Newbery Medal Book Review #2 - The Tale of Desereaux

The Tale of Despereaux
By Kate DiCamillo
2004 Newbery Medal Book

I was excited to read this book just because my students love it so much and I was curious as to what this book was all about. Kate DiCamillo did such a wonderful job writing this book and I would say that it is now my all time favorite. DiCamillo wrote this book in a somewhat different way. She was literally telling a story to the reader and even spoke to you throughout the book and referred to the reader as the "reader." I really enjoyed this style of writing or narrating you may call it.

I also loved that this book had many different characters and several storylines going on that appealed to both genders. Medival times, King, mice, rats, would appeal to boys, and the Princess, Queen and Mig Sow would be appealing to the girls. I'm sure this is why ALL of my students have raved about this book. I plan to use it in the classroom this year.

This book told the story of a mouse (Despereaux) that from birth was labeled as an outcast. He did everything a mouse didn't do. One day, Despereaux followed music he heard in the castle. He then met Princess Pea (who was a human) and fell in love. Despereaux got in trouble by the other mice for touching a human and he was sent in the dungeon to be eaten by the rats. The second part of the book introduces us to a rat called Chiaroscuro and Roscuro. Roscuro loves the light and then found himself in the Queen's soup and she died of shock. The princess gave him an evil look and since then Roscuro wanted revenge. Another important character in the book would be Miggery Sow who was sold when she was a child. Her father was poor and traded her for a hen, a red tablecloth and some cigarettes. Eventually, Mig was collected by royal staff because keeping slaves were illegal and then she was put to work in the castle. Her dream was to become a princess one day. The reader then learns how all of these characters are related towards the end of the book. Roscuro convinces Mig to kidnap the Princess and lead her into the dungeon. Despereaux saves the princess and they become great friends (because a mouse can't marry a human!).

I also loved the last page of the book where the author asked the reader to think of her voice as a mouse telling you a story to save you from the darkness. "Stories are light." And then the author says that she hopes that the reader has found light in her story. I thought that was very powerful.

The Tale of Despereaux is must read for children and adults of all ages. Kate Dicamillo never lets us down! Her writing style is so unique yet powerful in this unforgettable book!