Christopher Denise

Christopher Denise is a children's book illustrator and author who lives and works in Rhode Island. Over a long career he has illustrated many picture books, beginning with The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship, and his work includes Groundhug Day, Firefly Hollow, Baking Day at Grandma's, Oliver Finds His Way and books connected to Brian Jacques's Redwall series.

Knight Owl (2022) marked his debut as both author and illustrator. The story of a small owl who dreams of becoming a knight, graduates from Knight School and takes the night watch at a castle received a 2023 Caldecott Honor and became a New York Times bestseller.

Denise is known for warm, richly detailed paintings, often featuring animal characters, in picture books written for young children.