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A review by katymul
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
From the moment I saw this book in the bookstore, it has brought so much joy to my life. As part of my degree in Writing for Children, I had to write a paper about the best designed book in recent years. My family scoured the bookstore, and we all agreed that my brother had chosen one of the finest: Knight Owl. I kept updating him about all the awards the book went on to win throughout the year, and I love that we'll always share it.
In many ways, it's a simple story of a tiny owl who feels unsuited to the role of Knight of the Realm but not only reaches the ranks of the knight night guard by determination but also solves the kingdom's crisis with cleverness and compassion. Even that is lovely, since the book turns "appearances can be deceiving" into "everyone can be useful and should be valued" TWICE over, both for our protagonist and forthe dragon who just wanted pizzas!
The artwork, however, elevates this book to new levels. The details that fill out the worldbuilding, add to Owl's character, and foreshadow the ending are plentiful and perfect. The comedy of the way Denise plays with scale is worth it, but the characterization just gets better and better the more you look. A superb book in every way.
In many ways, it's a simple story of a tiny owl who feels unsuited to the role of Knight of the Realm but not only reaches the ranks of the knight night guard by determination but also solves the kingdom's crisis with cleverness and compassion. Even that is lovely, since the book turns "appearances can be deceiving" into "everyone can be useful and should be valued" TWICE over, both for our protagonist and for
The artwork, however, elevates this book to new levels. The details that fill out the worldbuilding, add to Owl's character, and foreshadow the ending are plentiful and perfect. The comedy of the way Denise plays with scale is worth it, but the characterization just gets better and better the more you look. A superb book in every way.