Christopher Denise – illustratör

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD WINNER USA TODAY BESTSELLERA determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart. Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial-a frightening intruder. It's a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.Full of wordplay and optimism, this surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness (and friendship) can rule over brawn. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post NPR Kirkus Reviews Bookpage Good Housekeeping★ "[A] 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, Christopher Denise 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

A Christmas-cookie sweet story perfect for families to share! Three bouncing little bear siblings, wrapped tight in their winter clothes, can't wait to tromp through the snow for Baking Day at Grandma's! In a rhyming text that begs to be sung, the bears and their grandma pour and mix and stir--with breaks for hot cocoa and dancing--to create the perfect wintry treat. Then they wrap it up as gifts in ribbons to show that sweets are even better when they're shared. With a recipe in the back, this is a perfect family feel-good story for the fall, winter, and any holiday spent with grandparents.Praise for BAKING DAY AT GRANDMA'S:"This gentle story will leave children feeling warm and fuzzy. It’s perfect for individual sharing, storytime, baking time, and pretty much any time."--School Library Journal"A rollicking, rhyming salute to the grandmother-grandchild bond."--Kirkus Reviews"Three vivacious bears spend a pleasant and productive day with their grandmother in this warm tale."--Publishers Weekly  "[W]arm and cuddly and brimming with character..."--BCCB

When you’re in the middle . . . you’re not the oldest, and you’re not the youngest. You are right in-between. There’s someone bigger who helps you. And someone smaller who needs you. From the middle, you can see both sides. But being in the middle isn’t always easy - sometimes it’s hard to know what makes you special, or how to follow a path that’s just your own. But that’s okay. As one middle bunny knows, being in the middle means you are loved ALL around.This classic picture book celebrates the remarkable empathy of middles and the joys of self-acceptance, glowingly illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Christopher Denise. Perfect for fans of Little Elliot.

Winner of the Christopher AwardFrom a Caldecott Honor winner and New York Times bestselling artist and a Christopher Award–winning author, a beautiful, heartfelt tale of friendship, community, and hope after a difficult experience.Bunny needs a new home. After a long journey, he meets Willow and knows he will be safe beneath her branches. Every day is theirs to share. Just Bunny and Willow, Willow and Bunny.Then, one evening, an angry spiral whips through the wood. Every creature in the forest runs to Willow for shelter. As the storm rages, Willow shields and protects them with all her might. But when the calm returns, Willow’s beautiful branches are tattered, twisted, and forever changed. Bunny and the other creatures know it is their turn to help.This beautifully told tale by a Christopher Award–winning author and a Caldecott Honor artist offers messages of friendship, community, and hope after a difficult experience.