The Tale of Despereaux

being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup

and a spool of thread.
By Kate Dicamillo

Candlewick Press ( 2003)

Interest Level: grades 3-6

Awards: 2004 Newbery Medal

Category: Fiction /Fairy tale

Type: Novel

Summary:

This is a charming fantasy tale about an inordinarily small mouse who loves music,

books and a princess named Pea. It is also about Roscuro ,an evil rat who is obsessed with light and a poor farm girl named Miggery Sow, who dreams of being a princess. Read this fantastic tale of love, misery and hope in order to see how the lives of these characters intertwine in a complex plot where they all find out that their actions have consequences and affect others lives. See how this pitiful mouse who faints whenever he's scared finds the courage to fight for what he loves. But will there be a happily ever after? Enjoy the wonderful and well depicted illustrations and as the author says "Reader, it is your destiny to find out."

Online Connections:

1. Author website: Meet the author and see her books:

https//www.katedicamillo.com

2. Author interview about her books and what motivated her writing:

http://www.kidsreads.com/authors/au-dicamillo-kate.asp

Book Connections:

1. Because of Winn Dixie by Kate Dicamillo

2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

3. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulaneby Kate Dicamillo

Keywords:mice, princess, love, fairy tales , hope, good vs evil .