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

Firefly. Cricket. Vole. Peter. Can four creatures from four very different Nations help one another find their ways in a world that can feel oh-so-big? Delve into this “wise and lovely reading adventure” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) in the tradition of Charlotte’s Web and The Rats of NIMH, from the author of the New York Times bestselling Someday.“Firefly Hollow will set your heart aglow” (ALA Booklist, starred review). Firefly doesn’t merely want to fly, she wants to touch the moon. Cricket doesn’t merely want to sing about baseball, he wants to catch. When these two little creatures with big dreams wander out of Firefly Hollow, refusing to listen to their elders, they find themselves face-to-face with the one creature they were always told to stay away from…a giant. But Peter is a Miniature Giant. They’ve always been told that a Miniature Giant is nothing but a Future Giant, but this one just isn’t quite as big or as scary as the other Giants. Peter has a dream of his own, as well as memories to escape. He is overwhelmed with sadness, and a summer with his new unlikely friends Firefly and Cricket might be just what he needs. Can these friends’ dreams help them overcome the past? Firefly Hollow is nothing short of enchanting, reminding us all that the very best friend is the one who encourages you to achieve your dreams. Full-color tip-in illustrations and dozens of black-and-white drawings provide added glow.

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.