Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fears overcome, wonders shared in sweet series finale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
STAR STORIES finds longtime (if unlikely) friends Orris and Timble settled into a comfortable routine, as every night the owl comes and tells the rat about what he's seen in the world, and the rat shares the stories he's read in discarded books. One night, Timble offers to take Orris out in the world on his back so the rat can see its wonders for himself. Nope, says Orris. Timble is pretty sure Orris is afraid. Orris says no, he just likes his life the way it is. Timble really, really wants to show Orris the world, but he also knows when to back off, and let Orris come to the decision on his own.
Is It Any Good?
Enticing to beginning readers and the read-aloud audience, Kate DiCamillo's trilogy about an unlikely friendship comes to a sweet conclusion as an old rat takes to the air on the back of a young owl. As Star Stories unfold, Carmen Mok's lively, appealing illustrations bring Orris, Timble, plus their world, their joys, doubts, fears, and triumphs, vividly to life. Kate DiCamillo's story tugs at the heartstrings, tickling the funny bone, and fostering a sense of wonder and connection.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about tales like Star Stories where one character wants their friend to do something with them, and the friend doesn't want to do it. It's a common situation in real life—how do you respect each other's differences but still find ways to do new things together?
Have you ever wanted to do something but also been scared to do it? What was it, and what happened? How do you find courage to do new and scary things?
Do you like hearing about things in stories, or seeing them for yourself? Or both?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Carmen Mok
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Mice , Wild Animals ) , Friendship , Travel
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick
- Publication date : April 7, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 8
- Number of pages : 80
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : April 10, 2026
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