Module 4 - The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Summary - The Tale of Despereaux is a fanciful children's book about the importance of being true to yourself, the power of friendship and being different, and the journey of life that takes us places we never imagined. Despereaux Tilling is a mouse born into a family/world to which he doesn't quite fit, and, as a result of being true to himself and showing his differences (as well as falling in love with the kind Princess Pea, he is cast out of his family group and sent to live (and possibly perish) in the dark dungeon. His ensuing adventures and interactions with colorful characters, including Miggery Sow - a serving girl, Roscuro - not very bright rat, and others, Despereaux learns what adventure and courage are all about, and how sometimes families are what - and who - we make them.

Impressions - The Tale of Despereaux was a very enjoyable - and quick - read. I think the simplicity of the story and description helped to keep the pace, and would be very appealing to children, but while simple, the 'behind the scenes' impact of the story and DiCamillo's characters speak to hidden fears, desires, and longings in children in a powerful manner. I really enjoyed the fact that reality was portrayed through some of the characters, like Despereaux's mother and the king, showing children in story form that not all people are truly good or truly bad, but some may be meaner than others. While it may seem traumatic to very young children that Despereaux is sent to die in the dungeon, the aspect of being sent out into the 'world' on your own and being able to take care of yourself will appeal to older children and help them through their continuing evolution away from the safety of home and into discovering their own person.

Review - In the School Library Journal review (1) of the audio version of The Tale of Despereaux, much is made of how "multi-layered" the story is and of the complex relationships that are shown between the characters, especially Despereaux and the Princess. This positive review concentrates on bringing in readers by pointing out how simple, yet powerful, the story is - and how important it is to show children "the importance of caring relationships" and "the simple, believable way that good (can) triumph over evil". I especially enjoyed the discussion of the author's relationship with the reader, which is so often overlooked in this age of taking the story alone/outside of the influences of its era and author.

Use - This book is a fabulous read for mid-elementary aged children either with assistance or without. The short chapters and easy flowing narrative will draw children in and allow them to feel success in their reading, and the heartwarming adventure story will appeal to both boys and girls. I would definitely recommend introducing children to the book before the movie, and possibly using both as an opportunity to explore with children or a class the differences between the two and why that may be, then leading them to explore other books that have movies as well in the same manner. I think most people will find that in the end, the kids like the book(s) better!

(1) Wysocki, B., Mandell, P. L. (2004, Mar). The Tale of Despereaux. School Library Journal, 50(3), 88.