Before I even saw the book, I fell in love with the title. I love wordplay. But, after I picked up Christopher Denise’s Knight Owl, I was thoroughly caught up in the little owl’s world. Denise has illustrated other books, but this is the first he has written and illustrated. It’s sweet and charming. I love the illustrations so much that I’ve shared this book at work, and I bought copies for a friend and myself. Even the endpapers are perfect in this book, dragons mixed with knights’ helmets. If you pick up this book, look at every detail of the illustrations.
Let’s take just the first page. “Since the day he hatched, Owl had one wish.” He wants to be a knight. On that first page, he’s dressed in kitchen pans as armor, with a wooden spoon as a lance. His wide-eyed mother is serving up mice for dinner. His father, with half-opened eyes, looks weary of Owl’s playacting. Father is reading “The Olden Times” newspaper, with headlines about missing knights and dragon sightings. Even that page is perfect.
When the knights began to disappear from the castle, Owl applies to Knight School, and is accepted. He’s an excellent student but his armor is a little too big for him to handle, and he nods off because he is nocturnal. After he graduates, he’s assigned the “Knight Night Watch”. As an owl, he’s very good at his job.
Of course, Owl encounters a dragon. Of course, when the dragon wants to eat him, the newest knight hatches a plan. He’s a very wise young owl.
I only review children’s books now and then when I fall in love with one. Knight Owl is my latest treasure. As I said, I bought a copy for myself. It’s worth sharing with adults in your life. The illustrations are warm and beautiful. I think I need to pick up some of the other books illustrated by Christopher Denise. This book pleases my heart.
Here’s the title page.
Christopher Denise’s website is https://www.christopherdenise.com/
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise. Christy Ottaviano Books/Hachette Book Group, 2022. ISBN 9780316310628 (hardcover), 48p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
Sounds cute. Unfortunately my library doesn’t have this
Well, darn, Sandy. It is cute.
It’s adorable. I love the illustrations.
I do, too, Jeff. And, they only get better.
I’ll be buying this book for sure! I love children’s book. Thanks, Lesa!
My copy should arrive today, Kathy. You’re welcome. I just love this book.
Adorable. I looked it up and got to see the illustrations.
The book below reminded me of myself, but instead too many carrots, I have too many books.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1623706386/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=1623706386&pd_rd_w=NVAj3&pf_rd_p=c201ea52-e52a-4b28-967b-9c2cae823bd5&pd_rd_wg=TCOdw&pf_rd_r=W5K5M79WWBYQMEY8KNS8&pd_rd_r=d60a5be3-343d-41fb-8d48-5715d0a71cd9&s=books&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUTk4T0NEWUZPWjcxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDY2MzUzMVdSR0o3MU5PUzZHNyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzA3NjEwMjJaMlJYOVNJVUM4RCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
That’s funny, Carolee. Can there ever be too many books?
I can certainly see the attraction. Beautiful and clever.
It is, Carol Jeanne. I love this book.
Ordering for my granddaughter! Have seen multiple reviews for the book, all very positive!
I don’t think you’ll be sorry, Jennifer!
OH! This is TOO adorable!!!!!!! I am already I love with it! And I love you to the moon and back. Thank you, Lesa.
Kaye, You’re an artist. I can’t wait for you to see every little detail of the illustrations in this book! You’re welcome, sister of my heart!
How did I miss this review? Looks wonderful!
It is wonderful, Rick!