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Knight Owl (Caldecott Honor Book)
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 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.
A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a 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.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2022
About the author
Christopher Denise
39 books87 followersChristopher Denise spent much of his childhood in Shannon, Ireland, exploring castles and dreaming of great adventures. He is the illustrator of many critically acclaimed books for young readers, including Anika Denise’s Bunny in the Middle, Alison McGhee’s Firefly Hollow, and Rosemary Wells’s Following Grandfather, as well as several in Brian Jacques’s award-winning Redwall series. His books have appeared on the Indie Next List and the New York Times bestseller list. Knight Owl (march 2022) marks his author-illustrator debut. Christopher’s current adventures include exploring coastal Rhode Island, where he lives with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 841 reviews
March 29, 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 scary, and they are frequently funny, so it's the perfect book for a child who is a little nervous but is trying to be brave in the dark. My daughter really enjoyed it and it's a frequently requested "again, again" book.
From an adult standpoint, the illustrations are beautiful, and I kind of love the Owl asking "whooooo?" instead of the usual who goes there. 4/5 stars.
This is a cute little kids book, about being courageous. The drawings aren't scary, and they are frequently funny, so it's the perfect book for a child who is a little nervous but is trying to be brave in the dark. My daughter really enjoyed it and it's a frequently requested "again, again" book.
From an adult standpoint, the illustrations are beautiful, and I kind of love the Owl asking "whooooo?" instead of the usual who goes there. 4/5 stars.
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, and the illustrations are super adorable. Love it! -Sara W.
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, and the illustrations are super adorable. Love it! -Sara W.
January 28, 2023
Had to return to the library so I didn’t catch a quick quote from it but my daughter enjoyed it and it was a very cute story and very pretty pictures.
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 into foes. Hint: it’s round and cheesy. Share the story of this brave and clever little bird with someone you love.
June 10, 2022
*nonchalantly adds children's books so I can catch up with my reading schedule*
Okay, but this book was literally the cutest. Just go read it, okay. 😄
Okay, but this book was literally the cutest. Just go read it, okay. 😄
July 1, 2023
I walked past this book when being in town with my sister and it was so adorably cute that I HAD to grab it.
The story is that of a little owl that has dreamed of becoming a knight forever. But there are a few small problems with that dream ...
However, the little guy is not deterred but rather determined and before long, he actually is a knight ... which brings about a whole different kind of (not so small) problems.
A wonderfully cute story about dreaming big no matter what size you are and how everyone can change the world for the better and find friends and happiness.
The story is that of a little owl that has dreamed of becoming a knight forever. But there are a few small problems with that dream ...
However, the little guy is not deterred but rather determined and before long, he actually is a knight ... which brings about a whole different kind of (not so small) problems.
A wonderfully cute story about dreaming big no matter what size you are and how everyone can change the world for the better and find friends and happiness.
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 illustrations are OUTSTANDING! What talent!!!
I highly recommend this 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 illustrations are OUTSTANDING! What talent!!!
I highly recommend this book :)
August 27, 2023
I definitely get why this one won a Caldecott honor! The artwork is simply gorgeous.
Knight Owl follows an owl that aspires to be a knight. He goes through all of the necessary training to be one and finds that some of his personal qualities make the job a little difficult. However, it’s one night on patrol that this owl learns that he, in fact, is capable of doing the job like his human counterparts.
The artwork in this is so well done. It felt overwhelmingly beautiful. With rich deep and dark colors used for so many of the scenes, this is the perfect one to read at night. There are a lot of lessons to be learned in this book. Especially those about perseverance, believing in yourself, not being afraid to be different, and feeling confidence in the scariest of moments. Overall, this is a solid beautiful read and would be perfect for younger readers who love fantasy.
Knight Owl follows an owl that aspires to be a knight. He goes through all of the necessary training to be one and finds that some of his personal qualities make the job a little difficult. However, it’s one night on patrol that this owl learns that he, in fact, is capable of doing the job like his human counterparts.
The artwork in this is so well done. It felt overwhelmingly beautiful. With rich deep and dark colors used for so many of the scenes, this is the perfect one to read at night. There are a lot of lessons to be learned in this book. Especially those about perseverance, believing in yourself, not being afraid to be different, and feeling confidence in the scariest of moments. Overall, this is a solid beautiful read and would be perfect for younger readers who love fantasy.
September 8, 2022
I love him. He is the most precious bebe, and I cannot adore him enough! I immediately bought two copies, one for me and one for my sister, found out that she had already bought (or someone else had) bought her a copy, sent the second one to my niece for her precious little baby. Everyone must have this book! It is so dear!
April 29, 2022
The power of pizza wins again!
Once upon time there was a little Owl who dreamed of becoming a knight. A dangerous job at any size. But Owl is determined and applies to Knight School, where he works hard and makes his dream come true. Then one night, while on Knight night watch, he hears a “whoosh”. Owl is scared, but knows he has to be brave. So he puffs out his feathers and calls out, “Whoooo”. Come see who answers! Friend or foe?
The art! Oh, the art here is a treat. The blue, starry night pages are all aglow with fire light and surprises! The wide-eyed wonder and cuteness of our little, armor-clad hero will make you “aww” for sure. He’s just so sweet! And small! The imposing size of Owl’s sword, shield, and fellow knights all emphasize that point. But you know what? Heroes and dreams come in all shapes and sizes. Just be brave and work hard!
I’ve read this optimistic gem over and over again. It’s just too adorable to let go! I love every whooo, whoosh, and feather.
Highly recommended.
August 21, 2022
Perfect for the young child who is looking for a book about knights. A little owl dreams of becoming a knight; he applies to knight school, is accepted .
May 30, 2022
Our choice for children’s book of the year at B&N…. This is just hands down one of the loveliest picture books I’ve seen in a while. This cute and courageous little fella captured my heart ❤️
December 9, 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. An owl living in Medieval society desperately wants to be a knight, even though knights are disappearing into thin air. But being brave, the owl not only gets into Knight School, but he passes and is assigned to the Knight Night Watch.
This smart little owl found himself in imminent danger when a dragon descended on his tower. But using his intelligence, he outwitted a dragon—with pizza!—and soon became friends with him. Because of owl’s wit and bravery, not to mention their blooming friendship, the dragon quit eating the other knights.
Besides authoring this PB, Denise also did the artwork, which is breathtakingly beautiful. If anyone is interested in a loving, colorful book, then this succinct PB is a must have!
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. An owl living in Medieval society desperately wants to be a knight, even though knights are disappearing into thin air. But being brave, the owl not only gets into Knight School, but he passes and is assigned to the Knight Night Watch.
This smart little owl found himself in imminent danger when a dragon descended on his tower. But using his intelligence, he outwitted a dragon—with pizza!—and soon became friends with him. Because of owl’s wit and bravery, not to mention their blooming friendship, the dragon quit eating the other knights.
Besides authoring this PB, Denise also did the artwork, which is breathtakingly beautiful. If anyone is interested in a loving, colorful book, then this succinct PB is a must have!
Read
July 21, 2022This 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 into foes. Hint: it’s round and cheesy. Share the story of this brave and clever little bird with someone you love. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*
April 19, 2022
I read this picture book aloud at bedtime, and loved it until about the last page or two. It's the story of a little owl who wants to be a knight. A night Knight owl. The illustrations are wonderful and cuteness abounds. I laughed out loud at one twist, but then, the tale abruptly ends. Now, I know that this is a book for littles, and it all ends well, but that ending had me turning back to see if I'd missed something. A little more story development, and I'd have given this one 5 stars.
December 28, 2022
This was the favorite book of the holiday weekend for my oldest grandson.
An owl gets his chance of becoming a knight when there is a sudden shortage of knights at the castle. Unfortunately, the sword and shield are too heavy and the owl sleeps when all the knight schooling is going on. (Hehe) But he graduates to a knight and is assigned to the Knight’s Night Watch. (We had a blast with these knight/nights!) On one such night, a big dragon appears and the small owl uses his wit to save himself instead of his knightly body or weapons.
Pictures are adorable.
An owl gets his chance of becoming a knight when there is a sudden shortage of knights at the castle. Unfortunately, the sword and shield are too heavy and the owl sleeps when all the knight schooling is going on. (Hehe) But he graduates to a knight and is assigned to the Knight’s Night Watch. (We had a blast with these knight/nights!) On one such night, a big dragon appears and the small owl uses his wit to save himself instead of his knightly body or weapons.
Pictures are adorable.
February 9, 2023
Owl desperately wants to be a knight, but he's not sure he is up for the job. But then knights start disappearing and, he dares to apply. Off he goes to knight school, and, happily, he successfully becomes a knight and is assigned to be on Knight Night Watch. And it is here he faces his biggest challenge of all.
Such a gentle story, and yet such a powerful story, of courage and cleverness and overcoming obstacles, all told in a way that allows children to figure things out for themselves. You can't help but love Knight Owl.
Such a gentle story, and yet such a powerful story, of courage and cleverness and overcoming obstacles, all told in a way that allows children to figure things out for themselves. You can't help but love Knight Owl.
February 19, 2023
A cute little owl puts on a cute little suit of armor and cutely helps defend the castle as part of the night watch. It's cute.
(Another project! I'm trying to read all the picture books and graphic novels on the kids section of NPR's Books We Love 2022.)
(Another project! I'm trying to read all the picture books and graphic novels on the kids section of NPR's Books We Love 2022.)
May 18, 2023
THIS WAS SOOOOOO CUTE!!!
September 11, 2022
Nothing better than late night pizza parties. That's what Christopher Denise was thinking when he wrote and illustrated the book Knight Owl! Little owl wants so badly to be a Knight Owl. When he finally makes it, he must patrol and protect the kingdom by night, as one by one the other knights begin to disappear. Knight Owl is a problem solver - a real thinker on the spot!
One night, he is faced with peril. How does he handle this dangerous situation. The illustrations and use of lighting are delightful. A real sweet and chuckle-worthy story!
One night, he is faced with peril. How does he handle this dangerous situation. The illustrations and use of lighting are delightful. A real sweet and chuckle-worthy story!
July 27, 2022
Very good illustrations and a middling story. Owl's dream is to become a knight, and he works hard to realize his dream. Amazingly, he draws night duty, which of course is easy peasy for a nocturnal animal when his knight brethren want to sleep. He faces a big challenge and uses his brain to overcome stacked odds. Like others, I think the challenge (conflict) could have been much better developed without being too scary for this children. 2.5 stars, rounded up for the illustrations.
May 6, 2022
After attending Knight School, Owl is assigned to the Knight Night Watch. Very cute!
February 20, 2023
5/5 no notes
February 23, 2023
We are partial to both owls and wordplay in my family, so my husband, our young adult son, and I read this picture book together. It is adorable!
August 18, 2023
This book has been on my wishlist for a while, and I just so happened to buy a copy tonight and read it aloud to my husband. It’s so sweet and wholesome, and I think the message is one we all need: to be ourselves is to be bold, clever, and yield authentic friendships.
Definitely recommend! Plus Owl and all the illustrations are so well done!🥹
Definitely recommend! Plus Owl and all the illustrations are so well done!🥹
April 15, 2023
Gros coup de coeur pour cet album aux magnifiques illustrations et qui incite chacun à croire en ses rêves. C'est choupi comme tout!
May 22, 2023
An owl wants to be a knight. It seems a silly premise, especially when you add in some really big, hulking human knights for the owl to train with. How in the world can he possibly fit in? But he does, and he does incredible things which no one would expect, simply because of who he is.
There's a lot of deep messages here about dreams and doing more than you expect. Wow, this is really a cute book. Loved it! I actually read it a couple of times just to enjoy the story and the pictures over again.
There's a lot of deep messages here about dreams and doing more than you expect. Wow, this is really a cute book. Loved it! I actually read it a couple of times just to enjoy the story and the pictures over again.
June 26, 2022
Knight Owl, a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Christopher Denise, is freaking adorable. The cover illustration is very eye-catching and the story is cute and funny. This is a great book to read to kids. All the illustrations are well done and the Knight Owl is just too damn cute. Plus, there are dragons. Who can resist dragons?
Owl has always dreamed of being a knight and one day, he gets his chance. Knights are disappearing at an alarming rate and replacements are needed. Owl applies to Knight School and, to the surprise of his parents, is accepted. Owl studies hard and graduates with honor (as all knights do). He can’t wield a sword or carry a shield, but he is an excellent night Knight guard and patrols the castle bravely. One night, he hears a strange sound—it’s a dragon coming to eat him! Owl cleverly convinces the dragon that he, Owl, a creature of feathers and fluff, isn’t good enough for a mighty dragon. What should the dragon eat? Why, pizza, of course! From then on, no more Knights disappear and Owl makes many (dragon) friends.
The End.
Seriously adorable. The illustrations of Owl trying to hold the sword and shield are hilarious and the little guy is really cute in his armor. The pizza itself is funny. The box says “Squires” and “Kingdom Wide Delivery!” and “Fire-Roasted” with drawings of mini dragons, which is particularly amusing as Owl is feeding the fire-roasted pizza to a fire-breathing dragon.
I recommend this book as an excellent story for kids or adults who appreciate good picture books.
Owl has always dreamed of being a knight and one day, he gets his chance. Knights are disappearing at an alarming rate and replacements are needed. Owl applies to Knight School and, to the surprise of his parents, is accepted. Owl studies hard and graduates with honor (as all knights do). He can’t wield a sword or carry a shield, but he is an excellent night Knight guard and patrols the castle bravely. One night, he hears a strange sound—it’s a dragon coming to eat him! Owl cleverly convinces the dragon that he, Owl, a creature of feathers and fluff, isn’t good enough for a mighty dragon. What should the dragon eat? Why, pizza, of course! From then on, no more Knights disappear and Owl makes many (dragon) friends.
The End.
Seriously adorable. The illustrations of Owl trying to hold the sword and shield are hilarious and the little guy is really cute in his armor. The pizza itself is funny. The box says “Squires” and “Kingdom Wide Delivery!” and “Fire-Roasted” with drawings of mini dragons, which is particularly amusing as Owl is feeding the fire-roasted pizza to a fire-breathing dragon.
I recommend this book as an excellent story for kids or adults who appreciate good picture books.
April 1, 2022
This is a super adorable picture book about a little owl who longs to be a knight. Knight school is difficult and challenging but he makes it through with honors as all knights do. He's put on guard duty on castle ramparts and hears a scary noise. He's only a very little owl! The message of this story is to find common ground with someone you perceive to be an enemy. Once you find common ground you can become friends. In this case, the enemy As always, Christopher Denise's anthromorphic animals are utterly precious. I prefer his hand drawn illustrations but these digital illustrations are very very close. His style is the same, the strokes are just closer together. The owl is so gosh darn cute I fell in love with him. The are not scary looking at all. There's no violence, just a simple, subtle message for young children.
March 23, 2022
This book is adorable and wholesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 841 reviews