Elf Dog and Owl Head
| Author | M. T. Anderson |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Junyi Wu |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's fantasy |
| Publisher | Candlewick Press |
Publication date | April 11, 2023 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 240 |
| ISBN | 978-1-536-22281-4 |
Elf Dog and Owl Head is a 2023 children's fantasy novel written by American author M. T. Anderson and illustrated by Junyi Wu. Set during a global pandemic, it follows young Clay as he escapes into a fantasy world. While out wandering the woods on Mount Norumbega, Clay encounters the elf-hound Elphinore, who guides him into the magical Kingdom Under the Mountain.[1]
Reception
The book earned a Newbery Honor in 2024.[2] Reviewers called special attention to Wu's illustrations and their contribution to the fantasy atmosphere of the book.[3][4] Others commended Anderson's ability to weave together each character's different emotional state in a convincing fashion.[5]
References
- ^ Grossman, Lev (March 31, 2023). "You Think Your Dog Is Special? Meet Elphinore". New York Times. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ^ "Association for Library Service to Children - Newbery Medal Winners & Honor Books, 1922 – Present" (PDF). ALA.org. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
- ^ "Elf Dog and Owl Head". Kirkus Reviews. 91 (3). 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ^ Ellis, S. (2023). "Elf Dog & Owl Head". The Horn Book Magazine. 99 (2): 60–61 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Quealy-Gainer, Kate (February 2023). "Elf Dog & Owl Head by M.T. Anderson (review)". Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. 76 (6). Johns Hopkins University Press: 183–184. doi:10.1353/bcc.2023.0058.