Readers who loved Christopher Denise's Knight Owl, which received a Caldecott Honor and was Denise's first picture book as both author and illustrator, will be thrilled to know that the titular pint-size hero is back--and he's got company.
In the first book, Owl saw his fervent wish to join the Knight Night Watch become a reality, and he used his courage and wit to outsmart a dragon. Owl faces an even more formidable foe in this follow-up: Early Bird, his "BIGGEST fan." Early Bird wants to be a Knight Owl, but Owl's nocturnal schedule proves an immediate obstacle. When Early Bird is ready to start her day, Owl is ready for bed, and when it's time to patrol the castle at night, Early Bird can't seem to stay awake. Tension between the two comes to a head and Owl tells Early Bird, "PLEASE GO AWAY!" She does. For entirely too long. Owl, worried about Early Bird, sets off into the dark, cold forest to find her and stumbles onto something much worse.
Young readers with little siblings will recognize Early Bird's personality immediately, and Denise finds plenty of humor in her character. The first time readers meet the plucky youngster, Denise accentuates her wide eyes and large, round cheeks. The next time readers see her, she's peeking over the top of Owl's sleeping form in an image many parents of young children will find familiar. The text of much of her dialogue is styled in varying sizes, a clever visualization of the "great deal of noise" she makes (and a hint for adults reading aloud to adjust performances accordingly).
As he did in Knight Owl, Denise skillfully employs a palette of warm golds and deep, occasionally chilling blues. He expertly alternates between charming vignettes (as when Early Bird stays "very busy and very noisy all day long" by banging her drum and admiring her knightly reflection in a mirror), single-page illustrations framed by generous white space, and cinematic, full-bleed spreads. It's difficult to live up to Knight Owl's near perfection--the third act's pacing here is rushed and the book's focus is somewhat divided--but most readers will be too busy giggling, gasping, and cheering to notice. --Stephanie Appell
Shelf Talker: Caldecott Honor author-illustrator Christopher Denise replicates the plucky charm of Knight Owl in this follow-up that sees Owl confront his most formidable foe yet.