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LuigiI - Il Ragnetto Che Voleva
From the New York Times best-selling creators of Library Lion comes a warm (and delightfully fuzzy) storybook about learning to be—and be loved for—exactly who you are.
On a street of old houses, a big hairy spider is searching for a home with dark corners to hide in. But when he wakes up, he finds a hand reaching for him and a lady proclaiming that she has always wanted a kitten—and will name him Luigi! At first, a somewhat puzzled Luigi, used to being left alone to creep and dangle and spin webs, resists her kind advances. But soon, tasty breakfasts and getting tucked into bed (no one’s ever wished him good night before) have him thinking that kittens surely live magical lives. I will be a kitten! he decides. But how long can he keep up his facade, and what might be at stake in pretending to be someone you’re not? The award-winning duo behind Library Lion delivers another classic in the making, marked by humor and depth, endearing characters, and the assurance that the right people will accept and adore us, unconditionally, just as we are.
On a street of old houses, a big hairy spider is searching for a home with dark corners to hide in. But when he wakes up, he finds a hand reaching for him and a lady proclaiming that she has always wanted a kitten—and will name him Luigi! At first, a somewhat puzzled Luigi, used to being left alone to creep and dangle and spin webs, resists her kind advances. But soon, tasty breakfasts and getting tucked into bed (no one’s ever wished him good night before) have him thinking that kittens surely live magical lives. I will be a kitten! he decides. But how long can he keep up his facade, and what might be at stake in pretending to be someone you’re not? The award-winning duo behind Library Lion delivers another classic in the making, marked by humor and depth, endearing characters, and the assurance that the right people will accept and adore us, unconditionally, just as we are.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 4, 2024
3565 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Knudsen
68 books391 followersI'm the New York Times best-selling author of more than 50 books for young readers for all ages, including the award-winning picture book Library Lion, which was selected by Time magazine as one of the 100 Best Children's Books of All Time. My other books include the picture book Marilyn's Monster (NPR's Best Books of 2015) and the novels The Dragon of Trelian (VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers) and Evil Librarian (YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults; Sid Fleischman Humor Award Winner). My newest book is LUIGI, THE SPIDER WHO WANTED TO BE A KITTEN (a new picture book with the wonderful Kevin Hawkes, published 3/5/2024). Next up will be INTO THE WILD MAGIC, a new middle grade fantasy novel coming August 2025.
I also work as a freelance editor and teach in Lesley University's MFA program in writing for young people.
I also work as a freelance editor and teach in Lesley University's MFA program in writing for young people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
April 5, 2024
THIS WAS CUTE! I’m not even a fan of spiders but this was endearing and gives great messaging about being yourself and making friends.
May 7, 2024
im sobbing
May 6, 2024
Luigi, the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten is…well, simply put? A great story! A silly, sweet, and meaningful story.
A kind, friendly woman treats a spider she finds in her home like a kitten. They play, nap, and hang out all day. Luigi, our spider, learns to like this kitten life and leans into it. Because let's face it, it's nice having a friend. But what happens when Luigi starts missing his spider ways? Will he lose his new friend if she finds out he’s not a kitten?
The idea of a big, hairy spider being confused for a kitten tickled my funny bone and curiosity. I can’t help wondering what may have inspired Luigi. Did the author find a spider as big and as cute as a kitten?! I liked the design of the book as well. The pages felt tall enough to hide in and behind. And the webs in the corner of the pages were a lovely touch. You might say I got caught in this book's web. :D
A fun tale full of yummy breakfasts, spider snuggles, friendship, and a big-hearted message of being yourself. Story telling at its best!
p.s. LOVE the spider slippers.
June 11, 2024
no one look at me, i’m crying in the break room
February 28, 2024
Luigi the Spider who Wanted to Be a Kitten is adorable and sweet. The notion of a big, hairy spider being mistaken for a kitten is comical. When the spider experiences treatment usually reserved for kittens, he decides to adopt the identity of one. However, he worries that if the truth comes to light, he won't be loved. In the end, the woman who adopted him admits knowing of his spiderhood all along; she thought he was having fun playing "kitten." Luigi and the woman speak honestly, resolve their misunderstanding, and reassure one another of their regard.
Luigi is a poignant story about honest communication and being honest with ourselves. You'll likely want to adopt Luigi the Spider yourself by the end of the book, cuddle him, and reassure him that he can play like a kitten, be a spider, and still be loved.
Beautiful and beautifully written.
Luigi is a poignant story about honest communication and being honest with ourselves. You'll likely want to adopt Luigi the Spider yourself by the end of the book, cuddle him, and reassure him that he can play like a kitten, be a spider, and still be loved.
Beautiful and beautifully written.
March 23, 2025
I bought this book to read to my class, and it was so so so good that I had to put it on my goodreads so I can remember this forever. Such a great story about being yourself, and I cannot wait to see how much the kids will like it!
March 11, 2024
Such a wonderful story of belonging. Being accepted for who we are! A feel good tale for children and adults as well!!
April 4, 2025
A strong return to picture books from Michelle Knudsen, the legend who brought us Library Lion! "Luigi" is a sweet, slightly weird story about a spider who pretends to be a kitten so an old lady will love him. It turns out, they were both deceiving themselves for the sake of companionship, but the old lady tells him he shouldn't have to pretend, and that she loves him for his spidery self. There's DEFINITELY a queer reading here, but I have no idea if Knudsen intended for that.
I quite appreciated the soft illustrations--it accomplished the difficult task of making a spider look cute and fluffy.
I quite appreciated the soft illustrations--it accomplished the difficult task of making a spider look cute and fluffy.
June 4, 2024
This book was really cute! I loved the illustrations and the story was heart warming!
June 27, 2024
Sweet and humorous book about the importance of being loved and accepted for who you are.
August 4, 2024
Read this book to Megan… she was near tears😂🫶🏼❤️ Adorable book!!
November 8, 2024
Stupidly sweet. Good tie-ins to self-acceptance, honesty, and changing your mind. For fans of Lilo & Stitch.
February 8, 2025
Cute as shirt.
March 5, 2024
Such a cute story of a spider who wanted to be a kitten bc he's friend thought he was one but in reality she liked him bc of who he was 🤍😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2024
A wonderful children's book about a spider that helps promote acceptance and individuality. It is recommended for ages 4-8, but adults will like it, too. It is nice to read a book that portrays an arachnid in a positive light so children don't think of them as evil beings that should be killed or that they should fear. The book is charming and uplifting. I loved it.
November 14, 2024
THAT WAS ADORABLE🕷️🩷
July 18, 2023
This spider breaks through the creepy barrier to achieve cuteness and proves that even unexpected creatures can be cuddly and adorable.
After entering a house, Luigi can't wait to crawl into a dark space and build his web, but just as he's getting settled in, the elderly woman catches him and claims he's a kitten. Before he knows it, she's feeding him, playing with him, and even wants to cuddle with him. While not sure what to think of everything, Luigi soon realizes that life as a kitten isn't that bad. Now, he only has to hope that the elderly woman doesn't realize her mistake.
Spiders can be cute, and that realization hits for some of us careful-creepy-crawly readers out there thanks to this read. Luigi wins over not only with his fuzziness, but with his loveable attitude...and desire to be loved. As a spider with a good heart and not the slightest evil intention, it's heart-warming to watch him step out of his comfort-zone (or be carried out of it, in this case) and grow with experience.
Inspiring friendship mixes with kindness and acceptance to form a wholesome read. There's just the right amount of tension to keep it interesting and a lovely twist at the end, which packs goodness all on its own. It works well as a read-aloud and will have more than a few readers wishing they could have Luigi as a pet, too. I enjoyed the originality of this one quite a bit, and with the touching character added to it, I can see this one becoming one of those reads, which often ends with an 'again'.
I received a DRC through Edelweiss.
After entering a house, Luigi can't wait to crawl into a dark space and build his web, but just as he's getting settled in, the elderly woman catches him and claims he's a kitten. Before he knows it, she's feeding him, playing with him, and even wants to cuddle with him. While not sure what to think of everything, Luigi soon realizes that life as a kitten isn't that bad. Now, he only has to hope that the elderly woman doesn't realize her mistake.
Spiders can be cute, and that realization hits for some of us careful-creepy-crawly readers out there thanks to this read. Luigi wins over not only with his fuzziness, but with his loveable attitude...and desire to be loved. As a spider with a good heart and not the slightest evil intention, it's heart-warming to watch him step out of his comfort-zone (or be carried out of it, in this case) and grow with experience.
Inspiring friendship mixes with kindness and acceptance to form a wholesome read. There's just the right amount of tension to keep it interesting and a lovely twist at the end, which packs goodness all on its own. It works well as a read-aloud and will have more than a few readers wishing they could have Luigi as a pet, too. I enjoyed the originality of this one quite a bit, and with the touching character added to it, I can see this one becoming one of those reads, which often ends with an 'again'.
I received a DRC through Edelweiss.
February 29, 2024
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion
At the top of the list of human animal phobias is spiders. Since I loathe flies and mosquitos, I personally like spiders and just put them outside when I find them in my home. That said, I was reluctant to like this book but by the end, I had tears in my eyes. Luigi is lonely and shy as he is very aware of how people feel about spiders. When an older woman finds him in her house and somehow mistakes for a kitten, Luigi decides to play along as the woman feeds and plays with him. But what is Luigi going to do when the woman invites her friends over and wants to show them her new "kitten"? I adored this book. The illustrations really make this book as even though Luigi is a large spider (probably a tarantula), he is drawn so adorably, it is hard to be afraid of him. And don't even get me started on the way he makes himself look like a cat! Luigi's emotions are so easy to empathize with through the illustrations and text and the message of acceptance at the end is so sweet, you might even find yourself teary-eyed over a spider. A wonderful book for anyone who needs to learn self-acceptance, empathy, or that spiders might not be so bad.
At the top of the list of human animal phobias is spiders. Since I loathe flies and mosquitos, I personally like spiders and just put them outside when I find them in my home. That said, I was reluctant to like this book but by the end, I had tears in my eyes. Luigi is lonely and shy as he is very aware of how people feel about spiders. When an older woman finds him in her house and somehow mistakes for a kitten, Luigi decides to play along as the woman feeds and plays with him. But what is Luigi going to do when the woman invites her friends over and wants to show them her new "kitten"? I adored this book. The illustrations really make this book as even though Luigi is a large spider (probably a tarantula), he is drawn so adorably, it is hard to be afraid of him. And don't even get me started on the way he makes himself look like a cat! Luigi's emotions are so easy to empathize with through the illustrations and text and the message of acceptance at the end is so sweet, you might even find yourself teary-eyed over a spider. A wonderful book for anyone who needs to learn self-acceptance, empathy, or that spiders might not be so bad.
March 15, 2024
This was so sweet! I went in to it a bit wary, because I feel like there's been a recent influx of books about Things wanting to be Other Things that are rather didactic. I mean like, it's always great to teach kids that being yourself is great, but can we get a little creativity?
Anyway, Luigi exceeded all my expectations! For one thing, the title is actually a little misleading - the titular spider doesn't want to be a kitten until he gets mistaken for one and treated differently (e.g. being played with, tucked into bed, and given a name). Luigi continues the pretense of being a kitten because he thinks if his real nature is discovered, there's no way he will continue to be loved as his "kitten" self is loved. This is a very poignant internal struggle, and I think this picture book portrays it well. The resolution isn't really unexpected, but it's an excellent end to the story, regardless.
And, you know, I teared up reading it. I recommend it for anyone looking for cute picture books. This one demonstrates that people will surprise you with how much they love you, and that you're worthy of love whether you're a kitten or a spider. Both good lessons for kids to absorb!
Anyway, Luigi exceeded all my expectations! For one thing, the title is actually a little misleading - the titular spider doesn't want to be a kitten until he gets mistaken for one and treated differently (e.g. being played with, tucked into bed, and given a name). Luigi continues the pretense of being a kitten because he thinks if his real nature is discovered, there's no way he will continue to be loved as his "kitten" self is loved. This is a very poignant internal struggle, and I think this picture book portrays it well. The resolution isn't really unexpected, but it's an excellent end to the story, regardless.
And, you know, I teared up reading it. I recommend it for anyone looking for cute picture books. This one demonstrates that people will surprise you with how much they love you, and that you're worthy of love whether you're a kitten or a spider. Both good lessons for kids to absorb!
March 22, 2024
When a spider finds a place to rest for a while and is mistaken for a kitten, he decides that life as a cat is probably preferable to being a spider. After all, kittens are petted and pampered while spiders usually aren't. The woman who finds him calls him Luigi, and several of the illustrations, created with
acrylic and pencil, effectively show just how much Luigi twists his body and fluffs out his bristles in order to look just like a soft kitten. Eventually, Luigi's secret is revealed when the woman's friends come for a visit. Embarrassed, he is ready to leave until the woman tells him that she loves him just the way he is and for who he really is. There are several lines that will touch hearts while someone is reading this story, but I had to wonder why the woman called him a kitten, "a very unusual kitten" from the very start. After all, it was she who put that idea into the spider's head and then he went along with it, getting better and better at being a kitten until he was unmasked. Oh, well, I'll choose to go along with the outlandish plot even though most of us cat lovers would never confuse a spider with a kitten.
acrylic and pencil, effectively show just how much Luigi twists his body and fluffs out his bristles in order to look just like a soft kitten. Eventually, Luigi's secret is revealed when the woman's friends come for a visit. Embarrassed, he is ready to leave until the woman tells him that she loves him just the way he is and for who he really is. There are several lines that will touch hearts while someone is reading this story, but I had to wonder why the woman called him a kitten, "a very unusual kitten" from the very start. After all, it was she who put that idea into the spider's head and then he went along with it, getting better and better at being a kitten until he was unmasked. Oh, well, I'll choose to go along with the outlandish plot even though most of us cat lovers would never confuse a spider with a kitten.
March 26, 2024
One might giggle at the thoughts this title brings. How can it happen that a furry spider wants to be a kitten? Michelle Knudsen shows us in this heartwarming story of a spider who crept into a house to find a dark and cozy space to make a home. However, things went a little differently than planned. A kind, older woman found him, named him Luigi, and simply said he was an unusual kitten, but she fed and played with him, as if he WAS a kitten. Luigi rather liked it! The relationship grew, although Luigi thought that any time he would be discovered, as a spider! Kevin Hawkes' illustrations with a soft color palette use his skills to transform Luigi, page by page, into a kitten-like, yes, spider! And the woman offers more kitten treats and kitten toys. Luigi's debut as who he really is creates a loving surprise and a big conversation about loving who we are! It's clever and a delight to read!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
September 29, 2024
Let me get the good stuff out of the way. This book is about true and total acceptance. It's a wonderful message. It's also about a pet spider.
This officially begins the spooky books of Halloween. OMG! this book gives me the creeps. A huge hairy spider moves into a home. This woman treats it like a kitten, cuddling it and feeding it and playing with it. She is pretending it's a kitten. The spider realizes it's nice not living in the dark corners and so he begins pretending to be a kitten for the later.
Jeez, the horror of this story is unimaginable. I have goosebumps still. This might be the scaries thing I've read in years and years. My skin is literally crawling. It's supposed to be cute and that is the horror of the thing. I'm terrified.
The artwork is all soft and very housewife. It simply sets up the horror of the situation. It all turns it upside down.
It might be the scariest book of the year. On par with IT.
This officially begins the spooky books of Halloween. OMG! this book gives me the creeps. A huge hairy spider moves into a home. This woman treats it like a kitten, cuddling it and feeding it and playing with it. She is pretending it's a kitten. The spider realizes it's nice not living in the dark corners and so he begins pretending to be a kitten for the later.
Jeez, the horror of this story is unimaginable. I have goosebumps still. This might be the scaries thing I've read in years and years. My skin is literally crawling. It's supposed to be cute and that is the horror of the thing. I'm terrified.
The artwork is all soft and very housewife. It simply sets up the horror of the situation. It all turns it upside down.
It might be the scariest book of the year. On par with IT.
March 19, 2024
What started off as finding a new place to stay turned into a whole new way of life!
A young spider appears in a new house that seems to have the perfect nooks and crannies. After a good nights sleep he is awoken by a soft hand scooping him up. The lady calles him Luigi and says he is a very unusual looking kitten.
Luigi is perplexed at first but then starts to enjoy his new life. As a kitten he gets to try new food, play every day, and gets to sleep in a warm comfy bed. This new way of living is quite nice, being a kitten is pretty wonderful.
But will Luigi’s new kitten life be jeopardized when the lady’s friends come over? I’ll let all you lovely readers find out for yourselves!
This book is charming and adorable, Luigi is such a lovable character: kitten or not!! I especially love the creative way the illustrator gave Luigi a kitten like look.
A young spider appears in a new house that seems to have the perfect nooks and crannies. After a good nights sleep he is awoken by a soft hand scooping him up. The lady calles him Luigi and says he is a very unusual looking kitten.
Luigi is perplexed at first but then starts to enjoy his new life. As a kitten he gets to try new food, play every day, and gets to sleep in a warm comfy bed. This new way of living is quite nice, being a kitten is pretty wonderful.
But will Luigi’s new kitten life be jeopardized when the lady’s friends come over? I’ll let all you lovely readers find out for yourselves!
This book is charming and adorable, Luigi is such a lovable character: kitten or not!! I especially love the creative way the illustrator gave Luigi a kitten like look.
May 30, 2024
LUIGI HAS TOUCHED MY HEART IN SUCH A SWEET WAY.
Dedication: To Kristin, who helps me through spider emergencies and everything, everything else - MK
To Theodore, Maia, and Esther - KH
First sentence: a big, hair spider was looking for a home.
Favorite sentence: he had never known that kittens lex such magical lives.
A big, hairy spider moves into a house occupied by a lovey older woman, who mistakes him for a kitten. She calls him Luigi, and feeds him snacks and plays with him. Soon, the spider wants to become a kitten so that he can make friends and play games. He likes being a kitten, but is now worries that the older woman will realize her mistake and throw him out, once she realizes that he is a spider.
I love this book. It reminds me of that Dr. Seuss quote that’s like “be yourself. Those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter.”
Dedication: To Kristin, who helps me through spider emergencies and everything, everything else - MK
To Theodore, Maia, and Esther - KH
First sentence: a big, hair spider was looking for a home.
Favorite sentence: he had never known that kittens lex such magical lives.
A big, hairy spider moves into a house occupied by a lovey older woman, who mistakes him for a kitten. She calls him Luigi, and feeds him snacks and plays with him. Soon, the spider wants to become a kitten so that he can make friends and play games. He likes being a kitten, but is now worries that the older woman will realize her mistake and throw him out, once she realizes that he is a spider.
I love this book. It reminds me of that Dr. Seuss quote that’s like “be yourself. Those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter.”
June 6, 2024
A spider hides in a house and is discovered by a women who calls him a kitten. Luigi finds that he likes breakfasts and pats and playing, and attempts to be the kitten this women thinks he is. Then her friends visit and it all comes out that they know he's a spider but loves him anyway.
While that is a sweet message, I'm a bit confused about why the women pretended that he was a kitten and put the thought into his head that he had to be a kitten to be loved in the first place. If she knew he was a spider, why not just say "You are a lovely spider" at the beginning?
The illustrations really bring this book up a level. They are adorable and full of little gems like spiderwebs in corners and Luigi using his legs to make kitten ears and a tail.
It's a bit long for preschoolers, but it would be lovely for primary school.
While that is a sweet message, I'm a bit confused about why the women pretended that he was a kitten and put the thought into his head that he had to be a kitten to be loved in the first place. If she knew he was a spider, why not just say "You are a lovely spider" at the beginning?
The illustrations really bring this book up a level. They are adorable and full of little gems like spiderwebs in corners and Luigi using his legs to make kitten ears and a tail.
It's a bit long for preschoolers, but it would be lovely for primary school.
June 10, 2024
Once there was a spider. A big, hairy, creepy-crawly, beautiful spider looking for a home. He finds one and the owner of the house thinks he is adorable. Also - that he is a kitten named Luigi! The lady treats him like a little kitten and he tries very hard to be one. But does the lady truly believe that he is a kitten? And will she still like him if she discovers he is a spider? A book that celebrates the joy of being loved for who you are - but acknowledges that pretending to be a kitten is also pretty awesome.
I am a big fan of spiders. I guess I can understand the fear factor associated with them - but I believe they are magnificent so the spider love in this book was great for me. If you don't like spiders, please read it! Maybe it will help you appreciate them a bit.
I am a big fan of spiders. I guess I can understand the fear factor associated with them - but I believe they are magnificent so the spider love in this book was great for me. If you don't like spiders, please read it! Maybe it will help you appreciate them a bit.
March 7, 2024
Luigi is a spider who just wants a warm, comfy home. He finds one and curls up. When the lady who lives in the home discovers him she doesn't scream, but she does assume he is a kitten. Luigi finds himself eating breakfast from a bowl, playing with toys and...liking it. However, at the end of the day he isn't a kitten. On the surface this is a really sweet story about a surprisingly cute spider who just wants to be loved. Underneath there is a deeper message about the innate desire we all to be loved for who we truly are. Lovingly written and gently illustrated, this warm hearted picture book will be comforting to anyone reading it.
March 6, 2025
When Luigi the furry spider finds a cozy home to spin a web and hunker down, he's surprised when the lady who lives there mistakes him for a kitten, scoops him up, feeds him, and gives him his very own bed. But he decides that being her kitten is nice so he works hard to pretend that he is one. They eventually realize that they were both pretending to make the other feel good and the lady tells him that she thought she'd wanted a kitten but now she realizes that she just wants him as he is.
OK, I almost cried at the end of a book about a spider! Very sweet story w/ cute pictures and obviously has a secondary meaning about accepting people for who they are.
OK, I almost cried at the end of a book about a spider! Very sweet story w/ cute pictures and obviously has a secondary meaning about accepting people for who they are.
January 25, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from Candlewick through Edelweiss+.
Readers meet a spider looking for a home. He finds one and the sweet lady who lives there thinks he is a kitten. He has a lot of fun playing at this and decides he likes many things about being a cat. When the lady "discovers"the truth, she invites him to stay and be her friend/pet anyway. I love the end where they spend time together.
Sweet illustrations capture the budding friendship. I love how the illustrator drew the spider altering their body to look more like a kitten. A fun and light read for classes and families.
Readers meet a spider looking for a home. He finds one and the sweet lady who lives there thinks he is a kitten. He has a lot of fun playing at this and decides he likes many things about being a cat. When the lady "discovers"the truth, she invites him to stay and be her friend/pet anyway. I love the end where they spend time together.
Sweet illustrations capture the budding friendship. I love how the illustrator drew the spider altering their body to look more like a kitten. A fun and light read for classes and families.
April 7, 2024
One day a fuzzy spider creeps into an old lady's home, and she mistakes him for a kitten. He decides to pretend, and it's kind of fun, but what will happen when the lady finds out the truth?
A very huggable book, this one points out that identity can be crafted by other people, but it's best to be accepted for who you are. Pretending to be a kitten can still be fun as long as Luigi accepts that he can be a spider whenever he wants. I love the illustrations, and I appreciate that spiders are shown in a positive light :)
A very huggable book, this one points out that identity can be crafted by other people, but it's best to be accepted for who you are. Pretending to be a kitten can still be fun as long as Luigi accepts that he can be a spider whenever he wants. I love the illustrations, and I appreciate that spiders are shown in a positive light :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews