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Description
In the soaring conclusion to a moving trilogy, national treasure Kate DiCamillo shows how friendship, trust, and stories transform us.
Orris the rat and Timble the owl meet each night in an old barn to share stories. One night, Timble asks a fateful question: \"Why don't you ever leave the barn, Orris?\" Strong and brave, the owl offers to carry the rat on his back so Orris can see the world for himself—the rivers, farms, and mountains.
But why would Orris leave when all he needs is there: his books, the moon and stars, and Timble's nightly tales of adventure? In this exquisitely illustrated early-reader trilogy, two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo reveals how trust and friendship can lift us into our best lives.
\"The rat and the owl were friends.\" With the direct and uncomplicated grace characteristic of DiCamillo's narration, the first chapter of this third \"Orris and Timble\" book shows readers the erudite rat and the earnest owl enjoying one another's conversation and companionable silence. But when Timble gently presses Orris to \"see the world\" with him on night flights, the rat resists. Why go anywhere when everything the rat loves is right here? The ecstasy of a gold-tinged flying dream and the wordless judgment of a sardine can prompt the rat to consider that maybe Timble is right: maybe Orris is just afraid and owes a little more trust to this cherished friend. Much like DiCamillo's writing, Mok's warm illustrations elicit a feast of emotions with tender simplicity. One page turn offers a glimpse of Orris emerging from a feather-clinging, eyes-shut-tight anxiety to an apprehensive peek at the view from Timble's back; it's stunning and evocative. Here is a story in which silence and space between characters is robust and patient enough to carry the weight of an evolving friendship. Newly independent readers will watch these storytelling friends navigate fear and trust, the vulnerability to extend an invitation and the courage to accept it.
VERDICT As a balm to frenetic, quick-cut storytelling; as a soul-filling friendship tale; as the satisfying conclusion to a beautiful series--there are endless reasons to fall in love with this early chapter book.
Copyright 2026 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Kate DiCamillo is the celebrated author of many books for children, including Flora & Ulysses and The Tale of Despereaux, both of which received Newbery Medals. A former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, she lives in Minneapolis. Harry Bliss is a cartoonist and cover artist for TheNew Yorker. He has illustrated many picture books, including the #1 New York Times best-selling series by Doreen Cronin that began with Diary of a Worm, and he has both written and illustrated several picture books, including Grace for Gus and Luke on the Loose. Harry Bliss lives in New Hampshire.
