The Beginning (Orris and Timble #1)

by Kate DiCamillo (Author) Carmen Mok (Illustrator)

The Beginning (Orris and Timble #1)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

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.

Select format:
Hardcover
$16.99

ALA/Booklist

Twice a Newbery medalist, DiCamillo knows how to tap into readers' hearts, no matter their age.

Publishers Weekly

The spirits of Frog and Toad are alive and well in this moving and funny first volume in an early reader trilogy by DiCamillo (Ferris), which chronicles the unlikely blossoming friendship between a cynical rat and a curious, naive owl. Orris the rat is perfectly content living safe and alone in his cozy barn nest where a treasured sardine can advertises, "Make the good and noble choice!!" But Orris's peace is shattered when a fluffy white owl with shiny yellow eyes gets caught in a barn-floor mousetrap and screeches for help. Conflicted about aiding his natural predator, Orris grudgingly ("For the love of Pete") heeds the sardine can's motto and embarks on a heart-pounding quest to free the ensnared owl, Timble. Orris is not only a doer of good deeds, he's a gifted storyteller to boot, and both protagonists learn to trust in the easy rhythm and happy feelings brought about by sharing tales with a friend. DiCamillo expertly wraps humor, kindness, the courage that purpose ignites, and a love of story into a concise, welcoming package. Quiet watercolor-and-pencil scenes by Mok (Cone Dog) are rendered in shadowy nighttime grays, blacks, and browns that crisply contrast Timble's bright plumage. Ages 5-8. (Apr.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

DiCamillo sets the stage for an unlikely friendship and a new early chapter-book series grounded in kindness and a love of storytelling. Her short chapters are wonderfully illustrated by Mok, whose gouache, colored pencil, and graphite artwork lend endearing details and warmth to the story. Young readers will look forward to seeing what adventures are in store for this darling duo. . . Twice a Newbery medalist, DiCamillo knows how to tap into readers' hearts, no matter their age.
—Booklist

With Orris & Timble, DiCamillo returns to the early reader-ish realm for the first time since Bink & Gollie. Expect another wonderfully unlikely friendship, beautifully told.
—100 Scope Notes
Kate DiCamillo
Kate DiCamillo is one of America's most beloved storytellers. She is a former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and a two-time Newbery Medalist. Born in Philadelphia, she grew up in Florida and now lives in Minneapolis.

Carmen Mok is an award-winning illustrator of several acclaimed picture books with experience in product design, hand-lettering, and graphic design. She studied studio art at the University of Waterloo and craft design at Sheridan College, both in Ontario. Carmen Mok lives in Toronto, Canada.
Classification
-
ISBN-13
9781536222791
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Candlewick Press (MA)
Publication date
April 30, 2024
Series
Orris and Timble
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV002180 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
Picture books
Owls
Rats
Animal fiction
Barns
Animal traps

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!