Orris and Timble: The Beginning

This charming early-reader chapter book, the first in a trilogy by Kate DiCamillo, introduces Orris, a solitary rat, and Timble, a naive owl. When Timble gets caught in a trap, Orris faces a moral dilemma: help his natural predator or maintain his solitude. The story tenderly explores themes of unlikely friendship, empathy, and the power of making kind choices, all brought to life with humor and full-color illustrations. It's perfect for young readers ready for their first chapter books or as a heartwarming read-aloud.

From beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo comes the first book in a warm and funny early-reader trilogy about a misanthropic rat and a naive owl--and the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Orris the rat lives alone in an old barn surrounded by his treasures, until the day his solitude is disrupted by a sudden flutter of wings and a loud screech. A small owl has gotten caught in a trap in the barn. Can Orris "make the good and noble choice" (as the king on his prized sardine can might recommend) and rescue the owl, despite the fact that owls and rats are natural enemies? And if he does, will he be ready for the consequences? With humor and tenderness, two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo brings us this first of three tales celebrating unlikely friendship and the power of sharing stories and doing the right thing--a soon-to-be classic brought to expressive life by the full-color illustrations of Carmen Mok.