The Tale of Despereaux (2003)
The Tale of Despereaux is a 2003 fairy tales book written by Kate DiCamillo.
Despereaux Tilling is a mouse born too small, with ears too big and a heart too bold for his own kind. He reads books instead of nibbling them, and he falls in love with a human princess, which is not a thing mice are meant to do. His story braids together with a rat drawn toward the dark, a servant girl who longs to be a princess, and a kingdom shadowed by old griefs. Kate DiCamillo tells it in a warm storyteller's voice, speaking straight to the reader. The book won the 2004 Newbery Medal and later reached film and stage.
Quick answers
What is The Tale of Despereaux about?
Despereaux Tilling is a mouse born too small, with ears too big and a heart too bold for his own kind. He reads books instead of nibbling them, and he falls in love with a human princess, which is not a thing mice are meant to do. His story braids together with a rat drawn toward the dark, a servant girl who longs to be a princess, and a kingdom shadowed by old griefs. Kate DiCamillo tells it in a warm storyteller's voice, speaking straight to the reader. The book won the 2004 Newbery Medal and later reached film and stage.
When was The Tale of Despereaux published?
The Tale of Despereaux was published in 2003.
Who made The Tale of Despereaux?
The Tale of Despereaux was written by Kate DiCamillo.
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A few thoughts on The Tale of Despereaux
Young readers who love a brave small hero should try E. B. White's Charlotte's Web for the same tender voice, and the Redwall books for mice and rats at war across a great hall. The film Ratatouille shares Despereaux's story of a rodent who wants more than his given lot, while Kate DiCamillo's own Because of Winn-Dixie offers the same gentle wisdom about kindness.
Warm-hearted fantasy adventures for young readers
The Tale of Despereaux follows a tiny, book-loving mouse with too much heart for his own kind. These are the warm fantasy adventures for young readers, where unlikely heroes chase dragons, gods and quests, told in the kind of storyteller's voice that speaks straight to the child listening.