The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
by Kate DiCamillo
Fantasy, Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Animals, Adventure, Classics, Juvenile, Chapter Books
Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other’s lives. What happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out.
Recommendations from Common Sense Media
Age Recommendation: 8+
What Parents Need to Know:
Parents need to know that Kate DiCamillo‘s Newbery Medal-wining The Tale of Despereaux is a thrilling story of a brave, giant-eared mouse in love with a human princess. By by directly addressing the reader, the author introduces many concepts to think and talk about. This book is an excellent read-aloud or discussion group book. It could be read to children as young as 6, but parents need to know there is some violence — Despereaux’s tail is cut off, and a girl’s ears are boxed until she’s partially deaf. This memorable book has the feel of a classic and was adapted for a movie, DS game, and a console game.
Educational Value: 1/5
Exposes kids to a medieval setting and quest-style fairy tale.
Positive Messages: 5/5
Follow your heart, no matter what society says. Fight for what you believe in. Stay true to yourself, even at great personal cost. Think outside the box
Positive Role Models: 4/5
Despereaux is a misunderstood but endearing outcast who defies convention and suffers for his love. Princess Pea appreciates Despereaux desite her father’s anti-rodent prejudice. Miggery Sow, a girl with learning and hearing difficulties and a history of being abused, holds on to her dreams of becoming a princess.
Violence & Scariness: 3/5
Despereaux’s tail is cut off with a kitchen knife, a girl’s ears are boxed until they become misshapen and partially deaf. The rat and skeleton infested dungeon may be a bit much for sensitive younger readers.
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