dragon of Trelian === * VOYA Top Shelf Fiction, Middle School Readers * Summer 2009 Kids’ Indie Next List selection * Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Master List (2010-2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://libraries.vermont.gov/services/children_and_teens/book_awards/dcf#Past%20Nominees%20and%20Winners|title=Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award {{!}} Department of Libraries|website=libraries.vermont.gov|access-date=2016-11-27}}</ref> * SCBWI 2016 Summer Reading List<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scbwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/SCBWI-Reading-List-Summer-2016_complete.pdf|title=SCBWI Summer Reading List 2016|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Michelle Knudsen}} * [http://www.michelleknudsen.com/ Author website]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Knudsen, Michelle}} [[Category:21st-century American novelists]] [[Category:American children's writers]] [[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Cornell University alumni]] [[Category:Vermont College of Fine Arts alumni]] [[Category:21st-century American short story writers]] [[Category:21st-century American women novelists]]