Orris and Timble: The Beginning is pure Kate DiCamillo. Part Romeo and Juliet (enemies to friends), part the Lion and the Mouse (a rat saves an owl) and part a grandparent/grandchild relationship (even though there is a grumpy older rat and a young owl). This story is sweet, funny, and a little bit tense (after all, even if an owl says it is too scared to eat you, can you really believe it? Especially with those large and dangerous talons?).
When Orris, the rat, hears a cry one night, he looks out of his nest to notice that there is an owl caught in a trap. Scared, but wanting to do the right thing, he helps the owl. Only to then be stuck with him. Well, what do you do with a curious child? You answer questions, tell stories, and maybe just make a friend in the process. And the illustrations are absolutely adorable, colorful and perfectly minimal but not skimping on details, the illustrations support the story perfectly. Carmen Mok made the story readable by allowing you to read the art. Everything compliments each other, the derails are clever (I almost could hear the rustling of the hay as Orris hides under it), and the colors are both soothing and bright to capture the tone.
I am not an OMG BEST AUTHOR EVER fan when it comes to DiCamillo, but I do appreciate their work, and our new heroes Orris and Timble are two critters I Cannot wait to read more about. And I am sure ages (read to) ages 6 to 8 and 8 to 10 for reading will agree with me.
I found book two Orris and Timble: Lost and Found already! (As a reader copy on line and it’s not due until late April 2025/early May 2025). Equally nicely illustrated, the story was not as strong for me.