The Tale of Despereaux

Dicamillo, Kate. 2003. The Tale of Despereaux. Cambridge: Candlewick Press.






Summary
This is the story of mouse called Despereaux. He was "different" from the day he was born. He was born with his eyes open, big ears and a tiny body. His mother named him Despereaux because of all the dispair in her life. He was not even expected to live, but he did. Despereaux was never able to fit in with his family. He just didn't like to do typical "mice" things. He was always daydreaming and he liked to read - which is very un-mouse like. Despereaux falls in love with the princess of the castle. This causes great frustration to the mice of the castle and they throw little Despereaux into the dungeon with the rats. Despereaux is such a good storyteller that the keeper of the dungeon lets Despereaux survive. He is even able to escape the dungeon. Despereaux finds out that his princess has been captured and he finds a way to save her.

Impressions

This entertaining and well written story is sure to be a kid pleaser. I think it would even be a good story to read aloud. This book has pencil drawn illustrations that compliment the text. The story has a good plot and an interesting narrator who keeps the story moving. The characters are well thought out and well developed.

Reviews

Publishers Weekly( April 24, 2006 ; 0-7636-2529-9 ) In our Best Books citation, PW wrote, "The omniscient narrator recalls Henry Fielding's Tom Jones, assuming a similarly irreverent yet compassionate tone and also addressing readers directly." Ages 7-12. (May) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal( October 01, 2004 ; 0-7636-1722-9 ) Gr 3 Up-In this delightful novel, a tiny mouse risks all to save the princess he loves from the clutches of a devious rat and a slow-witted serving girl. With memorable characters, brief chapters, and inventive plot twists, this fast-paced romp is perfect for reading alone or sharing aloud. Winner of the 2004 Newbery Medal. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.