A young girl escapes from a too loud and busy world by living inside a whale, but when her retreat is disturbed by an intruder, she learns people will be quiet and listen whenever she tells a story.

"Orris the rat lives alone in an old barn surrounded by his treasures, until the day his solitude is disrupted by a sudden flutter of wings and a loud screech. A small owl has gotten caught in a trap in the barn. Can Orris "make the good and noble choice" (as the king on his prized sardine can might recommend) and rescue the owl, despite the fact that owls and rats are natural enemies? And if he does, will he be ready for the consequences?"--

"A young teacher eager to change her students' lives with her books. An indigenous community with its own stories to share. And a great and dangerous serpent not to be underestimated. Set along the Amazon River, this stunningly illustrated story will spark lasting conversations about cross-cultural relationships, the importance of oral storytelling, and what it means to be a lifelong learner."--back cover.