The Tale of Despereaux

Title: The Tale of Despereaux
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Timothy Basil Ering
ISBN: 0-439-69268-7
Format: Chapter Book
Pages: 270 pp.
Awards: Newbery Medal


Review: Despereaux Tilling is a small mouse who finds himself in a very scary situation. He accused and imprisoned for causing the death of the Queen during a dinner party because of a silly obsession with soup. It is the story of his trial and the people involved in it, as well as a story of love, music, and light. It includes characters such as Princess Pea, Roscuro the Rat, poor Miggery Sow, the Mouse Council, and more. It is broken up into four books each told from the different viewpoints of the main characters. It is about making friendships out of impossible circumstances and being a friend in one's true time of need. The audience for this book can be any young person open to the idea of hope, friendship, and determination. I found this book to be a classic tale that any child will enjoy. I read it to a 2nd grade class, and they were enthralled from the very beginning, asking me to read more and more each day. I also believe it is a story that speaks to readers of all ages not just children. I think we can all relate to Despereaux and some of the other characters making it a memorable experience for all.