Make Way for Harriet and May

Join May and her cherished stuffed spider, Harriet, as May learns to be brave and step out of her comfort zone in this joyful story about being different.

​Sometimes the world can be too much for May. Too loud. Too busy. Too people-y. But then she spies Harriet, a gloriously big stuffed spider, and takes her home. Soon May and Harriet become inseparable. Snug in a Harriet hug, May can brave public places; when things are too loud, Harriet's legs can act as earplugs. With Harriet by her side, May feels safe, and the world feels less scary.

This playful and empathetic look at sensory sensitivities celebrates the different ways people experience the world around them and provides a relatable hero for all children. Parents will appreciate the tender message that May's differences are something to be loved and celebrated, not problems that need to be fixed.

Author: Elizabeth Weiss Verdick
Publisher: Worthy Kids
Published: 07/15/2025
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 9.64h x 9.30w x 0.36d
ISBN: 9781546008132
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 06/27/2025 pg. 1

About the Author
Elizabeth Weiss Verdick loves writing books that cheer kids on and help them grow. She is the author of the classic board book Teeth Are Not for Biting, part of her best-selling Best Behavior(R) series. Elizabeth writes for children of all ages, having created series for both babies and pre-teens, as well as picture books such as Small Walt, Bike & Trike, and Peep Leap. She is also the coauthor of The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Elizabeth lives in Minnesota with her family. Learn more at elizabethverdick.com.

Yana Kozak is a children's book illustrator from Ukraine. She earned a degree in journalism and worked for several years for newspapers and TV. For the past few years, she has been doing what she always dreamed of--illustrating children's book full-time. Yana mainly works digitally in Procreate. She is inspired by her daughter, always trying to see the world through a child's eyes. In addition to illustrating, Yana loves to read and has endless lists of books she wants to read one day.