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The Knight Owl #1
Knight Owl
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
41 books106 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 1,005 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.
November 4, 2024
"Owl was very afraid. But because he was now a REAL knight, and knights are brave, he puffed out his feathers and said , 'I am Owl, and I am a knight of the Night Watch!'" -- on page 31
Well, it's official: I have found my new spirit animal. Author-illustrator Denise's Knight Owl is a charming, heartwarming, and humorous tale of a valiant young owl who is stirred by the idea of honor and the promise of adventure to serve his medieval community as a knight. (An early page - which pretty much sold me on this wonderful book - depicts Owl as bedecked in a soup pot for his helmet, a cookie baking sheet for his chest armor, and wielding a wooden spoon as his spear.) Our nocturnal hero is assigned the 'night watch' to guard the castle after a number of his fellow knights go missing, and soon he faces the biggest moment as a rookie when coming face-to-face with a potential threat. This family-friendly tale will translate very well to children genuinely considering careers as first responders and/or in the military, OR their parents already in such positions.
Well, it's official: I have found my new spirit animal. Author-illustrator Denise's Knight Owl is a charming, heartwarming, and humorous tale of a valiant young owl who is stirred by the idea of honor and the promise of adventure to serve his medieval community as a knight. (An early page - which pretty much sold me on this wonderful book - depicts Owl as bedecked in a soup pot for his helmet, a cookie baking sheet for his chest armor, and wielding a wooden spoon as his spear.) Our nocturnal hero is assigned the 'night watch' to guard the castle after a number of his fellow knights go missing, and soon he faces the biggest moment as a rookie when coming face-to-face with a potential threat. This family-friendly tale will translate very well to children genuinely considering careers as first responders and/or in the military, OR their parents already in such positions.
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.
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 :)
November 21, 2024
“Since the day he hatched, Owl had one wish. To be a knight.”
This was 25 pages of adorableness! So cute. 🥹
This was 25 pages of adorableness! So cute. 🥹
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.
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!
March 9, 2024
Perfection.
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 .
November 5, 2024
This book was incredibly sweet. I loved Knight Owl, I loved his dedication and bravery, I loved how he thought outside of the box, I loved the artwork, I loved his parents’ expressions, I loved the pizza!
5, I just LOVED everything about this book, stars!
5, I just LOVED everything about this book, stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.)
March 3, 2024
C’è una spiegazione scientifica all’impulso di stritolare violentemente le cose che ci appaiono adorabili e questo libro illustrato potrebbe essere usato come esempio pratico perché… Guardate quant’è carino!!!
Sì, questo è uno dei tanti libri non previsti.
Sì, l’ho trovato in un angolo buio e dimenticato della libreria.
Sì, mi è bastato uno sguardo alle illustrazioni per acquistarlo.
E non me ne pento.
Come libro per bambini è molto carino, colmo di messaggi positivi e di illustrazioni sublimi tanto che ero troppo impegnata a fare le moine al gufetto che a concentrarmi sulla storia. Certo, avrei preferito che fosse medioevale al 100% e quindi sono stata destabilizzata dalla pizza, ma in quanto amante di tale dono divino non posso lamentarmi del tutto.
Da regalare ai più piccoli o irretire gli adulti con evidenti problemi psicologici, questa piccola perla sconosciuta è un ottimo libro da sfogliare e distrarsi dalla brutta realtà chiamata vita.
Sì, questo è uno dei tanti libri non previsti.
Sì, l’ho trovato in un angolo buio e dimenticato della libreria.
Sì, mi è bastato uno sguardo alle illustrazioni per acquistarlo.
E non me ne pento.
Come libro per bambini è molto carino, colmo di messaggi positivi e di illustrazioni sublimi tanto che ero troppo impegnata a fare le moine al gufetto che a concentrarmi sulla storia. Certo, avrei preferito che fosse medioevale al 100% e quindi sono stata destabilizzata dalla pizza, ma in quanto amante di tale dono divino non posso lamentarmi del tutto.
Da regalare ai più piccoli o irretire gli adulti con evidenti problemi psicologici, questa piccola perla sconosciuta è un ottimo libro da sfogliare e distrarsi dalla brutta realtà chiamata vita.
October 30, 2024
One of the best new children’s books I’ve read in years! Love, love, love it and so does my 3-year-old grandson!! Great stuff and hopefully a new classic!
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!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,005 reviews