Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wannabe knight proves herself in charming friendship tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In Knight Owl, the first book in this series, an adorable owl works hard to achieve his dream of becoming a knight and ends up saving the castle. In KNIGHT OWL AND EARLY BIRD, a cute little yellow bird has the same ambition, but Knight Owl finds her relentless enthusiasm annoying—especially when she keeps him awake while he's trying to sleep after his long Knight Night Watch. Will they ever get their opposite schedules to work to so the castle will be safe around the clock? Will Early Bird prove herself worthy of being a knight?
Is It Any Good?
This delightful sequel finds a cute little bird with the same ambition Knight Owl had, but she tries his patience with her persistence. He takes her on as a sort of apprentice, and comes to care about and appreciate her. Author-illustrator Christopher Denise's amazing illustrations continue to explore the castle environment in Knight Owl and Early Bird, especially the darkness of the night and the glowing fires and wolves' eyes that penetrate it. It's great to be back in the well-conceived world of Knight Owl!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage shown in Knight Owl and Early Bird. Do you have to be big and strong to show courage? How does Early Bird get the knights to help when wolves threaten Knight Owl?
Are you a night owl or an early bird? Do you wake up earlier or later than other people in your family? Have others made you wait to play with them becasue they were still waking up? What happened?
Do you ever think about what it was like to live in the time of knights and castles? What threatened people inside the castles besides wolves?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Christopher Denise
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : October 15, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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