Knight Owl (Caldecott Honor Award Winner) (The Knight Owl Series, 1)

#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

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

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