Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Orris and Timble: The Beginning by Kate DiCamillo has positive reviews.

Is it distinguished?

It left me wanting. More of a beginning. Better illustrations. Something happy. Not enough to be distinguished..

Can the story stand alone or are the illustrations a must? If illustrations are a must then would this be a Caldecott contender? I enjoyed the illustrations. The cover is very appealing. This is a first in a series so this one is all about how they meet and a friendship in a unique circumstance is forged. I think the author wants the reader to want more because it it is a series for the lower end of the Newbery audience.

This is an introduction to two new characters and their story. I do think that the illustrations are necessary to the charm and appeal of the book. When I read it, I wrote in my blurb: Loved the story, LOVED the illustrations. Great lesson in rising above one's fear and how important it is to "make the good and noble choice." Not sure how it will stand up to other contenders though.

I agree with all of the above: I loved the story and the illustrations and I think both are necessary. I was also left wanting more, but wonder if that is part of the point. Most importantly, I'm not sure it will stand up to other Newbery contenders.

I think this title may have a better chance at winning a Geisel award. You never know. DiCamillo is a wonder. Anything is possible with her. The interior art is fantastic. I’m not crazy about the format of the book. I love dustjackets. This series doesn’t use them. Wish they did. It would make the cover image stand out even more.

If pictures are essential- it would be great to not put those titles on our poll and let the Caldecott group read it.

Shella wrote: "If pictures are essential- it would be great to not put those titles on our poll and let the Caldecott group read it."

Not essential or necessary for a Newbery win. For lots of people (like me), it does add to the reading experience and enjoyment.

Yes- I like them too but if they are essential to the story then that disqualifies for Newbery right? The text has to be able to stand on its own- that is what I was referring to. I loved this title, but if it is deemed the illustrations are essential, then it would be up for other awards as mentioned. If we know a title does not meet the Newbery standards that are more objective, then I’d love to not see them on our mock Newbery polls. Our suggestions should fit the known qualifications such as publish date, author qualifications, story stands without illustrations etc. The rest is up for debate- we just don’t have much of that anymore like we did a few years ago.

Building on Aesop’s fables, DiCamillo presents a model for making peace with natural enemies. An illustrated early chapter book. The text effectively presents characters, setting and theme. I didn’t find the illustrations as engaging as the text. This series will be a good addition to much needed chapter books at this level. But I am not sure that a story often described by reviewers as “sweet” can be considered distinguished by Newbery criteria.

I don't think the illustrations are distinguished, but that is irrelevant to the Newbery criteria. A great story well-written, but not enough of it to stand out (also too old for a Geisel) Time for a new beginning chapter category?

The publisher describes this title as an early reader book. It is eligible for a Geisel award.

Reminiscent of the Aesop Fable, The Lion and the Mouse, Orris the rat finds himself in an uncomfortable predicament when Timble the owl flies into a room adjacent to Orris' mouse hole, AND the owl becomes stuck in a mouse trap. Knowing the uncomfortable predicament that Orris finds himself in, he ponders whether he should risk his life to save the dangerous predator, or not. This suspenseful tale keeps the pages turning, since the gouche, graphite, and realistically lavish colored pencil illustrations of Orris and Timble's adventure makes the tension of their predicament uncomfortable and exciting. Orris and Timble the Beginning would make a perfect read aloud, as well as a gorgeous chapter book with minimal text that kids will love. What a beautiful story full of feeling and empathy, as this unlikely pair of animals begin to understand one another. Maybe a bit young for a Newbery book, but it will win some awards this year.

The criteria for the Geisel Award state that the book must be between 24 and 96 pages in length. Orris and Timble would appear to be eligible.

https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants...

I read this book a few months ago as I always read new Kate Dicamillo books. She's probably my favorite author still writing books. I would agree with what many are saying. It's a cute fun book but is it ditingished enough for Newbery. I don't think so. Personally I enjoyed this book but didn't vote for it as I felt it wasn't worthy and there were better choices. I'm starting to wonder of sometimes people vote for books cause they like the author and don't really look into what the books about. I was surprised this book won the poll. A good start to a new series and great for young readers but not Newbery worthy. I think Ferris is a much stronger choice for Newbery then this.

How about on the poll a quote is put from a nominator that has READ the book already and explains why it should be considered? This could be sent to our moderator. Kristin how are you deciding what ends up on the poll? So many of you get ARCs- I’d really like to know on the front end (no spoilers) why someone thinks is is worthy of our time to read. I agree- too many votes for want to read but not really considering its merits that might win it a Newbery recognition.

Shella wrote: "How about on the poll a quote is put from a nominator that has READ the book already and explains why it should be considered? This could be sent to our moderator. Kristin how are you deciding what..."

Thank you for the question! The poll is pulled from the contender's thread. We try to add all suggested titles to the polls and encourage everyone to add books that they think are Newbery worthy. When the contender thread is low we sometimes consult the 2025 Mock Newbery list on Goodreads, but do give priority to the group contender topic.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

Please see the topic- 2025 Contenders! - in the "Newbery 2025" folder of the discussion board.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

We also try to give a little space from publication date to allow time for libraries to purchase the books and catalog them for check out.

This has been a great discussion about Newbery criteria and what makes a book eligible, or distinguished, for the Newbery Award!

Thank you Kristen for all your work facilitating this Mock Newbery discussion.

Thanks Kristen- my only suggestion was consolidating the recommendations on the poll by putting the rational why we should vote for that title- what makes it worthy of consideration? That might help those of us that might not have read the title and it would be in one place. Thanks for all you do.

My brief review:
A sweet story that is perfect for children who have started learning to read. Every page is illustrated with charming paintings.
I agree that this book is a more likely candidate for the Geisel Award.

I enjoyed the story, but felt like many of you: that it's much more likely to win a Geisel than a Newbery. The story is sweet and felt very much like a fable.

Shella wrote: "Yes- I like them too but if they are essential to the story then that disqualifies for Newbery right? The text has to be able to stand on its own- that is what I was referring to. I loved this titl..."

Last Stop on Market Street was a recent picture book that won a Newbery. If we skip all those that use pictures we will miss the chance to find these books that are qualified if a little different than the typical winner which are often middle grade chapter books.