A  New York Times  and Indie Bestseller • In this exciting adventure and follow-up to the #1  New York Times  bestselling and Caldecott Honor award-winning classic, Knight Owl makes an unlikely friend in the over-zealous Early Bird—who wants to be a brave knight, too. "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: Early Bird, his 'BIGGEST fan.'" — Shelf Awareness Early Bird wants to be brave and protect the castle, just like Knight Owl. But she falls asleep on the job and then keeps her hero up during the day with her enthusiastic chattiness, well-meaning questions, and cheerful owl impersonations. But there are strange happenings in the forest, and soon Knight Owl and Early Bird find themselves in the throes of danger. Will these two learn to work together to keep themselves and the kingdom safe?  Caldecott Honor winner and New York Times bestselling creator Christopher Denise delivers another endearing medieval tale that shines with warmth and goodwill, and shows just how important teamwork is to saving the day. Praise for  Knight Owl and Early Bird : A  New York Times  Bestseller An Indie Bestseller A Barnes and Noble Best Book of the Year An Indie Next List Pick A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year Illinois Monarch Master List Selection "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. Readers who loved Christopher Denise's  Knight Owl  will be thrilled to know that the titular pint-size hero is back—and he's got company."― Shelf Awareness Praise for  Knight Owl : #1 New York Times Bestseller A Caldecott Honor Award Winner  An Indie Bestseller  An Indie Next List Pick An ALSC Notable Book for Children A Barnes & Noble’s Best Children’s Book of the Year  An Amazon Best Children’s Book of the Year  An NPR Best Book of the Year A PW Gift Guide Selection A Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book A Bookpage Best Picture Book of the Year A Washington Post Best Children's Book of the Year A Kirkus Best Book of the Year A Cybils Award Winner An Oklahoma Redbud Read-Aloud Award Winner​ A Junior Library Guild Selection Nominated for sixteen state awards * "Denise gives youngsters an old-fashioned story with an amusing twist and a cute-as-a-button protagonist that charms on every level. This will satisfy a wide range of readers, from Dragons Love Tacos fans to wannabe knights." —Booklist, starred review "It’s dangerous to label any picture book a 'contemporary classic,' but  Knight Owl  tempts you to try.... Sweet and epic by turns." —NPR "Adorably earnest and gallant…. A charming blend of whimsy and medieval heroism highlighting the triumph of brains over brawn." —Kirkus reviews "Through delicately conveyed firelight, deep shadows, and even an imagined tapestry, Denise ( Groundhug Day ) provides this cracking tale with illustrations that feel like fully fleshed animated classics as Owl’s actions subvert a traditional conflict story line."― Publishers Weekly Christopher Denise  is the award-winning creator of  Knight Owl , which was a Caldecott Honor Award winner, a #1  New York Times  bestseller, and an ALA-ALSC Notable Book for Children, among many other honors. Christopher is also the illustrator of many critically acclaimed books for young readers, including  Groundhug Day  and  Firefly Hollow . He invites you to visit him online at christopherdenise.com.