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Screenwise Verdict
This is what happens when a master storyteller turns her attention to the early reader format—you get actual characters, moral complexity, and literary craft in a package that's accessible to kids just learning to read independently.
Orris is delightfully cranky (he lives alone, surrounded by his treasures and discarded book pages), and the setup—should he save his natural enemy?—gives young readers a real ethical dilemma to chew on. DiCamillo doesn't talk down to her audience; she trusts them to understand that doing the right thing can be hard and that unlikely friendships are worth the risk.
The 4.8 Amazon rating and positive reviews from Common Sense Media and The Horn Book confirm what you'd expect from a two-time Newbery winner: this is quality stuff. It's the first in a trilogy, which means if your kid falls for this odd couple, there's more to come. A strong pick for families who want early readers that don't feel like they were written by a committee.
Designed for ages 4-8, which is spot-on. Works as a read-aloud for preschoolers who can handle a slightly longer story, and as an independent read for kids in that early chapter book sweet spot (grades 1-3). The illustrations and humor give it staying power beyond typical early readers.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92
DiCamillo delivers a gentle story about choosing kindness over instinct—a misanthropic rat rescuing his natural enemy (an owl) models empathy and moral courage. The tone is warm and tender, with humor that never turns mean. References Aesop's fable about kindness rewarded, grounding the story in classic moral tradition without being preachy.
Imaginative
88
A rat who decorates his hideaway with discarded book pages and consults a sardine can featuring a king for life advice? That's delightfully weird. The premise of unlikely friendship between natural enemies invites kids to think about breaking stereotypes and seeing beyond first impressions. Carmen Mok's full-color illustrations add visual richness to an early-reader format.
Safe
98
About as safe as children's literature gets. A rat gets caught helping an owl out of a trap—no violence, no scary content, no inappropriate themes. Common Sense Media notes it's appropriate for early readers and even younger kids as a read-aloud. The only 'conflict' is the internal struggle of doing the right thing.
Enriching
85
Two-time Newbery Medalist brings literary craft to an early reader—fine-sounding words and moral complexity (choosing nobility over self-interest) that work on multiple levels. The meta element of Orris being surrounded by stories from discarded books celebrates reading itself. Teaches empathy, courage, and the power of doing the right thing, with enough personality to keep it entertaining rather than didactic.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux) brings actual literary quality to books for beginning readers—not dumbed down, just accessible
The rat is genuinely misanthropic and the owl is charmingly clueless, giving the story real personality beyond typical early reader blandness
Celebrates the power of stories and doing the right thing without being preachy—Orris literally consults a sardine can for moral guidance
Full-color illustrations throughout make this work as a read-aloud for younger kids or independent reading for early elementary
First in a trilogy, so if your kid connects with these characters, there's more waiting
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What to Watch For
This is an early reader, so the vocabulary and sentence structure are intentionally simple—older independent readers might find it too basic
The premise of natural enemies (rat and owl) might need a quick explanation for very young kids about why this friendship is unusual
It's gentle and quiet—if your kid needs constant action and chaos, this won't hit
Conversation Starters
"Why do you think it was hard for Orris to help Timble? Have you ever had to help someone you weren't sure about?"
"Orris looks at the king on his sardine can when he needs to make a choice. Do you have something that helps you think about doing the right thing?"
"The book says owls and rats are 'natural enemies.' What does that mean? Can enemies become friends?"
