The Tale of Despereaux

Module 4
February 8-14

The Tale of Despereaux
By Kate DiCamillo

DiCamillo, Kate. The Tale of Despereaux, 2003. Candlewick Press.
ISBN: 0763625299

Synopsis:
Despereaux is a very small mouse who does not like things that other mice like. He is more interested in reading books and appreciating music than he is in eating food. Despereaux breaks one cardinal rule of all mice and falls in love with the princess in his castle. For this offsense, he is sent to his death. However, through luck and cleverness, Despereaux escapes. Roscuro is a rat who lives in the same castle, but through a series of unfortunate incidents caused the death of the queen. Roscuro is a rat who only wishes to live above the dungeons in the light. He is a rat who does not like rat-like things. He kidnaps the princess to keep her in the dungeons so that there will be some light there. Despereaux is able to return to rescue to princess, but in the end, Roscuro repents and changes his actions.

My View of the World:
The Tale of Despereaux is a book with very sweet sentiments. Despereaux is an undersized mouse who does not like mouse-like things. He refuses to conform and as a result, he falls in love with a princess in the castle in which he lives. Roscuro is a villain for which the reader feels empathy. Despereaux is an unlikely hero, but with a combination of his wit and luck, he succeeds in rescuing a princess. This is definitely a book that children will love because the hero is someone who shouldn’t probably be a hero and stands out.

Book Reviews:
Gr 4-8-With allegorical elements such as quests for love and light, and dangerous encounters that lead to forgiveness and redemption, Kate DiCamillo's novel (Candlewick, 2003) is a multi-layered fantasy. The hero is Despereaux Tilling, a young mouse who is improbably, but deeply, in love with a very human Princess Pea. On the dark side, there's a misguided rat named Roscuro and a serving girl, Miggery Sow, who wishes to be a princess. The traumatic events that shape the lives of these four characters, and bring them all to the brink of disaster, are resolved with some gentle lessons on the power of kindness. DiCamillo creates a special intimacy with listeners by using frequent asides that draw them into the story. Narrator Graeme Malcolm heightens the text's storytelling qualities with a mix of deft accents and appropriate vocal styles. This novel's castle and its denizens are a long way from the down home folks in Because of Winn-Dixie, the author's Newbery Honor book. What remains the same is how well both stories convey the importance of caring relationships. Middle school listeners may find some of the scenarios far fetched, but they'll be inspired by the simple, believable way that good triumphs over evil. This is a solid choice for both public and school libraries.-Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information. School Library Journal, March 1, 2004.

Despereaux Tilling, a tiny mouse with very large ears, has always been a misfit among mice. But it is his quirks-which include the ability to read books and tell stories, as well as his undying love for a human princess-that lead Despereaux on a quest that culminates in a most fitting "happily ever after" ending. Malcolm's humorous interpretation of Antoinette Tilling's (Despereaux's French mother) histrionics is fine entertainment. And his Roscuro the rat character delivers slick lines with a Latin flair. With asides directed at listeners and elements of royal intrigue, innocent romance and revenge, this listening experience sometimes recalls the film The Princess Bride. Ages 7-12. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information. Publishers Weekly, November 10, 2003.

In My World:
This book would be an excellent way to address the differences that are found within the classroom and how everyone’s differences just make them unique. It would also be a good way to address the issue of bullying. I would use this book as a read aloud within the library.