“And lately Celeste had been finding something else on her expeditions upstairs: feathers. This was something new; she had never seen any before. Some were as small as her ear; others, long and pointy. Some were soft brown, others vivid green, still others brilliant blue and white.”

The feathers that Celeste finds during her expeditions to the dining room come from Audubon’s work with birds. They foreshadow her friendship with Joseph, the artist’s apprentice. Cole uses imagery to enhance the depth and beauty of many scenes. In this passage, the vibrant colors of the feathers contrast with the dim environs of Celeste’s nook under the floorboards. This helps the reader understand why she is so grateful for the new home Joseph later offers her.

“‘Just keep to the shadows. Keep track of where the food is falling. And watch out for the cat.’ Celeste obeyed the two rats. She knew if she didn’t, the shoving and biting and insults and bullying would only increase. She skittered down the dark passage.”

Celeste is exceptionally timid at the beginning of the story, largely due to the rats’ bullying. Illianna and Trixie’s cruelty connects to the themes of The Search for Home and The Importance of Friendship by making it clear that Celeste lacks a safe place to call home and friends who respect her. Additionally, the rats’ demand that she go to the dining room while humans are present gives the mouse her first glimpse of Joseph and Mr. Audubon.