The Tale of Despereaux

Well, another book is being ruined by Hollywood. The Tale of Despereauxis the latest victim. If you have never read this book, you should. When it first came out about 4 years ago, my friend (and library media specialist guru) Jody, recommended it to me. I read it in about a day. I loved it so much that the following weekend, I read it aloud to my husband, Ryan, on the way to Richmond. Now, my husband is a great guy, but he is not a children's book enthusiast like I am. In fact, he doesn't even really read fiction all that much apart from the rare book or two every now and then. He really prefers anything science related - especially if it is really hard to understand - like quantum psychics...but I'm getting off track. Anyway, he ended up loving the book just as much as I did much to his surprise! Well, I have been using it as a class read aloud ever since - and every class has been spellbound by this book. Upon first glance, it is just a fairy tale, one which centers around a mouse. You are even tempted to groan at first and say, "Not another book for kids with a mouse hero!" or "Who likes mice anyway?!" (Trust me, you won't if you ever have one as a visitor in your home...but I digress again...) But upon reading the first chapter you are instantly in love with this tiny, big eared, big hearted mouse. Despereaux falls in love with a human princess - breaking all mouse rules as he is touched by the beautiful princess and even talks to her! GASP! Despereaux is sent to the dungeon and the story unfolds taking you to meet a troubled rat and a lonely, misunderstood girl. Just another story right? The thing about this book is that the narrator speaks to the reader, even asks questions as the story is told. This small touch that Kate DiCamillo uses casts a magical spell on the audience, especially a young audience. Every time I have read this book, my students get so involved that they even answer these questions aloud. It makes my heart so happy to know that there sit 20 second graders who don't need pictures to enjoy a story, all they need are words. For some, it is one of the first novels they hear, and I love that it speaks so directly to them. When you look even closer at this book, you see real examples of the often complicated themes of unconditional love and forgiveness - presented in a way that even small children can understand. I guess that is why I love this book so much. It is a quality piece of literature that doesn't seem stuffy or unapproachable. It teaches all of the right values in a world that is somewhat selfish. I just hope that the movie won't stop kids (and adults) from reading it. Maybe it will encourage people to find it that may never have known of its goodness!