There’s something about Kate DiCamillo’s Orris and Timble books that speaks to my heart. The current one, Orris and Timble: Lost and Found is a story of friendship, being lost, and finding your way home. Carmen Mok’s illustrations just add to the heartfelt, beautiful story. Take the endpapers. The opening ones show Orris, the rat, sitting by himself with the moon in the background. The final endpapers show Timble, the owl, flying toward the moon.

Timble is no longer the tiny owl that Orris saved despite the fact that rats and owls are natural enemies. But, one of Orris’ treasures, a sardine can, has a slogan, “Make the good and noble choice.” Orris did that, and he and Timble have been friends since. Every night, Timble comes to the barn, and Orris tells him stories. But, Timble is getting older, and he’s drawn to the sky, the moon and stars. Orris even tells Timble a story that ends, “By the light of the stars, by the light of the moon, I will always return.” And, Timble repeats that.

But, one night, Timble doesn’t return. And, he doesn’t return the next night. And, Orris’ heart is broken.

Ah, Orris and Timble: Lost and Found. As I said, it’s a story of friendship and finding your way home. As I understand it, this is book two in a trilogy. The third book will probably be out a year from now. Although the books are written for children, agers 5-8 or so, they’re for anyone with the heart of a child, a heart that recognizes bravery and friendship, and stories. I’ve been waiting for this sequel for a year.

Kate DiCamillo’s website is https://www.katedicamillo.com/

Orris and Timble: Lost and Found by Kate DiCamillo. Candlewick, 2025. ISBN 9781536225303 (hardcover0, 80p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.