Knight Owl (Caldecott Honor Book)

by Christopher Denise, Christopher Denise (Illustrator)

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

In his author-illustrator debut, Christopher Denise's clever wordplay and detailed illustrations for Knight Owl give it the feel of an instant classic. Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight — but he'll have to be creative when facing the fearsome dragon. Owl's quest to become a formidable knight is perfect for fans of Dragonboy and Attack of the Underwear Dragon.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER •  CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD WINNER• USA TODAY BESTSELLER

A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart. 

Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial—a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.

Full of wordplay and optimism, this surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness (and friendship) can rule over brawn. 

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • NPR • Kirkus Reviews • Bookpage• Good Housekeeping

★ "[A] story with an amusing twist and a cute-as-a-button protagonist that charms on every level. This will satisfy a wide range of readers, from Dragons Love Tacos fans to wannabe knights." —Booklist, starred review

"It’s dangerous to label any picture book a 'contemporary classic,' but Knight Owl tempts you to try.... Sweet and epic by turns."―NPR

"Adorably earnest and gallant…. A charming blend of whimsy and medieval heroism highlighting the triumph of brains over brawn."―Kirkus Reviews

"Through delicately conveyed firelight, deep shadows, and even an imagined tapestry, Christopher Denise provides this cracking tale with illustrations that feel like fully fleshed animated classics as Owl’s actions subvert a traditional conflict story line."―Publishers Weekly

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316310628
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	03/15/2022
Series:	The Knight Owl Series , #1
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Christopher Denise is the award-winning creator of Knight Owl, which was a #1 New York Times bestseller; a Caldecott Honor Award winner; an ALA-ALSC Notable Book for Children; a Zena Sutherland Award winner for Excellence in Children’s Literature; was hailed as a "contemporary classic" by NPR; and was named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post, NPR, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Good Housekeeping. Christopher is also the illustrator of many critically acclaimed books for young readers, including Groundhug Day and Firefly Hollow. He invites you to visit him online at christopherdenise.com.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Knight Owl:
#1 New York Times Bestseller
A Caldecott Honor Award Winner 
A USA Today Bestseller
An Indie Bestseller 
An Indie Next List Pick
An ALSC Notable Book for Children
A Barnes & Noble’s Best Children’s Book of the Year 
An Amazon Best Children’s Book of the Year 
An NPR Best Book of the Year
A Bookpage Best Picture Book of the Year
A Washington Post Best Children's Book of the Year
A Kirkus Best Book of the Year
A PW Gift Guide Selection
A San Francisco Chronicle Holiday Gift Guide Selection
A Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book of the Year
A Cybils Award Winner
An Oklahoma Redbud Read-Aloud Award Winner​
A Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Honor Book
A Zena Sutherland Award Winner for Excellence in Children's Literature​
An Arkansas Diamond Primary Award Nominee
A Junior Library Guild Selection
An Illinois Monarch Master List Selection

* "Denise gives youngsters an old-fashioned story with an amusing twist and a cute-as-a-button protagonist that charms on every level. This will satisfy a wide range of readers, from Dragons Love Tacos fans to wannabe knights."—Booklist, starred review

"It’s dangerous to label any picture book a 'contemporary classic,' but Knight Owl tempts you to try.... Sweet and epic by turns."—NPR

"Adorably earnest and gallant…. A charming blend of whimsy and medieval heroism highlighting the triumph of brains over brawn."—Kirkus Reviews

"Through delicately conveyed firelight, deep shadows, and even an imagined tapestry, Denise (Groundhug Day) provides this cracking tale with illustrations that feel like fully fleshed animated classics as Owl’s actions subvert a traditional conflict story line."—Publishers Weekly

Praise for Bunny in the Middle: 

A Kids' Indie Next List Pick
A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year

"This sweet picture book acknowledges the special place each sibling occupies in a family…. Kids will savor adorable details, such as children's artwork on a bedroom wall and winsome animal students lined up for school in a tree.  Charming and comforting."—Kirkus Reviews

"[An] ode to the middle kid. The illustrations are lush…with inviting joy, and the subtle shading and gentle linework of the pencil and digital art envelop the scenes with a cozy feel. A nice gift for a youngster expecting a new addition to the family."

—The Bulletin

"The author deftly describes precise situations that require compromise…Denise employs Photoshop, Procreate and pencil for scenes brimming with affection. This creative team parents three girls and here shares insights honoring the child who’s sometimes overlooked."

—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2021-12-16
A young owl achieves his grand ambition.

Owl, an adorably earnest and gallant little owlet, dreams of being a knight. He imagines himself defeating dragons and winning favor far and wide through his brave exploits. When a record number of knights go missing, Owl applies to Knight School and is surprisingly accepted. He is much smaller than the other knights-in-training, struggles to wield weapons, and has “a habit of nodding off during the day.” Nevertheless, he graduates and is assigned to the Knight Night Watch. While patrolling the castle walls one night, a hungry dragon shows up and Owl must use his wits to avoid meeting a terrible end. The result is both humorous and heartwarming, offering an affirmation of courage and clear thinking no matter one’s size…and demonstrating the power of a midnight snack. The story never directly addresses the question of the missing knights, but it is hinted that they became the dragon’s fodder, leaving readers to question Owl’s decision to befriend the beast. Humor is supplied by the characters’ facial expressions and accented by the fact that Owl is the only animal in his order of big, burly human knights. Denise’s accomplished digital illustrations—many of which are full bleeds—often use a warm sepia palette that evokes a feeling of antiquity, and some spreads feature a pleasing play of chiaroscuro that creates suspense and drama.

A charming blend of whimsy and medieval heroism highlighting the triumph of brains over brawn. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews