Carl the Complainer

The popular Social Studies Connects series links history, geography, civics and economics to kids’ daily lives. Featuring stories with diverse characters who face situations young readers can relate to, these books support reading and social studies skills including researching, inferring, comparing, and communication. An activity to stimulate curiosity about the world is included in each book!

Carl complains about everything -- until he discovers how to turn complaints into action! (Social Studies Topic: Civics/Petitions)Michelle Knudsen is the author of many books, including the fantasy novels The Dragon of Trelian and The Princess of Trelian. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling picture book Library Lion, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, as well as the picture books Argus, illustrated by Andréa Wesson, and Big Mean Mike, illustrated by Scott Magoon. Michelle Knudsen lives in Brooklyn, New York. Maryann Cocca-Leffler grew up in the Boston area where she received a BFA in illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art. She has written and/or illustrated over 35 books including Edgar Degas: Paintings that Dance (Grosset/Putnam), Bus Route to Boston, Clams All Year, and Wanda’s Roses (Boyds Mills Press). Several of Maryann’s books have won major awards. Bus Route to Boston was an ABA Pick of the List as well as a Parent’s Choice Award winner. Maryann lives in Amherst, New Hampshire, with her husband, two daughters, Bianca the cat, and Madeline the dog.