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Orris and Timble: The Beginning book cover

Orris and Timble: The Beginning

by Kate DiCamillo

Candlewick Press 2024

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English Juvenile Fiction
87
Pages
0.5
AR Points
39m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Animal Fantasy

Themes

  • friendship
  • kindness
  • courage
  • trust
  • empathy
  • loneliness
  • unlikely allies
  • making good choices

About this book

Orris the rat prefers his quiet life in an old barn, until a young owl named Timble is caught in a trap and needs help. Choosing kindness over fear, Orris faces the tricky question of whether natural enemies can become friends. With short chapters, gentle humor, and big-hearted moments, this early-reader tale explores bravery and connection. Perfect for newly independent readers who enjoy animal stories and warm, character-driven adventures.

Setting: an old barn on a rural farm, mostly at night

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Orris and Timble: The Beginning right for my child?

Yes — Orris and Timble: The Beginning is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include friendship, kindness, courage.

How long does it take to read Orris and Timble: The Beginning?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Orris and Timble: The Beginning takes around 39m to finish. The book has 5,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Orris and Timble: The Beginning have an AR quiz?

Yes — Orris and Timble: The Beginning has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Orris and Timble: The Beginning?

Orris and Timble: The Beginning has an AR reading level of 3, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.