New Picture Books: Knight Owl, Hello Puddle!, All from a Walnut, Hundred Years of Happiness

Four new picture books take a humorous look at knighthood, explore backyard science, and appreciate grandparents.

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise. Little, Brown, 2022,40 pages

Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8

Recommended for: ages 4-8

“Since the day he hatched, Owl had one wish. To be a knight.” He dreams in tapestry colors of bravery and cleverness and comradeship. But it seemed no more than a dream until a knight shortage developed at the castle. He applied to knight school, “and to everyone’s surprise,” especially his skeptical parents, “he was accepted!” Though small and feathery, he works hard for his knighthood and performs his service on the Knight Night Watch admirably. Until the night the knight discovers why so many knights kept disappearing from the castle night watch.

In the face of grave danger, Knight Owl keeps his cool and uses brains over brawn to meet the challenge. Ordinary friendliness helps, too. Little knight-fanciers (and their parents) will be totally charmed by the gorgeously-detailed, medieval-themed artwork tinged with whimsey. Enjoy the knights roasting marshmallows over brazier fire—at night, of course.

Overall rating: 4.25

• Worldview/moral value: 3.5
• Artistic/literary value: 5

Hello, Puddle! By Anita Sanches, illustrated by Luisa Uribe. HarperCollins, 2022, 38 pages.

Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8

Recommended for: ages 5-7

Spring is when puddles bloom, and some of them stay for a while. One little explorer discovers tadpoles hatching in a watery womb, then “Seeds take root,” “Swallows loop the loop,” “Mother turtle scratches and digs,” “Ducklings nibble” and “Snails make tracks.” Throughout the growing season and beyond the humble puddle waxes and wanes, supporting many forms of life. When winter comes it freezes over, but soon spring will begin the cycle again.

The author watched all this happen in a puddle at the end of her driveway, so everything in the book is possible for nature-watchers to see. Each double-page spread features a different life form, with a brief science fact in small type. Backmatter includes tips for making your own puddle for puddle watching, as well as more information about the featured flora and fauna.

Overall Rating: 4 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 4
• Artistic/literary value: 4

All from a Walnut by Ammi-Joan Paquette, illustrated by Felicita Sala. Abrams, 2022, 40 pages

Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8

Recommended for: ages 6-8

“One chilly morning when Emilia woke, there was a nut on her nightstand.” Grandpa put it there, and he has a story to go with it. It’s about how, when he was only a “little nut,” his family had to leave the country they’d called home and make their way to a new home in America. They could only take one small bag each, but Grandpa’s bag carried a walnut he’d picked from the tree outside his window. When they arrived in America, he planted it, but not in the ground. There were more moves ahead: to other houses and other jobs, other people and places. When Grandpa finally settled down with a wife and family, he could plant the little walnut tree in his own back yard.

It grew big and the family grew up, and now Grandpa is growing older and older. Emilia plants her walnut, and as her little tree flourishes, Grandpa fades. “Emilia held her grandfather close for as long as she could. Then she said goodbye.” But she has the trees—his tall strong one and her young slender one. There’s no dad in the story, which makes the cycle of family life seem incomplete. The picture of Grandpa’s life continuing in the tree he planted is incomplete, too: for believers, a new and glorious life awaits. But it’s a touching story of family connectedness lasting through generations.

Overall Rating: 3.75

• Worldview/moral value: 3.5
• Artistic/literary value: 4

Hundred Years of Happiness by Thanhha Lai, Illustrated by Nguyen Quang and Kim Lien. Harper, 2022, 32 pages

Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8

Recommended for: ages 6-8

“Every day after school An greets her grandparents in Vietnamese.” She pays special attention to Bà, her grandmother, hoping that this day Bà will remember who she is. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, but Bà never forgets her husband. Ông has a plan for helping her recall their wedding day, when they celebrated over a special dish while their guests wished them Hundred years of happiness. This specialty depends on gâc, an Asian fruit whose seeds come directly from their native land and watched over carefully as they grow. Once the fruit ripens, An helps with the preparation of xoi gâc, a sweet treat made with sticky rice. It’s a months-long process before the whole family watches in anticipation as Bà takes her first bite.

The saga of going through the dementia journey with a loved one is not rare in children’s literature; Lai shows it’s universal with this Asian twist. The story is simple and builds to a bittersweet ending, but though Bà’s memory loss is sad, her love is real, as is the love of her husband and family. Their life together, though it had its challenges (we assume they were refugees from the fall of South Vietnam) amounts to “hundred years of happiness,” rich with small pleasures and hidden delights. Lovely illustrations add to the ambience.

Overall Rating: 4.5

• Worldview/moral value: 4
• Artistic value: 5

Read more about our ratings here.                 

Also at Redeemed Reader:

Review: Dragon Quest is another fun picture book about knights.

Reviews: Other outstanding books by Thanhha Lai: Inside Out and Back Again (middle grade) and Butterfly Yellow (YA).

Review: The Runaways is a middle-grade novel about a grandfather with dementia.

Resource: A roundup of more Picture Books About Families.

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