The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
I just finished reading this with my six-year old and we really enjoyed it. Afterwards we watched the movie and they were quite different. I actually liked the book a lot better than the movie.
Despereaux is an unusual mouse who instead of nibbling on books, like he’s supposed to, prefers to read the books. One day, in the castle, he hears music and follows his ears to find the king singing to his daughter the princess. He is so absorbed by the music that he forgets himself and speaks to the humans. When the other mice find out about this grevious offense, he is sent to his death in the dungeons.
Meanwhile, Roscuro, an evil rat living in the dungeons has been the cause of the death of the Queen and the subsequent outlawing of soup, spoons and rats. Roscuro is angry at not being allowed out of the dungeons and into the light and begins to plan his revenge.
Also introduced in the story is Miggery Sow, a poor, near-deaf, serving girl. It is through this girl that Roscuro plans to take his revenge on the Princess.
This was a fun story with a good message and my son and I both enjoyed it. I’ve definitely read better and more captivating books, but I would still give this one a 7/10.
Tags: Despereaux, Kate DiCamillo, Princess Pea
July 31st, 2009 at 2:25 am
I just finished reading this with my kids too. They quite liked it, but were a little bored in some of the descriptions. What are you reading next?
July 31st, 2009 at 11:07 am
We are almost finished The Witches by Roald Dahl, and after that we are going to read A Wrinkle in Time.