There aren’t as many books about dragons and knights this year as in the past, but there was one that captured my fancy (and the fancy of all the booksellers at the store I work): Knight Owl. So I was quite tickled when it made the fiction picture book finalist list. I am not above admitting that I’ve created this list for the express purpose of getting more people to enjoy this absolutely charming book. (And be sure to check out the other knight and dragon books, too!)
Knight Owl
by Christopher Denise
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
“What a fun book! Owls are one of my favorite animals and I love the character Christopher Denise created in Owl.” – Bridget Wilson
Princess Unlimited
by Jacob Sager Weinstein; illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
Clarion Books
Luma and the Pet Dragon
by Leah Mohammed and Loretta Schauer
Welbeck Flame
Sir Ladybug
by Corey R. Tabor
Balzer + Bray
A Dragon Used to Live Here
by Annette LeBlanc Cate
Candlewick Press
“The characters are all cleverly drawn and appealing, and the story is rich with humor and fun. As a child (and, truly, even as an adult) I loved the stories like this, with illustrations sprinkled throughout the book, and with a feeling of magic throughout.” – Deb Nance at Readerbuzz
Dragon City
by Katie and Kevin Tsang
Union Square Kids
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor
by Xiran Jay Zhao
Margaret K. McElderrybr />
Tidesong
by Wendy Xu
Quill Tree Books
“I was excited to pick up Wendy’s middle grade graphic novel Tidesong for the art, of course, but I was also intrigued by the incorporation of water dragons, a gorgeous color palette, and a Studio Ghibli-esque feel. Tidesong did not disappoint – it’s a charming fantasy adventure with lots of heart.” – Cecelia of Adventures of Cecelia Bedelia
Squire
by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh
Quill Tree Books
“Oh, I loved this one so much. I loved that the authors are Jordanian- and Palestinian-American, and while this book isn’t explicitly Muslim, they are pulling on the cultures of the area. I loved that you have a girl who is learning and using her spunk to improve and gain respect from other people. I loved that they deal with prejudice and colonialism and war. It was an engaging story, with great art, and absolutely a joy to read. Don’t pass this one up.” – Melissa Fox
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
by Axie Oh
Feiwel & Friends
“A truly beautiful story with many elements of Korean mythology that will enchant you as you listen.” – Sondra Eklund