Knight Owl, Christopher Denise
Knight Owl, Christopher Denise
List: $4.99 | Sale: $3.50
Club: $2.49

Knight Owl

Author: Christopher Denise

Narrator: James Langton

Unabridged: 6 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/16/2023


Synopsis

A Caldecott Honor Winner and New York Times 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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Tim on March 28, 2022

Owl wants to be a Knight. He's brave, studious and courageous… he's also short, not particularly strong and sleeps all day. That said he's perfect for the Knight's Night Watch, but what happens we he encounters a dragon? This is a cute little kids book, about being courageous. The drawings aren't sca......more

Goodreads review by Scottsdale Public Library on May 19, 2023

"Owl at Home" by Lobel meets "Game of Throne's" Samwell meets a Smaug. Although you wouldn’t think it by looking at him, Owl has so much to offer the Knight Night Watch and proves so by taking on danger in his own unique way and saves the day. The puns and references are witty, the message is relevant......more

Goodreads review by Darla on July 21, 2022

This book is full of surprises and punny phrases. A little night owl trains and works hard to become a Knight Owl. What will he do when a dragon appears during his Knight Night Watch? The little owl has no chance against a hungry dragon, or does he? Maybe a brilliant idea will turn them from friends......more

Goodreads review by Julia on December 27, 2023

I LOVED this children's book! The message is so encouraging: Even the tiniest have a chance against all odds when they use "smarts" instead of size to evolve into a hero. Also, what seems like a limitation (being awake at night while most are sleeping) can turn out to be a gift in disguise!!! The ill......more

Goodreads review by Matal “The Mischling Princess” on December 08, 2023

I have read more picture books than I can possibly count. But I have never read a more beautiful PB than “Knight Owl” by Christopher Denise. Denise won a Caldecott Honor for 2022. But to be honest, I firmly believe that this book should have been the winner, hands down. The story is quaint and cute.......more


Quotes

Praise for Knight Owl:
A Caldecott Honor Winner 
A New York Times 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 PW Gift Guide Selection
A Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book
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 Cybils Award Winner

An Oklahoma Redbud Read-Aloud Award Winner​
A Junior Library Guild 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