Two years ago, I fell in love with the illustrations and the little owl in Christopher Denise’s picture book, Knight Owl. It went on to become a Caldecott Honor Book, which means it’s celebrated for the illustrations. Yesterday was release date for the second in the series, Knight Owl and Early Bird. Naturally, I had to have one.
Knight Owl is captain of the Knight Night Watch, lighting the torches, and keeping the castle safe while other knights sleep. He’s an owl, so it’s easy for him to stay up at night. But, when Early Bird, an eager young knight-wanna-be, shows up, she’s too much for him. She’s too chatty when he wants to sleep, too eager to grow up to be like him, when he wants to sleep. They just can’t seem to get on the same schedule.
But, Knight Owl feels responsible for the young bird. When she disappears one night, he sets out to find her. But, she turns the tables on him, and has to come to his rescue. They do find a way to meet in the middle.
I still love Christopher Denise’s illustrations. But, Knight Owl, with its originality and humor, remains my favorite of the two. The books are recommended for preschoolers. Now, though, I’m going to hunt for a couple of Denise’s other books at my local library. He illustrated Firefly Hollow by Alison McGhee and Groundhug Day by Anne Marie Pace. Both books have charming covers. I’m going to have to check them out.
Christopher Denise’s website is https://www.christopherdenise.com/.
Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise. Christy Ottaviano Books, 2024. ISBN 9780316564526 (hardcover), 48p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.
